I remember an avid runner, he initially wanted to improve his endurance and speed through specific training.
As the intensity of the effort increased, he began to feel muscle tension and accumulated fatigue. On the coach's recommendation, he tried a recovery massage at Shiseido Spaand the experience made him realize how important relaxation is for sports performance.
Over time, she diversified her workouts, adding swimming and yoga sessions, and after every workout, the sauna became an essential part of her routine.
This is not a unique case - many club members have naturally discovered the benefits of a complete program, which includes both sports activities and time dedicated to recovery and wellness.
Over the years, we have seen many cases where clients initially came for a particular sport or fitness workout, but gradually broadened their interests, discovering the benefits of a balanced lifestyle that combines movement with relaxation and recovery" told me Alin Ienac, sports manager at Stejarii Country Club
Now let me ask when was the last time you went to the gym and felt truly invigorated - not just physical, there mental and emotional?
For many of us, the answer is "never"
You go to the gym to look good, but often you come out tired instead of energized and you could do with a massage or a meditation after your workout. Internationally 76% of people choose fitness centers that offer more than just sport, movement and the opportunity to look good.
Losing weight and looking good are important for all of us, but...
"There are situations where, as a result of injuries, members have 'migrated' from fitness to the pool area or have preferred massage. We also have cases where members have come to recover in our pool and subsequently started attending group classes and fitness equipment.
We have the case of a gentleman who was very active in the fitness room, he used to spend around 2 hours a day on the machines, but after an injury that occurred with a 6-month recovery, he reoriented himself and started to attend swimming, massage and body&mind classes.
We most enjoy it when families with 2 or 3 children come, where all members of the family practice some form of movement or relaxation" tells Aura Popescu - Operations Manager Wellness Club by Greenfield
This is the new trend that the fitness industry and the fitness market are moving towards.
That's why more and more fitness centers around the world are taking a holistic approach and focusing on wellness, beyond exercise.
Wellness is a concept that combines physical, mental and emotional health. And today people no longer have time to run from one place to another to give themselves the complete wellbeing they need.
That's why the fitness industry is adapting to new demands, especially when people are looking for complete wellbeing without wasting too much time.
This is also confirmed by Alexandru STĂNESCU, General Manager - Fit4You Le Club who described to me how "Customers choose Fit4You Le Club because they want a holistic and integrated wellness experience. Through a concept that was created precisely to offer complete health services in one place, eliminating the need to go to different locations for fitness, recovery and relaxation.
At Fit4You Le Club, our members benefit from:
Our aim is to provide a complete experience that contributes to the physical and mental health of our customers, and we are constantly investing in improving our services and facilities."
Internationally, 821TPTP3T of Americans, 731TPTP3T of Britons and 871TPTP3T of Chinese believe that Well-being is a top priority in their lives everyday.
The same thing he noticed Aura Popescu - Operations Manager at Wellness Club by GREENFIELD after analyzing several questionnaires and internal studies: "the priority objective is Health and general well-being, relaxation and stress release, followed by growth in muscle mass, and weight loss and body remodeling in the background."
But let's not lose sight of the fact that global life expectancy is increasing and people want to stay physically active for as long as possible.
That's why the introduction of wellness services in gyms is a global trend, it's even become a necessity and they are increasingly sought after.
People expect more from their experience in a gym or fitness center than exercise and are open to trying new things.
And this behavior is starting to show up in Romania too, because Radu Olteanu, Spa Manager at Ana Spa Crowne Plaza explained that "Most of the clients who come to Ana Spa Crowne Plaza Crowne Plaza, want to eliminate the stress accumulated during the day, they want relaxation after a hard day at the office, or in the morning to energize themselves before the start of the work day. Hence our motto: Refresh, Relax, Revive."
He noted that "The average age of Ana Spa customers who come to look good is 35-40 years old, and those who come to feel good are generally over 60, who have more free time to relax."
That's why at Ana Spa Crowne Plaza Crowne Plaza, guests can enjoy relaxing, deep, intuitive therapeutic massages with hot stones or reflexology, body services such as scrubs or hamam and facials.
