(Kenyatta University, 1997) Wasonga, T. A.; Goodwin, Y.
In the last decade, Kenya has witnesses the emergence of fitness studios
and Health Clubs. This may be attributed to the growing interests in keep
fit and exercise without necessarily engaging in conventional sporting
activities usually geared towards competition. A greater awareness about
the relationship between exercise and health, unexpected free time and
improved living, standards are some contributing factors to an increased
sports involved and growth of studies and clubs. Maintaining health and
losing weight through exercise has been become an obsession for some
people who have leaped into the fray enthusiastically. The fitness studios
and health clubs are privately and commercially run through membership
subscription and pay as you methods. This has led to the marginalisation
of participants making it a preserve of those who can afford the costs.
Female participants out number males with participants giving varied
reasons for coming to these places. The studios offer a range of facilities
and activities. This paper analyses the characteristics and operations of
Fitness studios and Health clubs, and the nature and motives of
participants. The paper also analyses problems and offers solutions