The over 65s are helping to power a boom in the UK’s health and fitness industry, while the overall number of new businesses in the sector has risen by 37 per cent since 2012, according to new data from Barclays Business.

The research, which looks at the number of Barclays’ business customers in the health and fitness industry, reveals a surge in the number of power-lifting pensioners setting up their own health and fitness clubs, rising by 25 per cent in the last three years.

This accounts for five per cent of total health and fitness clubs on average.

The findings also show that the sector has benefitted from strong levels of health-conscious consumer spending, with a growth in total turnover of 41 per cent since 2012.

In addition to the rise in new enterprises, 20 per cent have been running for 10 years or more. This correlates with figures from the Leisure Database Company which show that the sector is in good health, with more members and a greater market value than ever before.

Karen Thomas, head of corporate and business banking for Barclays in Cardiff and south east Wales, said: “The UK health and fitness industry is dynamic and we are currently seeing SMEs come to market with innovative ways to keep the nation fit.

"While consumer appetite for keeping healthy continues, it is no surprise that this diversity is not just for good business but also for the bottom line. Businesses wanting to benefit from the growth of the UK’s health economy should research their market and competition and look for the funding options available that will help them to flourish and thrive in 2016 and beyond.

“Our data also shows that health and fitness is not just a preserve of the young, with an increasing number aged 65 and over demonstrating that it is never too late to set up on your own. It is also encouraging to see a rising level of female entrepreneurship in the sector.”

Female entrepreneurs have played a significant role in the growth of the health and fitness industry with the number of women owning - outright or jointly - in this sector increasing by 28 per cent over the past three years. The level of sole female SME owners in this sector is above the UK average of 38 per cent, with 52 per cent owned by a woman.

Of the total health and fitness businesses in the UK, London leads the way with 21 per cent, followed by the South East (16 per cent) the East of England (14 per cent) the North West (nine per cent), the South West (7.4 per cent) with Wales at 5.7 per cent.

The UK’s health and fitness trade body, Ukactive, executive director, Steven Ward, said: “These findings show once again that wellness is quickly becoming one of the key drivers of the UK economy, with physical activity at its heart.

“In a time of deep pressures on the NHS and local services, it’s more important than ever that all communities have the opportunity and access to get active – entrepreneurs who succeed in providing the answer will find their services in high demand.

“Our members consistently tell us that providing physical activity services is an extremely rewarding business so it is very encouraging to see the sector continue to grow.”