Many Canadians face a major barrier to staying active that goes beyond just motivation or time – affordability.
Zach Weston, the executive director of the Fitness Industry Council of Canada (FIC), highlighted that the primary reason people are not as physically active as they should be is due to the belief that they cannot afford it. The FIC represents a national not-for-profit association that encompasses gyms, studios, and wellness facilities across Canada.
Statistics from the industry reveal that approximately 6 to 7 million Canadians, making up 15 to 16 percent of the population, are members of fitness facilities. A report on fitness affordability, referenced by the FIC, emphasized that cost is the top reason why many Canadians do not engage in fitness activities, with lack of time trailing in fourth place.
Despite the presence of budget-friendly gyms, Weston emphasized that perceptions and policies significantly influence participation in fitness activities. He drew attention to the inconsistency in taxing healthy behaviors, such as purchasing gym memberships, while exempting healthy foods like fruits and vegetables from taxes.
The FIC estimated that a modest 10 percent reduction in fitness costs could encourage an additional 2.5 million Canadians to view fitness as affordable, potentially resulting in annual savings of at least $1 billion for the healthcare system through enhanced long-term health outcomes.
The financial strains of pursuing fitness are particularly pronounced in competitive sports like bodybuilding, as highlighted by Sushant Thapa, the head coach and owner of HT Athletic in Mississauga, who himself is a competitive bodybuilder. Thapa emphasized that the expenses associated with bodybuilding, including show fees, travel costs, and specialized training, can quickly accumulate and pose challenges, especially for those with limited financial resources.
Both Weston and Thapa agreed that the issue is not lack of awareness but rather the financial barriers that impede Canadians from leading healthier lives. While Weston aims to push for tax relief to enhance accessibility to fitness, Thapa is exploring avenues to support athletes through potential sponsorships in the future.