Introduction
Pilates, as a form of exercise focusing on strength, flexibility, and mindfulness, has seen a remarkable surge in popularity across Europe in recent years, particularly in the form of machine-based Pilates, often referred to as Reformer Pilates. This growing trend is evident in fitness centres and sports arenas, where demand for classes frequently exceeds capacity, leading to long waiting lists and fully booked sessions (MTV Uutiset, 2023). In Finland, for instance, reports indicate that Pilates classes are among the most sought-after group exercise options, with participants valuing the low-impact, effective workout that machine Pilates provides (Helsingin Sanomat, 2023). Additionally, major fitness chains such as SATS have recognised this trend, introducing Reformer Pilates programmes to cater to the increasing consumer interest (SATS, 2023). This phenomenon reflects a broader shift in the fitness industry towards more specialised and equipment-based offerings, which, while popular, require significant capital investment for facilities like sports arenas seeking to capitalise on this demand.
From an economic perspective, investing in machine Pilates equipment in a sports arena context presents both opportunities and challenges. The high upfront costs of purchasing Pilates Reformers, alongside the need for trained instructors and dedicated space, must be weighed against potential revenue streams from memberships, class fees, and enhanced facility appeal. This bachelor’s thesis seeks to explore the financial viability of such an investment in the specific context of Idrottsarena X, employing Arcada’s model for profitability and payback period analysis. The motivation for this study stems from a professional interest in sports facility management and the economic sustainability of emerging fitness trends. As the fitness industry continues to evolve, understanding the return on investment for niche offerings like machine Pilates becomes crucial for facility operators aiming to remain competitive while meeting consumer demands.
Background to the Topic
The rise of Pilates, originally developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, has been well-documented in fitness literature, with its modern iterations—particularly machine-based formats—gaining traction due to their ability to offer tailored, scalable workouts (Anderson and Spector, 2000). Recent industry reports highlight that Pilates has become a cornerstone of the global fitness market, with a growing emphasis on equipment-based sessions that promise enhanced results compared to traditional mat-based exercises (IBISWorld, 2022). However, while the demand is evident, there remains a gap in research regarding the economic implications of such investments for mid-sized sports arenas, which often operate under constrained budgets compared to large commercial gyms. This study aims to address this gap by focusing on the profitability and payback period of machine Pilates investment in a specific arena setting, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on sports facility economics.
Purpose and Problem Formulation
The primary purpose of this thesis is to analyse whether investing in machine Pilates at Idrottsarena X is financially sustainable, using Arcada’s analytical model to assess profitability and payback time. The central research question guiding this study is: What are the economic outcomes and payback period associated with the investment in machine Pilates equipment at Idrottsarena X? By addressing this question, the thesis aims to provide actionable insights for sports facility managers considering similar investments. Furthermore, it seeks to evaluate the broader applicability of Arcada’s model in assessing niche fitness investments, thereby contributing to the methodological toolkit available for economic analysis in sports management.
Structure of the Thesis
This thesis is structured into several key sections to ensure a logical flow of analysis. Following this introduction, the literature review will explore existing research on Pilates trends and the economics of sports facility investments. The methodology section will outline the use of Arcada’s model for profitability analysis, detailing data collection and analytical approaches. The analysis and findings will present the results of the investment evaluation for Idrottsarena X, while the discussion will contextualise these findings within the broader fitness industry landscape. Finally, the conclusion will summarise the key outcomes and offer recommendations for facility managers, alongside reflections on the limitations of this study and areas for future research.
Conclusion
In summary, this introduction has outlined the growing popularity of machine Pilates and its relevance to sports facility management from an economic perspective. By focusing on the potential investment at Idrottsarena X, this thesis seeks to provide a detailed analysis of profitability and payback period using Arcada’s model. The study not only addresses a gap in practical research but also offers insights that could inform decision-making in similar contexts. As the fitness industry continues to prioritise specialised offerings, understanding the financial implications of such trends is essential for ensuring sustainable growth in sports arenas.
References
- Anderson, B. D. and Spector, A. (2000) Introduction to Pilates-based rehabilitation. Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinics of North America, 9(3), pp. 395-410.
- Helsingin Sanomat (2023) Pilatesbuumi näkyy: Tälle tunnille on lähes mahdoton päästä. Helsingin Sanomat.
- IBISWorld (2022) Pilates & Yoga Studios – Market Research Report. IBISWorld Industry Reports.
- MTV Uutiset (2023) Pilatesbuumi näkyy varausjonoissa: Tälle ryhmäliikuntatunnille on lähes mahdoton saada paikkaa. MTV Uutiset.
- SATS (2023) Reformer Pilates lanseras hos SATS. SATS Magazine.
