Numerous scientific studies have shown that regular exercise and physical activity are linked with better health outcomes, especially for older adults, However, many adults age 55 and above are not comfortable with going to mainstream gyms, which are typically targeting a younger clientele, usually in their 20s and 30s. While some senior centers have gyms, the equipment often leaves a lot to be desired.
55 Fitness, a gym co-founded by Brendan Skeen, caters to this underserved segment of the market. Skeen, who comes from the senior home care industry, says there is tremendous demand for a fitness facility designed to meet the specific needs of the rapidly growing number of seniors, with an average of 10,000 Americans turning 55 each day.
According to Skeen, he got the idea for 55 Fitness after his mother, Donna, was diagnosed with cancer, and the doctor advised her to exercise regularly. However, she did not want to sign up with a mainstream gym chain, saying she was “too old and out of shape” to work out there. This prompted Skeen to share his idea with her, and they eventually opened 55 Fitness’ first location in Georgia’s Atlanta Metropolitan area in early 2020. While the gym’s operations were initially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, business soon picked up, showing the demand for fitness among older adults.
What sets 55 Fitness apart from other gyms is that all its personal trainers are certified to work with older adults, ensuring that customers receive advice that is suited for their age and physical capabilities, avoiding injury. The equipment line-up, supplied by Precor, was designed by a Stanford University professor specializing in exercise physiology for older adults. 55 Fitness also features the bioDensity system, a non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive exercise-based therapy that has been shown to increase bone mass, improve strength, reduce cardiac risk, with less than 30 minutes of use per week.
“One of our members drives a four-hour round trip weekly, because there aren't any bioDensity machines near her house,” Skeen says. “When she first started coming to us 1.5 years ago, she was hunched over and using a walker. But when I saw her again recently, she was no longer using her walker and could stand straight up. She says it absolutely changed her life.”
Aside from the exercise aspect, 55 Fitness also places emphasis on socialization. According to Skeen, from his experience in the senior home care industry, many elderly people have no contact with the outside world aside from their caregiver. This social isolation is linked to poorer health outcomes, which is why around a quarter of 55 Fitness’ floor area is designated as a lounge area with comfortable seating. Every second Saturday of the month, 55 Fitness also holds a customer appreciation event, with catered food and an opportunity for members to meet up and make friends with each other.
Skeen says that, while 55 Fitness’ membership is not limited to people 55 and older, its members do tend to be on the older side. Its youngest members are in their 30s, while the oldest is a 98-year-old former Olympic athlete. 55 Fitness is for anybody looking for a comfortable, non-judgmental environment to work out in, resulting in a member retention rate that's significantly above the industry average.
Skeen says that 55 Fitness is planning to open additional locations across the US, and it is looking to work with more partners and franchisees in expanding its network of gyms, helping more seniors become fit.
“According to a survey, around 95% of individuals 55 and above prefer to work out in the company of their own age, which is why they’re uncomfortable going to regular gyms with the youngsters. They are also more likely to focus on working out for health than for their looks. Our main goal at 55 Fitness is to provide better quality of life for our members, allowing them to become healthier and stronger, with the ability to enjoy their later years.”
Media contact:
Name: Brendan Skeen
Email: [email protected]
