Fitness Facilities Research Articles

Nutritional Education in Polish Companies: Employee Needs and the Role of Employers in Health Promotion.

Nutritional education has become a key component of health promotion strategies in many companies that recognize the benefits of healthy eating habits for enhancing efficiency and job satisfaction. The aim of this study was to understand employees' nutritional needs at work, and to assess the support provided by employers. The analysis focused on employees' eating habits and their attitudes towards eating at work, motives and barriers to healthy eating. The study was conducted using an anonymous survey completed by 1.056 individuals from across Poland. A discriminant function was selected for data analysis, which examined the differences between groups. The larger enterprises are more inclined to establish meal consumption spaces, which contributes to a more organised work culture. The larger the business, the more time employees spend eating meals, it being influenced by better-developed eating facilities, which undoubtedly encourages the workers to take longer breaks. The people with obesity were found to place the highest value on healthy food options and the people with a normal BMI are more responsive to healthy food subsidies, nutritional advice provided by a dietitian, and access to fitness facilities.

Fitness Facilities And Tactical Occupations: Is It Necessary To Have An On-site Exercise Facility?

Fitness Facilities And Tactical Occupations: Is It Necessary To Have An On-site Exercise Facility?

Physiological Profile Assessment and Self-Measurement of Healthy Students through Remote Protocol during COVID-19 Lockdown.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behaviors, negatively impacting mental and physical health. Engaging in physical activity at home during quarantine became essential to counteracting these adverse effects. To develop appropriate physical activity programs, assessing individuals' fitness levels and the impact of inactivity is crucial. This study aims to compare motor abilities-including flexibility, balance, reaction time, cardiovascular endurance, and lower and upper limb strength-assessed both in-person and remotely, to determine the accuracy and repeatability of self-administered tests. Methods: A total of 35 young subjects (age 24.2 ± 1.97 years, BMI 22.4 ± 2.61 kg/m2) participated in this study. Each participant underwent a battery of motor ability tests designed to assess various fitness components. The tests were administered twice for each subject: once in a laboratory setting and once remotely at home. The sequence of tests was randomly assigned to ensure unbiased results. Both the in-person and remote assessments were used to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of self-administered tests. Results: The comparison of test results between the laboratory and remote settings revealed percentage differences ranging from 5% to 10%. This variation is considered an acceptable margin of error, suggesting that the tests conducted remotely were relatively accurate when compared to those performed in a controlled laboratory environment. Conclusions: The findings indicate that remote fitness testing is a promising method for evaluating motor abilities. With an acceptable margin of error, remote assessments can be effectively used to personalize training programs based on individuals' physiological characteristics. This approach may be particularly beneficial during times of limited access to fitness facilities, such as during quarantine, or for individuals seeking more flexible fitness evaluation methods.

Ecosystem Services and Public Perception of Green Infrastructure from the Perspective of Urban Parks: A Case Study of Luoyang City, China

As one form of urban green infrastructure, city parks provide essential ecosystem services and serve as a vital link connecting citizens with natural ecosystems. The public, as the primary beneficiaries of urban park ecosystem services, plays a crucial role in guiding the improvement and development trends of urban park planning. Most existing studies assess the comprehensive value of green spaces from a macro scale, with few focusing on the cultural and regulatory ecosystem services of urban parks and public perception of these services at the park level. This study targets 11 typical urban parks in Luoyang City, collecting 771 samples through field mapping and surveys. It analyzes users’ socio-demographic characteristics, perception abilities, usage preferences, and service satisfaction, linking these subjective factors with objective elements of the park environment, such as fitness and recreational facilities. The results indicate that respondents with knowledge of ecosystem services are better able to evaluate and understand services such as air pollution reduction and noise reduction in parks, while those without such knowledge tend to focus more on services that they can intuitively perceive, such as biodiversity conservation and microclimate regulation. Additionally, the middle-income group exhibits a higher level of awareness of park ecosystem services, which depends on their active social participation. The findings of this study suggest that enhancing public understanding of ecosystem services through environmental education is key to improving the quality of urban ecosystems.

