Recession Shouldn't Affect Gym Memberships, Managers Say

“It's New Year's Eve and the new outfit THAT seemed perfect to ring in 2009 a month ago is tight across the middle. After a handwringing self-examination in a full-length mirror, there is only one conclusion to be made: In 2009, losing weight will be a top priority. This is a scenario that drives gym memberships up nationwide in the months of January and February. Hattiesburg gyms have already been getting calls inquiring about membership packages and anticipate memberships will increase by a decent margin this year despite a national recession. This is a scenario that drives gym memberships up nationwide in the months of January and February. Hattiesburg gyms have already been getting calls inquiring about membership packages and anticipate memberships will increase by a decent margin this year despite a national recession. A new survey sponsored by Weight Watchers found that 45 percent of Americans say losing weight will be their New Year's resolution for 2009, but 97 percent of those resolved to do so will need assistance to keep that resolution. ‘You have to be committed to exercising at least three times a week,’ said Marcia Seal, who owns two Curves locations in Hattiesburg. ‘If you're not committed, then you aren't going to stick with a program. Accountability is a part of that, too.’ The increased traffic in local gyms as of Jan. 1 is not new. January typically marks the beginning of the busy season for gyms and health clubs nationally, said Patrick Irby, owner of Anatomies in Oak Grove. ‘In the fall months, it's easy to overeat, especially if you attend a lot of social functions that are catered,’ he said. ‘On average, people gain weight during the holidays and want to be more fit for the new year. A lot of factors play into that.’ Irby prefers to keep membership information private, he said, but membership and traffic at his gym remain steady. ‘It's hard to say how the economy will impact us because we've had constant traffic,’ he said. ‘Health clubs tend to do better in a recession than the average industry. Only time will tell.’ Approximately 41.5 million Americans are members of some type of health club or gym, according to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association. In 2007, the health club industry raked in $18.5 billion in revenue. Seal said her two locations have about 200 members each. While the economy has impacted her memberships, she said, people will join a gym if they're committed to working out. ‘In hard economic times, people tend to let go of things they feel that they can do without,’ Seal said. ‘But the fact is the one thing people can do is to take care of themselves by exercising.’”

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20081228/BUSINESS/812280311