Over 50s find love at the gym
27 July 2006
Treadmills and yoga classes are getting today’s over 50s hearts racing for all the right reasons with 75,000 of them saying they have found love at the gym. Saga discovered cupid at work on the cross trainer in research conducted to coincide with the roll out of its partnership with David Lloyd Leisure to offer special membership packages for over 50s.
One in three (32%) over 50s were shown to exercise more than four hours a week (12% more than under 50s), and statistics confirmed that they are as likely as under 50s to pick up a date whilst they are at it. Despite these favourable odds for finding love at the gym 93% are primarily motivated to exercise to keep fit.
With one in five visiting a health club or gym, the study also showed that older people are more comfortable in their own skin - more than twice as many 16-24 year olds said they did not visit a health club as they were intimidated by fellow gym users, than those aged 55-64.
However, many over 50s are put off health club membership by financial considerations. A third say they do not like the idea of paying a joining fee, four in ten say they do not want to commit to a 12 month membership and 44% simply find it too expensive.
Andrew Goodsell, Chief Executive, Saga comments: “We have discovered there is a great demand amongst over 50s to enjoy the benefits of health club memberships, not least for the possibility to socialise and meet new people. In addition, keeping fit and healthy for today’s over 50s is not about punishing workout routines. They take a much more holistic approach to health, focussing on eating well and relaxation as well as exercise. This is why Saga’s partnership with David Lloyd Leisure is so appropriate, as well as offering the most up to date exercise equipment there are also excellent facilities for relaxing with friends.”
Saga’s partnership with David Lloyd Leisure offers special and exclusive membership terms to today’s over 50s which include:
a two week refundable trial membership
no joining fee
an exclusive free healthcheck, which includes checks on blood pressure, bone muscle strength and body mass index.
These special terms which should encourage even more over 50s to keep active, are now being rolled out across the country. They are currently available at David Lloyd Leisure clubs in Bristol, Southampton, Solihull and Birmingham, with plans to be nationwide by the end of the year.
