The Desire for Fitness - Essay Example

Formal Report I. Introduction The desire for fitness is inherent to every individual. This is a concern of everyone regardless of age and sex. Sengupta (2010) significantly highlighted the importance of fitness. He stated that “ Fitness is an important component of our life. . . Inadequate exercise leads to weight gain and obesity. Lack of physical activity is mainly responsible for many health complications in children and youngsters. To prevent these health troubles, a proper fitness regimen is utmost essential for everyone.” Likewise, according to ( Dalleck and Kravitz, 2002), one of the greatest accomplishments at the onset of the 21st century is the continuous pursuit of fitness since the beginning of our existence. Fitness remains to be paramount to health and well-being. In cognizance of the recognized importance of fitness in the life of everyone, fitness centers or health clubs commonly known as a gym emerged almost everywhere. Fitness gyms cater to almost all age groups but usually to teens, adults and even elderly. The Fitness Center is a health, recreational and social facility geared towards exercise, sports and other physical activities. It may be for a for-profit commercial facility or a community or institutionally supported center. A successful facility will accommodate both the serious athlete and the casual recreational user. (Mion, E.G. 2010) It was found that fitness centers in the past 20 years have not only proven to be popular and very much in demand by fitness conscious consumers but also a very profitable business opportunity. There are many aspects to carefully consider prior to starting a fitness center. However, with careful research and proper planning fitness center can be a fabulous business to start, operate, and own not to mention that it also has the potential to be very profitable. Opening a fitness center requires careful planning and research and the following are some aspects of the business that should be considered: Where will the fitness center be located, how much square footage would be required/ focus of the business (caters to all people or one specific group, service (Will the center be full service meaning optional aerobic classes and one-on-one personal training for clients, staff, marketing, competition(How much does the competition charge?). ( Business Idea Center: Fitness Center) The fitness centers shall continue to be a profitable business venture. It may also important to know that top fitness trends for 2011 include fitness programs for older adults and battling childhood obesity among others.” (Zeligs, 2011) In view of the above considerations, I have chosen the topic on fitness gym to gain valuable information and insights regarding management of a business project such as this as a possible profitable undertaking in the future. II. The Problem The research question to be answered is: What are the criteria for a successful Fitness Gym. Specifically, the research shall seek to answer the following questions: 1, What are the profiles of respondents in terms of Age and Gender? 2. What are the specific criteria for the following aspects: Location of the Gym Facilities Type of Clientele Service Staff Marketing Price III. Scope and Limitation of the Study The study is focused on the determination of criteria for a successful fitness gym using samples from three fitness gyms. IV. Significance of the Study This study is deemed relevant and significant as it addressed the following concerned persons and entities: To the fitness centers enthusiasts and consumers to provide them valuable information for choosing the best gym for them; To the present entrepreneurs of fitness centers for information and insights for the successful operation of their business; To the would be proprietors of fitness centers for the careful planning of this type of business undertaking; To future researchers on the same topic on fitness gym; and To the concerned entities responsible for the improvement of policies and standards for Fitness Centers. IV. Definition of Terms The following terms are operationally defined : 1. Fitness - As described by the American Heritage Dictionary, fitness is the state or condition of being fit, suitability or appropriateness. It also refers to good health or physical condition especially as the result of exercise and proper nutrition. Fitness means being able to perform physical activity. It also means having the energy and strength to feel as good as possible. . . (WebMD, 2008) 2. Gym - A health club (also known as a fitness club, fitness center, and commonly referred to as a gym) is a place which houses exercise equipment for the purpose of physical exercise. Ali Hale wrote that the word “gym” is a contraction of “gymnasium” derived from the ancient Greek word gymnasium. The ancient Greek gymnasiums were places where athletes trained for public games such as the Olympics. 3. Criteria - noun (plural form). The singular form is criterion. Oxford Dictionaries define criterion as a principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided. 4. Equipment - The World English Dictionary defines equipment as a set of tools, devices, kit, etc. assembled for a specific purpose. Gym Equipment has either of two functions. Resistance training equipment strengthens the muscles and enhances muscular endurance. Examples are fee weights, barbells, etc. Aerobic equipment, such as stair-steppers, elliptical machines and stationary bikes burn calories and improve cardiovascular functioning.