The leisure centre and health club industry needs to embrace the potential of the digital age, according to the chairman of the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association.

Speaking to Health Club Management, Rasmus Ingerslev said the industry is defined by walls that surround clubs but over the next 10 years bricks-and-mortar operators will have “a digital extension that is relevant to their members”.

He predicted that there will also be more purely digital concepts like Pokemon Go. An estimated 75 million people downloaded the app in July, a number which is equal to 50 per cent of the total number of members in the fitness industry. Ingerslev said such numbers showed the potential of digital.

The Wexer Virtual founder said that gym users are increasingly engaging with digital fitness solutions, such as wearable technology and mobile apps.

“We see a clear trend: health clubs’ digital ecosystems are expanding inside - and outside - of their walls,” Ingerslev added.