Exercise is a must for the over- 50s
Older generation more active than the over - 30s
A recent survey has shown that the over 50’ s are now exercising more than the over 30’ s.
For a lot of people this may come as a surprise, but industry insiders have already noticed the trend and are acting accordingly.
It would appear that significant changes in the way we exercise, and when we do it, have paved the way for gyms, studios and boutiques to tailor sessions for this demograph.
For many people, exercise used to be a pre occupation for the already fit, and gyms and studios were private clubs for those in the know.
The last decade though have shown that fitness is for everyone, and the barriers that were once perceived, have been slowly broke down.
This could be partly due to the media coverage of how unfit we all are, and the health warnings that remind us that keeping fit is a good way of staying healthy.
Statistics that show exercise to be beneficial for both mental and physical health, seems to have brought a new enlightenment to the general public and the mystery of fitness has been solved and opened up to us all.
Television programs that show us that everyone can lose weight and get fit, also helps to convince us that the gym is good.
So couple the easy access to fitness, with a population that continues to live longer than ever, and you find a generation of people that have discovered fitness later in life, and also have the facilities to take part.
Early retirement and voluntary redundancy have left many of a certain age with disposable income and time on their hands.
Where there is a void, business will want to fill it, and the business of fitness has certainly embraced the void.
The most obvious rise in this field, comes in the form of the 24 hour gym,
Growth in city centers of never closing gymnasiums, means that we can work out whenever we want.
These type of gyms fill a certain criteria, but for many, group exercise classes seem to be the choice for the 50 plus exercisers, looking to fill their day.
Check the listings of classes in savvy facilities, and notice how many sessions are scheduled for mornings and afternoons.
Of course the prime time classes will be fully booked, but more and more we are seeing the rise in numbers of people attending daytime classes.
Bearing in mind the age and circumstances of these new wave participants, classes such as Yoga, Pilates and Zumba seem to excel when it comes to bringing in the more mature mover.
All of these classes have the flexibility to be entry level, and seem less threatening, as opposed to more traditionally high impact sessions such as Metafit or Indoor Cycling.
Of course there is room to move ability wise in most group exercise sessions, but it would appear that some lend themselves better to older, and more inexperienced attendees. sessions that can be social as well as effective also seem to swing the balance, and the social aspect of fitness has never been more apparent. You will no doubt be aware of the morning yoga class finishing the session then heading for elevenses.
One of the most attractive things when attending group exercise sessions, is the interaction before, during and after the event.
Let’s face it, happy members are much more likely to stay where they are, so it’s no surprise that retention for members can be induced by welcoming the social side of fitness classes.,
As the year continues, we will see a steady rise in the number of people over 50 starting to exercise and look for things to do.
Gyms and studios are embracing the new influx and making sure they can accommodate, so remember that if you have just retired and want to get fit, there is no better time to start than now.
A little research will show you that business wise, you will be welcomed by gyms, and there is a lot on offer to suit your needs.
If by chance you do find somewhere that doesn’t have entry level classes for your age and ability, then give that place a miss, I guarantee there is somewhere down the road that will be delighted to invite you in.