What is in this article?:
- The 2012 Best of the Best Health Club Program Winners
- BEST NEW MEMBER INTEGRATION PROGRAM
- MyPath Program Generates Revenue
- BEST NONMEMBER PROGRAM
- Fast Results
- BEST BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION PROGRAM
- Effective Engagement
- BEST NEW MEMBER SALES PROGRAM
- Sales and Marketing Done Right
- BEST COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAM
- Citywide Results
- BEST CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
- Financial Wellness
The Best of the Best Awards recognize the best programming at fitness facilities in the United States and provide concrete examples of programs that have proven, successful results. The entries were rated by a group of judges from within the fitness industry who ranked each program based on its goals, goal attainment, innovation, budgeting, member or nonmember participation, marketing, program effectiveness, and the club’s follow-up efforts.
Follow the links to the right to read about each of the winning programs for 2012.
BEST NONMEMBER PROGRAM
LifeStart Wellness Network, Chicago
LifeStart Wellness Network, Chicago, designed its PT-55 program, which stands for physical training in 55 minutes, to engage the inactive population by addressing the many excuses that deter individuals from beginning an exercise program and joining a fitness center. LifeStart’s corporate clients’ employees pay $79 to participate in the eight-week program, which can be completed in just 55 minutes per week. The goal of the program is to engage nonmembers, especially beginning exercisers, by providing a short, motivating and effective full-body workout that will fit into their busy schedules at a manageable price.
“There are a lot of people who are too intimidated to join a fitness center and sign up for a monthly membership,” says Mike Flanagan, LifeStart Wellness Network president. “People who would never join a fitness center are doing the eight-week program to get a taste of it, and then they realize they are learning, being more aware and seeing results, and at the end, we are converting a pretty large percentage to memberships.”
Each participant starts by completing a comprehensive assessment, which measures their weight, girth, body composition, strength, flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness levels. They receive a nutrition log to track their eating habits, water consumption and sleeping habits, which are reviewed throughout the program to provide suggestions for improvement.
The 55 minutes per week are comprised of two 25-minute workouts and a five-minute weekly consultation with either the trainer or registered dietician, depending on their needs. The full-body workouts are completed in short, intense combinations supervised by a trainer with modifications for less advanced participants. Each exercise has three levels that provide beginners with moderate, heavy and intense workloads. Trainers focus on proper form and provide feedback on the appropriate level for the participants. During the program, participants are allowed unlimited access to the club before and after their training session.
