Pocono News Section

Economy Weighs Down Gym Members

Economy Weighs Down Gym Members - Monday, March 2, 2009 at 3:43PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, Mar 2, 2009 @ 03:43pm EST
STROUDSBURG - The rough economy has taken toll on the financial health of the nation, now it may be harming our physical health. As things get worse, people give up their gym memberships.

While Stroudsburg YMCA members worked the weights, the YMCA member services coordinator works her calculator. "She's being overwhelmed right now because there's so many people in need in the community," said YMCA CEO Matt Rumph.

Doris Ozaeta figures out who is eligible for YMCA scholarships or financial assistance. She said, "A lot of them have lost their jobs or they're having problems with their house foreclosures."

In the past she calculated eligibility with gross income. It didn't figure in things like child care expenses or medical bills. The YMCA knew it had to find a different way when a member passed out while playing basketball. That member told manager he fainted because he didn't take his medication. That month he chose to pay for his YMCA membership instead.

"That just stuck me in the heart saying we need to take a look at what we're doing," said Rumph.

So now, Doris compares income and expenses to figure out who is eligible for help. Rumph said, "If we can afford it and we can continue to afford it, we will find a way."

He added that it's been harder to pay for the scholarship s because fewer people are donating and more people than usual have asked for help in the past year. "I would say it's been at least a 75% increase," said Rumph.

But he also said he does not want to turn anyone away because everyone deserves a chance to be active and healthy. "We've been through a few of these recessions and we survived and we're looking to survive and move on to the next level," he said.

You can pick up a financial assistance application or donate money at the YMCA on Main Street in Stroudsburg.