In the good, old days exercise was a part of life, especially for people in rural communities. You got your cardio workout walking or bicycling from one place to the other. You strengthened and toned muscles by working outside or doing housework. Now, people turn to health clubs and fitness centers to "get moving." According to the 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment in the fitness industry continues to grow, even during recession. This is due to the continued growth in health and fitness clubs across the nation, even in small communities such as Prospect, Kentucky.
Demographics
City-data.com reports that as of July 2009, Prospect's population was 5,838. The median age was 42.6, evenly distributed between males and females. The median household income was $131,493. This compares with a state median income of $41,538. Prospect is located in Northeast Jefferson County about 30 miles from Louisville, the state's largest city. Most of the residents commute from Prospect to Louisville to work. This is the clientele served by the five fitness clubs located in Prospect.
Types
Coach's Fitness Club and Snap Fitness have standard weight resistance training and cardio workout machines. Snap Fitness offers individualized strength training for all ages. Curves is for women only and has a 30-minute cardio/strength program blending aerobic exercise with strength training machines on a circuit. Custom Fitness has an indoor boot camp at the center and does personalized, individual training in the home. Core Pilates offers conditioning classes to tone and strengthen using a Pilates Reformer and mat classes to focus on core strength.
Special Features
Coach's Fitness is a small, neighborhood club that features fitness instead of bodybuilding. Thirty-minute workout programs are designed for people 45 and over. Custom Fitness offers in-home, specific training in golf fitness and back pain relief. Core Pilates stresses inner harmony and strength to create outer beauty. Although all the centers have a schedule to accommodate the working person, Snap Fitness is open 24 hours, seven days a week. All of the centers feature a weight loss and nutrition program, but Curves' nutrition program focuses on the nutritional needs of women.
Memberships
Coach's Fitness, Snap Fitness and Curves are membership fitness centers. Memberships are usually for one year and are paid monthly. There is also a one-time enrollment fee. Individual training sessions are not included in the membership packages. Curves has no individualized training. Custom Fitness and Core Pilates are pay as you go for classes. Individual sessions are also pay as you go, and price is dependent upon the qualifications of the instructor.
Benefits
The fitness centers in Prospect offer the residents a convenient, affordable way to lose weight, build muscle tone and strength, increase stamina and maintain overall health and fitness. There are a variety of group classes as well as individualized training and diet and nutritional counseling. There are testimonials from club members that validate the benefits of regular exercise and attention to diet.
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