IDEA
Press Release - Fitness
Trends Outlined - 2003 IDEA Fitness Programs & Equipment Survey
 Back to 2003 Press Releases
San
Diego – Personal training, fitness assessments, strength training
and stretching exercises remain firmly established as staples at fitness
facilities across the United States, according to the 2003 IDEA Fitness
Programs & Equipment Survey. At the same time, rising stars such
as Pilates, yoga, core conditioning, and stability ball exercises are
joining them as the fitness programs with the greatest appeal to consumers.
Click
here to view results.
Over the
past seven years, the IDEA survey shows that Pilates classes have experienced
the most growth with 65% of fitness facilities surveyed providing them
in 2003 as opposed to 10% in 1997. During that same time period, the
number of facilities offering stability ball classes rose from 28% to
71% while personal training (with two persons) rose from 42% to 71%.
Stability balls and weighted balls were shown to be the two pieces of
equipment most frequently on hand at fitness facilities.
“The growth
of Pilates indicates that consumers are enthusiastic about physical
activity programs that integrate body and mind. Pilates programs, and
other mind/body fitness programs such as Yoga and Tai Chi Chuan, help
to contribute to an overall increase in the quality of life of the participant.
These programs incorporate activities that positively affect the whole
person, stimulating the brain, circulatory, respiratory and muscular
systems,” says Len Kravitz, PhD, Senior Exercise Physiologist for IDEA
Health & Fitness Association.
“The increased
interest in personal training suggests that consumers are realizing
that noteworthy results in exercise come from systematic and structured
fitness plans developed by qualified and experienced professionals.
The personal trainer also provides positive guidance in the development
of short- and long-term goals, motivational strategies and positive
thinking that enhance the exercise success of their clients” Kravitz
adds.
Dr Kravitz
also pointed out that “growing public mindfulness of the importance
of physical activity for health and longevity has led to an increased
need for proper assessment of physical fitness by qualified professionals.
Being able to incorporate and interpret information from a health and
lifestyle evaluation, in addition to a physical fitness profile, will
lead to a much more direct approach to optimal exercise prescription.evaluation,
in addition to a physical fitness profile, will lead to a much more
direct approach to optimal exercise prescription.
“The
growth and enjoyment of stability ball programs may be directly associated
with outstanding and likable educational programs developed on this piece
of equipment. Stability ball exercises can be mainstreamed with ease for
all fitness levels, ages and interests into multiple programs for flexibility,
core conditioning, stability training and muscular fitness development,”
Kravitz adds.
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 mailed in earlier this year to 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 (8.0%),
group exercise studios (5%), hospital fitness centers (5%), parks/recreation
departments (4%), no facility/satellite classes (4%), and other (11%).
The complete results will appear in the October 2003 issue of IDEA Fitness
Manager.
Len Kravitz,
PhD, a renowned exercise researcher for over twenty years, is the Senior
Exercise Physiologist for IDEA Health & Fitness Association. He currently
serves as the Associate Professor of Exercise Science and as a researcher
at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. He has written four books,
produced six exercise videos and is an international lecturer on health
and fitness topics.
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.
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