beginners and create special conditions for professional weight lifters, a multidisciplined system where the novice is mentored by the professional in a friendly atmosphere. The recent fitness industry statistics provided by IHRSA (International Health, Racquet and Sports club Association) shows that the industry continues to grow during economic downturns. Whereas during the economic downturns most retail and hospitality businesses experience contraction, the health club industry has, over the past 20 years (including three recessions), continued to grow steadily. The health club industry will continue to enjoy strong growth for at least the next ten years. External forces—the media, government and the medical community—both support and encourage the public to exercise regularly.
Even more alarming: The increase is not limited to airplane deaths. The number of automobile fatalities shoots up as well (Phillips, 1980). What could possibly be responsible? One explanation suggests itself immediately: The same social conditions that cause some people to commit suicide cause others to die accidentally. For instance, certain individuals, the suicide-prone, may react to stressful societal events (eco- nomic downturns, rising crime rates, international tensions) by ending it all. Oth- ers will react differently to these same events; they might become angry, impatient, nervous, or distracted. To the degree that such people operate or maintain the cars and planes of our society, the vehicles will be less safe, and consequently, we will see a sharp increase in the number of automobile and air fatalities.