Written for daily hive CEO Sarah Hodson Live Well Exercise Clinic And the president Canadian Fitness Industry Council
No one claims that exercise is a medicine.Repeated Research in science and medical journals Over the last 30 years, it has been proven that more than 50% of our health can be attributed to unhealthy behavior such as smoking, eating and lack of exercise.
Exercise can be used to both prevent and treat chronic health conditions such as heart disease (the largest murderer of Canadian women), diabetes and obesity. It’s also as effective as antidepressants and is an antidote to the stress and anxiety we’re experiencing in this difficult world.Exercise is essential and we have a fitness industry An important part of our healthcare system.
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Still, the needle of physical activity has barely moved in the last 30 years — if anything, it’s moving in the wrong direction. According to the 2021 Particip Action report, there is an “inactive crisis” — We are actually more seated and less active.
The fitness industry also suffers from repeated closures due to widespread restrictions, diminished competence, and unfounded fear of public exercise. Strong evidence around the world Safe physical distance and good hygiene protocols do not increase the risk of COVID-19 infection in the gym.
Canada’s Fitness Industry Council (FIC) plans to solve both the inactivity and returning fitness membership to pre-pandemic levels. I would like to make Jim’s membership a tax deduction for all Canadians.
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In 2021, we will Made a proposal to the federal government: Line 33099 applies medical tax deductions to fitness members. Although not included in the budget, we continue to hold meetings with federal officials. The reasons are as follows: A financial incentive for exercise work.
Last June, FIC conducted a national survey to find out what prevented Canadians from working towards a healthier lifestyle. We’ve long known that time and money are factors in our industry that are inactive. Participating in training is difficult due to the long working hours. Cost is also a barrier — many Canadians consider gym membership a luxury they can’t afford. From our discoveries, we have made amazing discoveries:
- Six out of ten Canadians say they are willing to buy Jim membership if the government implements a tax credit.
- Forty percent of Canadians say that including fitness club fees as medical expenses motivates them to create fitness routines.
- Twenty-seven percent of Canadians who have never exercised in the gym are willing to attend the gym if they have a financial incentive. This can motivate nearly one-third of the inactive population to join the gym.
- Studies show that this tax credit is approved by all income groups, and nearly 40% of low-income Canadians are motivated by tax credits to create healthy fitness routines. ..
In the last two years, social isolation has hit us. We need community, accountability, and support. We also need the expertise of the fitness community to help those who are completely sedentary, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
The fitness industry has evolved over the last two years and our image has changed. We are no longer about aesthetics and performance-based models. “Jimrat” was the first when it was reopened on January 18, but I’ve heard many times from the members. The gym is essential for physical and mental health.
Inactive cost is too high
A 2012 study from Queen’s University It turns out that the cost of lack of exercise is estimated at $ 6.8 billion annually. The Inactive pandemic If we do not intervene now, it will have a spillover effect over the years to come. Data is starting to come out. A Report for November 2021 A study by the Canadian Medical Association reveals the effects of delayed care on physical and mental health in increasing anxiety, depression and substance use, with more than 4,000 deaths in Canada in 2020. This is because a patient has postponed a health care visit. Cancer screening has plummeted and heart disease is becoming less detected. This month, Heart and Stroke reports that urgent action is needed for cardiovascular disease. Otherwise, our hospital will be flooded with heart disease.
Exercise is everything and does it end? of course not. But is it a preventative and therapeutic tool that should be accessible to all Canadians? absolutely. Changing healthy habits is difficult. How many times have you been to the gym and never been there? You need a fitness expert to keep people moving, not just.We know that Financial incentives work — From smoking cessation to vaccination, hanging carrots proved to be effective. ArReview published in the British Medical Journal We have discovered that financial incentives can move us more.
The fitness industry is ready to get Canada’s physical and mental health back on track and is happy to help. Canada has the potential to become a global leader in the movement. You can do it Send email to MP And let them know that you believe that fitness should be a tax deduction.
