Increasing attendance

American Fitness, Jan-Feb, 2003

Ninety-three days--that's the average number of days members visited their health clubs and gyms in 2001. According to the annual Health Club Trend Report, it's a record high and a 29 percent increase in attendance since 1987 (the first year the report monitored the membership of health clubs). Core health-club members (i.e., those who work out 100 or more days per year at their gym) reached a record 13.9 million in 2001--more than a 160 percent increase since 1987 and a 48 percent increase in the past five years alone.

The reason? Research has confirmed many Americans are far more health conscious now and the increased professionalism of the health-club industry has made clubs a more attractive workout option. Also, many health and sports clubs are cultivating a sense of community and fun.