World's Leading Fitness Association Estimates that 10 Million Americans will Join a Health Club in 2006
Submitted by publisher on Thu, 12/22/2005 - 16:53.
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Source: The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association
12/31/1969 - 17:00
World's Leading Fitness Association Estimates that 10 Million Americans will Join a Health Club in 2006
IHRSA Predicts Fitness Trends and Offers Practical Advice to Help Americans Lead Healthier, Happier Lives
The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) today announced its estimation that 10 million Americans will take steps to make regular physical activity a part of their lives by joining a health club in 2006. Fitness for the entire family, group exercise programs that heal the mind and body, and interactive exercise equipment will top health and fitness trends in the New Year, according to the association."We applaud every American that makes the very important decision to make their health a priority by adopting a regular exercise routine," said John McCarthy, executive director of IHRSA.
"The New Year is a time of renewal and a chance to make important, necessary changes in our lives and we believe that this is one of the most significant changes that people will make."
There are currently a record 41.3 million health club members in the United States. People over the age of 55 and under the age of 18 represent the fastest growing demographic groups of health club members, representing 25 and 11 percent of all members, respectively.
Increased awareness about the many benefits of physical activity, a trend toward family fitness, and an aging population all contribute to the changing demographic of health club members.
"The American public is growing increasingly concerned about the ramifications of sedentary behavior and they are actively seeking solutions to physical inactivity," said McCarthy.
"The health club industry is adapting itself to suit a variety of needs and is poised and enthusiastically willing to become a part of the solution by increasing the accessibility of fitness centers in the US."
Satisfying the expectations of an increasingly diverse population of club members is having an impact on program and equipment usage in the club. IHRSA expects that high-tech, interactive fitness equipment, such as those that feature many of the same characteristics of video and arcade games with virtual reality-style engines and GPS mapping systems that simulate outdoor activity, will grow in popularity in 2006.
Low-impact equipment and exercise options, such as elliptical trainers and aquatic exercise will also see continued growth in health club usage, according to the association.
Before joining a health club, IHRSA recommends that consumers use the following checklist to determine if the club will be able to meet your fitness, social, and safety needs:
* Are staff members friendly and helpful?
* Is the club clean and well maintained?
* Does the club offer a sufficient number and variety of programs for you to achieve your fitness goals?
* Does the club offer instruction in a sport or activity that you want to learn?
* Is childcare available if you need it?
* Understand the length of term. Do not agree to sign up for a lifetime membership; they are illegal in most states.
* Be aware that it is standard policy to offer a "cooling off" period. This period is usually the three days after signing up for a membership, during which you may cancel the agreement with out penalty.
IHRSA recommends that consumers visit http://www.healthclubs.com/ to search for a club and to find additional guidelines on how to choose a club and sign a membership agreement.
About IHRSA
The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2005-2006. Over the past quarter of a century, the not-for-profit association has established itself as the voice of quality and innovation for the global health, racquet, and sportsclub industry representing over 7,000 clubs in 74 countries, along with over 600 industry suppliers. As it looks to the future, IHRSA is committed to taking a leadership role in advancing physical activity, which is critical to America's health and the battle against obesity and disease. IHRSA supports effective national initiatives to promote more active lifestyles and is working to pass laws that will help affect societal changes toward a more fit America.