Analysis of Consumer Preferences in the Fitness Services Market of China

This article examines consumer preferences in the fitness services market in China, driven by the growing popularity of fitness and healthy living. Understanding fitness preferences among the population is increasingly important for developing effective fitness programs and marketing strategies. Chinese society is transitioning from traditional lifestyles to more active and healthy ones, leading to a rise in interest in physical activity and entertainment, as well as the emergence of new fitness facilities and programs. Insights into fitness preferences within the context of Chinese society can aid fitness industry enterprises and public health organizers in designing more effective and accessible programs for a broad audience. The contemporary Chinese market is one of the largest and fastest-growing globally. Economic changes in recent decades have led to a significant improvement in living standards and the emergence of new consumer trends among the Chinese population. However, these changes necessitate a thorough analysis of Chinese consumers' preferences to identify key factors influencing their choices. This study is based on a survey of 257 adults from various sociocultural groups across different regions of China. The research aims to determine the problems and prospects of engaging various population segments in health fitness activities and their consumer preferences. The results indicate varied satisfaction levels with fitness outcomes between men and women, with time constraints and lack of motivation being the main obstacles to fitness participation. Financial limitations and the distance to fitness centers also impact, albeit to a lesser extent. The most valued services for a comfortable fitness experience are massage, showers, and personal training programs. Personalized training sessions and online consultations received mixed reviews. These findings highlight the importance of addressing barriers to fitness participation and developing targeted strategies to enhance the quality of life for Chinese consumers.

Impact of the medical fitness model on long term health outcomes in older adults

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is common among older adults and is associated with poor health outcomes. Medical fitness facilities provide a medically focused approach to physical fitness and can improve physical activity in their communities. This study aimed to assess the relationship between membership in the medical fitness model and all-cause mortality, health care utilization, and major adverse cardiac events in older adults.MethodsA propensity weighted retrospective cohort study linked individuals that attended medical fitness facilities to provincial health administrative databases. Older adults who had at least 1 year of health coverage from their index date between January 1st, 2005 to December 31st 2015 were included. Controls were assigned a pseudo-index date at random based on the frequency distribution of index dates in members. Members were stratified into low frequency attenders (< 1 Weekly Visits) and regular frequency attenders (> 1 Weekly Visits). Time to event models estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) for risk of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac event. Negative binomial models estimated the risk ratios (RRs) for risk of hospitalizations, outpatient primary care visits and emergency department visits.ResultsAmong 3,029 older adult members and 91,734 controls, members had a 45% lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.50 – 0.61), 20% lower risk of hospitalizations (RR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.75 – 0.84), and a 27% (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.66 – 0.77), lower risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event. A dose–response effect with larger risk reductions was associated with more frequent attendance as regular frequency attenders were 4% more likely to visit a general practitioner for a routine healthcare visit (RR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01 – 1.07), but 23% less likely to visit the emergency department (RR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.82 – 0.92).ConclusionsMembership at a medical fitness facility was associated with a decreased risk of mortality, health care utilization and cardiovascular events. The medical fitness model may be an alternative approach for public health strategies to promote positive health behaviors in older adult populations.

Reviewing the recurrence rates in stage I-III HR or ER positive breast cancer in obese patients given multi-modal weight loss plan post-treatment with aromatase inhibitors.

15 Background: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in the treatment of endocrine recepter positive breast cancer stages I-III, poses significant challenges in the management of obesity. Obesity is not only associated with an increased risk of breast cancer incidence but also with higher rates of cancer recurrence and poorer treatment outcomes. Moreover, the use of AIs, while effective in reducing estrogen levels and preventing ER or HR positive breast cancer recurrence, may exacerbate weight gain and metabolic disturbances in obese individuals. Weight management strategies have experienced increased attention in breast cancer survivors in recent years, especially overweight or obese individuals. Novel data makes it possible to infer that obesity management activities and multimodal programs that incorporate dietary counseling and physical activity can reduce recurrence rates. Methods: Participants in this study were individuals with Stage I-III endocrine receptor positive breast cancer who had completed adjuvant therapy and had a BMI in the 40s or 50s, increasing risk of recurrence. Eligible patients were identified based on the start date for endocrine therapy. High-risk patients were then assigned to either the intervention or control group. Those in the intervention group received access to a dietician, along with informational pamphlets on physiology and weight loss strategies. Additionally, they were offered discounts to certain gyms or provided free access to fitness facilities. Both intervention and control groups were briefed about the study, with those in the intervention group encouraged to utilize the provided resources for weight management. Results: The evidence from our study will underscore the potential benefits of multimodal weight loss interventions in overweight or obese breast cancer survivors, particularly in improving anthropometric outcomes and enhancing overall quality of life. Conclusions: While the studies included in our analysis demonstrated reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference, as well as improvements in quality of life measures, there remains a notable gap in understanding the impact of these interventions on breast cancer recurrence rates, especially in the context of endocrine-positive breast cancer treated with Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs).

Evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of a home-based supervised exercise programme in individuals with spinal cord injuries: SCI-HOME-ACTIVE study protocol

Physical activity is essential to a healthy lifestyle for adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Although exercise is recognised as an important tool for improving the well-being and independence of...

A prospective non-randomized feasibility study of an online membership-based fitness program for promoting physical activity in people with mobility impairments

BackgroundPeople with mobility limitations have a disproportionately higher rate of acquiring secondary conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular comorbidity, pain, fatigue, depression, deconditioning, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions often result from poor access to home and community-based health promotion/wellness programs. The aim of this project was to determine the feasibility of delivering an online community membership-based fitness program for individuals with mobility impairments.MethodsFor this prospective single-arm study, participants were recruited from members of a community fitness facility that serves people with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions. While all members had access to the online platform, individuals had to opt-in to participate in the research component. Activity options included 16 pre-recorded videos and 9 live exercise classes. During the 8-week program, participants had an opportunity to earn three exercise incentives for reaching certain activity milestones. Enrollment percentage, attendance, and attrition were tracked to assess program feasibility and acceptability. Changes in participant-reported outcomes including self-reported physical activity, psychosocial outcomes, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were examined using non-parametric analyses.ResultsA total of 146 eligible individuals were screened of which 33 enrolled (22.6%). Two participants withdrew from the study, so a total of 31 were used for analyses. Participants included 29 women and 12 Black people with an average age of 60 (± 15.9) years. Health conditions included stroke, post-polio, arthritis, neuropathy, cerebral palsy, and obesity. Ten participants used an assistive device to get around inside the home. Twenty-six participants (78.8%) completed the online program, and 5 participants earned all 3 participation incentives. The mean number of live Zoom exercise classes attended by the participants was 12.8 (range = 0–43) over 8 weeks; 3 of 31 participants did not attend any classes. On average, participants watched 128 min (range = 0–704 min) of pre-recorded videos; 6 of 31 participants did not view any pre-recorded videos. Self-reported physical activity showed the largest improvement (11.15 units; 95% CI, 3.08, 19.56) with an effect size of 0.51 (Cohen’s d).ConclusionsThis pilot study of an online membership-based fitness program for people with mobility impairments demonstrated preliminary effectiveness in increasing physical activity and was found to be feasible and acceptable. Feasibility endpoints do indicate potential to improve retention. These results suggest that online delivery of exercise programs can broaden the reach of specialized community fitness programs and is a promising direction for future work and fully powered trials are warranted to assess intervention efficacy.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05138809. Registered September 2, 2021, ClinicalTrials.gov PRS: Record Summary NCT05138809.

Emerging Technologies and Open-Source Platforms for Remote Physical Exercise: Innovations and Opportunities for Healthy Population-A Narrative Review.

The emergence of tele-exercise as a response to the impact of technology on physical activity has opened up new possibilities for promoting physical health. By integrating innovative technologies and open-source platforms, tele-exercise encourages people to stay active. In our latest analysis, we delved into the scientific literature surrounding the use of tele-exercise technologies in training healthy individuals. After conducting an extensive search on the PubMed database using the keywords "tele-exercise" and "physical activity" (from 2020 to 2023), we identified 44 clinical trials that were applicable to tele-exercise, but less than 10% of them were aimed at healthy individuals, precisely 9.09% (four out of forty-four studies analyzed). Our review highlights the potential of tele-exercise to help maintain physical fitness and psychological well-being, especially when traditional fitness facilities are not an option. We also underscore the importance of interoperability, standardization, and the incorporation of biomechanics, exercise physiology, and neuroscience into the development of tele-exercise platforms. Nevertheless, despite these promising benefits, research has shown that there is still a significant gap in the knowledge concerning the definition and evaluation of training parameters for healthy individuals. As a result, we call for further research to establish evidence-based practices for tele-exercise in the healthy population.

Airborne acoustic assessment of impact-resistant fitness flooring systems

Fitness facilities in residential and mixed-used commercial buildings introduce important acoustic design challenges that must be considered in a building. Cardio activities such as running on treadmills, group classes for high intensity training, and weight training areas introduce high levels of unwanted noise and vibration into a building structure. Isolated floor constructions are generally coordinated and implemented during design but are not practical when buildings are completed and occupied. Impact-resistant fitness flooring systems are typically explored and installed as an alternate approach to reduce the transmission of impact noise and vibration. Non-standardized field airborne noise measurements of weight drops were conducted on an existing gym and on four possible impact-resistant fitness flooring upgrades to assess the reduction of impact noise levels in the offices located below the gym. The measurements were also compared to the HVAC background noise levels to observe the increase above background conditions and provide a subjective evaluation. The results of the measurements show that impact-resistant fitness flooring systems provide a noticeable reduction of impact noise, compared to standard fitness flooring systems. The results also show that impact-resistant fitness flooring systems that include specialty engineered shock pads as a base layer provide a significant reduction of impact noise levels.

