Research New England Books Etc. A recent World Health Organization study, coauthored by Christopher Murray, professor of international health economics, ranked the Japanese as the world's healthiest people. In Japan, fitness clubs emphasize relaxation and stretching far more than their American counterparts. Both men and women avoid lifting weights and building strength. It also seems too individualistic.
Most women prefer quick-fix diets, pills, and creams to working out.
Despite the Japanese government's aggressive push for increased leisure and healthier lifestyles, corporations neglect fitness clubs to funnel huge sums of money into the hostess bars, pubs, and strip bars where employees can unwind after a stressful day by sharing a few drinks. Ironically, these foreign-born strippers and hostesses were among the most dedicated members of the downtown Tokyo club where Ginsberg worked, comprising nearly 30 percent of its membership. Research New England Books Etc.