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Fitness American Style II Study
Older Americans See Obesity as Social Problem; Young
Say It Is Healthcare Problem
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"Yoga for Seniors," a new class held at the
Escanaba Senior Center, where men and women 50 and older
practice the gentle mind-body-spirit exercise. It works the
joints and muscles to increase flexibility, strength, balance
and circulation. Yoga is also an antidote for stress and
anxiety. Perhaps best of all for seniors, exercises can be
adapted for different bodies, says a report in the Escanaba, MI,
Daily Press -
click to story. |
Sports Club Sponsors of Study Think Americans Do Not
Have Clear View of Situation
March 15, 2005 - Older Americans are more likely to
say obesity is a social problem, while younger generations are more
likely to say it is a healthcare problem. This suggests that, in the
future, obesity will be addressed directly with medical treatment,
according to the authors of a national study released today.
Fitness American Style II is a follow up to a 2001
research study of how and why Americans exercise that polled 1,400 men
and women to uncover telling trends about Americans' understanding of
health and fitness. It is sponsored by thee International Health,
Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)
The findings are particularly relevant in light of
statistics from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services that
indicate two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese, and more than
50 percent do not get the recommended amount of physical activity, while
25 percent get practically no exercise at all.
According to a 2004 study in the journal Obesity Research, taxpayers end
up paying for more than half of obesity-related medical costs, which
reached a total of $75 billion in 2003. As the younger generation turns
to health clubs to get fit, there is hope that the public burden of
obesity-related medical costs will decrease.
Fitness American Style II revealed that many
Americans aren't worried about their health. Seventy percent of those
surveyed report being "completely or somewhat satisfied" with their
physical health and only 30 percent say losing weight is "essential."
"It's alarming that even though most Americans are
overweight and inactive, they seem to be completely out of touch with
the reality of obesity," said John McCarthy, executive director of IHRSA.
As the percentage of overweight Americans rises to
an all-time high, the popular notion of "health" has tipped along with
the scales. Overweight seems to be the new "norm" in America, while
healthy and fit is becoming more uncommon. Surprisingly, the importance
of maintaining physical appearance has decreased for both men and women
since 2001.
More than three-quarters (76%) of Americans say
obesity is a serious problem. Americans say being overweight is more
unhealthy than drinking 3+ alcoholic drinks or smoking a few cigarettes
per day.
While nearly every person surveyed says that
maintaining good physical health is essential and believes exercise
plays a major role in health, the reality remains that more than
two-thirds of the American population is overweight and lead sedentary
lifestyles. This reveals a huge disconnect between the behaviors and
beliefs of Americans in regards to health and fitness.
Emotional well-being topped American's priority
list (97%), though many continue to say maintaining good physical health
is also essential/important (96%).
The survey results reveal a trend towards an
overall well-being that incorporates both physical and emotional health.
Attitudes towards the importance of money and career rank significantly
below physical health and overall well-being at 75 and 78 percent
respectively, giving a new twist to the "me" mentality.
Current health club members cited the holistic
benefits of exercise, saying they feel better after a workout than they
did before (63%) and that exercise has a positive impact on their
overall physical health (57%), physical appearance (52%),
self-confidence (50%) and fun/enjoyment (50%). Members also say fitness
is just a part of their overall approach to maintaining good health
(49%).
In a pitch for the use of their services, IHRSA
says, Perhaps profiting from the holistic benefits of exercise, many
health club members say they've really "got their act together" (53%)
and feel in control of their lives (47%). Club members (92%) are more
likely than non-members (83%) to be registered to vote and be involved
in their community. Overall, the survey reveals that health club members
are leaders in their communities who have a "work hard, play hard"
attitude, calling into question the validity of the often-used excuse,
"I don't have the time to exercise."
According to IHRSA, survey results indicate that
working out may actually lead to more free time. Health club members
tend to participate in life more fully than non-members, fitting more
activities into their daily lives than non-members, despite having a
regular workout routine.
American Attitudes Toward Exercise
A critical element of the 2001 study revealed that
Americans generally fell into one of six distinct fitness profiles
listed below, though about one in five did not fit into any particular
group. The second study examined how American's fitness personalities
have evolved in the past three years. Balanced Holistics (15%; 2001:
16%) take a balanced approach to exercise. They believe in eating right,
exercising and controlling their emotional well-being.
-- Conscientious Preventors (15%; 2001: 10%) tend
to exercise to prevent health problems.
-- Social Competitors (28%; 2001: 25%) prefer to
exercise in groups and are in good physical shape.
-- Abracadabras (17%; 2001: 18%) tend to be out of
shape but place high importance on looking good. They would prefer to
take a "magic pill" than to exercise.
-- Woulda-Shoulda's (13%; 2001:15%) tend to
understand the importance and value of exercise but do it less
frequently than most Americans.
-- Sitcom Skeptics (12%; 2001: 16%) tend to be down
on exercise and place a higher importance on living clean.
"With the release of the new nutritional
guidelines, which increase the amount of suggested daily exercise,
Americans are more discouraged than ever about incorporating fitness
into their lives," said McCarthy. "The government's message clearly
supports the Conscientious Preventors and the Balances Holistics'
approach to health."
Going to the gym these days is not as intimidating
as many might think, says IHRSA. According to the study, the old club
stereotypes are a thing of the past: only 20 percent of club members
consider them to be "pick up places;" 32 percent believe clubs are only
for fit people; and just 24 percent think clubs are only for the young.
The truth is, says IHRSA, someone entering an average health club would
encounter:
-- Both men (52%) and women (48%)
-- People of all ages: Millennials, Gen Xers,
Boomers and Matures
-- A normal mix of married and single exercisers
(57% of members are married)
An overwhelming majority of club members believe
that health clubs are worth the money if you make good use of them (96%)
and that health clubs are fun (76%). Overall, the study revealed that
clubs are fun, safe, effective and great for anyone trying to improve
their health and well-being.
In the news release, IHRSA, makes a pitch for the
government to help subsidize their efforts.
Current health club members are more likely than
non-members to support government legislation concerning health clubs
and say political candidates should have a position on how to reduce
obesity and that Congress should do more to prevent obesity.
The majority of Americans say they would join a
health club or exercise regularly if the government instated any of the
following:
-- The opportunity to pay lower health
insurance premiums each month (79%)
-- Subsidized health club memberships from
employers (78%)
-- A tax deduction of less than $250 (54%)
To find an IHRSA member health club near you, visit
www.healthclubs.com.
Source: International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub
Association
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