The SPA menu has been selected taking into consideration the guests' profile, their needs and preferences as well as industry trends.
Also, Ana Spa Crowne Plaza offers facilities including an indoor pool, an outdoor jacuzzi, a wet sauna, a dry sauna, Frigidarium, Float Pod and a Dojo room.
"The Wellness Club by GREENFIELD In most cases, our members choose to come for the well-being, to reduce anxiety and relieve the physical discomfort of office work. They choose us to improve their physical and mental well-being and to spend their leisure time in the company of loved ones, family or friends" told me Aura Popescu - Operations Manager
This improvement is due to activities such as yoga, meditation, tai chi and pilates, focusing on improving physical flexibility and strength as well as mental clarity.
They can also cover nutrition education, stress management techniques and other holistic health practices.
After all, people want a long life and an old age in which they can be active and not dependent on anyone.
It is estimated that by 2030 (worldwide) one in six people will be aged 60 or over, increasing the focus on long-term wellbeing.
The trend towards healthy ageing is a desirable target both for younger generations looking for preventive solutions and for older generations trying to improve their longevity.
Romanians are moving towards the same trends, and Alin Ienac, sports manager Stejarii Country Club told me that people "want, first and foremost, to improve their fitness and overall health. Some aim to remodel the body by losing weight or increasing muscle mass, while others aim to develop their mobility and flexibility. We also have members targeting specific sports performance, such as improving running speed or muscle strength.
Whatever the goal, everyone shares the desire to adopt an active and balanced lifestyle."
Alin noted that "Physical appearance is a priority for people under 30 because health is not yet a dominant concern. But as age increases, the focus shifts to wellness and longevity, although the desire to look good remains important. Clients over 30-40 are starting to pay more attention to the balance between physical performance, recovery and overall health."
Integrating wellness into fitness centers has not been easy. However many fitness centers around the world have started to incorporate:
They included relaxation areas such as salt rooms, saunas and quiet spaces for meditation. Yoga and meditation help the mind-body connection and reduce stress.
Yoga also improves body awareness and self-confidence, making other workouts more effective and fun.
For example "Wellness Club by Greenfield was born out of the desire to offer more wellness, recovery and fitness facilities: workout, relaxation, spa and a space for all age groups.
So integrating a spa, introducing massage with experienced Asian staff in our center is natural. It is very pleasant after an intense workout to relax your muscles with a massage session, you enter a sanctuary, and the practiced rituals help you achieve your goals faster and more efficiently. Along with the sauna and pool, massage brings physical and mental benefits, relaxation, well being and rest.
Besides integration of ZENco Spa into Wellness Club by GREENFIELD, we also want to offer members personalized nutrition plans, psychonutrition, and diet monitoring. We are also considering expansion through education and outreach programs through workshops and informational materials related to fitness, mindfulness, rest and relaxation" he explained Aura Popescu - Operations Manager Wellness Club by Greenfield
As you may have realized by now, the concept of holistic fitness has taken strong roots in the major wellness and fitness centers in Romania. Their managers have adopted an integrated approach, combining physical activity with relaxation and recovery therapies to offer customers a complete health and well-being experience.
The Ana Spa Crowne Plaza, Radu Olteanu Spa Manager said they attract customers "by specially created packages of spending a day in the SPA center where they can try several therapies, by the diversity of wellness services, by the high quality of each massage performed by therapists.
In order to attract the interest of our guests who frequent the fitness center to the wellness services we offer them discounts of 10-15% on the desired therapies when purchasing Fitness subscriptions.
And this has had and continues to have a significant impact on how guests spend their time in our center and how they visualize the concept of wellness.
The combination of fitness and wellness services has resulted in guests spending a longer period of time doing a physical activity, followed by a body therapy to complete the experience and reinforce the idea of active relaxation that we want to promote.
