Gym usage among existing Equinox members grew as much as 15 percent in the first quarter…The gym and fitness-club market will grow 2.2 percent this year, according to Los Angeles-based researcher IBISWorld Inc. 

— In a dead job market, unemployed hit the gym
The Chicago Sun-Times, Stefano Esposito , Tuesday, April 27, 2009

I was recently talking to my co-workers about the economy — a topic frequently on the minds of most everyone I know — and we arrived at an interesting conclusion about our industry and the economy. It’s not contracting the same way as other industries.

While carmakers suffer from dipping sales and retail is trying to move products out the door, the health and fitness industry, is, appropriately enough, healthy. Our industry may, in fact, benefit somewhat from the economic downturn as people take comfort in maintaining their health and sanity in the safety of a gym, exercising. Gyms are noticing, as I read in the article I quote above. I’ll give you the link again :

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1545293,CST-NWS-gym27.article

So take heart that our industry isn’t being vilified like many other industries. As a matter of fact, it’s a sanctuary to many. Those endorphins work wonders!