1-2-3 Fit Releases New Fitness Study That Identifies Why Consumers Pump It Up; Finding Adequate Time is Most Frequently Cited Hurdle to Individuals' Exercise Commitment

Business Wire, May 23, 2006

DENVER -- A research study conducted by University of Virginia Professor Diane Whaley, Ph.D., a national sport and exercise psychology expert, pinpoints the main reasons people start and remain committed to exercise programs. The research study was developed in conjunction with 1-2-3 Fit, a new fitness center franchise focused on 30-minute, customized exercise programs.

The goal of the research was to understand what motivates consumers to exercise and why they remain committed to it. The results prove consumers are committed to physical exercise primarily for the health and physical benefits. The second reason people participate in physical activity is to improve appearance. A common barrier people found when committing to an exercise program was finding the time needed for an ongoing exercise program.

The research also looked at what consumers look for when selecting a fitness center. Twenty-two percent agreed the most important factor was convenience and staffing, which included having the facility less than 15 minutes from home or work, friendly and helpful staff and convenient parking. Time was the second most important factor with 18 percent of respondents saying that they do not want to wait for the machines.

"If people can find an exercise routine and facility that maps to their individual lifestyle and fitness goals, they will be more likely to reap the full health benefits of working out," said Dr. Whaley. "Once we completed the research and determined a majority of the people surveyed want to improve their physical well-being, we decided to take our program one step further by creating a tool on FitQuiz.com, to help people make informed decisions about their exercise routine and fitness center."

FitQuiz.com was created by Dr. Whaley and 1-2-3 Fit to provide consumers with a simple way to select a fitness center that is best suited to match an individual's unique fitness goals. Thirty-three percent of the survey respondents are considering joining or already belong to a gym, but do not attend frequently. FitQuiz.com can help people identify the barriers to sustaining an exercise routine by aligning personal preferences with the right type of fitness center that will encourage ongoing participation.

About Diane Whaley

Dr. Whaley is Associate Professor of Sport & Exercise Psychology and Director of the Service Physical Education Program at University of Virginia. Dr. Whaley serves on the editorial board of The Sport Psychologist and Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal; and she is the Associate Editor of the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. Currently, Dr. Whaley is the Chair of the Health and Exercise Psychology Committee for the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology (AAASP).

About 1-2-3 Fit

1-2-3 Fit is a revolutionary fitness franchise designed for those seeking a fun, fast and effective workout in 30 minutes. Opening an average on one club per week, 1-2-3 Fit is poised to become the next big thing in the fitness industry. 1-2-3 Fit is an affordable solution for those who want to own their own business in the exploding world of fitness. For more information, call 888-Out-in-30 (688-4630) or log on the website at www.123fit.com.