Our clients' favorite wellness services are the Aromazen relaxation massage and the Intuitive Therapeutic massage, followed by the couple packages which include access to the spa facilities and the relaxing massage for two"
The Fit4You Le ClubThe wellness philosophy is deeply integrated into the center's culture:
"After three years of operation, we have managed to develop a real wellness culture within the club. Our members no longer view fitness as an isolated activity, but as part of a balanced lifestyle that includes constant exercise, personalized workouts, swimming, group classes,relaxation & recovery, saunas, cold-hot therapies, whirlpools, balanced nutrition, healthy meals through Fit4You Delivery and most importantly, networking & socializing. Many of our clients work from the club, spend time on the outdoor terrace and interact naturally.
This holistic model offers clients more than just a gym. Many of our clients choose to combine sport with rehabilitative therapies, including massage or physiotherapy sessions, basically giving them a space where they can improve their health, relax and interact with a community of like-minded values" - told me Alexandru STĂNESCU, General Manager - Fit4You Le Club
The Oaks Country ClubThe selection of wellness services was based on customer preferences and now offers a wide range of relaxation and recovery therapies:
"We offer therapeutic and relaxation massages, recovery therapies, steam baths, sauna and coaching sessions. These services have been chosen based on client demand and proven benefits in maintaining physical and mental balance."
Thus we have attracted clients through high quality services, an exclusive atmosphere and a personalized approach, seamlessly integrated with fitness workouts. But also by educating them about the benefits of recovery and relaxation, demonstrating that fitness and wellness are complementary.
And this strategy has created a unique customer experience, differentiating us from other clubs and building loyalty among members seeking a holistic approach to health.
Thus therapeutic massages, steam baths, saunas and muscle recovery are among the most popular." described to me Alin Ienac, sports manager Stejarii Country Club
Unique activities also take place at Wellness Club by Greenfield which welcomes its members with an extensive range of services including fitness equipment, wet, dry and infrared saunas, emotional showers, semi-olympic pool, outdoor swimming pools, yoga, pilates and mindfulness classes.
In addition, it offers water rehabilitation and therapies by experienced Asian staff.
To attract customers, the club organizes events for the community and potential members, allowing them to experience the unique atmosphere of the center. Group classes, the swimming pool and spa rituals are most popular with guests, and guided tours are an effective way to highlight the benefits of the holistic approach.
All these successful centers demonstrate that integrating wellness into your daily routine is not just a trend, but a necessity for a balanced lifestyle. They have each found innovative ways to educate and inspire their clients to embrace this concept, providing them with an environment that supports both their physical and mental health.
For a business that was previously focused solely on providing eventual fitness and nutrition services, the inclusion of wellness has the following consequences:
Customer loyalty because they appreciate the holistic approach and come back for the full experience.
Locations see an increase in revenues because wellness packages are often perceived as premium, allowing centers to increase their revenues.
And the ultimate benefit for customers no longer have to go to different places for sport, nutrition and relaxation.
Basically, people can check off, in one place and perhaps at a lower cost, integrated services that enable them to achieve their goals "to look good" and health in a much more efficient way.
Alin Ienac, sports manager Stejarii Country Club: "To meet this need, we launched a special membership that integrates sports and wellness/spa services at the Shiseido Spa, giving members access to the full Oaks Country Club experience. The success of this subscription confirms that a balanced lifestyle is not just about intense workouts, but also about taking care of body and mind."
Globally, it's clear that the fitness industry is evolving towards a holistic experience where performance, regeneration and well-being are top priorities.
Brands like Equinox and Virgin Active demonstrate that success comes from attention to detail, personalized service and premium amenities.
Equinox combines group and personalized workouts with pilates, spas with innovative treatments, and luxurious amenities such as saunas and high-quality products.
Their clubs are recognized for top design and attention to detail. The brand promotes a complete lifestyle centered on performance, regeneration and well-being, and is positioned as a leader in premium fitness and wellness services.
Because they offer luxurious facilities, everyone who steps on their doorstep has a unique experience.
Another strong brand is Virgin Active which offers a wide range of premium fitness and wellness services including spacious rooms, various yoga classes, pilates, boxing, personal training, nutritional coaching and relaxation facilities such as swimming pools, saunas, etc.
It also includes children's programs, swimming lessons, family activities and healthy eating options. The brand promotes a healthy and balanced lifestyle tailored to the needs of all ages.
