When it comes to encouraging people to exercise, the fitness industry can use all the help it can get – maybe even from a higher power. A 2003 Harris Interactive survey found that 90 percent of adults in the U.S. believe in God. That’s A LOT of people! By comparison, only 10 percent of people in the U.S. belong to fitness centers. Maybe the fitness industry could get a boost from religion.
According to an article in the Montgomery Advertiser, many fitness pros and enthusiasts are taking the Biblical principle, “your body is a temple,” to heart. In addition to church-hosted group exercise classes and diet support groups, community fitness centers that offer faith-based fitness programs are beginning to pop up.
One example is Holy Spirit Gym in Costa Mesa, Calif. The fitness center is open to everyone, but features Bible scripture on the wall, and Christian music over the sound system.
Another facility, Fit 4 Christ, in Montgomery, Ala., plays Christian and gospel music, and offers weekend spiritual programs, prayer partners, and daily devotionals and Bible study. “People are finally identifying the connection between being physically fit and being spiritually in tune, and they’re inspired to do something,” says owner Antonio King.
While these examples are Christian-based, there are also facilities that cater to Muslim women, the JCC caters to the Jewish community, and many yoga and mind/body studios have a new-age/spiritual approach.
Of course, most fitness centers wouldn’t succeed with a religious-based theme, but some could and do. With so many believers out there, and so many untapped potential members, maybe this is one approach that could get more people into fitness centers. For those who haven’t responded to other types of motivation, maybe God is the answer. For fitness centers looking to fill a niche in their community, maybe God is also the answer.
No comments:
Post a Comment