For the first time in 20 years, the sale of fitness equipment took a hit, club memberships mildly dropped and regular fitness enthusiasts worked out less. The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association polled 41,500 homes in an online survey and found more than 60 percent of Americans exercised regularly. Seniors made a significant impact in the study. It showed that of people who said they exercised more than 50 days or more during the year, almost 30 percent were 55 or older. The ages of 65 plus dominated in two categories – aquatic exercise and tai chi.
Among exercise machines, the study showed that the treadmill still held strong. Although sales were down, they were not out. The average fit individuals still find themselves looking for the treadmill to help them get in shape. Also, the study found that more exercisers were using barbells and other free weights to get in shape during the hard economic times – mainly for the sake of being able to continue workouts and condition in ones own home, as well as in the gym.