In Romania, percentage of those going to the gym regular is rewarding because it increased with 8% from 2023 to 2024, slightly more than the global average of 6.6%.
However, our country is Europe's bottom country in terms of physical activity. Because only 151TPTP3T of Romanians do sport only once a year or less, and 4 million are overweight.
But the lack of physical activity is not because people can't afford an annual or monthly subscription because they are affordable and range from 155 lei to 651 lei/month.
If you also want to be guided by a nutritionist who gives you a healthy eating pattern, then you add another 200 lei, and regular adjustments cost extra.
However, prices do not appear to be a serious reason for the 14% of subscribers who make full use of the services they pay for, with many dropping out in the first few months.
In fact, the real reasons are different and have to do with anxiety about going to the gym, unrealistically set targets and lack of community support.
In the analysis of centers at national level we have taken into account: differentiation from other centers, business objectives and turnover evolution.
And on this note THANK YOU and I am grateful to the managers who were kind enough to answer honestly to the questions I asked.
Ana Spa Crowne Plaza differentiate "Through impeccable cleanliness, room capacity and an always super cozy space. As our main goal we want to increase revenue by 20 % over the previous year and retain the Spa team."
Radu Olteanu, Spa Manager, says that the percentage of turnover coming from gym memberships and gym admissions, and wellness services is quite close, 33 - 35%. Although turnover is down slightly in 2024 compared to 2023 they know that "to double our turnover we need better promotion, aggressive marketing in the marketplace and professionals dedicated to the cause."
Fit4You Le Club offers a complete fitness, recovery and wellness experience in one location. Clients benefit from workouts, recovery therapies (saunas, cold-hot), balanced nutrition and socialization, eliminating the need to access services in different locations.
At present, 60-65% of turnover comes from memberships and individual admissions and the rest from wellness services. The goal is to balance this ratio at 50%-50% by developing additional services, but the club also aims to improve member retention through premium and personalized services.
Turnover increased slightly in 2024 compared to 2023, but was impacted by the VAT increase from 5% to 19%, but by maintaining a premium service and educating the market, the club was able to attract new members.
Fit4You Le Club knows that in order to double its turnover it needs a space expansion, optimizing existing services and diversification of membership packages, with personalized offers including several services.
Although fitness memberships are tax-deductible up to €100/year, this benefit is insignificant compared to Fit4You Le Club memberships (from €2000/year, plus the new member fee of €490). Therefore, few customers use this facility.
Country Clu Oaksb are distinguished by "excellence in premium services and facilities. We have a state-of-the-art 800 square meter gym, equipped exclusively with the latest Technogym equipment, with no equipment older than two years.
Our team of 20 coaches includes former world and national champion athletes.
In addition, we provide a personalized experience for each client, integrating workouts, nutrition and recovery. In the future, we plan to diversify our offering of classes and services, implement innovative technologies to monitor progress, and strengthen our leadership position in holistic wellness."
Alin Ienac, sports manager Stejarii Country Club says they aim to do this by:
"A viable strategy for doubling turnover would be to develop and diversify wellness services, making them an essential part of the customer experience.
As for the tax deductibility of fitness services, while in theory it is an advantage, the actual impact on our business is limited because the prices of the services exceed the deductible limit. Nevertheless, this aspect contributes to the premium positioning of the club."
Around 65% of the club's revenue comes from memberships and gym access, while 35% is generated from wellness services such as therapies, massage and recovery. In 2024 they have seen moderate growth, supported by maintaining maximum membership and retaining members through personalized services.
"Wellness Club by Greenfield is a new and modern club, established in 2022. The location is a special one, next to the Baneasa Forest, in sector 1 of Bucharest, which contributes to the well-being of the members. The fitness room has a gorgeous view of the forest, and in the warm season, the outdoor swimming pool next to the forest is a delight.
Wellness Club by Greenfield is a health and relaxation club, where adults find their balance and families spend quality time, being a family-friendly center that includes special facilities and classes for children, such as judo, ballet, dance. Here, people come for sports, wellness, to refresh their mind and soul. But most of all, they come to make connections. In other words, Wellness Club by Greenfield is a community of people passionate about sport and health.
