Anniversary: 40 years of fitness in transition
The first ACTIV FITNESS studio opened its doors in 1984. 40 years later, the brand has become an integral part of the Swiss fitness industry. From a friendly one-man business to the largest studio network in Switzerland today. A success story under the microscope.

In an interview with Vinzenz Voser, Head of Products and Services at ACTIV FITNESS, we take a look behind the scenes.
By the end of the year, ACTIV FITNESS will operate 123 studios in Switzerland. Is this widespread availability the secret to success?
Yes, we are the market leader in Switzerland, currently operate 121 ACTIV FITNESS studios and a big advantage for our customers is that they can reach an Activ studio in just ten minutes from work or home.
You have had a remarkable career at ACTIV FITNESS. Tell me about it.
During and after my studies in sports science, I worked as a fitness instructor in various studios. I came to ACTIV FITNESS in Meilen 20 years ago. I was even allowed to manage the oldest location today. At that time, there were only nine stores across Switzerland, and monthly meetings were held at the site managers’ dining tables at home (laughs).
Fitness used to be about getting the body in shape, today we want to stay healthy with sport. Why this turnaround?
At the beginning of the 2000s, the tide turned and the focus shifted to health awareness. New scientific findings and technologies have been incorporated into the development of sports equipment. They became easier and easier to use and the movement sequences improved. This has attracted more and more people who want to do something good for their bodies with exercise.

A lot has changed, but not everything. A dumbbell still looks the same as it did 40 years ago.
Vinzenz Voser
Today, yoga, for example, is also an integral part of the training program.
Definitely! The range of offers has become ever greater. Calm training methods such as yoga and meditation complement strength and endurance training and have become increasingly important in today’s fast-paced world. A lot has changed, but not everything. A dumbbell still looks the same as it did 40 years ago.
ACTIV FITNESS grew and grew – then came Corona. Many saw the end for the fitness centers.
In the lockdown, it looked like this in the short term. But the opposite has happened! The pandemic has given the fitness industry a positive boost. People want exercise and social affairs. The fitness center is the ideal place for both!
And what are the most popular courses at ACTIV FITNESS?
Group courses such as aerobics or body toning and other new high-intensity courses such as BODYCOMBAT® or BODYPUMP® are very popular. Group cycling is also very popular. The group dynamic boosts motivation, it’s more fun and pushes you to perform at your best. There are even studies that prove the positive effect of group courses.
Variety is important to people! So that the joy and motivation of exercising is maintained over a long period of time. Remote courses have picked up speed since coronavirus. With our activfitness@home, for example, customers can take a yoga class from home or on the go in their hotel room, do strength training at ACTIV FITNESS and perhaps cardio training at another ACTIV FITNESS location. Just the way you like it! Versatility is in demand!
“If I lift weights too heavy and too often, I soon look like a bodybuilder.” Right or wrong?
Many women are still afraid of building up a lot of muscle through muscle training. That is wrong. It also requires the right genetics, meal planning, sleep optimization, etc. No one will look like a bodybuilder from a few training sessions alone.
There is also a widespread assumption that long and leisurely training sessions lead to results. The secret to success is brevity and intensity. A leisurely jog is good for your well-being and your brain. However, to boost the cardiovascular system, the training must be highly intensive.
How has the sporting behavior of the Swiss changed over the decades?
If you believe the statistics, we are more sporty today! The biggest boost is currently coming from Generation Z. Young people today are much more active, physically active and health-conscious compared to young people 40 years ago. Senior citizens are also keen to exercise. Trends such as longevity mean that people want to enjoy positive, autonomous and healthy years even in old age. Regular muscle and strength training contribute to this.
And finally, what does your personal fitness routine look like?
You meet me most often in the strength area. That’s what I enjoy the most. I do high-intensity and short training sessions. In 30-40 minutes I go full throttle.
I always have my sports bag with me. I travel a lot for work and take the opportunity to train in one of our Activ Fitness studios and fitness parks in between.
Autorin: Stephanie Burtscher