Is it just me or is the recession 'doom and gloom' starting to fade?

A few months ago I wasnt really sure how the recession was going to impact on people's choice to continue their gym memberships.
Just the other day a comment was made by an acquaintance that more and more people are cutting back on luxury items, and that one of those luxury items might include gym memberships - to which I quickly responded with the comment, 'since when did we consider our health to be a luxury??!'

In these times, more than ever, stress can take it's toll. Therefore, shouldnt we be putting our health and fitness at the TOP of the list?
Well, from my observation it appears that many people are doing just that...they're making their health a priority.
How do I know that to be the case? Well for one, not only have we NOT been affected by the downturn in the economy, our memberships are actually on the increase!

Also, in the last couple of months I've made a point of asking our rejoining members, as well as our new members, WHY they exercise.
Here's what they told me:

• Better able to handle stress
• Have a better handle on emotions
• Stay more positive
• Feel more energetic
• Get sick much less often
• Less time off work
• Enjoy being active
• Keep up with the kids
• Improved sex life!
• Want to live a long healthy life
• Sedentary lifestyle is unappealing
• The gym atmosphere is motivational
• Positive, social environment
• Meet other likeminded individuals...

Have some of our gym members had to make some cut backs? Yes, of course - like most of us! Savings have come from things like making lunches rather than buying, quitting smoking (huge savings there) cutting back on alcohol, cancelling magazine subscriptions and less dining out...
In other words, the thought of cancelling their gym membership didn't even enter their heads!

Working out regularly really IS one of the best stress busters around. And with ever increasing rates of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease, prevention is where it's at.
Although it might sound cliche, it's the cost of neglecting your health that comes with the biggest price tag.

-Mark Woodgate
Manager/ Owner of Bay Bodyfit Health & Fitness Centre, Mt Maunganui