The fitness industry has grown steadily since the 1970s. There were 16,938 fitness clubs at the start of the 2000s, growing to 29,636 by 2008, with 41 million American members. The global fitness industry will continue growing due to increased health awareness and government programs. While in-home workouts rose during economic downturns, health clubs remained competitive by innovating new exercise methods. The aging population and issue of childhood obesity present opportunities for fitness programs catered to these groups. Online training is also becoming more prevalent as gyms offer live-streamed and recorded workouts.