Americans Are Working Out Cheaper, Study Shows

http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE59I1FU20091019?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=11604

“Economic hard times have Americans downsizing their workout equipment, trimming their workout budgets, and shifting their workout venues, according to a sporting goods industry survey. Sales of fitness equipment took a hit for the first time in 20 years, health club membership dipped slightly and some regular exercisers were working out less in 2008. ‘The fitness industry was not immune from the effects of a tough economy,’ said Tom Cove, president of the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA), a global organization which conducted the poll. SGMA represents over 1,000 sports manufacturers, retailers and marketers around the world. They have published their study, Tracking the Fitness Movement, for 10 years. The 2009 edition puts U.S. wholesale sales of fitness gear and equipment sold for use in home, clubs and institutions, at $4.2 billion in 2008, down from $4.7 billion the year before.”