Since 2005, there has been a significant increase in the number of health clubs, gyms and other fitness centers in the United States.1 According to the International Health, Racquet, & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), the number of fitness centers has grown from 26,830 in 2005 to 30,500 in 2012. Additionally, the number of people with a health club membership has risen from 41.3 million in 2005 to 50.2 million in 2012.2 The most recent statistics demonstrate that 58.5 million Americans used a health club in 2012.3 As more Americans use these facilities, it is important to understand the risks that come along with gym membership and the legal liability these facilities may have.
New York State defines health clubs as:
[A]ny commercial establishment offering instruction, training or assistance and/or the facilities for the preservation, maintenance, encouragement or development of physical fitness or well-being. “Health club” as defined herein shall include, but not be limited to health spas, health studios, gymnasiums, weight control studios, martial arts and self-defense schools or any other commercial establishment offering a similar course of physical training.4
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