what moves you?


It’s a new year, which means you’ve most likely just made a FITNESS RESOLUTION. Te first thought might be to sign up for a gym membership, and you certainly wouldn’t be alone:


SINCE 2016 IN AMERICA


36,000 fitness centers 57.25 million members


12% of them signing up in January.


Unfortunately, most of those new members will stop going after six months, according to the Fitness Industry Association. Although gym memberships have steadily risen by 18.6% between 2008 and 2014, a study reported by RealBuzz notes that 80% of Americans don’t even use their gym memberships.


Te US government recommends that adults get at least 2.5 hours of moderate intensity aerobic exercise, 15 minutes of vigorous activity, and two muscle work out sessions per week. If that sounds like a lot, you’re in the majority: a 2013 report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that 80% Americans didn’t meet that recommendation. At that time, the most active adults could be found in the western United States, the fittest in Colorado, while West Virginia and Tennessee were home to the most lethargic. However, the average daily participation


in sports and exercise has been on the steady rise: according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 15.9% of Americans over the age of 15 were engaged in exercise on a regular day in 2005, while that rate grew to 19.5% by 2015.


Te same study noted that walking is the most popular physical activity in America, distantly followed by weight lifting, cardiovascular equipment, and running. More than half of Americans prefer to exercise alone, about a fourth exercise with family members, and only about 3% exercise with coworkers.


Along with your resolution, you may have sworn to complete your first half or full marathon. Although participation has continued a small decline since 2014, 507,600 people completed marathons while 1.9 million completed half marathons in 2016. Women in their late thirties are the largest demographic, and the New York City, Chicago, and Boston marathons are the most popular.


Your destination has a unique opportunity to host and reward exercise, of which the health and societal benefits are lengthy. Consider opening your doors to races, like the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s Cheetah Run, or renting space to trainers to run fitness classes. Attractions could also offer discounts to guests who can present registration confirmation or participation medals from local fitness events.


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