January 1, 2012
First Word
Keep Your Health Club’s Long-Term Business Plans Firm but Flexible
Life often has a way of changing your personal and professional plans, so it is best to remain flexible....
Feature
State of the Health Club Industry Looks Bright for Larger Clubs in 2012
The differences in the situation between well-capitalized companies and small club operators may lead some to believe that the industry is heading toward two separate groups: the haves and the have-nots....
Club Operators Expect Revenue to Increase in 2012, Survey Says
The majority of fitness facility operators polled in the 2011 Club Industry State of the Industry survey anticipate an improved 2012, with moderate-to-high expectations of increased revenue, membership, renovations, additions and equipment purchasing....
Top 10 Reasons Why the Health Club Industry Has Not Matured
Some observers say that with the recent acquisition activity and involvement of private equity firms, the health club industry is maturing. One analyst says that is not the case....
The Recession Finally Catches Up to University Rec Centers
In 2012, the recession may finally have caught up with the university rec center market. Universities continued to buy and build during the recession because budgets for most capital projects are planned years in advance. However, 2012 will be different....
Military Fitness Trends in 2012 Focus Closer to Home
The end of U.S. military operations in Iraq will have an effect on many of the military services’ fitness departments in 2012....
JCC Trends in 2012 Include Wellness Programs, Customer Service
As Jewish Community Centers continue to develop their own niches within their communities and with the continual changes in the fitness landscape, JCCs will continue to be more customer-service oriented and program directed in 2012....
Industry Observer
Anytime Fitness Ranks Highest Among Clubs on Franchise 500 List
Anytime Fitness has steadily climbed the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list during the past six years. This year, the Hastings, MN-based company finds itself ahead of all other fitness club companies....
Art Curtis Leaves Millennium Partners to Start Consulting Company
Art Curtis, the former CEO of Millennium Partners Sports Club Management LLC, is forming his own consulting company. Curtis had served as CEO until January, when Smaiyra Million took over the post. ...
Supplier Side
Fitness Facility Operators Must Learn the Ups and Downs of Social Media
Most health clubs do not have a social media policy even though about 75 percent of health clubs have websites and Facebook accounts and about 50 percent are on Twitter. ...
Fitness Equipment Test Sites Benefit Health Clubs and Manufacturers
Fitness equipment manufacturers have plenty of ways to test a new product in the factory as it is designed, built and tweaked. But in the end, only real-world testing offers insights into just how well a product will stand up to the competition—not to mention the club and the end-users’ expectations. ...
Diligence Is Key to Keeping Your Fitness Facility’s Child Care Areas Clean
Cleanliness in a fitness facility’s child care area is a year-round concern, but combating cold and flu germs that can run rampant among children during the winter requires more diligence, time and attention. ...
Business Builders
Resolving Problems in the Fitness Industry Often Requires Going Deep
Effective health club managers must be knowledgeable of the developmental nature of change and the impact it can have on teams. ...
Retention Edge
Help Your Club’s Personal Trainers Become Better Customer Experience ‘Athletes’
Great athletes have great proprioception. Great customer experience “athletes” have great social proprioception. ...
Smart Design
Consider Current and Future Trends for Good Health Club Design
One key to a well-executed building design is in the identification and anticipation of what trends exist and what trends are to come. ...
Sales Strategies
Focus Your Health Club’s Sales Staff on Five Elements for Success
The success of your health club's sales staff depends on deepening current relationships while creating new ones. ...
Pro Shop
Pro Shop
The latest products for fitness clubs....
