Gyms Take Action in Response to Economic Woes

The bad economy has created many stories of how it has affected every day people.

Hard times does not mean you have to loose or give up you gym membership.

Many gyms like the YMCA have given scholarships to people facing hardships.

The YMCA has 11,000 memberships between Federick county.  10 to 15 percent of their memberships have been given financial assistance.  Recently they have added a few additional deals to help their member's.deal with the poor economy.  When people loose their jobs they have granted them some options.  You have to submitt documentation of job loss a 30 day grace period in which your fee is waived.  If a member has to cancel ther membership, they can rejoin with no membership fee.

They will also refund newly unemployed members who have signed up for programs and camps if they haven't been used.

The YMCA has child care services.  Normally there is a two week notice requirement.  if a parent has lost their job then two weeks notice isn't required.

There has been a decrease in YMCA memberships.  Many members have been talking about them loosing their jobs.

The YMCA is a non-profit 501 3(c) , the funds for scholarships are raised through the community.

A major fundraising program is it's Annual Campaign for kids.  Local leaders contact community members to raise money for financial assitance.

A single mom, Naiomi and her children have been taking advantage of the Y's scholarships.  Other wise they wouldn't be able to afford a membership.

The YMCA and other local fitness centers have had to deal with the economy. 

Last December, Fitness First started lowering their membership from $34 to $29 a month.  Members get five free week passes for friends and family.

Memberships in fitness centers are down but apparently interest is up.

Gold's gym is offering a zero intiation fee.

Planet Fitess charges $10 a month with $29,00 start up fee.

Now is the time to get fit.  Membership's fees are dropping.  It is alot more fun exercising with other's around.  Perhaps you'll meet new friends and be able to drop a size or two.

The factor that exercise helps when you are stressed, (especially about money) will help you feel better and deal with your problems.  Go out there and look for the deals in joining a fitness program and start exercising.  Stay healthy and let those endorphins kick in.  The fact you did something good for yourself will put a smile on your face and help you deal with the economic woes we are facing.   

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Read the full story at Frederick News-Post Online