The Institute of Sport and Recreation Management
Media release - 3 December 2004
"Binge exercising" No answer to binge drinking
Christmas Revellers Urged Not To Binge In The Gym
Christmas is just around the corner which means the busiest time of year for gyms is just a few weeks away. Fuelled by new year resolutions and guilt after eating and drinking excessively, people are more susceptible than at any other time of the year to fall into the "binge-exercising" trap according to the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM).
With the help of its 2,500 members the ISRM is encouraging everyone who visits a gym or sports centre to follow a structured exercise programme which has been designed by a qualified fitness professional.
Linda Bishop-Bailey, director of operations, ISRM said: "It's great to see so many people heading down the gym in January but getting in shape is not something that happens in a couple of weeks. Over exercising can damage muscles, bones and people's confidence. Although muscle strains will heal in a matter of weeks the psychological effects won't. Binge eating and drinking is seen as the norm over the festive period but bingeing in the gym is not the solution."
Apart from the de-motivating effect of binge-exercising there are some very real physical dangers of over exercising, for example, strained muscles, exhaustion and damaged joints.
Helen Broadbent, general manager of Ponds Forge Sports Centre in Sheffield said: "We see a lot of new members in January but many of them hit the treadmills and rowing machines really hard for a couple of weeks and don't come back. Most of these people set themselves unrealistic targets which encourages them to binge-exercise. When they fail to achieve their goals they often give up on exercise all together."
As the education and membership body for managers of many of the country's sports and fitness centres the ISRM will be providing all its members with tips about how to spot binge-exercisers and advice about what type of support should be made available. This move should help to keep all new gym members safe.
"We have over 5,000 members at Ponds Forge alone and when anyone new signs up we ensure they have a full induction which takes into account their lifestyle, current health and helps to set realistic targets which are suited to their level of fitness and ability," concluded Helen.
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For more information, please contact:
Johnny Sollitt-Davis / Joanna Masson
Octopus Communications for ISRM
01753 672755
isrm@octopuscomms.net
About ISRM
The Institute of Sport and Recreation Management is the national professional body for sport and recreation management in the UK. Founded in 1921, the institute has a membership of 2,500 qualified sport and recreation specialists employed at all levels in the industry from front line managers to heads of companies, organizations and local authority departments. Its key objective is to provide opportunities for participation in sport and other recreational activities to benefit public health. More information is available at www.isrm.co.uk.