Gym, 31% of members last three months

How long do they last? good resolutions for September? Above all, the most inflated, that of join the gym (and maybe hang out with her)? Not too much. A recent research commissioned by Trustpilot investigated preferences and habits when it comes to resuming or starting a fitness journey, revealing interesting trends and motivations.

The analysis shows for example that 39% of members go to the gym every other day while the22% limit themselves to once a week. However, there is a significant 20% who declare they have never signed up. Among those who took the step, 31% went to the gym for more than three months before quitting while only 11% continue to attend regularly. In short, the dropout rate is very high. Although, to be fair, the gym is certainly not the only way to stay in shape.

Returning to the starting point, 68% of Italians declare that they have considered joining a gym as one of their good intentions for September while 21% say they have never included this goal in their list. Finally, 11% confess that they will not make any good resolutions in the month of recovery.

When it comes to choosing the right gym, so when you decide to take the step, the Registration and subscription costs are the most important factor for more than one in two Italians (53%). They are followed by cleaning andhygiene of the structure, which affect 50% of people while thelocation of the gym is decisive for 47%. Other relevant factors include the Opening hours (40%), the modernity and maintenance of tools (33%), the experience of the instructors (32%) and the general environment (30%).

How much is word of mouth worth?

The choice of gym is often guided by the word of mouth: 43% of Italians rely on recommendations from friends and family. However, a good percentage prefer to visit the facilities personally (41%) or do research on the internet (28%). Among the methods through which to obtain information, the Online reviews influence one in four Italianswhile social media represent a source for 18%. In short, the world of gyms is still not very digital from the point of view of information and marketing but it is progressively changing.

“September is now considered a month of great resolutions, almost like January, and for many Italians the gym becomes a focal point of the desire for personal renewal. The results of our research not only confirm the importance of choosing the right gym, but also highlight how the selection process is evolving”, confirms James Bettazzihead of marketing Italy at Trustpilot. «While word of mouth remains fundamental, it is interesting to note how more and more people rely on online reviews to make an informed decision; this trend reflects a growing need for transparency and trust in choices related to personal well-being, values ​​that for us at Trustpilot are fundamental».

For many, however, the key to staying committed to the gym is a motivating and positive environmenta factor indicated by 46% of the interviewees. personalized training programs and the Discounted rates for long-term subscription plans are equally important elements, each chosen by 37% of respondents. The continuous support from a personal trainer and the variety of courses offered are considered crucial by 36% and 29%, respectively.

As for subscriptions, 31% of respondents continued to pay for the gym even after they stopped going there – probably because it is tied to half-yearly or annual plans – and for 23% found it difficult to unsubscribe. However, only 16% forgot they were still paying for a membership after they stopped going.