Fitness Club Memberships on the Rise

Posted At : November 6, 2007 2:05 PM | Posted By : Admin
Related Categories: Health and Fitness News

Faccording to the International Health, Racquet & Sports club Association (IHRSA), health and fitness club memberships in the United States increased by more than three percent last year, from 41.3 million membershin 2005 to 42.7 million in 2006. The the total number of Americans who worked out or belong to a health club rose.

It is good news that more and more people are making fitness a part of their lives. This makes sense becomes as a society, we are all becoming more aware that fitness is not just a good idea, it is an essential part of a good and happy life. What makes no sense to me and I don't think enough people are talking about it, is the fact that the number of obese children has tripled - TRIPLED! - in the last 30 years. You have heard the saying that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Well, the healthy are getting healthier in this country and the unhealthy are getting unhealthier. Obviously, with what is going on around the world in Iraq, Pakistan, Sudan and elsewhere, it is hard to get politicans focused on the issue of heavy children. But we all have to do more to try to rescue these children from themeselves through a little more education and a lot more caring.

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Not be a killjoy, but it's common for gym members -- up to 70%, according to some figures -- to never even pass through the doors once they've signed up. Many gyms build this right into their business model, counting on a larger number of paying customers than actually use the facilities. It's free money.

No question getting exercise is important, especially getting exercise in combination with eating well, but gym memberships alone won't transform a culture obsessed with mega-portions, high fructose corn syrup and trans-fatty acids into a legion of the über-healthy.

# Posted By Sam | 11/6/07 2:49 PM

That's right, Sam, although the numbers are not anywhere near 70%. When you join a gym you make a bet of yourself. If you win, you get the deal of a lifetime because you are paying one tenth of the cost of belonging to a gym if you paid by the visit. If you don't come and you are paying for a membership, you subsidize everyone who does.

# Posted By Christen | 12/14/07 10:46 AM

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