It may surprise some, but as unemployment goes up, so too are fitness club memberships.
With tumultuous times on the stock markets, consumers are taking it easy on their wallets, housing prices are dropping, and many are feeling the stress of the recession.
But the gym is one place that doesn't seem to be impacted
"You know what there is not much you can control right now, the only thing you can control is your health and your fitness," said Nathan Mellalieu of Studio 55.
Many fitness facilities are seeing a dramatic increase in business.
"The money's gone, now I'm going to take care of my body, my soul, my mind and that's what we're seeing," said Ron Zalko of Ron Zalko Fitness.
In the past couple of months, Zalko says his gym has seen an 80 per cent increase in new memberships, and the majority of those who are already members have been coming in more often.
"I have been through two recessions and I know the trends. Usually through a recession, people have more time and they want to take care of themselves,'' Zalko said.
And research has shown that exercise can also help to alleviate stress.
"Just exercising is going to release endorphins which are a hormone that automatically make you feel great," said Mellalieu
Zalko agrees.
"They want to build self-confidence, self esteem, they want to feel good about themselves so they can take new initiatives in their life," he said.
During tough economic times, there may be a silver lining when it comes to staying healthy.
"I think they are coming to the understanding that it really doesn't matter as much as my health does, so that's a good outcome," said Mellalieu.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low.
