New York, United States, January 4 January is for fitness centers what December is for retailers. Spas and gyms are doing all they can to keep pace with peoples budgets, as they are feeling the pinch of recession.
YMCA spokesman Darryl Head said, "From past years we can tell a noticeable difference. Memberships have slowed down a little bit since the turn in the economy. Usage is up."
At the end of the festive period, people feel the need to get in shape and most make resolutions to join a gym. Statistics reveal that more people join fitness centers in January than any other month.
January is the single biggest month for new membership enrolment at health clubs, as the excesses of holidays weighs on people’s consciousness. Most fitness centers introduce very good deals to entice members to lock them in annual contracts.
Victoria Vaughn, a sales representative for Total Women Health and Fitness in Ridgeland said, "A lot of people are coming in and telling us their New Year's resolution is to start coming every single day, so we're happy about that."
Fitness faculties have been adversely impacted by the economic downturn. Gyms are using special deals to shore up business. They are using innovative deals and promotions to entice new comers to join. Many fitness centers decided to cut their prices in the first few days of 2009, when people are looking to melt away the pounds accumulated during the holiday season.
Clubs are waiving their enrollment fees, discounting monthly charges, offering unique package deals and amenities. Clubs offer gifts from free towels to free gym bags and if a new member is in need of what the club is offering as a free gift, then it makes the decision making much easier for the prospective member.
Many health clubs are offering competitive packages with flexible membership options to a fresher. These measures are adopted to give a little nudge to enable new members to sign up for commitment.
Johnson of Fitness 19 said "If you can make it past the first couple months, then for sure you have a good opportunity of sticking and making this a lifestyle," he said.
Terance Ragston of Fitness World II revealed that though they had signed about 100 new members in December, and 20 more since the beginning of 2009, many drop out after a couple of months. He said people always have reasons, “Their legs hurt, their backs hurt, people find excuses."
Ben Quist, co-owner of Form and Fitness in Grafton said, “We’re kind of holding our breath. You never take any thing for granted. These next three months, I need to take a handsome chunk of our revenues.”
Post new comment