June 15, 2004

By: Derek Willms
Website: http://www.1st-in-fitness.com

Personal fitness training – a customized exercise program based on an individual's health history

Personal fitness training – a customized exercise program based on an individual's health history, capabilities and fitness objectives - continues to be the most frequently offered program at fitness facilities in the United States, according to the 6th Annual IDEA Programs Report.

Eighty-three percent of the facilities responding to this survey offer personal training either on a one-to-one basis or in a small group setting. The other three leading programs include group strength training and hi-lo-mixed group exercise classes which are each offered at 72% of the facilities while yoga is offered at 69%.

Over the past six years, the IDEA survey reports, stability ball-based classes have experienced the most growth as a class offering with 44% more fitness facilities providing them in 2001 than they did in 1996. During that same time period, boxing-based classes had a 40% growth rate while yoga had a 38% growth rate.

This year's results show that diversity in programming is an ongoing trend and that a combined total of over 50 different types of fitness classes are offered at the facilities we polled. This wide assortment of program offerings is critical for both the retention of existing members and the recruitment of new customers.

At the same time, the fact that many programs have had a consistent appeal over the years indicates that they are effectively meeting the fitness needs of consumers, said Kathie Davis, executive director of IDEA Health & Fitness Association.

Author Notes:

Derek Willms contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-fitness.com.  A source of information and helpful tips on various types of fitness equipment.