The Physical Effects of the Disparities Among Toronto’s Primary Fitness Facilities on Lower Socioeconomic Groups

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A detailed research poster titled 'The Physical Fitness Effects of the Disparities Among Toronto's Primary Fitness Facilities on Lower Socioeconomic Groups: An Observational Study' by Hannah Levitsky from Toronto Metropolitan University. The poster outlines the background of limited fitness access in lower socioeconomic conditions (SEC), hypothesizing this contributes to inactivity. Research methods included qualitative, quantitative, and observational analyses of four fitness chains. Key findings are presented in a table ranking fitness facilities by price, location availability, equipment, classes, and amenities, along with two bar charts illustrating the relationship between median household after-tax income and the presence of these facilities. The analysis concludes that influential factors limit access, facilities for lower SES groups have fewer resources, and facilities are concentrated in higher SES areas. The discussion emphasizes that limited access leads to negative health impacts, lower fitness levels, and increased stress for lower SES populations, concluding with a question about increasing physical activity by building facilities in lower SEC areas.

The Physical Effects of the Disparities Among Toronto’s Primary Fitness Facilities on Lower Socioeconomic Groups

Hannah Levitsky

Biography

My name is Hannah Levitsky, and I am part of the Professional Communications graduating class of 2023 at Toronto Metropolitan University. I am passionate about health and fitness and all forms of equality. I have applied my passion into my research, and am excited to be able to share the project I have been working on over the past few months.

Research Summary

My research investigates the physical effects of the disparities among Toronto’s primary fitness facilities on lower socioeconomic groups. I conduct qualitative, observational research to analyze the varying experiences at four different tiers of Toronto fitness facilities. With the addition of quantitative research to analyze the median household after-tax income data of each Toronto facility location, I find conclusions to support my hypothesis that fitness facilities are an attributable factor to physical inactivity in areas of lower socioeconomic conditions.

Tags

Health, Sociology, Economics

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