Live healthy and benefit from the bonus system
The fitness industry can look back on a record annual turnover of around one billion francs. This puts Switzerland in third place in Europe behind Germany and Great Britain. For the Swiss, it's not just about their health when they do sports and go to the gym.
The health insurers' bonus system is also quite attractive and often linked to a fitness subscription. However, it is also noticeable that many who are aiming for a gym membership no longer renew it when the probationary year is over. The desire for more fitness can therefore not always outlast the good resolutions for the new year.
This is where the Swiss Fitness and Health Center Association comes in and has launched a bonus system. This is intended to reward all the Swiss who maintain a healthy lifestyle. The corresponding study in collaboration with the University of Basel wanted to develop a validated method with which the effects of training in the fitness center on the physical health of the participants can be proven.
Sport in regional fitness studios
Most amateur athletes opt for a fitness studio in the immediate vicinity, only if they have special athletic wishes (e.g. kickboxing) are further routes accepted. This is understandable to the extent that every commercial fitness studio has action and weights for appropriate training.
However, individual needs usually determine the environment in which the Swiss like to do sports. Classic fitness equipment is just as much a focus as holistic concepts or special work-outs, yoga or integrated wellness offers. The following groupings can be identified:
- Pragmatic fitness types
Above all, the Swiss who practice fitness more pragmatically and also want to read the newspaper while exercising, have a chat with a friend or need medical therapy to strengthen their muscles train here. - Sensual fitness types
They want to find their inner center while exercising and are looking for sports like yoga and pilates to build both muscles and endurance. - Spirited fitness types
Her focus is on dances and strength building, and Zumba classes, Latino dances and aerobics are mainly taken. - Powerful fitness types
These fitness types are happy to combine boxing or kickboxing with relaxing wellness programs. Back exercises, yoga and kung fu are offered here in conjunction.
Cooperations are trendy
The Swiss fitness studios no longer rely on sole activity, but are happy to bring external partners on board. This is where the catchphrase of functional training falls, which is now considered a health-oriented sport.
The training is supported by physiotherapists and doctors who use the targeted exercises to recommend options against the more common diseases of affluence. This training takes into account the physical requirements as well as the trainee's own needs.
Doctors and health insurance companies have caught the trend here and more functional training courses of this kind are being prescribed and paid for by insurance companies. This creates an incentive for more exercise that will soon become a matter of course in everyday life.
Conclusion: The fitness boom continues unabated in Switzerland
For some years now, the trend towards a healthier lifestyle with more exercise can be seen in the increasing number of members of the fitness center. However, not all Swiss stay with their sport, the fluctuation of the members is high. Associations, doctors and physiotherapists try to build networks and, as cooperating partners, contribute to encouraging people to exercise more and to counteract diseases of affluence through regulations. Bonus systems from health insurers also help motivate the insured to join the fitness studio.
