Fitness is near or at the top of most lists of popular New Year’s resolutions. Fitness Centers count on those December-January signups that by March and April are sometimes left unused. The attrition is often because of loss of interest, but in some cases work travel interferes with regular fitness regimens.
With that in mind, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) created the IHRSA Passport Program, giving members access more than 1,000 clubs worldwide when they travel. Using the TrainAway mobile app, the IHRSA Passport Program provides a 25% discount off the guest pass fee at participating IHRSA facilities across 44 countries, available in English, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Russian.
Members of gyms that are not part of the IHRSA Passport Program can still purchase one-day passes for TrainAway partner gyms at full price.
“The key to making New Year’s fitness resolutions stick is three-fold,” said Tara Verity, IHRSA Senior Service Project Manager, in a statement. “It requires setting realistic goals, maintaining a positive attitude toward exercise, and building a support network to keep it going. Health clubs can help with all three.”
In announcing the app, the not-for-profit IHRSA cited a 2014 study from the Journal of Physical Activity and Health which concluded, “When provided with supervision and support, previously sedentary men and women can achieve and maintain high levels of aerobic activity.”
Health clubs, noted the IHRSA, also provide safe, comfortable spaces for exercising year-round, regardless of the weather. Above all, a supportive health club environment and program, structured for people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels, can be extremely motivational.
