Thursday, December 11, 2008

The Truth About Gyms [in the UK]

“Despite the fact that more than 7.2 million people [in the UK] (almost 12% of the population) are members of a gym or leisure centre [1] and the average length of membership is almost one and a half years [2] many myths about the health and fitness industry still persist. But the truth, underpinned by independent research debunks these inaccurate perceptions. Andree Deane, CEO of the Fitness Industry Association, which represents some 2,500 public and private gyms, said: ‘There is no evidence that there has been a downturn in membership numbers. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the rate of new joiners this year is the same as for the similar period as last year. ‘For most gym members, membership is not a luxury, but an integral part of peoples' lives.’ ‘Today it is as fundamental to their way of life as eating brown bread - and, despite the current economic climate, people do not seem to be trading in healthy brown bread for a white slice. For many, going to their gym or leisure centre relieves the tensions of their work and domestic pressures and a short period of 'me-time' is vital to their psychological and emotional, as well as their physical well-being.’”

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/132675.php

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