Gym Goers Keep their Memberships after losing Jobs - Around the Hook Today - January 2010
“Lose Your Job? Don’t Lose Your Gym Membership.
Renew It!” Says Eastpointe Health
& Fitness Owner/Operator, Paul Mazzella
“It makes sense if you think about it,” said Mazzella. “If you lose your job, joining a 
gym is a very positive way to use your time and it can be a great networking opportunity.” With more time on their hands, many members have added personal training and group classes to their gym time. “Our members have also ramped up their routines with a renewed dedication to fitness to help stave off the post-employment blues,” added Mazzella. “Our All-inclusive Real Results program is more popular then ever!”
Working out and keeping a regular exercise and fitness regimen is no longer considered a luxury to many Americans but a necessity. This has certainly been played out in the recent challenging economic times. Instead of cancelling gym memberships, unemployed individuals are not only keeping their memberships and exercise routines but new memberships have been on the rise at many fitness centers.
About one year ago, Money Magazine surveyed readers to learn what they would not sacrifice in the recession. Nearly half said they would not give up their health club membership—ahead of categories such as eating out or big vacations. Research by IBISWorld, a market-research organization, has shown similar results.
According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), the industry has been long thought to be, if not recession-proof, at least recession-resilient. The numbers seem to bear that out. Though figures aren’t in for 2009, revenue from North American fitness clubs rose nearly 4 percent in 2008 from the year before, and membership grew by more than 10 percent, according to the IHRSA.
The beginning of the ye
ar is also a time when gym memberships increase due to holiday over indulgence and New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and get in shape. “Our entire industry sees increased memberships during this time of year but retaining those memberships is what sets us apart,” said Mazzella. “Making a commitment to improve your health and fitness is a big deal and often times it’s really hard to do on your own. That’s why choosing a gym like EPH&F is going to help you succeed. Yes, there are gyms that are cheaper but they don’t have the personal service, dedication and attention that will help you keep going. And for less then $2 a day that’s an incredible value.”
Many discount chain gyms simply cater to a person’s budget. “How much is a gym really worth if you don’t go because you don’t like it there and they don’t help you. You probably won’t last very long because you will either be intimidated or get frustrated when you don’t get results.” said Mazzella. “The discount operations can lower their prices but they can’t offer the kind of exceptional personal service that we do to get people motivated and keep them coming back. It’s unfortunate that they don’t have the personal touch because helping people and getting results is a personal business. At EPH&F we want you to succeed. We want you to enjoy the experience, achieve your fitness goals and gain confidence. That’s why we help you every step of the way along your fitness journey. When you succeed, we succeed.”
More and more, exercising and working out have become a vital part of the American trend toward an improved quality of life and a healthier lifestyle. “I think the recession has shown that this trend is here to stay,” said Mazzella. “With the increased awareness of our country’s problems with obesity and the amazing benefits achieved through regular exercise, Americans can’t and aren’t willing to go backwards. And that’s a beautiful thing.”