Health-conscious patrons start exercising discretion
China Daily | Updated: 2009-01-16 07:47
Americans squeezed by the economic crisis are still forking out money for gym memberships and dieting centers but health clubs are having to hold down their fees to keep customers coming in.
The Equinox Fitness chain of upscale health clubs on the east and west coasts saw a 13 percent year-on-year jump in those working out on the first Monday of the new year and analysts at Stifel Nicolaus estimate that overall health club memberships will rise more than 4 percent this year.
"That is a reflection on how people have a desire to live a healthy, balanced life in this stressful environment," Equinox Chief Executive Harvey Spevak says, adding that members have trimmed back on luxurious spa treatments.
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