An article in Athletic Business magazine share some interesting data about the connection between social interaction (online and in real life) and physical activity among gym members. This information translates perfectly to the outdoor fitness arena as well and should be noted by everyone in the parks, recreation and fitness fields.
The article explains:
"Social interaction among health club members should be of critical importance and interest to today's club operators, since an individual's decision to either remain a member or quit can hinge as much on the building of interpersonal relationships as on the building of strength and endurance.
In a 1995 study titled "Social Relationships and Physical Activity in Health Club Members," University of Southern California researchers examined three social variables and found that socializing outside the club with people met at the club was the best predictor of exercise frequency, having friends at the club was the best predictor of the infrequency of skipped workouts, and exercising with a friend was the best predictor of exercise satisfaction. Wrote Jennifer Unger, a professor in USC's Department of Preventive Medicine, "These findings suggest that friendships that involve exercising together and the social contacts that result from exercising in public places such as health clubs may motivate exercise behavior."
Read the entire article here: Social Environments Help Health Clubs with Member Retention.
How important is it for your active customers and athletes to build strong social connections with other like-minded people?
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