Binge watching shows on Netflix and eating Twinkies isn’t how the United States population is going to solve its obesity problems. The health of the United States has been on the decline for some years now. Diabetes, cancer, and obesity are the largest causes of deaths today, obesity being a cause for diabetes, as well as cancer. Obesity has increased from 20% in 2001 to 27% in 2013, states the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The cost of healthy foods are increasing, making it easier for the average person to choose a cheaper alternative, which includes fast-food and processed food. However, the fitness industry and members of it have a common goal, to open gyms all over the country. By doing so, people would have the opportunity to exercise frequently. Statistics from the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association shows that the U.S health club industry totaled 51.4 million memberships in 2011.

The number of trainers being certified is increasing at a rate of 13% according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics. Jamie Diaz, a trainer residing in Manhattan who began training 13 years ago said her job is to ¨help clients achieve their aspirations.” What is so important about eating healthy and exercising? Diaz said, ¨With diet and exercise, people can fight diseases and other health problems.¨ Diaz believes that trainers are going to be a big factor in the changing of lifestyles across the nation. The reason being is that people need a push, a source of motivation. People come up with excuses, said Ms.Diaz, she went on to talk about how one of her clients is 65 years old and has run 6 marathons.

As the fitness industry continues to grow, one must wonder what is the future for the health of America. The current generation of America's youth are exposed to fast food and handheld devices which is believed by Jamie to be reasons why kids neglect getting active. The government program Let’s Move started by the First Lady, is an initiative to promote healthier lifestyles for the youth of America. It gives information regarding exercising and healthier food options, but healthier foods are becoming more expensive says the Harvard School of Public Health. However, according to the Harvard School of Public Health, it takes $1.50 more per day to eat a nutritious diet rather than an unhealthy one. Obesity is still a large problem. Nathanael Benitez, a baseball player who attends City Tech in Brooklyn, said he buys his food in bulk and plans his meals for the week. That way he isn’t tempted to eat unhealthy. Mr.Benitez goes to the gym everyday and runs everyday to stay fit for baseball.

Many believe that having the right diet is one of the hardest parts about a healthy and fit lifestyle, but even then many people struggle with finding the energy and motivation to hit the gym. Jose Martinez, a fitness enthusiast who is in the process of becoming a trainer, said ¨Most people just need that extra push, they don’t want to get of their comfort zone, they want to stay home and continue with their unhealthy habits”. Things like video games and now movie streaming services encourage people to stay home instead of exercising. “It is hard for people to adjust their lifestyles,” Jose explained, a problem he has confronted in his past before becoming fit.

So what can the average person do to live healthier?

The answer is to get up and engage in exercise. It is recommended for children to engage in 60 minutes of exercise and 30 minutes for adults according to the National Library of Medicine. The health benefits of this heavily outweigh the problems that come with not exercising. An unhealthy diet and no exercise ultimately can lead to obesity which can then lead to type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be cured with exercise and a healthy diet according to the government initiative Let’s Move. Ms.Diaz said “One way for people to ease into exercising is to start walking with a friend. It is simple but effective. This way they can gradually continue exercising and make new goals for themselves.”

Nathanael Benitez said “that people consume so many ‘empty’ calories”. He explained that those are calories that have little or no nutritional value. One way Nathanael eats healthier is by eating whole foods like fruits and vegetables. ¨It is about making healthier eating more fun¨ Nathanael said. Whole foods like fruits and vegetables contain many essential vitamins and nutrients that soda and juice just can’t offer. Gyms across the country are now serving shakes and fruits, promoting a more healthy environment for people. Ms.Diaz herself promotes a healthy lifestyle for her family, encouraging her children to eat vegetables and less fast food. The continuing growth of the fitness industry and the awareness of individuals are the crusaders of the health of America.