Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Local Gyms Expect Membership Increase Despite Economy

“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.’ 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 revenues. Seal said that her two locations have about 200 members apiece. 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.’ Lenny Ross, owner of Anytime Fitness in Petal, has seen his memberships increase from 100 members when the 24-7 location opened in October to approximately 230 in December. ‘If anything, the economy has delayed memberships, but for most people, health is a top priority in their life,’ Ross said. ‘Our rates are cheap compared to other things that they could give up. People still want to take care of themselves.’ Because people tend to overeat and gain weight when coping with severe stress and depression, Seal said, exercise is a key component to managing both health and stress. ‘Exercise helps people lose weight, increases metabolism, decreases depression and reduces stress,’ she said. ‘There's no better time than the present to join an exercise program. In a tough economy, people need the benefits that consistent exercise brings.’”

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20090102/PETALTODAY01/901020304

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