HealthPartners is discontinuing its $20 gym membership reimbursement program, Frequent Fitness, for its small group plan members effective January 1, 2020. This change impacts approximately 110,000 members who previously received a $20 monthly reimbursement for visiting a gym at least 12 times. Instead, HealthPartners is embracing a virtual fitness model, partnering with Wellbeats to provide free access to on-demand fitness classes.
Why the Shift from $20 Gym Reimbursements?
HealthPartners found that the Frequent Fitness program, while designed to incentivize gym attendance, had low participation rates. According to Trystan Hansen, HealthPartners’ well-being product manager, only 5% of eligible members consistently utilized the reimbursement benefit. The primary reason cited was the inconvenience of traditional gym attendance for many individuals with busy schedules. Driving to a gym three times a week proved a significant hurdle for consistent participation. This prompted the search for a more accessible and engaging fitness solution.
Introducing Wellbeats: Your Virtual Fitness Solution
HealthPartners has partnered with Wellbeats, a St. Louis Park-based on-demand fitness provider, to offer a comprehensive virtual fitness program. Wellbeats provides over 500 diverse exercise routines accessible via smartphones and tablets. These include traditional fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, and cycling, as well as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts.
Jen Zygmunt, Wellbeats Senior VP of Sales and Marketing, emphasizes the platform’s ability to cater to a broad audience with flexible fitness options that fit seamlessly into individual lifestyles. This partnership aims to provide convenient and engaging exercise opportunities for those who struggled to maintain a traditional gym routine.
Addressing Accessibility and Long-Term Health
By eliminating the need for gym visits and offering a wide array of exercise options, HealthPartners seeks to significantly improve fitness accessibility for its members. The goal is to encourage increased physical activity, ultimately contributing to improved long-term health outcomes.
This proactive approach aligns with HealthPartners’ commitment to preventive care and overall well-being. Increased physical activity not only benefits individual members but also contributes to a healthier population, ultimately benefiting the health plan and associated clinics.
Gym Membership Discounts Remain an Option
While the $20 gym reimbursement is being phased out, HealthPartners will continue to offer discounted gym memberships through a program called GlobalFit. However, it’s important to note that popular fitness chains like Life Time Fitness and the YMCA are not currently part of the GlobalFit network. This shift towards virtual fitness reflects a broader trend in the healthcare industry, emphasizing accessible and convenient wellness solutions. HealthPartners’ decision signals a move towards a more inclusive and engaging approach to promoting physical activity amongst its members.
