Sales of Fitness Equipment Rise 10% in 1997

Manufacturers’ sales of fitness equipment rose 10% in 1997 to $2.9 billion, according to preliminary estimates provided by The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Assn. The industry association is forecasting a 7% increase during 1998, with total sales rising to $3.1 billion. The association is predicting that retail sales volume will rise to about $5.7 billion in 1998, from $5.3 billion in 1997.