Gym and fitness center memberships are as competitive as they have
ever been. Living in the
Washington, DC area and being a fitness professional I frequently see signs
of low prices to join gyms and construction and/or renovations of facilities. This is a good time to take
advantage of the competitive pricing.
There has been a growing concern about the obesity epidemic. There has been an invested by
government and the private sector into the health and wellness industry. The recession of 2009 spearheaded
growth in the industry as well. People ran to exercise to deal with the
address and the industry capitalized on it.
For example, there are six gyms within four miles of my home. One of them is considered a
high-end chain and recently they have posters on buses, trains, and all over
town dropping their monthly membership to $19.95/month. In the past their rates have been over
$70/month. They are competing with
gyms that do not have the same offerings, but have a more competitive
price.
Organizations are implementing more Wellness Programs for more
staff camaraderie, greater productivity, and less absenteeism. This includes having a fitness
center onsite or offering discounted memberships to a commercial gym. A
study released in April 2012 by ADP, Inc., a provider of human resource management,
payroll, and benefit administration services, reported that 79 percent of large
and 44 percent of midsized companies offer wellness programs.
According
to Andrew Weber an Analyst for FranchiseHelp.com the
fitness center industry started coming into its own in the 1970s and 1980s,
when exercise, led by running and aerobics, became popular. Membership rose
throughout the 1990s, and the 2000s were a period of enormous growth for
fitness centers. There were 16,938 clubs at the beginning of the decade, and
that number grew to 29,636 by January 2008. 41 million Americans are
members of a health club, and just about half of belong to a commercial health
club, with the rest divided between non-profit clubs like the YMCA and
miscellaneous for-profit clubs such as corporate clubs, country clubs or spas.
Gyms such as Planet Fitness and Retro Fitness capitalized on the
recession. RetroFitness, a New Jersey-based fitness franchise, charges
its members just $19.99 per month. Featuring brightly hued equipment and
checkered floors, the gyms also come with RetroTheaters where members can
exercise while watching such 1980s movies.
“The
unfortunate recession has been a blessing in disguise,” said Eric Casaburi, CEO
and founder of RetroFitness in 2011. “Before this market we wouldn't have
touched New York City [and its rents] with a 10-foot pole. We can now get our
hands around it.”
Planet Fitness does not keep it a secret regarding their target market. McCall
Gosselin, the company’s director of public relations stated to Men’s Health in
2013, “Our clubs don’t have equipment like squat racks and Olympic benches. Our
dumbbells only go up to 80 pounds.”
The chain
tripled in size over a five-year period, from 242 clubs to more than 750 by the
end of 2013. They’re in 47 states and Puerto Rico, with more than 4.5 million
members. Gosselin was candid about why it works: “The gym industry was built on
bodybuilders, people who work out multiple times a week. Planet Fitness was
founded as a place for the other 85 percent.”
With over 80% of gym goers not looking to lift heavy weights and
go to the squat rack of bench press other gyms have adapted their marketing and
examined what they are offering.
What should you look for in a gym?
Convenience: Traveling
to your gym should be as little of a hindrance as possible. Your gym should be located near your
home and/or place of employment.
These are the two places you most likely spend the most time.
Atmosphere and Amenities:
Gyms have different cultures and have a target audience. Certain gyms offer more than just
the basics of equipments and personal trainers on staff. Extras like a pool, massage therapist, or onsite
nutritionist can help you get more out of your training sessions. Pools and hot
tubs have a therapeutic effect on muscles. Larger gyms may have yoga studios, boxing rings, cycling
rooms, and so on. But smaller gyms tend to have a more sense of community and can
act as private training centers, which some find more comfortable. Choose a gym that has equipment and amenities
that fit your training and interest.
Price: Memberships
can fit into your budget. They are
as low as $10/month. Recreations
Centers can be even less per month, but some of them do not have ample
equipment in my opinion.
Visit a your local Recreation Center if you’re considering it as an
option. Know the gym’s
cancellation policy and the specifics of your membership contract, including
how to opt out.
Take all of these factors into consideration before joining the
gym. Take advantage of the
great pricing that is currently being offered. Visit several gyms that are convenient before joining and
don’t be hesitant to negotiate your memberships dues.
Health and Wellness Consultant/Personal Trainer
www.piperpersonaltraining.com
