January 1, 2010
First Word
My 2010 Wish List for the Industry
Each new year begins with expectations. And because I tend to be an optimist, I came into 2010 expecting it will end as a better year for the economy...
Time to Plan for Club Industry East
It may seem early to be thinking about conferences in May, but I invite you to start considering attending the Club Industry East conference and trade show...
Feature
2010 Holds Challenges for the Health Club Industry
Last year began with reports of government bailouts, plunging stocks, a high unemployment rate, and the worst recession this country has seen in decades....
Health Clubs Offer Programming for Seniors
As Baby Boomers near retirement age, savvy club operators are focusing on providing them with the programming they need and want, an almost sure way to make a profit from this mostly cash-flush market....
Industry Observer
Crunch Exit from Chicago Leads to Expansion for FFC
CHICAGO As Crunch continues its previously announced move out of Chicago, Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) is cashing in by buying memberships and a former...
Diversified Health Expanding American Bodyworks Brand
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL With its recent acquisition of American Bodyworks, Diversified Health and Fitness is expanding the brand with an additional 10 locations...
Navy Sailors Using Exercise to Combat Stress, Polls Find
MILLINGTON, TN Navy sailors are under more stress now than they were four years ago, but most are using exercise and sports participation to alleviate...
Supplier Side
Nautilus Commercial Buyer Remains a Mystery to Fitness Industry
The company that purchased some of the assets of Nautilus Inc.'s StairMaster and Schwinn Fitness commercial line last month has puzzled...
Cybex Move Could Help Other Providers' Revenue
MEDWAY, MA Some commercial fitness equipment manufacturers could get a bump in business now that Cybex International, Medway, MA, has officially notified...
Social Networking Boosts Brand Awareness, Health Club Member Leads
Although it was created for college students in 2004, Facebook now has 300 million users worldwide and is a grown-up way for businesses...
Used Fitness Equipment Entices Some Club Operators during Recession
During a recession, some club operators turn to used and refurbished equipment in hopes of saving money, but whether that trend is holding...
Business Builders
Implement These Five Key Tactics for a Successful Health Club Operation in 2010
Despite recent signals of improvement, the economy is still challenging the fitness industry, particularly in markets where unemployment remains high....
Retention Edge
How Will Your Club Approach Member Retention in 2010?
Clearly, retention should be both preemptive and, when our preemptive measures have not worked, reactive. My experience shows that most clubs do not have...
Smart Design
The 10 Biggest Design Mistakes Fitness Facilities Often Make
Fitness facilities of the future will use state-of-the-art aspects of design differently from how clubs use them today. Clubs that do not change run the...
