Monday, July 14, 2008

Lean Times Have Little Effect On Fitness Industry

“In today's sinking economy, many businesses find themselves tossing services and workers to remain afloat. The fitness industry, on the other hand, seems to be wading through the tides effortlessly, as new gym owner Drew Schlosser proved, opening Snap Fitness May 30. The gym already has 300 members. ‘It’s been kind of like a phenomenon,’ said Schlosser, who co-owns Snap Fitness at 20041 S. Tamiami Trail in Estero. Schlosser said he and his partner looked into different businesses, such as restaurants, but after more research realized fitness was the way to go. ‘We wanted to make sure we were in an industry that's growing.’ According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, U.S. fitness industry revenues have increased by 5 percent from $17.6 million in 2006 to $18.5 million in 2007. U.S. health clubs have increased by almost 1 percent from 29,357 in 2006 to 29,636 in 2007. But club membership has decreased almost 3 percent, from 42.7 million members in 2006 to 41.5 million in 2007. Regardless of the decrease people are still spending money to get fit. ‘When times are tough there are certain mainstays people are going to gravitate to,’ Drumm said. ‘One is the bars - the bars are not going to be empty - and the other is health clubs.’”

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/BUSINESS/807140314/1075

1 comment:

snap4sale said...

I have been in the fitness industry for over 40 years. I was a Supervisor for a large Fitness chain during the Vietnam war and the Gas shortage time and Gulf war and now the war in Iraq. Double whammy is the economy now as was in 1985. The middle to upper class postpone large unnecessary investment ( Boats, Harley's, Beach Homes, expensive vacations,etc.) Movie, Bars and Fitness facilities Boom!!!! People need Entertainment and a way to release the stress. So two choices: Either exercise to reduce your stress and get in shape and lead a Be Well life or Head to your favorite Bar and drink your stress away .