Health and fitness operators remain optimistic about their businesses despite the current economic downturn, according to research by LIW.

Almost two thirds of the 200 operators surveyed said they felt confident about their health clubs and gyms going forward with only six per cent worried about the success of their business.

The research, which was conducted by surveymonkey at the beginning of February, found that just under half of all respondents had recruited more members than expected at the start of 2009 and 43 per cent now have more members than they did last year. Just 17 per cent of those interviewed said new member recruitment had been worse than expected.

Rather than delaying spending, more than half of the health and fitness operators surveyed will be investing in new equipment this year with a quarter of them planning to spend over £50,000. And more than 85 per cent of operators are planning to visit LIW to source new equipment for their health and fitness facilities.