BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) and fitness are critical to maintaining health and avoiding chronic disease. Limited access to fitness facilities in low-income urban areas has been identified as a contributor to low PA participation and poor fitness. OBJECTIVES: This research describes community-based fitness centers established for adults living in low-income, urban communities and characterizes a sample of its members. METHODS: The community identified a need for physical fitness opportunities to improve residents' health. Three community high schools were host sites. Resources were combined to renovate and staff facilities, acquire equipment, and refer patients to exercise. The study sample included 170 members older than age 18 who completed demographic, exercise self-efficacy, and quality of life surveys and a fitness evaluation. Neighborhood-level U.S. Census data were obtained for comparison. RESULTS: The community-based fitness centers resulted from university, public school, and hospital partnerships offering safe, accessible, and affordable exercise opportunities. The study sample mean body mass index was 35 + 7.6 kg/m(2) (class II obesity), mean age was 50 ± 12.5 years, 66% were Black, 72% were female, 66% completed some college or greater, and 71% had an annual household income of less than $25,000 and supported 2.2 dependents. Participants had moderate confidence for exercise participation and low fitness levels. When compared with census data, participants were representative of their communities. CONCLUSION: This observational study reveals a need for affordable fitness centers for low-income adults. We demonstrate a model where communities and organizations strategically leverage resources to address disparities in physical fitness and health.
BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) and fitness are critical to maintaining health and avoiding chronic disease. Limited access to fitness facilities in low-income urban areas has been identified as a contributor to low PA participation and poor fitness. OBJECTIVES: This research describes community-based fitness centers established for adults living in low-income, urban communities and characterizes a sample of its members. METHODS: The community identified a need for physical fitness opportunities to improve residents' health. Three community high schools were host sites. Resources were combined to renovate and staff facilities, acquire equipment, and refer patients to exercise. The study sample included 170 members older than age 18 who completed demographic, exercise self-efficacy, and quality of life surveys and a fitness evaluation. Neighborhood-level U.S. Census data were obtained for comparison. RESULTS: The community-based fitness centers resulted from university, public school, and hospital partnerships offering safe, accessible, and affordable exercise opportunities. The study sample mean body mass index was 35 + 7.6 kg/m(2) (class II obesity), mean age was 50 ± 12.5 years, 66% were Black, 72% were female, 66% completed some college or greater, and 71% had an annual household income of less than $25,000 and supported 2.2 dependents. Participants had moderate confidence for exercise participation and low fitness levels. When compared with census data, participants were representative of their communities. CONCLUSION: This observational study reveals a need for affordable fitness centers for low-income adults. We demonstrate a model where communities and organizations strategically leverage resources to address disparities in physical fitness and health.
Authors: Jelle Van Cauwenberg; Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij; Femke De Meester; Delfien Van Dyck; Jo Salmon; Peter Clarys; Benedicte Deforche Journal: Health Place Date: 2010-11-26 Impact factor: 4.078
Authors: Brian E Saelens; James F Sallis; Lawrence D Frank; Kelli L Cain; Terry L Conway; James E Chapman; Donald J Slymen; Jacqueline Kerr Journal: Med Sci Sports Exerc Date: 2012-04 Impact factor: 5.411
Authors: Deborah R Weiss; Jennifer L O'Loughlin; Robert W Platt; Gilles Paradis Journal: Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act Date: 2007-01-18 Impact factor: 6.457
Authors: Gary G Bennett; Lorna H McNeill; Kathleen Y Wolin; Dustin T Duncan; Elaine Puleo; Karen M Emmons Journal: PLoS Med Date: 2007-10 Impact factor: 11.069
Authors: Kelly R Ylitalo; Wendy Cox; Raejone Lucas; Jordan Smith; Kelley Pettee Gabriel; Matthew Rafalski; John Gill; Brock Niceler Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-05-18 Impact factor: 3.752
Authors: Kelly R Ylitalo; Wendy Cox; Mariela Gutierrez; Gabriel Benavidez; M Renée Umstattd Meyer; Brock Niceler; Jackson O Griggs Journal: J Prim Care Community Health Date: 2020 Jan-Dec