Anytime Fitness Opens Center in Mays Landing

“The region's first Anytime Fitness center has opened in the Festival at Hamilton, the second major fitness chain to move into the area this fall. Anytime Fitness has more than 1,200 centers in North America and about 15 in New Jersey, and he expects more will open in this region soon. Members can use any of them. The opening comes a month after another fast-growing chain, Retro Fitness, opened its 42nd N.J. center in Egg Harbor Township. Fitness centers have remained in surprisingly good shape despite the severe U.S. recession. According to figures from the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, the number of fitness clubs in New Jersey jumped from 1,027 in 2007 to 1,252 in 2008 - nearly a 25 percent increase in a year - after remaining stable since 2004. Some of the increase can be attributed to people starting their own businesses as a means of dealing with a difficult economy and employment picture. But association spokeswoman Rosemary Lavery said Monday that people are reluctant to give up their exercise regimens, especially in more stressful times. ‘The recession is affecting every business, but one of the great things about fitness centers is that healthy activity is always going to be good for you,’ Lavery said. ‘People are not willing to compromise their health.’ The association also expects that fitness centers will get a boost from health care reform's emphasis on preventive care. ‘Clearly, obesity is a national issue. We're hoping that prevention and wellness incentives get added into the reform plan,’ Lavery said.”

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