IDEA Fitness Industry Compensation Survey

San Diego – Even though there has been a downturn in the U.S. economy over the past two years, wages and benefits for fitness professionals have stayed the same or increased during this same time period, according the 2002 IDEA Fitness Industry Compensation Survey. Five out of the eight positions tracked in this IDEA report increased their median earnings above the 2000 survey numbers.

“As the demand for quality fitness professionals grows, it is imperative that the fitness industry be able to attract and retain creative, competent people who can inspire and motivate their clients. This survey is an important tool for fitness facility owners and managers working to establish reasonable and fair rates of compensation,” says Patricia Ryan, Vice President of Education for IDEA Health & Fitness Association.

The all-new 2002 IDEA Fitness Industry Compensation Survey is an in-depth report on how the industry hires and pays fitness/program directors, personal training directors, group exercise coordinators, personal trainers, floor staff, and group, specialty and fitness instructors. It includes information on the criteria used for pay and promotion, hourly and salary rates and benefits offered. The survey also examines demographics based on geographic regions, type-of-facility and the location of facilities, i.e., city, suburb or rural area. Compensation comparisons for years 1998-2000 and 2002 are also included. This survey was published in late 2002 and contains 127 pages. IDEA Benchmarks, #C899027. The price for IDEA members is $79 and $129 for non-members.

To order the survey, call the IDEA Member Services Department at 800-999-4332, extension 7, or 858-535-8979, extension 7 if calling from outside the United States and Canada. Or visit www.IDEAfit.com for complete details.

IDEA is the world's leading membership organization of health and fitness professionals with more than 23,000 members in over 80 countries. Since 1982, IDEA has provided health and fitness professionals with pertinent information, educational opportunities, career development programs and industry leadership while helping them enhance the quality of life worldwide through safe, effective fitness and healthy lifestyle programs. For more information on IDEA events, publications, educational products, member services or other activities, visit the IDEA website at: www.IDEAfit.com.

Members of the News Media: To receive a review copy of the 2002 IDEA Fitness Industry Compensation Survey, contact David Gilroy at (858) 535-8979, ext. 262, or by e-mail at: gilroyd@IDEAfit.com