(Livestrong .com/Guide to Gym Equipment) V. Research Methods and Procedures This section deals with the methods and procedures utilized by the researcher in the conduct of this research. This includes the research design, data gathering instrument, data gathering procedure and statistical treatment of data. A. Research Design The researcher used the descriptive method as it involves the identification and analysis of the criteria for a successful fitness gym. For this purpose, questionnaires were used as the main instrument in gathering the data needed. B. Respondents of the Study The respondents of the study were a total of 15 consumers of three fitness gyms located within a locality. C. Data Gathering Instrument The researcher used a structured survey questionnaire as the main tool to obtain the necessary information for the study. The questionnaire is intended to gather information as to the features and requirements that would ensure the success of a fitness center/gym. These are along the following areas/aspects: location, facilities, service, type of clientele, staff, marketing and price. Thus, there are ten basic questions to be answered by the respondents using a rating scale as follows: 1 – Strongly agree, 2 - Agree 3 – –Disagree and 4 – Strongly Disagree. Further, 2 additional questions to solicit general observations of by the respondents were included for them to specify at least three positive observations about the gyms and also three weaknesses which they noted. D. Data Gathering Procedures The researcher first reviewed the sources/materials to be used in order to gain information and valuable insights on the topic under study. The questionnaire was personally administered to the respondents by the researcher using a non-probability sampling with permission from the owner/proprietor of the three gyms. The researcher assured the respondents that all information shall be treated with utmost confidentiality. Accomplished questionnaires were immediately reviewed right there in the gyms for any deficiency/incomplete responses. Responses were interpreted in terms of the seven aspects of a gym using the rating scale mentioned above, Further, the positive observations about the gym and weaknesses they found were also tabulated to determine the commonalities on their observations. VI. Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data This section presents the analysis and interpretation of data gathered by the researcher and describes the result of each statistical treatment. The data gathered are presented in tabular form. 1. Profile of the Customers/Clients The following tables present the profile of the customers/clients of the two fitness gyms. Table 1 Descriptive Statistics - Gender Frequency Distribution GENDER FREQUENCY PERCENT Male 10 67.0 Female 5 33.0 Total 15 100.0 Descriptive Statistics - Age Frequency Distribution AGE FREQUENCY PERCENT 15 - 19 2 13.0 20 - 24 7 47.0 25 - 29 3 20.0 30 - 34 0 0 35 - 39 2 13.0 40 - 44 1 7.0 Total 15 100.0 Table 1 above shows that majority of respondents are males constituting 10 males (67%) and the remaining are 5 females (33%). On the other hand, 7 or 47% of respondents belong to the age group of 20-24. Further, the average age of respondents is within 20 -24 years old. Table 3 Gym Responsiveness Survey The table below contains the responses of 15 fitness gym consumers on the aspects and description of their respective gyms using a rating scale as follows: 1 - strongly agree 2 - agree 3 - disagree and 4 - strongly disagree. It also contain ranking in terms of the extent of responses. Questions 1 Rank 2 Rank 3 Rank 4 Rank 1. The gym is accessible and convenient for me. 13 1 2 9 - - 2. The gym serves all age groups. 11 3 4 7 - - 3. The gym serves both male and female consumers. 13 1 2 9 - - 4. The group exercise classes are great for fitness, fun and meeting new people. 10 4 4 7 1 2 - 5. The gym has a complete set of equipment: resistance training and aerobic equipment. 8 7 6 2 1 2 - 6. The staff/instructors are professional and well-trained. 6 10 8 1 1 2 - 7. The price for classes and services are affordable and reasonable. 9 5 6 2 - - 8. The gym has a marketing scheme for membership and walk-in customers. 8 7 6 2 1 2 - 9. Personal training is available to members for training, fitness advice and consultation. 9 5 5 5 1 2 - 10. Parking space is a major consideration in choosing the gym. 7 9 5 5 2 1 1 1 Table 3 above shows that the first four items that obtained the highest scores for “strongly agree” ratings are : items 1 to 4 which indicate that respondents are highly considering these items as their favored aspects of a gym or which they consider as “musts” for a gym. The first two items getting both rank 1 are on the accessibility of location of the gym and that the gyms serve both male and female clientele. The rest of the ranks from 5 to 10 are distributed accordingly with item 6 getting the lowest rank which shows the need and great importance of staff/instructor to be professional and well-trained. With regard to “agree” ratings, table 3 further indicates that the first four items getting the highest ranks are items 6, 7,5, and 8. It should be noted rank 1 is on item 6 regarding staff/instructor are professional and well-trained which got the lowest rank (10) in the assessment of the strongly agree ratings. This indicates that the respondents are considering item 6 to be one feature of a gym that should be considered by management. Further, the data indicates that said items, 6, 7, 5 and 8 are the first four items receiving minimum consideration by management in its operation. The column on Disagree ratings indicates that there are only minimal number of responses accounting an average of 1 for items 4, 5, 8, 9 and 2 for item 10. This indicates that the gyms have more acceptable and adequate features. The Strongly Disagree rating is only 1 for item 10 which is about parking space as a major consideration in choosing a gym which indicates that parking space is indeed an important feature of a gym for consideration. Positive Observations and Weaknesses Found by Respondents Positive Observations: On Location 1. Gym is accessible On facility 1. Hot shower is available 2. Gym is very clean 3. Functional equipment On Staff/Instructor 1. Instructors are friendly and approachable 2. Instructors teach very well. On Prices 1. Reasonable price 2. Good price Weaknesses: 1. Limited equipment (e.g.treadmill) 2. Cleanliness of the facility 3. Use of locker is not free. VII. Summary of Findings The summary of findings of this study is indicated as follows: 1. Majority of the consumers of fitness gyms are males as revealed during the conduct of the survey that the samples consist of 10 males (67%) and 5 females (33%). 