For people who've lost their jobs, stress becomes a major factor in their lives. And one way to reduce that stress is through exercise. But gym memberships can be expensive.

However, there is one local fitness chain that's working to help people deal with both those issues.

In an economy that's less than robust, the Peak Fitness chain is trying to make it easier for people to stay healthy.

The firm  has lowered its membership rates and offers a variety of services that include personal training and nutrionists to help people get the most out of that membership.

“With the economy in the shape that it's in, we've been working on our price points making it affordable for everybody because it's tough times and there's not a lot of money in the economy,” said Michael Medus who manages the Peak Fitness on Falls of Neuse Road in Raleigh.

As a small regional chain, Peak Fitness can react faster than the larger fitness firms to capitalize on an economy that 's not only faltering, but stressful.

“There's a ton of studies that talk about how exercise will relieve stress,”  said Medus.

“Whenever I'm stressed out I always come here and I leave feeling 100 times better,” said gym member Russ Stoutt.

For those who are joining the gym as a New Year’s resolution to get in shape it does no good just to throw around the weights indiscriminately.

“You’ve  got to combine nutrition needs with fitness,” explained Medus. “If you don't do them both, you won't get the results you need.”

Which  is why both personal trainers and nutrionists are part of the program at the facility.

“If you combine proper diet with an exercise routine, your results will be right up there at the top,” said Medus.

Currently the gym is charging $25 dollars a month for memberships.