The fitness industry exists to provide everyone a place to pursue better health. Whether that means improving cardiovascular conditioning on a treadmill, building strength in the weight room, recovering from injury with a trainer, or any number of other activities and reasons people go to the gym, we recognize our job is making people healthier.
The COVID 19 pandemic has underscored the importance of personal health. The leading cause of hospitalizations is underlying health conditions like hypertension and obesity. And there’s a strong link between physical and mental health.
Some have said gyms are dangerous simply because people breath heavily indoors during workouts. But data from actual fitness centers, in Michigan and around the nation, show resoundingly that a properly run gym is a place that will save your life, not endanger it.
The Michigan Fitness Club Association is working to share emerging data and information, and develop standards to keep gym and fitness center members and staff safe as they pursue their personal health goal.
Facilities are rigorously sanitized by staff and members, making sure every machine, weight and frequently touched surface is clean.
Air circulation and filtration is state-of-the art, completely turning over the air in the building several times each hour to keep it clean. The indoor air is the same as the air outdoors.
Spacing between machines and stations provides plenty of room for everyone.
Guest check-in is recorded to respond quickly in an emergency. Arrivals are temperature checked. Staff are paying attention to members and wearing masks.
Nearly 1.35 million visits to MFCA gyms. The visit-to-virus ratio = 0.0019 percent – less than zero.
National data from gyms around the country that were open throughout the summer, where 50 million visits also resulted in less than zero risk.
No place is completely safe during the pandemic. Everyone must make a personal decision about risks. But MFCA gyms are doing everything to make sure they address every possible safety precaution to protect their members and staff, and the results prove it.
In the U.S., more than 71.5 million people belong to or regularly visit a health club - a testament to the community support and encouragement found within a health club environment.
46,092 health club employees; more than $295.9 million in total payroll benefits
More than $776.5 million in revenue; more than $24.4 million paid in payroll taxes
33% of adults are obese; 19th heaviest state in the nation
86% of healthcare costs are spent on chronic diseases
Sources: IHRSA Health Club Consumer Report Study, IHRSA Profiles of Success, www.taxfoundation.org, payroll-taxes.com, The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America, cdc.gov, census.gov
Tell us your story and why you’re feeling safer in shape.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.