The opening shots of the official "Y.M.C.A." music video features the Y.M.C.A. McBurney Branch in New York City. That location appears to be holding strong in membership. However, a couple of years ago the South Chicago Y.M.C.A. had to close its doors after serving the community for 90 years. The same happened to the Y.M.C.A. in Tyler, Texas after being in existence for 64 years. Many other long-time Y.M.C.A.'s have had to close across the United States, and several are currently slated for closure.
There are two driving factors behind these closures: (1) declining memberships due to other competitive workout locations; and, (2) decreased donations. The Y.M.C.A. is the nation's 10th largest charity (dropping from the 5th largest in 2016), with an annual revenue of $7.4 billion. Each Y.M.C.A. operates as a charitable not-for-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Tax Code.
Essentially, the non-profit Y.M.C.A. is losing members to for-profit businesses. Locations like Planet Fitness; Workout Anytime; 24 Hour Fitness; and, Anytime Fitness are certainly pulling some Y.M.C.A. members away. According to a 2018 study from sports and nutrition company My Protein, Americans (primarily Millennials) spend, on average, the following each month: $33 on gym memberships; $56 on health supplements; $35 on clothing and accessories for working out; $17 for healthy meal plans; and, $14 on trainers. That's $155 per month! Larger for-profit fitness locations can spend more on advertising and make introductory offers that can be quite appealing to those willing to pay to workout. Y.M.C.A. members may be enticed to try such locations, and perhaps benefit from many fitness outlets that offer 24-hour access.
The Y.M.C.A. (Young Men's Christian Association) was founded in London, England, on June 6, 1844, in response to unhealthy social conditions arising in the big cities at the end of the Industrial Revolution. Today, many simply refer to the Y.M.C.A. as the "Y." In fact, the rebranding to "Y" has been going on for several years.
From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso
_______________________________________
Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek
Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:
- United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
- Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
- Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
- Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
- The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
- Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
- Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
- Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
- Some Cycling Moments From The Past
