Summer Not Sunny Season for Weight and Body Conscious; Many Covering Up More and Expecting to Enjoy Summer Less

HASTINGS, Minn., May 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Though summer's in sight, more and more of us are feeling less and less sunny about our bodies – and anticipate enjoying the season less as a result.

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A new survey of more than 1,000 adults commissioned by Anytime Fitness found that 76 percent of survey participants feel the same or worse about their bodies this year compared to last year and 45 percent dread the beach or feel more self-conscious, after slacking off their fitness routines or gaining weight in the past 12 months.

In fact, one in three Americans (33.7 percent) has a low or very low body image, which coincidentally mirrors the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control indicating that more than a third of U.S. adults (35.7 percent) are clinically obese.

Yet ironically, those who might benefit most from the health and self-esteem boosting effects of regular exercise are those most likely to feel they're "not fit enough to be seen in a gym."  The survey  found that more than 20 percent, or one out of every five respondents, feels like he or she isn't "fit" enough to be seen in a gym.  Women, however, are more than 30 percent more likely to feel that way than men.

"The survey results provide even more reasons for us to get serious about addressing this country's obesity crisis," said Chuck Runyon, CEO of Anytime Fitness.  "Not only does obesity cause serious health and economic problems, but it also hurts our self-esteem.  The solutions, however, are pretty simple:  We need to make healthy diets and exercise programs more accessible to everyone.  We welcome everyone at Anytime Fitness and work hard to create an inviting, encouraging environment."

The survey also found:

• More than a third (34.6%) of all respondents said that their current fitness level (or lack thereof) prevents them from enjoying summer activities to the fullest.
• More than half (53.4%) of the survey respondents dress in a way to "compensate for certain areas" or "cover up everything they can."
• Women are much more likely to stress about their body image than men – 57% vs. 29%, respectively.
• 50% of women are embarrassed to reveal their weight, compared to 17% of men.

Additionally, 84% of respondents said that people their age are more concerned about health and fitness than their parents.  Perhaps that's due in part to the fact that experts predict, for the first time in history, the current generation of children in America may have shorter life expectancies than their parents.

To help more people get healthy on their own terms, hundreds of Anytime Fitness clubs nationwide are offering a special deal for new members May 7 – 9:  Join for just $1 and receive one month free.  "We want Americans to enjoy life to the fullest," said Runyon.  "Life is too short to be embarrassed about your body."

About Anytime Fitness:

Founded in 2002, Anytime Fitness (www.anytimefitness.com) is the fastest-growing fitness club franchise in the world, with more than 2,100 clubs serving nearly 2,000,000 members in 15 countries worldwide. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness prides itself on providing its members with convenient and affordable fitness options in friendly, well-maintained facilities which feature top-quality exercise equipment. Clubs are now open in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Grand Cayman, Poland, the Netherlands, Spain, Qatar, India and Japan.  Join one club and use them all.  Members also enjoy free access to AnytimeHealth.com, the most comprehensive wellness website available.

About the Survey:

Anytime Fitness relied upon Research Now for data collection.  Research Now is the leading global online sampling and data collection company, recognized for delivering access to millions of quality panelists around the world.  www.researchnow.com

SOURCE Anytime Fitness