Esporta Survey Reveals Changing Use Of Health Clubs

For many people, the thought of visiting a gym means getting sweaty and burning calories, yet a MORI survey commissioned by Esporta plc shows that in fact, given the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon at a health club, less than a third of women would choose to work out.

The diverse range of facilities at luxury health clubs like Esporta means that women would prefer to relax in the Jacuzzi, sauna or spa (51%), have a manicure, facial or massage (48%), take a dip in the pool (46%) or enjoy lunch with friends (44%). In fact women were just as likely to choose to relax with a book or the papers (31%) as they were to work out in the gym, take an aerobics class or play tennis.

Men too, it appears, would prefer to use health clubs to relax and unwind. Over half of those questioned (53%) would choose to swim in the pool, with two in five (42%) preferring to relax in the Jacuzzi, sauna or spa. A similar proportion (39%) said they would workout in the gym, take a class or play tennis.

Commenting on the results, Douglas Waddell, Esporta's Operations Director, says: "Health clubs are no longer just a place where people go to get in shape, and this research reflects the population's changing attitude to leisure time. Our company mission is 'to help people feel good about life' and we have therefore designed clubs with comprehensive facilities for the whole family to enjoy."

"Of course, all 38 of our clubs offer incredibly extensive fitness facilities -- and in addition members can enjoy superb restaurants and bars, beauty spas, relaxation areas and activity zones designed for the children. Many Esporta clubs also feature hairdressers, physiotherapists and sports shops."

"Our success is based on our knowing what members and potential members want from a health club. Anticipating people's leisure needs is essential as we continue to open more clubs across the UK and Europe in the coming years."

Editor's note:

This release presents the findings of a survey conducted by MORI on behalf of Esporta.

The questions were placed on MORI's Omnibus, and a nationally representative quota sample of 2,009 adults were interviewed throughout Great Britain by MORI/Field & Tab across 194 constituency-based sampling points.

Interviews were carried out using CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing) face-to-face in respondents' homes between 9-14 August 2001. Data have been weighted to reflect the national population profile.