The photos with queues of people waiting outside a popular fitness chain on Monday morning hit the Internet, even to the surprise of those who have been involved in fitness for years: the reason being the low annual subscription prices that have driven many people to join the particular chain. Does this correspond to the lifestyle and habits of the Greeks? Is it just fashion or a consequence of the obsession to pursue promotions?
Turning to sports
In recent years Greeks have been noticed to turn towards a healthier lifestyle, engaging in sports, both outdoors and indoors. As general secretary of the Hellenic Association of Fitness Centres Doros Kleovoulou explains before the newspaper To Vima, this upward trend and the increased interest in fitness is due to the fact that "people are constantly informed about the significant benefits of exercising. The younger generation of Greeks has connected its daily round to fitness. Many doctors recommend physical activity to their patients, for the purpose of treatment or even as a preventive measure. And with the economic crisis that is passing through the country, perhaps this is a relatively inexpensive and at the same time useful activity."
As explained by 19-year-old Christina from Volos, she has decided to buy an annual subscription card for fitness to get used to systematically exercise according to a programme but also to deal with stress at the university. Moreover, as she states before the newspaper To Vima, she has noticed a change while speaking with colleagues at the university, "I would say that it is a big change. I think they are already tired of overdoing everything and want something better for their lives."
Yava Fitness centres have also slightly contributed to this trend on occasion of the European Week of Sport through a two-day promotion that has attracted many people. The crowds of so many people willing to engage in fitness are surprising even to fitness gym managers.
Fierce competition
Due to the general economic situation in the country, however, the subscriptions for both large chains and small neighbourhood fitness centres have significantly decreased. Therefore, economical packages are now available to those who are looking for a place to exercise. "The managing board of the Hellenic Association of Fitness Centres and the majority of its members have declared themselves against this insane price reduction for the services provided by fitness centres. Over the past decade, before the economic crisis, some fitness chains had begun to cut prices to attract customers," states Doros Kleovoulou. "The unhealthy competition has led to reducing the prices of annual programmes below 100 euro. Mathematically, it is certain that no fitness-related industry (weight loss centres, beauty salons, etc.) offer such low prices. Moreover, it is clear that this low price policy only leads to undermining the prestige of the industry and to deterioration of the services. Not only are such actions not good for the industry, but also create huge problems," continues Doros Kleovoulou.
This price reduction has led to an increase in the number of people engaged in sports, resulting in crowding in fitness centres. After work and between the extracurricular activities of her children Mrs. Lily is trying to include fitness in her daily round by choosing the neighbourhood gym. "I like group programmes, pilates and zumba more. However, since the prices are low, a lot of people gather, and although the hall is big, the atmosphere is stifling and the activities do not take place properly," she says.
"Being a responsible professional organization we urge consumers not to choose a gym based on prices alone. The combination of selection criteria for a gym should include controls on equipment standards, service quality, staff training and qualification, air conditioning and ventilation of premises, etc.", Doros Kleovoulou concludes.
For 28-year-old Olga, fitness has been part of her life over the past four years. As she explains, she tried to seriously engage in fitness in the past, following the fashion of annual subscriptions for fitness chains, but failed. "A compulsory condition for me is the training of instructors and their desire to be with me, as well as the hygiene in the halls for exercise and the changing rooms. I'd rather pay a little more, but not fight for room in a confined place where I go to escape from everyday life among other things," she said.
Outdoor sports
A lot of Greeks resort to the alternative outdoor sports. Every day and especially on weekends, stadiums and parks are full of people of all ages, engaged in jogging and sports. "It makes a good impression that in my neighbourhood I meet many groups or elderly couples, wearing sports clothes, that go for a walk every day. People of all ages run or walk along with young athletes in Grava sports centre on Saturday and Sunday mornings," says Olga. "The way of life of the Greeks has partly changed, people generally want to go in for sports. They let off the steam of their problems in the gym, which is good for us, the instructors," fitness instructor Pantelis Papas states for the newspaper To Vima.
Fitness online
RSS
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
