Five Signs That the Economy Is Improving

Forget the Consumer Index and those ubiquitous spending reports. There are some very simple homespun ways to know when the economy is improving. And based on our methodology, which is at least understandable to laymen, if not scientifically accurate, here are the signs to look for:

1. When the Gym is Empty in the Middle of the Day Again

Long, long ago when people had full-time jobs, they went to the gym either early in the morning before work or on their way home from the office. Somewhere around 2009-2010, it became near impossible to get a treadmill at 11 a.m. Gym use, for those who could afford it after their morning latte stop, became a late-morning or early afternoon activity.

Truth is, gym memberships in this country has held steady, which speaks volumes about our commitment to burn off the fat and stay healthy, even when we are financially circling the drain.