November 14, 2024, 3:18 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Not everyone can get in: “health clubs,” a new type of fitness studio, appeal to an elite clientele and are limited to a manageable number of members. The concept includes personal training, nutritional advice, and meditation. FITBOOK author Nina Ponath explains the benefits.
A maximum of 400 people – that’s the cap for membership at the new fitness studio, or rather, the “health club,” located near Hamburg’s Alster Lake. In addition to improving health and physical fitness, the focus here is on exclusivity. Discover below what exactly health clubs are, what they offer, and whether the investment is worthwhile.
Overview
First boutique studios, now “health clubs”
Health clubs are small fitness studios with a limited number of members compared to other gyms, which provide enough space and equipment per member so that there are neither overcrowded rooms nor queues in front of the equipment. This is the big difference to other gyms: in health clubs, you receive intensive support that is tailored to your individual health goals. It’s not just about losing weight or building muscle but about holistic fitness that strengthens both the body and the mind.
What an expert says about the new fitness concept
Examples of health clubs include Sore in Hamburg and Soho House in Berlin. “From the point of view of the DSSV e. V. (Employers’ Association of German Fitness and Health Facilities), the development towards exclusive health clubs shows the desire of certain consumers for individualized, high-quality fitness offers that go beyond the classic fitness market,” explained Alexander Wulf, press spokesman for the DSSV, when asked by FITBOOK.
“Health clubs,” said the spokesperson, offer their members additional benefits by providing a particularly personalized and luxurious experience. “However, they appeal to a smaller, affluent target group and are therefore less appealing to the general population due to the limited number of members and financial hurdles,” says Alexander Wulf. At the same time, the expert sees precisely this as the potential of the new type of studio. “Like many other concepts in the fitness industry, health clubs focus on a specific target group,” says Alexander Wulf, “the increasing demand for exclusivity and individuality is at the forefront here.”
What does training in a health club look like?
Johannes Walter, founder of Sore in Hamburg, describes the training there as “holistic.” In addition to the fitness room, which is familiar to other gyms, there is also a “Zen room” for meditation. Training takes place under the guidance of medical trainers. The club also offers balanced meals from Hamburg’s “in” restaurants, with calorie information.
While many fitness studios are constantly recruiting members with new offers such as courses and equipment, health clubs focus on quality rather than quantity. In a conventional gym, members may train in overcrowded rooms or perform exercises without the necessary instruction. This should not happen in health clubs.
Personal training
Every member receives a customized training plan that is individually tailored to their needs and goals. A qualified, medical personal trainer is always on hand to monitor and optimize the exercises.
Although you can also book personal training in other studios, this differs from what health clubs offer. In the latter, it is often an integral part of the offer. In addition, health clubs usually offer access to state-of-the-art equipment, specialized courses and exclusive wellness offers that go beyond what regular studios or personal trainers usually offer.
Nutritional counseling
Health clubs provide intensive nutritional counseling, often paired with regular check-ins to track progress and make necessary adjustments. During the consultation, triggers are identified and strategies are developed to help individuals resist giving in to them.
Meditation and mindfulness
Relaxation and mental health are often neglected, especially in the stress of everyday life. This is where health clubs focus on mindfulness training and meditation to holistically increase members’ well-being.
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Is membership in a health club a good idea?
Whether membership in a health club makes sense depends on several factors. On the one hand, the costs are considerably higher than in conventional fitness studios. On the other hand, this is precisely what makes them exclusive and members receive much better support. Health clubs are, therefore, aimed at people who value individually tailored support and are prepared to pay accordingly.
Many health insurance companies have a positive attitude towards the concept, as it contributes to preventative healthcare. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management through meditation and mindfulness training can alleviate or even prevent health problems such as back pain, cardiovascular disease, or stress symptoms. However, despite the obvious efforts to promote and maintain health, health insurance companies do not reimburse the costs.
“Company health insurance funds do not usually subsidize programs such as health clubs. Prevention courses must be certified by the ZPP in order to be subsidized by the insurance companies,” says Sarah Kramer, Communications Officer at BKK Dachverband e.V.