YMCA Calls for Investment in Health

While the economy is facing recession, the YMCA Victoria is reporting signs that consumers are taking care of their health and fitness.

As Chief Executive Peter Burns (pictured) reports in a letter to Australasian Leisure Management, "we're actually experiencing an increase in patronage at the community health clubs and aquatic facilities we manage in local communities across the state.

"Overall, there's more of us hitting the gym, doing group fitness classes, and enrolling our kids in swimming lessons than at the same time last year."

Burns believes people are realising that investing in their health and wellness is a helpful response to challenges of a real or imminent nature, adding "maybe more of us are also 'nesting' and staying closer to home, and hence to our communities - and our community facilities - where we feel safest and a sense of belonging.

"Exercising with others, in fact just being with others, is a tried and tested way of improving our physical and mental health, and gives us more 'bang' for our buck.

"So when your Government bonus lands in your bank account, will you be a saver or a 'splurger'? If youâre the latter, go on, give your health and wellbeing a real stimulus. Join a gym, buy a bike, get some hiking boots or running gear for the family, or take up that activity youâve always wanted to try â preferably with someone.

"Keep it up and you'll be in a better state of mind to deal with whatever the Global Financial Crisis, or just everyday life throws at us."

YMCA Victoria is a community based charity which provides recreational and social opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. We work in partnership with many local governments and the State Government, currently managing 106 recreation, leisure and aquatic facilities across the state, and employing more than 5,000 staff.

The article 'Crunch Time' in the January/February 2009 issue of Australasian Leisure Management explored how the leisure industry is facing up to the current economic downturn.

9th February 2009 - 24/7 FITNESS CLUBS OFFER OBESITY SOLUTION