Gym Memberships Increasing in CNY

Gym memberships have been increasing in Central New York, but the prices have been staying the same.

During hard economic times, people usually stop spending money. Luxuries such as vacations and going out to dinner happen less often, so you would assume gym memberships would be on that list. In Central New York, people are actually spending more money on their health during the current recession.

Mark Clary, the program director of Gold’s Gym in DeWitt, says he’s not surprised. “If anything, it might be increasing because people’s value about their health and about the things they can control is being directed toward fitness centers,” said Clary.

Curves for Women in DeWitt has been having a similar increase. Owner Patricia Sawyer thinks it’s because people need to get away from their day to day routine. “Sometimes you’re just here to socialize,” said Sawyer. “You have lot of different things in your life that bother you, and by coming here and working out, you see the benefit of overall improved health.”

Many health club members agree that going to a gym is just as healthy for their social life as it is for their actual health.

Valorie Redford, a member of Curves, agrees. “It helps me keep my sanity,” said Redford. She also says going to the gym has helped her cut back on spending. “If I gain weight I have to buy more clothes,” said Redford. “I really don’t want to do that because that makes the economic times worse.”

The average gym membership in Syracuse costs between 10 and 30 dollars per month.