The number of people 55 or older who exercise more than 100 days per year increased 33 per cent from 1998 to 2004 in the U.S., compared with zero growth in the 18-to-34 age bracket, according to American Sports Data Inc., a research firm in Hartsdale, New York.
The firm also reported that a quarter of all club memberships in the U.S. are now purchased by those over the age of 55.
Fitness entrepreneur Craig Pepin-Donat, who has operated more than 450 health and fitness clubs in 11 countries, offers the following advice before enrolling in a health club:
Try the club out before you enroll.
Only join clubs that offer month-to-month memberships where you can pay as you go and stop when you want.
Meet with the fitness manager and find out how they can help you find a good personal trainer.
Buy an introductory personal-training package.
Find out if the club limits membership. Many clubs do not set a cap on the number of members, leading to over-crowding at peak times.
Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the club has any complaints launched against it.
Check to see if the payment is refundable if the club closes before the membership term is up.
