Health benefits of exercise are well documented by the medical profession. Insurance companies, as well as States, are coming to the realization that something has to be done about obesity in the United States. Newspapers, daily, have such articles on the front page, “Bill Geared to Help Heavy Americans/Program Aims to Slim Down Number of Obese and Overweight,” (Houston Chronicle in Summer of 2004 ). Three days later, once again front page news, “Obesity Officially Declared a Disease/Medicare Ruling Lifts Road Block to Coverage,” and then an article on Governor Perry appointing a new Fitness Czar for Texas.
Citizens are becoming well-educated in the rewards of exercise. They know they can lower their lousy cholesterol (LDL) and raise their Healthy cholesterol (HDL), lower blood pressure, reduce stress and condition their bodies; these are just a few of the many benefits. Stress, computers, television and fast food restaurants are causing adults and children to become overweight and contribute to health problems.
Thirty-minute fitness centers for men and women are popping up everywhere. The main reason is that time is such an important commodity in our society. People are turning to 30-minute fitness centers because they can condition their bodies, develop and maintain muscle, all in 20-30 minutes.
Larger gyms that have been sitting back and watching, are now deciding that they also want the circuits to capture the Baby Boomers, and those who are de-conditioned and can’t commit to an hour a day to workout.
Franchises are popping up overnight. Those who desire a circuit gym, yet “resist” the idea of paying monthly fees, are opening gyms as independents, choosing a name of their own and opening them near their own neighborhoods.
Companies are beginning to develop monthly packages for the small independent gyms to help them with ideas for projects, motivational concepts and additional profit centers, so they will have the advantages of a franchise.
The very first ever hydraulic circuit certification, which meets the standards of ACE and adds to your college credits, has been developed by professors in Ohio.
Workshops are being developed for Independent Fitness Centers where they can earn hydraulic certification, discover new ideas, network with other owners, learn about new profit centers and much, much more. Weekends are being used for these workshops, so gyms owners don’t have to take time from their gyms to attend.
Designer gyms with French motifs, animal prints and oceanic scenes are becoming the fashion. And what else does the future bring? Family 30-minute workouts – a circle within a circle. Mommy and daddy on the outside circuit and the young “Johnny” and “Mary” on the inside circuit. And guess what will happen? The family will exercise together, the parents observe their own children, and they encourage each other. The parents are teaching their children the benefits of exercise at an early age in order to combat the climbing obesity rates.
You will see obesity and wellness centers coming to the forefront where doctors are in attendance where weight and vitals are monitored.
For future gym owners, education is needed. The best designs in equipment are essential. Speed is not the answer, instead, strong movements between 8-10 repetitions in 30 seconds is encouraged. Once again, excellent equipment is the key.
Look to the future… Watch for the workshops… Get to know the companies that will provide hydraulic certification and small gym development packages.
Symanthia Harper is the Owner of Shapes for Women. She can be contacted at 800.453.1526, or by email atsymharper@houston.rr.com, or visit ShapesForWomen.com.
