Chapter 9: The Fitness Industry in the USA

The United States of America (USA) is regarded as one of the wealthiest, economically diverse and technologically advanced countries in the world. In 2019, the US gross domestic product was valued as $21.43 trillion (Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2020). As of the last quarter of 2019, the median annual wage of an individual American was $48,672 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020). While the economic climate of the USA continues to develop and provide supplemental opportunities for a broader range of Americans, there are a myriad of social issues that would affect the health dynamics of Americans. Due to elevated level of industrialisation, urbanisation and work commitment, many people’s lives in America are getting increasingly stressful, often leading to sedentary lifestyles and chronic diseases (J. J. Zhang, Cianfrone, & Sun, 2015). Racial, ethnic and gender discrimination, immigration status, income disparities, high poverty rates and lower levels of education have also contributed to the overall health status of people living in the USA (Myers, 2009). Many Americans in low-socioeconomic communities across the country are adversely affected by these variables and often have limited access to the necessary resources to live a better, healthier lifestyle (Cassedy et al., 2013). Health clubs (e.g. fitness centres, gyms and boutique fitness studios) and wellness programs would be helpful for Americans, particularly those living in low socioeconomic communities, because they can reduce illness, lower health insurance costs and absenteeism from work (Lam, Zhang, & Jensen, 2005).