A new lobby group will today lobby the Government to introduce tax breaks for gym membership.
The 'Fit 4 Life' group includes 891 gyms with 625,000 members.
Chairperson Darina Dunne of the 'Fit 4 Life - Irish Physical Activity Alliance' (IPAA) said their aim is to positively promote physical activity and encourage healthy lifestyles.
“We are lobbying the Government to fully recognise physical activity as an essential healthcare measure,” she said.
“Including… making it eligible for tax relief; it elevates in the mindset of the public physical activity to its rightful status as something that can fundamentally improve our health and reduces the barrier to entry.”
Fitness trainer recording online classes in gym. 25 November 2022. Picture by: Alamy.comMs Dunne said tax breaks would help more people become gym members.
“We know incentives work and, in this cost of living crisis, gym owners up and down the country will tell you one of the main reason people are leaving the gym is because they can’t afford it,” she said.
“They consider it an accessory spend - it’s not an essential - so they tend to cancel.
“Which they really shouldn’t because nothing will have a bigger impact on your long-term health than staying physically active.”
The HSE recommends adults get at least 30 minutes at least five days every week.
Exercise is known to boost a person’s physical health and mental health - releasing endorphins that make you feel happier.
Main image: A spinning class using exercise bikes at a gym. Image: MBI / Alamy Stock Photo
