Improved Cardiovascular Health Outcomes with Health Club Membership

Abstract

Many individuals purchase health club memberships (hereafter membership) in order to improve their fitness and health. However, there is little evidence showing the effectiveness of a membership on improving fitness and health. PURPOSE: We examined the associations between a membership and cardiovascular health outcomes: peripheral blood pressure (BP), resting heart rate (RHR), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 413 adults (mean age: 48, range: 30-64). Approximately half had health club memberships (n = 209) and half did not (n = 204). Participants completed measurements of resting BP, RHR, and a self-report questionnaire about health club and lifestyle physical activity (PA) over the past month. We used a population based CRF estimation equation developed and validated in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study. RESULTS: The average values (SD) of resting systolic/diastolic BP, RHR, and CRF were 115/76 (14/9) mmHg, 67(10) bpm, and 38 (7) mL/kg/min for those with a membership and 116/77 (17/10) mmHg, 71(10) bpm, and 36(7) mL/kg/min for those without a membership, respectively. In multivariable linear regression analyses, having a membership was significantly (p < 0.01) associated with a lower RHR (ß = -4.60, 95% CI -6.55, -2.65) and a higher CRF (ß = 1.57, 95% CI 1.14, 1.99) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, health status, and smoking status. Even after further adjustment for PA and sedentary time, RHR and CRF remained significant (p < 0.01). Although not significant, participants with a membership also had lower systolic/diastolic BP (ß = -0.88, 95% CI -3.41, 1.65, p = 0.49 / ß = -1.00, 95% CI -2.67, 0.67, p=0.24). In the combined logistic regression analyses, there appears to be stronger and more favorable associations with cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with a membership plus meeting the aerobic PA guidelines or having a lower sedentary time. In addition, membership duration was likely to be associated with more favorable cardiovascular health outcomes. CONCLUSION: Having a health club membership was associated with improved cardiovascular disease risk factors and was stronger in those individuals also meeting the aerobic PA guidelines or having a lower sedentary time. Supported by Iowa State University College of Human Sciences seed grant.