In terms of plans, in the long term, we want to expand in the north of the capital and increase the community of active members. We also want to bring the nutrition part to our center in order to broaden the range of services and guide members towards achieving the expected results, be it relaxation, fitness improvement, muscle growth, group membership or weight loss.
In our case about 701TPTP3T of our revenue comes from subscriptions, while ancillary services account for 301TPTP3T and only 81TPTP3T of our members access tax-deductible fitness services" a mentioned Aura Popescu - Operations Manager at Wellness Club by Greenfield.
Of course there are challenges, and no center has ever integrated wellness overnight.
The main challenge would be the relatively high costs associated with expanding premises and services. But keep in mind that it is neither necessary nor healthy for the business to integrate a wide range of wellness services all at once.
This problem is also exposed Ana Spa Crowne Plaza where the fitness area is quite small.
In this case the solution recommended by experts is a gradual expansion. Start with a new service, for example yoga or nutritional coaching and expand gradually.
Then comes the difficulty in recruitment of specialized staff, such as certified mindfulness trainers, yoga or nutritionists. As a solution, collaborate with wellness experts to reduce upfront costs.
The Oaks Country Club Maintaining an elite team is a constant process but also a challenge, given the high level of demands and competition for qualified professionals.
And when it comes to clients, many perceive fitness only in terms of the physical, and changing this mindset to include the benefits of a balanced lifestyle takes time and effort.
Another challenge would be customer education because people still perceive fitness centers as just for sports.
"Guests who choose fitness services for the reason 'to look good' often don't often consider the idea of exercising to feel good, to have a healthy and balanced lifestyle. One of the biggest challenges in doing this is changing the way guests approach the situation and maintaining a mindset that emphasizes health and wellness. Besides, the process is a lengthy one, which leads to a loss of motivation for those guests who want to see immediate results" explains Radu Olteanu - Spa Manager at Ana Spa Crowne Plaza
This is where educational campaigns are of great help. They can be expensive and have no return of investment immediately but are effective in the long term.
However, a 2023 Peloton poll found that about 66% of Generation Z people exercise to improve mental health and about 49% of Generation Xers are concerned about this area.
The same Peloton survey shows how important the mind-body connection is across generations. Because 90% of those surveyed said being active impacts their emotional and mental health, and 88% said their mental and emotional health impacts their physical activities.
Alexandru STĂNESCU, General Manager at Fit4You Le Club told me that "Identifying and retaining qualified staff for core services is a challenge. We have been able to combat this by strategically partnering with specialized service providers, outsourcing certain operations (e.g. cleaning, maintenance) so that we can focus on increasing the quality of the experience we provide to our members."
Another challenge was "Inflation and rising utility costs have had a significant impact on the industry. Tax changes, such as the increase in VAT from 5% to 18%, have also influenced consumers' financial decisions. Against this backdrop, we are constantly working on optimizing costs so as to maintain premium services at value for money."
As for customers, "Most people come to a fitness center with predominantly aesthetic goals - to lose weight, tone up or improve their physical appearance. We manage to change their perspective through personal experience.
Once they start exercising regularly, many clients find that sport brings other benefits too: more energy, better sleep, less stress and a general feeling of well-being.
We also recommend that members try therapeutic massages, spa relaxation sessions or recovery therapies, and once they try them, most of them naturally incorporate them into their routine.
In addition, we organize regular events, workshops and consultancy sessions where we explain the importance of muscle recovery, nutrition and the balance between effort and relaxation.
Often, our clients come to 'look good' but stay to 'feel good' because they understand that a healthy body and a relaxed mind are key to a balanced lifestyle."
The Wellness Club by Greenfield, Lorena Lungu Pilates Instructor states that "Usually, the main purpose why clients join the gym is to look good. However, we have noticed that the difference with those who continue to exercise is on a deeper level, an awareness of the essential role that sport plays in their lives.
