Gender differences in dropping out of the fitness-sport

In the evaluations and statistical analyses presented here we examine which reasons for quitting activity in a gym prevail in men and women, and how far the genders differ in these reasons. The collected data should help to derive recommendations for action in order to increase the customer satisfaction in fitness companies and to reduce the long-term drop-out rates by an adequate service offering. In the survey a total of 225 people, who had quitted their membership in the past, were questioned in a telephone inquiry. The study was conducted in a health-oriented fitness centre in a major city in Germany. At the time of the study the fitness facility had up to 1.151 memberships. Among them, 59% of the members were women and 41% were men. The average age of the respondents was 43.5 years. The average duration of membership added up to 4.4 years. Overall, it is found that only a few of the quitting reasons offered in the survey are also indicated in significant frequency as important for the quitting decision. With the exception of membership costs, these reasons have nothing to do with studio conditions, but rather, apart from the mentioned health problems, mainly address issues of time scheduling and prioritizing the training in relation to other areas of life. The differences between the genders are, in most cases, very small, although 9 of the 18 verifiable differences can be secured against chance. Really clear gender differences are found mainly in three quitting reasons: Professional obligations are much more pronounced in men as a quitting reason. Domestic and family obligations, on the other hand, and regular training timetable not compatible with my schedule are clearly stronger quitting reasons among women.