New York Tri-State Area Grows Number of Health Clubs by 17%

BOSTON - May 22, 2001- A five year analysis of the number of health clubs in the New York City tri-state area- Connecticut, New York and New Jersey- reflects strong growth, according to Profiles of Success, 2000, compiled by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA).

From 1994 to 1999, the number of health clubs in the three states grew 17% - from 1,639 to 1,910 facilities. Commercial health club numbers by state:

"The growing number of health clubs speaks directly to the stronger demand by the American people for a safe and comfortable place to get and remain physically fit," said John McCarthy, executive director of IHRSA. "In the New York City area, and across the country, the growing number of health clubs is a real plus for the consumer, affording members more choices as to where to workout. The growing number of clubs across the U.S. also provides consumers with greater convenience, and as an industry, we know that convenience contributes to peoples’ ability to stick with an exercise program."

Findings from "Fitness American-Style," a national consumer study conducted by Roper Starch Worldwide and commissioned by IHRSA, determined that 66% of the American population feels that

‘if you make good use of it, a health club is usually worth the money.’ Buoyed by this consumer confidence in the value of a club membership and the increasing availability and convenience of clubs, U.S. health club membership rose 7% in the year 2000, to a record 33 million Americans.

To receive a press copy of the executive summary of "Fitness American-Style," please send an e-mail to info@ihrsa.org. For additional information about the commercial health and fitness club industry, please visit IHRSA’s web site, www.ihrsa.org/industrystats.

The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) is a nonprofit association dedicated to the growth, protection, and promotion of the health club industry, and represents nearly 6000 clubs worldwide. IHRSA is an international leader in health club industry education, research, and advocacy. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America is the "Official" Charitable Partner of IHRSA.

"Fitness American-Style," is based upon an 8-page mail panel survey conducted among a nationally representative sample of 1,200 Americans 18 and older. The margin for error for the total sample is +/- 4 percentage points.