As I like to convey in every Pilates class, the time allotted to the workout is personal and I guide participants how to connect their mind to the body, work 1-to-1 so that they are present and perceive the sensations in the body, go mindful with joint mobility/stiffness and muscle activation.
Sometimes this very thing - to connect to the present moment and quiet the mind - is a challenge, but once they start to breathe consciously, the brain gets better oxygenated. By correcting body posture and improving the technique of movement execution, this wellbeing is maintained long-term and becomes 'fuel' for a healthy lifestyle."
However at Wellness Club by Greenfield Many clients choose the gym to get a "magazine" body, influenced by social media and peer pressure. But often, their approach is ineffective - they train without focus, watch movies on the treadmill or don't work their muscles properly.
Thus, a major challenge is to guide them towards mindful training that brings both physical results and well-being.
The main obstacle I encounter at Wellness Club by Greenfield is forming a routine and educating clients towards a balanced lifestyle. Many give up quickly, motivating lack of time and setting short-term goals. Also, young people influenced by social media emphasize only aesthetics, neglecting wellness.
But their aim remains to educate community members towards a better and harmonious lifestyle.
In recent years, Romanians have increasingly embraced an active lifestyle and the fitness and wellness industry has evolved visibly. From ordinary gyms to sophisticated wellness centers, international trends are also reflected in the local market.
"In Bucharest the services market is quite large, with customers having a variety of spas or fitness centers to go to, in the country, in big cities the trend is the same.
And the differences with other countries are getting smaller and smaller, for example 9 years ago when I lived in Norway I was amazed by the abundance of people doing sports, the fitness rooms being almost uncrowded. Slowly and slowly, this cult is also forming in Romania.
And I believe that the wellness fitness industry will grow tremendously in the coming years due to the population's increased interest in physical, mental and emotional well-being, as well as the desire to adopt a more relaxed lifestyle.
The emergence of new technologies in the fitness area, as well as the personalization of wellness services and the use of organic products will shape the market in the future" he replied Spa Manager Radu Olteanu from Ana Spa Crowne Plaza
Alexandru STĂNESCU, General Manager at Fit4You Le Club notes that "Holistic fitness in Bucharest is still relatively limited.
However, there is an upward trend, with new centers combining fitness and wellness services in different price segments appearing every quarter. This expansion is beneficial as it makes such services more accessible and helps educate the public about the importance of a balanced lifestyle.
In the country, the trend is similar: local investors are opening world-class wellness & spa centers, either as stand-alone businesses or integrated into premium hotels. We see a growing interest in complete wellness experiences, which confirms the upward direction of the industry."
However "The differences with the other countries are visible, especially in terms of the maturity of the market and the degree to which centers are equipped. In developed countries, such as Western Europe or the US, we already see advanced concepts such as medical fitness & longevity clinics, centers combining sports medicine with personalized training, high-end wellness experiences tailored to the lifestyle of the clients.
We want to achieve the same level of excellence at Fit4You Le Club. That's why we invest in top specialists - sports physicians, physiotherapists, massage therapists, therapists - and modern infrastructure to offer a premium experience comparable to those in the West.
I think future trends include medical fitness and longevity centers - Locations that combine sports with preventative medical services and anti-aging treatments, as well as technology and personalization - Advanced health assessments and personalized training, nutrition and recovery programs, and most importantly, integrated wellness experiences - Fitness centers will no longer be just about training, but about wellness as a whole: from fitness and nutrition to biohacking and hormone optimization.
Fit4You Le Club aims to be a pioneer in this field, offering members a holistic wellness experience of international standards."
Alin Ienac, sports manager Stejarii Country Club considers that "Holistic fitness is an emerging segment with considerable growth potential. More and more people are realizing the importance of an integrated approach, combining exercise with nutrition, recovery and mental health.
Outside the capital, these services are less accessible and the market is in the early stages of development. However, as interest in healthy lifestyles grows, we expect these concepts to become increasingly popular nationwide."
As for "Differences from more economically developed countries clearly there are notable differences. In advanced economies, holistic fitness is already well integrated, with varied services and more health educated clients.
