Are gyms/health centres contributing to the growing problem of obesity in this country?

Question

Im not talking about the benefits of excercise here,I've been training a long time and as a nurse, I can never extol the benefits of healthy lifestyles and excercise enough.

However, I am talking about the fact that the vast majority of gyms charge on average £30 - £40 a month and do not offer flexibility in terms of being able to take a break for a month or two for injury/holiday/life events, etc.

Its basically a 'sign up for as long as we can keep you and take as much money of you as we can' mentality.

I know there are one or two exceptions, but I'm asking is this a serious barrier to a lot of people (for example those who can't afford it or don't want to be tied down for 12 months or more) and is this causing people to stay away. Since there are no real 'council' or government run alternatives anymore, should the government do something about this?

Just a random annoyance I wanted to get off my chest.

Yes, for some posters I know that gyms aren't the only way to get fit. But they are one of the best ways, (where else do you get specific equipment/pools/etc).

And Krispy, your an idiot. Yes you can train without gyms, but how can you say that the equipment they provide doesn't do any good? I mean dumbells won't build muscle will they? A treadmill or rowing machine can't possibly improve your cardio fitness can it? Try and think things through before you post things.

MsAnethema, I know exactly what you mean. But look at the way they do things in Australia, they need to have private health insurance over there, because there is no NHS (they get a better service for a lot less than what we pay) but they also get money knocked off for things like gym memberships, so it's cheaper still and they have more incentive to go! I don't see why we can't do that over here.

Answer 1

I'm 100% behind you on this one. There should be cheaper facilities and also, here's my gripe! , leisure centres are too expensive for kids to attend also. I would love to be able to take my kids to the activities they provide, if it was free, maybe government funded , then kids would be alot healthier , what kids don't like activities like assault courses, trampolining, tennis etc? Lets start a petition!!! yeah :)

Answer 2

It seems to be the same in the US as well. I choose not to join a gym for that reason. Some just seem to capitalize off of the fitness craze, people who want to get into (in to?) shape, etc.

I eat well, but I don't exercise the way I should. It's my fault. I'm the one who is keeping myself from getting dressed and putting my daughter in the stroller and walking. I'm sure the library has some good videos/DVDs I could borrow, for free. To get to the library, I would have to walk.

Ironically, I just heard a commercial for Victory Fitness Center in Columbus, OH. They're offering a month-to-month membership. Interesting. I guess some are wising up.

Also, my husband is in graduate school. The university with which is school is affiliated has a very nice gym/fitness center. As a student spouse, I can join for less than $10. Two school years ago, it was only $4, but I'm guessing it's gone up some. (Last school year we were out of state while my husband did his internship. That's when I got lazy once it got cold. Even being pregnant didn't motivate me to walk.) Once I feel comfortable leaving my daughter for more than an hour (I'm nursing her and she's only five weeks old), I'm going to join. To get to the gym, I would have to walk.

Somebody suggested that the government might help out. I think there is something to that, even in the US. Although, I think that if one hunts, free/cheap stuff can be found. Personally, my husband and I would have fun just taking our kids on hikes in parks or just to the playground. It's the type of people we are. (My husband half seriously suggested a fall walk in a local state park. If I had a baby sling carrier, I would go for it.)

Gyms are good in theory, I guess. However, everything is good in theory.

Answer 3

What an excellent question. The certainly don't make it easy to join. Initiation fees and long-term memberships. It's a pain-in-the you know what I'm saying...

Look at the debt ratio to the working in this nation...for some reason I don't think it's a priority for some. Speaking for myself, of course, people would just as easily supersize this and mocha-latte that than spend the time on themselves.

Look at the big picture, if this were included in work benefits they would pay a heck of a lot less on insurance premiums!

WoW, what an incentive to get fit. Not only would it be a benefit at work, or provided for by employment, they would have happier, more productive people in an enjoyable environment!

Answer 4

I think people are also lead to believe these days that the only way to get fit and healthy is to join a gym. Most modern day gyms are full of useless machines that will not make any difference to a persons health or body.


You are the Idiot - Try reading what i wrote. My point is that most of the machines in the gym are useless and that is true. I believe Free weights are very good but most gyms these days are full of modern machines that isolate muscles are just crap imitations of free weights and do no or little good and this results in people wasting £100s on membership fees. I have trained in Bodybuilding for 8 years and the people who I see that dont show any improvement are the ones that rely on the machines.

Answer 5

Note that this is not filmed in Britain! Britain has extremely strict guidelines about how the animals are reared and slaughtered. Farms are regularly checked by departments from the Ministry of Agriculture e.g DEFRA and like ours by Freedom Foods. There are also trained people overseeing slaughtering in Abbatoirs now to make sure they meet these guidelines. That is why I would always buy British meat. This is cruel and does happen in other countries. If someone was doing this in Britain they would eventually be caught and prosecuted.

Answer 6

I believe in your argument that's why I avoid those places. It's too costly and I can barely afford it. The goverment really should do more as it would definately help. I would just go for daily runs and alternative forms of exercise as a replacement. If people are willing to get fit, they will find ways of doing it.

Answer 7

i agree 100%. i packed in my membership at la fitness,and havent missed it at all.i built a home gym by picking up peices of equipment here and there ,weights and a bench from argos,punch bag from somewhere else. now it does everything i need.and if i want to go for a run i just hit the road.i couldnt even swipe in to that gym without them trying to sell me something.supplements,energy drinks,even towels.it got beyond a joke.

Answer 8

I am pleased you cant get free gym memberships for dole scum sorry unemployed people, As they get PLENTY of my income tax money in the form of free this and free that. I bet the type of people who say they cant afford gym membership can afford beer and tabs and take-away food though.

Answer 9

I think most people can do physical exercise without going to a gym.

Answer 10

mine has silver card (up to 4.30) and gold card all day,silver is cheaper,though i think there should be a bronze card with limits on gym visits.