August 1, 2011
First Word
Rooting for Mom and Pop Health Clubs
Smaller fitness facilities will not become extinct, but their owners and operators must set themselves apart to survive....
Feature
Larger Health Clubs Seeking Acquisition Possibilities
The major players in the industry either have the cash or are more able to get the credit to grow their companies. The result could mean industry consolidation, likely driven by only those major players....
Mergers, Partnerships Create New Opportunities for Nonprofits
The consolidation talk currently making news in the health club industry is not reserved for the for-profit club market. Nonprofit fitness and recreation facilities also are looking at merger possibilities, as well as partnerships with other organizations and businesses....
Industry Observer
Strength Training Programs for Children Gain Popularity
For decades, strength training was considered unwise for children because it could lead to injury or stunted growth, but times have changed. ...
Life Time Targets Growth, Expects 2011 Revenue of $1 Billion
Life Time Fitness increased revenue by 11.1 percent in second quarter 2011 and is expected to hit $1 billion in revenue by the end of this year....
Niche Clubs Offer Members a Unique Alternative
In an industry where big-name companies own hundreds of clubs across the country, generate millions of dollars in revenue and offer low-cost memberships, some small health club owners have discovered offering something different may be the best way to thrive....
Supplier Side
Unused Club Management Software Tools Leave Revenue Untapped
Tools that are part of a facility’s club management software and could help increase revenue and membership often go unused....
Cybex CEO Uses Financial Call to Question U.S. Tort System
As Cybex International posted a third consecutive quarter of sales growth, the company’s CEO voiced his opinion about the U.S. tort system....
Business Builders
Five Traits That Set Successful Health Club Owners Apart from Competitors
A special combination of managerial beliefs, practices and tools that focus on building a healthy organizational culture that drives performance, efficiency, effectiveness and morale can set a facility apart from its competitiors....
Retention Edge
Enhancement Fees Are Not the Answer to Your Club’s Financial Needs
Although charging members additional fees may result in a substantial sum, Thomas Kulp challenges the notion that enhancement fees are the answer to increase revenue....
Smart Design
Integrating Decoration into the Design of Your Club Leads to Greater Impact
Designing or redesigning a club is not just about choosing the right colors, tile and furnishings. Decorating must be an integral part of the design of a club for it to be successful. ...
Sales Strategies
Recognizing and Recruiting Service Providers Who Can Sell
One of the best ways to improve your peripheral sales is to hire service providers who already have a knack for selling. Although it may sound too good to be true, those people are out there, and they want to work for you. ...
Pro Shop
Pro Shop
The latest products for fitness clubs....