Physical activity and sedentary behavior perceptions in overweight and obese adults: A systematic review of qualitative study.

One of the largest hazards to human health is obesity, which is intimately related to sedentarism and physical inactivity. Understanding the perspectives and attitudes of adults with overweight or obesity towards their lifestyle choices related to sedentary behavior and physical activity is essential for mitigating associated health risks. This systematic review aims to collate the extent of qualitative research on the perception of sedentary behavior and physical activity among adults with overweight and obesity. A comprehensive search of Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science, databases was conducted, which yielded 2,881 articles. A total of 2591 abstracts were screened, and 45 full-text articles were examined. A total of nine qualitative studies involving adults with overweight or obesity (BMI > 25 kg/m 2) were included in this systematic review. Data extraction utilized Rayyan.qcri.org software, and studies were critically appraised using Joanna Briggs's Institute checklist for qualitative research. The included studies revealed a diverse array of themes, wherein a few perceived factors reported towards sedentary behavior were lack of awareness about the hazards, mode of relaxation, family commitment, technology use, motivation deficits, and fatigue. Barriers to physical activity encompassed social, cultural, and environmental factors. In contrast, peer support, fitness facility access, accountability, mental health awareness, well-being, and weight management facilitate physical activity involvement. Perceptions in overweight and obese adults on sedentary living and exercise are intricate and multifaceted. This review provides valuable insights that can inform clinicians and researchers in promoting regular physical activity for adults with overweight and obesity.

Smart City Solution “A Full Stack Solution For Smart Cities”

Abstract —In the landscape of smart cities, Smart City Connect emerges as a pivotal solution, seamlessly integrating essential services like healthcare, dining, lodging, maintenance, fitness, and accommodation. This research paper explores how Smart City Connect optimizes urban living by ensuring convenient access to top-tier hospitals, diverse restaurants, and comfortable accommodation options. The platform fosters efficiency through reliable repair services and promotes well being with state-of-the-art fitness facilities. By prioritizing accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability, Smart City Connect redefines the urban experience, shaping vibrant and inclusive communities for residents and visitors alike. Index Terms – Web-Based Application, Smart City Application.

Visitors' recreational & leisure experiences in urban river corridors? A case study of Hutuo River in Shijiazhuang, China

Various physical environmental factors influence the recreational experience of urban river corridors, and understanding visitors' perceptions of these factors holds significant implications for promoting the health and well-being of urban residents. This study specifically focuses on the Hutuo River corridor in Shijiazhuang, China, and conducted a semi-structured questionnaire survey with 620 participants. The findings reveal that visitors mainly come here to socialize with family and friends in a natural environment and escape the city's hustle and bustle. Safety, management and maintenance, and overall conditions are the primary features visitors are concerned about in their experience. When addressing usage constraints, visitors highlight accessibility issues, including traffic congestion and overcrowding. Additional limitations encompass deficiencies in physical facilities, such as shortages of shared bicycles, convenience amenities, fitness facilities, and services catering to vulnerable groups. Moreover,challenges include unavailable toilet services and insufficient shaded areas along the riverbanks. Sociodemographic attributes such as gender, age, marital status,education level, monthly income, and residential distance significantly influence the recreational experience of urban river corridors, emphasizing the importance of considering diversity in urban planning and design. By comprehensively exploring the dynamics of urban river corridor utilization from a social-ecological perspective, our study's findings offer insights relevant to future design and maintenance endeavors.

One-Stop Flair Slot Booking Platform for All Needs

Pick Your Slot (PYS) is a versatile booking and scheduling web-based application that caters to a single platform for all your needs. PYS offers services ranging from sports such as football, cricket and badminton, personal grooming services like salons, fitness facilities such as gyms, entertainment options like a dance studio, rage room, and car wash services. The platform, built using React.js and React Native for web and mobile respectively, utilizes a SQL database backend supported by Java. It is an open-source application accessible to both customers and vendors. The app facilitates slot booking according to customers’ flexible time, PYS not only accommodates flexible scheduling but also utilizes geolocation API to detect customer locations. This feature enables the app to suggest nearby services tailored to the customer's requirements, leveraging real-time availability updates and offering on-demand services. Real-time availability in our app ensures instant slot booking, adapting to users' dynamic schedules for hassle-free planning. Users can quickly secure appointments, saving time and reducing frustration. Security is paramount, with authentication mechanisms for both vendors and customers. With its blend of intuitive design and advanced functionality, PYS offers a comprehensive solution for booking needs, making it a reliable choice for users seeking convenience and peace of mind. In a world where time is precious, our app offers swift slot bookings, recognizing the impatience of modern life. With just a few taps, users can secure their slots, bypassing unnecessary delays in the nearest location. Designed for speed and convenience, we ensure no one waits longer than necessary.

