Retrenched? Head to the gym. At least that is what an increasing number of unemployed Americans are doing. As Americans grapple with recessions, some are using this period to hit the gym again. It might be a luxury to some for they cannot afford when they had a busy work schedule.

Equinox, which runs 48 gyms across US says, gym usage among existing members grew 15% in the first quarter of this year. Participation in classes that are included in the membership has also increased by a similar amount. Further, the gym is adding more yoga classes to meet demand.

According to Los Angeles-based researcher IBISWorld Inc, the gym and fitness club market will grow 2.2% this year. And to lure new members, World gym in the US is offering to pick up more than half of the cost of monthly dues if a client loses his or her job after joining, but only until the member finds work. Other clubs promote fitness as a way to get noticed by prospective employers.