Bigger budgets allow access to cutting-edge technologies and top specialists. In Romania, although the market is growing, there are still barriers related to education and accessibility.
But holistic fitness will continue to grow, driven by interest in a balanced lifestyle and the integration of advanced technologies."
"Wellness Club by Greenfield is among the few holistic fitness centers in Bucharest. Not in many centers can you find a fitness room, pool, sauna, squash, squash, massage, therapies and different treatments in the same place, either close to home or close to the office - especially for busy cities like Bucharest.
We see an increased demand for such centers and believe that there is potential for development, especially in less desirable and more crowded neighborhoods.
In the rest of the country, in big cities or in more developed regions, there are well-equipped wellness centers with services appreciated by tourists, but the potential for growth is higher, especially as we are lucky to live in a beautiful country with picturesque landscapes, thermal waters and mineral springs."
Also "The most economically developed countries offer, first of all, excellent customer care services, as special attention is paid to this aspect, as the relationship between customer and staff is very important in building customer loyalty and generating a positive experience during the stay in the center, which is why clubs invest in training and preparing staff.
Western countries have a different culture and mentality and understand the need for recreation centers, so more financial resources are allocated to their construction and maintenance.
Another fundamental difference is the perspective on sport and access to sports and leisure facilities. In many economically developed countries, fitness is being promoted as a preventative method, accessible to as many people as possible. Access to facilities is easy, which contributes to a reduction in the number of chronically ill and a better quality of life. Fitness, wellness and recovery programs are included in public health policies."
The trend is clear: "Fitness-wellness centers will continue to be an excellent way of release and recovery for body and mind. Most probably they will grow, as it happens in more economically developed countries, where the percentage of wellness-fitness users is higher than in our country, where fitness centers, wellness centers, spas are 5 minutes away from home or office."
The outlook for the Romanian fitness and wellness industry is promising. Wellness centers are evolving rapidly and demand for premium services is growing.
It remains to be seen how quickly we will be able to turn these trends into reality and bring Romania to the same level as the world's great wellness centers.
"Now is the ideal time to combine fitness and wellness services, as the desire to adopt a balanced lifestyle is higher than ever among the population. My advice would be to create customized packages that promote a true wellness experience combining active and passive relaxation" guides us Radu Olteanu Spa Manager at Ana Spa Crowne Plaza
Alexandru STĂNESCU,General Manager at Fit4You Le Club recommends that "Entrepreneurs to invest in recovery and relaxation facilities:
A center that combines sport, recovery and socialization becomes a place where clients not only come to train, but where they build a balanced lifestyle for the long term."
Alin Ienac, sports manager at Stejarii Country Club recommends exactly the same: "To create a complete customer-centered experience and invest in education, technology and premium service."
The fitness industry is evolving, and centers that adapt to this shift towards wellness will ensure their long-term relevance and success.
In addition if in previous years people went to the gym 15-20% less as soon as January passed, in 2024 the decrease was only 10%.
The explanation lies in cheaper memberships, more online training, gyms that attract young people and people feel motivated by the community.
While the figures are encouraging, customers are no longer just looking for an intense workout, they want a complete experience that will improve their health, balance and overall well-being.Today's gyms are no longer just places where you work out to look good, they are places where you regenerate your mind, body and soul.
The future belongs to those who prioritize their complete wellbeing as fitness in combination with wellness brings benefits in physical and mental well-being.
This new approach to fitness is about more than just movement, it's about meditation, yoga and mindful eating.
I conclude with a very good example from Alexandru STĂNESCU General Manager at Fit4You Le Club: "A client who initially came strictly for the gym, with the goal of improving his fitness.
After a few months of intense training, he started to feel muscle tension and fatigue, so his trainer recommended he try massage therapy and sauna for recovery.
After the first session, he was surprised by how her mobility has increased and how quickly he recovered from his workouts. He became a regular in the spa area and began to explore other services, such as body therapies and physiotherapy sessions, to improve his posture.
This transformation confirms that integrating wellness into your fitness routine is a natural process - Once customers experience the benefits, they don't go back to the old way of doing things."
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Junior Marketing Manager