2. The average age of fitness gym consumers is within the agree group of 20 – 24 years old. 3. The following aspects of gyms are given much consideration by management as revealed in the strongly agree ratings by respondents. a. Accessibility b. Clientele, meaning , the gym serves all age groups (kids, teens, adults and older adults). c. The fitness gym serve both male and female consumers. d. The classes and services are opportunities not only for fitness but for fun and meeting new people which make stay in the fitness gym rewarding and enjoyable. 4, The aspect of gym related to staff/instructor received the lowest rank (10) in the strongly agree ratings and ranked first in the Agree ratings. This indicates the great need for professional staff/instructor as the study shows it is only given minimum consideration by management. 5. The first 5 ranking items with Agree ratings such as 6, 5,7, 8 indicate that these items are only given minimum consideration by management. These items are on staff/instructors are professional and well-trained, complete set of equipment, price for classes and services are affordable and reasonable, and marketing scheme. 6. With regard to the disagree ratings, there is only I response each for items 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 2 responses on item 10 are minimal and may not greatly affect other ratings on said items related to group exercise classes, complete set of equipment, staff/instructors are professional and well trained, marketing scheme, personal training and parking space respectively. 7. There is only 1 response for strongly agree ratings which is on item 10 regarding parking space as one consideration in choosing a fitness gym goes to prove that parking space should be greatly considered by gym management. VII. Conclusions and Recommendations Based on the results of this study, the criteria to be considered for a fitness center to have greater chance to succeed are Accessibility of gym in terms of location Clientele – all age groups (kids, teens, adults and older adults) and both males and females Programs and services are interesting and both an opportunity for fitness, fun and socialization and meeting new people. Staff/Instructors while well-trained must be professional and know how to deal with people, and personal Facility is very clean with a complete set of equipment While prices are affordable and reasonable, they should include free use of facility items like lockers, etc. Adequate information on marketing scheme for membership and walk-in clients. Other services like personal training available to members. Parking space for fitness gym consumers. The above criteria if followed would give a proprietor/owner of a fitness gym greater advantage to succeed and compete with highly established fitness gyms in their respective areas. However, it may be well to consider also the existing fitness industry problems as stated by Pat Rigsby (2010) such as a focus on everything but results, the typical health clubs approach to business which means they do nothing more than rent their members access to equipment and has little effort. if any in building relationships with members, and personal trainers which do not respect their profession which also indicates more focus on trainers being better trainers, among others, Along this line, fitness trends for 2011 ( e.g. fitness programs and services for youths and elderly, battling childhood obesity) be a guide for fitness center proprietors/owners for ensuring success of the business. The study proposes a course of action for proprietors/owners of fitness centers/gyms to carefully review/study their operations to determine the gaps and weaknesses based on the criteria for a successful fitness gym enumerated above, the current fitness industry problems and fitness trends for 2011 and institute further strengthening and improvements where necessary. On these factors would largely depend the greater chance of a fitness center/gym to succeed. Bibliography Basic Business Research Methods. (online) available: http://managementhelp.org/research/ research.htm Business Center Idea. Fitness Center. (online) available: http:www.entrepreneur.com/ business.ideas/157.html Dalleck, Lance C. and Kravitz, Len. The History of Fitness. (online) available: http://www. drlenkravitz.com/Articles/history.html Doug. The Top Ten Fitness Trends for 2011. (online) available: http://www.healthhabits.ca/ 2010 /11/02/top-ten-fitness-trends-2011/ Hale, Ali. The Rise of the Gym Through History. (online) available: http://www.diet-blog.com/09/the_rise_of_the_gym_through_history.php Mercer, Lisa. Guide to Gym Equipment. (online) available: http://www.livestrong. com/article/238241-guide-to-gym-equipment/ Mion, Eric G. Fitness Centers. (online) available: http://www.wbdg.org/design/fitness_centers. php Oak, Manali. Benefits of Physical Fitness. (online) http://www.buzzle.com/articles/benefits-of-physical-fitness.html Rigsby, Pat. Fitness Industry Problems: An Opportunity for You. (online) available: http://fitbusinessinsider.com/fitness-industry-problems-an-opportunity-for-you/ Rigsby, Pat. What I Think is Wrong with the Fitness Industry (online) available http//fitbusinessinsider.com/what-i-think- is- wrong- with- the –fitness-industry/ Sengupta, Saptakee. Why is Fitness Important. (online) available: http://www.buzzle.com /articles/why-is-fitness-important.html Valdez, Alan. What is the Meaning of the Descriptive Method in Research? (online) available: http://www.ehow.com/about_6663890_meaning-descriptive-method-research_.html WebMD. Health and Fitness. (online) available: http://www.webmd.com. Updated August 2008 Weighted Mean Formula. (online) available: http://www.tutorvista.com/math/weighted-mean-formula Zeligs, Natasha. Top Fitness Trends for 2011. (online) available: http://www.bodyrenewal.org/ blog/2011/01/top-fitness-trends-for-2011/ Read More