IDEA
Press Release - Five
Key Trends Identified In 2003 IDEA Fitness Programs and Equipment Survey
 Back to 2003 Press Releases
San
Diego – IDEA Health & Fitness Association’s annual survey
of its members who own and operate a wide variety of fitness facilities
has identified five important trends for the coming year.
“These
trends show that diversity in fitness programming continues and this
is critical for both the retention of existing members and the recruitment
of new customers. At the same time, the fact that many programs have
had a consistent appeal over the years indicates that they are effectively
meeting the fitness needs of consumers,” said Kathie Davis, executive
director of IDEA Health & Fitness Association.
1)
The Strong Stay Strong. The most popular fitness programs of
the past few years are still at the top of the list. Personal training
and strength training, stretching and fitness assessment all remain
firmly positioned while rising stars such as yoga, core conditioning,
stability ball exercises and Pilates are joining them. In terms of fitness
equipment, treadmills, free weights, cycles and elliptical trainers
are stalwarts being joined by portable pieces like resistance tubing,
stability balls, yoga mats and weighted bars.
2) Member Retention Follows Strong Programs. Fitness
businesses run by IDEA members keep an average 72% of members/clients
for one year or longer. The diversity of programming and equipment offered
is most likely a strong factor in this retention level. And targeting
the “right” client also plays a role in this high rate of retention.
For example, in corporate and hospital wellness centers, back pain prevention
(51% offer) and weight management classes (83% offer) are what participants
care about. In the YMCA/YWCA/JCC segment, programs for older persons
(100% offer) or children (74% offer) predominate.
3) Programs and Equipment Go Hand-in-Hand. What has
become clear, is the relationship between equipment and programming.
Stability balls and steps are found in virtually every personal training
gym as well as in entire categories of group fitness training. Treadmills
are programmed for in-club promotions (i.e., run a marathon) in addition
to slowly rolling for five minutes of a frail adult’s first exercise
walking attempts. And almost every group fitness format, from boxing-based
aerobics to sports conditioning, is built around equipment.
4) New Kids and Old Kids Play in the Neighborhood.
It is easy to get the impression that the rising stars (i.e., stability
ball-based classes, combination/hybrid classes and core conditioning
classes) in equipment and programs are taking over the fitness world.
These new programs are vital to providing the tools and diversity that
will inspire people to fitness. But as these new options rise, the tried-and-true
are still players (i.e., personal training, stretching and flexibility,
strength training).
5)
Exercise Reigns at Health Clubs. As evidenced by their names,
health clubs have positioned themselves as sources for overall lifestyle
change in addition to offering exercise programs. Providing a broad range
of activities in a comfortable environment is one approach that health
clubs utilize to attract and retain members. But to stay on the club schedule,
a program or class needs participants. This survey shows that while lifestyle/health
programs are important, they are not yet a primary request at fitness
facilities (i.e., meditation, smoking cessation and stress management
classes).
The participants in
this survey report that 29% of their members/clients are between the ages
of 35-44, 24% are between 45-54, 23% are between 18-34 and 18% are 55
or older. Their member/client retention rate after one year is 72%.
The 2003
IDEA Fitness Programs and Equipment Survey is based on the results of
a questionnaire answered earlier this year by a selection of IDEA Business,
Program Director and Professional members. The types of facilities that
participated in the study include: multi-purpose health clubs (16%), fitness-only
health clubs (13%), personal training studios (13%), YMCAs/YWCAs/JCCs
(10%), college/university fitness centers (8%), corporate fitness centers
(8%), group exercise studios (5%), hospital fitness centers (5%), parks/recreation
departments (4%), no facility/satellite classes (4%), and other (11%).
The complete results appeared in the October 2003 issue of IDEA Fitness
Manager.
IDEA is
the world's leading membership organization of health and fitness professionals
with more than 19,000 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.
|