Indoor air quality prediction modeling for a naturally ventilated fitness building using RNN-LSTM artificial neural networks

Indoor air quality prediction modeling for a naturally ventilated fitness building using RNN-LSTM artificial neural networks

Development and preliminary validation of a questionnaire for assessing fitness centers

This manuscript comprehensively examines the development and preliminary validation of a questionnaire designed to assess fitness centers. The study aims to address existing gaps in the literature by providing a standardized tool for evaluating the quality of fitness facilities. The study aims to design, validate, and present a preliminary assessment instrument tailored specifically for fitness centers, encompassing various aspects such as program offerings, facility conditions, and staff competencies. The research methods involved the identification of key indicators affecting fitness center services, followed by the generation and validation of questionnaire items through a rigorous statistical analysis. The research subjects consisted of 119 fitness enthusiasts from Angeles City, Philippines, who actively participated in the validation process. The instruments used in data processing included Likert-style rating scales and statistical methods such as Point Biserial Correlation and t-tests. The analysis of data utilized in data processing led to the retention of 59 questionnaire items, demonstrating significant correlation coefficients. The study's results highlight the reliability and validity of the developed questionnaire as a valuable tool for assessing fitness centers, providing insights into client needs and areas for improvement. In conclusion, the preliminary validation of the questionnaire serves as a crucial step towards enhancing the quality and standards of fitness center services, benefiting both managers and regulatory authorities in ensuring the provision of safe and effective fitness facilities.

Employer-Sponsored Fitness Facilities and Programs

Employer-Sponsored Fitness Facilities and Programs

Impact of a Medical Fitness Model on Incident Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events: A Prospective Cohort Study of 11 000 Members.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of disease burden and death in the world. The medical fitness model may be an alternative public health strategy to address cardiovascular risk factors with medical integrated programming. We performed a retrospective cohort study between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2015. Adults (aged ≥18 years) who did not have a prior major adverse cardiovascular event were included. Controls were assigned a pseudo-index date at random on the basis of the frequency distribution of start dates in the medical fitness facility group. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, comorbidities, and year of index date. We stratified the medical fitness facility group into low-frequency attenders (≤1 weekly visit) and regular-frequency attenders (>1 weekly visit). Our primary outcome was a hospitalization for nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke, heart failure, or cardiovascular death. We included 11 319 medical fitness facility members and 507 400 controls in our study. Compared with controls, members had a lower hazard risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event-plus (hazard ratio [HR], 0.88 [95% CI, 0.81-0.96]). Higher weekly attendance was associated with a lower hazard risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event-plus compared with controls, but the effect was not significant for lower weekly attendance (low-frequency attenders: HR, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.85-1.04]; regular-frequency attenders: HR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.67-0.89]). Medical fitness facility membership and attendance at least once per week may lower the risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event-plus. The medical fitness model should be considered as a public health intervention, especially for individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Comparing Differences in Jogging Support across Various Land Use Types in Urban Built-Up Areas Using User-Recommended Routes

Land use types other than specialized athletic fields provide a variety of jogging environments, addressing the shortage of urban fitness facilities and promoting urban health as well as sustainability. Currently, there is limited research comparing the differences in jogging support among various land use types, which can assist decision-makers in setting priorities and targeted strategies for urban renewal, especially in urban built-up areas with limited land resources. Initially, spatial information, statistical data, and recommendation reason text were extracted from recommended routes in mobile fitness apps and categorized into six land use types. Subsequently, spatial potential was measured through descriptive statistics, buffer area analysis, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and line density analysis. Environmental preferences were gauged by text analysis using jieba word segmentation and grouped word frequency calculation. Finally, the measurement results of different land uses were compared, including scale differences, spatial differentiation, environmental perception, and environmental elements. The research found that streets, residential areas, campuses, parks, and greenways possess significant potential to support jogging, particularly streets. These types of land use exhibit varying spatial potentials and attractions in environmental preferences. Targeted recommendations have been proposed to support the renewal of urban built-up areas and research in related fields.