Employers today offer a wide variety of wellness perks, from wearable fitness trackers to yoga rooms in the office. But which exercise-related benefits are the most popular? According to a new survey of executives, free or discounted gym memberships stand out as the clear favorite. Discover the other top-ranked fitness benefits and how these affordable options can boost employee health and save on healthcare costs.
Closing the Fitness Gap
Employee wellness has become a top priority for many businesses. Despite widespread recognition of the importance of health and fitness, less than 25% of U.S. adults exercise regularly. Moreover, employees across all generations expect their employers to prioritize their well-being by offering comprehensive mental and physical wellness perks as part of their benefits package. By addressing this fitness gap between current exercise habits and employee expectations, employers can play a pivotal role in improving employee health and wellness.
Wellness Perks that Work
A new survey by PEAR Health Labs, the AI platform behind the Aaptiv App, reveals that free or discounted gym or exercise class memberships are the most popular exercise-related benefits, according to 69% of executives surveyed.
This trend is echoed in a 2023 Aflac employee study which found that employees want access to personal wellness programs, including gym discounts.
In addition to free or discounted gym memberships, the PEAR survey identified other top-rated exercise benefits:
- Free or discounted wearable fitness devices (32%)
- On-site exercise opportunities (24%)
- Group fitness challenges (22%)
Gym or exercise class memberships and free or discounted wearable fitness devices are not just popular; they’re often considered essential components of corporate wellness programs. These benefits directly address employees’ physical health and contribute to their overall engagement.
Gym Memberships: A Healthy Return
Offering free or discounted gym memberships is a relatively small investment compared to healthcare costs. The average monthly gym membership costs between $40 and $70. In contrast, the average price of a visit to the emergency room can range from $1,200 to $1,300. Additionally, since regular exercise can lower the risk of injuries, gym memberships could save money on worker’s compensation claims, which average $41,757.
Beyond the financial benefits, gym memberships offer employees the flexibility to choose what works best for them. Whether they prefer high-intensity workouts, yoga classes, or strength training, a gym membership can cater to every fitness preference, encouraging more consistent exercise habits.
Aaptiv: Access to 20,000 Gyms, On-demand Classes and More
For maximum flexibility and convenience, Aaptiv offers an easy and affordable all-in-one fitness and wellness solution for employees. In addition to 10,000 on- demand workout classes, Aaptiv gives employees access to one of the largest gym networks in the country, including local and national brands, as well as boutique studios. The Aaptiv gym network is available exclusively as an employer/health plan benefit, with multiple membership options to fit any wellness budget.
Learn more about Aaptiv employee wellness and fitness benefits.
