Key result
Health club membership was associated with 13.8 times higher odds of meeting both aerobic and resistance physical activity guidelines compared to non-members.
Why the study?
Does health club membership improve physical activity levels and cardiovascular health indicators in adults?
Cross-Sectional (n=405)
Does health club membership improve physical activity levels and cardiovascular health indicators in adults?
Odds Ratio: 13.8 (95% CI 8.5–22.4)
Absolute Event Rate: 75% vs 18%
Health club membership is strongly associated with meeting physical activity guidelines and having more favorable cardiovascular risk factors, including lower resting heart rate and higher cardiorespiratory fitness.
Health club membership was associated with higher PA guideline adherence; cross-sectional data leave open causality and should not yet change practice.
INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates whether a health club membership is associated with meeting the US physical activity (PA) guidelines and/or favorable cardiovascular health. METHODS: Using cross-sectional data of health club members (n = 204) and non-members (n = 201) from April to August 2013, this is the first study to our knowledge to examine a health club membership in relation to objectively measured cardiovascular health indicators including resting blood pressure, resting heart rate, body mass index, waist circumference, and cardiorespiratory fitness based on a non-exercise test algorithm. To determine the total PA and sedentary time, this study used a comprehensive PA questionnaire about both aerobic and resistance activities at the health club, as well as lifestyle activities in other settings, which was developed based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS: The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of meeting either the aerobic, resistance, or both aerobic and resistance PA guidelines for members compared to non-members were 16.5 (9.8-27.6), 10.1 (6.2-16.3), and 13.8 (8.5-22.4), respectively. Significant associations of health club membership with more favorable cardiovascular health outcomes and sedentary behavior were observed for resting heart rate (B: -4.8 b/min, p<0.001), cardiorespiratory fitness (B: 2.1 ml/kg/min, p<0.001), and sedentary time (B: -1.4 hours, p<0.001). Participants with a health club membership of >1 year had more favorable health outcomes, with a smaller waist circumference (men, B: -4.0 cm, p = 0.04; women, B: -3.4 cm, p = 0.06), compared to non-members. CONCLUSIONS: Health club membership is associated with significantly increased aerobic and resistance physical activity levels and more favorable cardiovascular health outcomes compared to non-members. However, longitudinal, randomized controlled trials would be clearly warranted as cross-sectional data prohibits causal inferences.
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Schroeder et al. (2017) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiovascular health and physical activity (n=405). Health club membership vs. Non-members was evaluated on Meeting both aerobic and resistance physical activity guidelines (OR 13.8, 95% CI 8.5-22.4). Health club membership was associated with 13.8 times higher odds of meeting both aerobic and resistance physical activity guidelines compared to non-members.
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