Global gyms are drawn to Africa’s thriving fitness culture

Africa’s fitness culture is on the rise, attracting international gym service providers and global fitness challenges. The debut of the ‘World Series of Fitness Racing’ in Africa marks a significant shift in the continent’s health and wellness landscape.

Hyrox, a global workout competition, is set to host an event in Cape Town, South Africa, on September 21. The Hyrox Challenge involves eight ‘functional’ exercises like sled pushing, burpee broad jumps, and rowing, with 1km runs in between. Participants earn points that contribute to a global leaderboard, culminating in a World Championships for top performers.

The competition’s expansion into Africa is led by Rumble Ventures, an African investment company, with plans to enter new markets like South Africa, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, and Korea. The event has a massive following in Europe, with over 90,000 athletes participating in more than 40 races globally in 2023.

The growing interest in fitness in Africa is attributed to increased awareness of the health benefits of physical activity, driven by social media and tech solutions. Fitness gyms are multiplying across the continent, with more people embracing active lifestyles.

International health and wellness companies like Virgin Active have tapped into the African market, creating health clubs in several countries. The health and fitness market in Africa is projected to grow by 9.48% between 2022 and 2027, reaching a market volume of $26.91 million in 2027.

Technology is also playing a significant role in promoting fitness in Africa, with virtual workouts and online fitness communities gaining popularity. The ongoing fitness trend is expected to lead to positive health outcomes and combat the rising threat of non-communicable diseases in the region.

With the continent’s fitness culture evolving and more Africans embracing healthy living, the future looks bright for the fitness industry in Africa.