AusLeisure

The largest fitness centre in the Newcastle and Hunter region has seen an increase of 40% in just 12 months in the number of people joining the gym with their 'significant other.'

Figures collected by The Forum health clubs, which operates a health and wellness centre on Newcastle's Honeysuckle Drive and the at University of Newcastle's Sports and Aquatic Centre, also show that those from their late 40s and into their early sixties prefer to join-up and train with their partner.

A recent statement from The Forum explains that "of (our) 15,000 members a significant number are university students but the 'baby boomers' make up almost 11% of the membership, with many of them citing an increased need to improve and maintain their health and general fitness.

"Many of these 'baby boomers' are close to retirement and while their parents may have eased into a more passive lifestyle in their retirement this group are plotting and planning how to enjoy more activity than most of us can even conceive.

"Economic pressures have however, required many of them to stay in the workforce. This means that some need to improve their fitness or maintain it for their job. Others have decided that if they are to stay in an office then they will need to have a balance of activity.

"This group plan on and by all indications will live longer than their parents and certainly a lot longer than their grandparents - and they know it and want to have a quality of life in their retirements.

"These people want to keep up with their grandchildren and they do not want to be overweight.

"The challenge for fitness operators such as The Forum is being able to provide this growing number of boomers with the right mix of entertainment and leisure facilities to keep them busy and satisfied. For the health and wellness industry the message has been coming at us hard and fast.

"The Forum is finding that these people want and need a diverse offering of activities and some flexibility on being able to train and keep fit with their partners, their friends and their family."

The statement concludes that the fitness products and services that their members want include:

• Private training - to keep them committed;
• A range of group fitness from the very physical through to classes that improve balance and core strength;
• Personalised resistance training programs;
• Programs for their kids and grandkids â including learn to swim programs and holiday camps;
• A selection of social sporting competitions; and
• Aqua fitness classes.

For more information go to www.theforum.org.au

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