New York Times article: "Full Service Gyms Feel a Bit Flabby"

I have some dear clients who forward articles to me and keep their ears to the ground about fitness trends in the media.
Thank you!!! Misha sent me this one last week:

It used to feel worthwhile to commit to an annual membership at an everything-and-the-kitchen sink gym featuring high-spirited classes, top-of-the-line cardio machines, weights — and perhaps a shot at striking up a conversation with Ms. Lithe sipping a post-workout smoothie.

But these days, the idea of a full-service gym is as stale as yesterday’s sweat-soaked towel. Up to 45 percent of fitness-club members quit going in any given year, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association.

For all their ads promising to stir motivation, gyms have failed to do so. “Up until the last six years, it’s been relatively easy to sell memberships, and to replace people going out the back door with people coming through the front door,” said Michael Scott Scudder, a consultant who advises health clubs and conducts up to 15 industry surveys annually. “Not so anymore. We’ve come to a point that we can’t sell enough membership in the industry to cover the attrition rate."

read full article

Feels pretty great to know that my gut proved right almost five years ago. Maybe this article is just some more proof that business built on shaky core values just get weeded out in the long run (like making people sign contracts or overselling memberships knowing the majority of people don't use their memberships). As the fitness industry matures so do wary consumers. Can't wait to see what the fitness industry will look like 10 years from now.