Fitness goals trump money worries for most

HASTINGS, Minn., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Among U.S. adults who already belong to fitness clubs, 60 percent say they will keep their current memberships, a survey indicates.

Despite the tough economy, a recent consumer survey for Anytime Fitness says that most Americans are not willing to give up their health club memberships, but are taking costs into consideration.

Among those who already belong to fitness clubs, 60 percent say they will keep their current memberships, but 23 percent plan to downsize to more affordable health clubs. When choosing health clubs, 54 percent of all surveyed say that cost is the most important factor they consider, but 21 percent selected convenience or atmosphere as top considerations.

Of those surveyed, 43 percent say health and weight loss were the primary motivators behind their desire to start or stick with an exercise program. Sixteen percent of those surveyed say that improving their appearance motivated them most, while 8 percent say they worked out primarily to reduce stress.

The survey, conducted by Opinion Research Corp., was conducted on Dec. 25 and 26 and included responses from a nationwide sample of 1,090 people -- 568 women, 522 men. No margin of error was given.