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Do Monetary Incentives Increase Fitness Center Utilization? It Depends
Stephanie A Hooker1, Jennalee S Wooldridge1, Kaile M Ross1
11 Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA.
American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP
|December 8, 2017
Summary
Employer-provided monetary incentives increased fitness center visits but did not reduce membership termination rates. This suggests financial rewards may boost engagement without ensuring long-term member retention.
Area of Science:
- Health behavior research
- Workplace wellness programs
- Exercise science
Background:
- Employer-sponsored wellness initiatives are increasingly common.
- Understanding the impact of financial incentives on health behaviors is crucial.
- Previous research on incentive programs has yielded mixed results regarding long-term adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of an employer-based monetary incentive on fitness center usage.
- To determine if financial incentives influence membership termination rates at a fitness center.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective nested case-control study was conducted.
- 1122 members of a university-based fitness center participated.
- A US$25 monthly incentive for at least 10 visits was offered to some members; others received no incentive. Data on visits and termination were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models.
Main Results:
- Incentive program participants visited the fitness center more frequently (5.3 vs 4.3 visits/month).
- Members in the incentive group had a higher membership termination rate at 1 year (38% vs 31%).
- After controlling for covariates, the incentive program showed a 24% greater hazard of membership termination (HR=1.24, P=.041).
Conclusions:
- Monetary incentive programs can increase fitness center utilization.
- These programs may not be associated with a reduced risk of membership termination.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term impact and cost-effectiveness of such incentives.
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