Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness Industry

Health and Fitness are a big aspect in the world today. This industry has had an incredible amount of growth over the past 30 years. The industry first became popular in the 1970's, with the idea that it would not always be popular. "Most Americans rate their physical and emotional health as a top personal priority." This industry has two major demographic groups; The Boomers and the Gen Y generation. The main reason why the Industry has grown and is still growing is because people are becoming more aware of the importance to stay healthy and fit.

Health and fitness clubs were small and only consisted of tennis and racquetball during the 1960's. The populations for theses clubs were minimal to members. The interest became bigger throughout the 1970's. People started to think about having more ways to stay fit than just tennis and racquetball. Aerobics, bikes, treadmills, and cardiovascular equipment were added to gyms. Women liked the idea of aerobic classes and lead to the higher number of women joining clubs during the 1980's.

The Health and Fitness Industry did decrease at the time between the 70's and 80's. There reputations were put at riskÐ' because of pressured sales, misleading advertising, high rates, and safety standards were not applicable. Racquetball clubs were going bankrupt because of the decline in interest, but positively most were turned into multipurpose clubs. These clubs began to expanded and have multiple locations throughout the areas. The industry grew through the 1990's and still is today.Ð'

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The Health and Fitness Industry is divided into target markets, the deconditioned market, the quick-fix market, and the Generation X and Y market. Today women-only clubs are becoming popular. Most of the members of these types of clubs would not normally attend coed clubs. It is a comfort area for women to go get in better shape.

Ð' Ð' Ð' Ð' Ð' Ð' There are numerous part time career opportunities within the Health and Fitness Industry. The down side to working in this industry is that the careers do not normally lead to advancement. Part time job in the industry could include: Aerobics instructor, personal trainer, fitness center personnel, summer camp staff, front desk personnel, and child care staff. These jobs rage from twenty dollars an hour to seven dollars an hour. Salaries can range from $18,000 to $25,000 for the first few years of entry level positions. These may be low but the benefits can include memberships to the facility.

Ð' Ð' Ð' Ð' Ð' Ð' Managerial positions can range from $21,000 to $33,000 per year. These manager positions can include: Aquatics director, Children's program manager, Summer camp director, Food and Beverage manager, and Service managers. Most clubs are open eighteen hours a day, seven days a week, 12 months a year. This is a booming industry, that will continue to grow. The managers for health clubs work 50 plus hours a week. "The Fitness Industry is dominated by people motivated to maintain their own active lifestyles as well as helping others live healthy and productive lives."

Being that there are more then 64,000 fitness clubs,and facilities available in The States, there is an eclectic group of facilities varying from