July 1, 2010
First Word
Top Health Clubs Are Battered but Standing
While putting together this year's Top 100 Clubs list, I got the impression that a lot of club owners didn't really want to offer...
Keep Informed Throughout the Month
Do you wait anxiously by your mailbox each month for your next issue of Club Industry, barely able to contain your excitement about what you'll find inside?...
Feature
The Top 100 Health Clubs of 2009
The recession led to lower revenue for many U.S. club companies in 2009, but owners on this year's Top 100 Clubs list indicate hope for 2010....
Industry Observer
Drop in Global Revenue Could Provide Industry Wake-up Call
BOSTON At first glance, the results of the 2010 International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) Global Report look promising. The number...
Tanning Tax Is Still Mystery to Some
WELLINGTON, CO The 10 percent tanning tax that went into effect this month is changing the way some club operators do business. Matthew Beeners, owner...
Cities Partner With Nonprofits to Keep Pools Open
FORT WORTH, TX Budget shortfalls are prompting some city parks and recreation departments to join forces with local nonprofits to keep their swimming...
Planet Fitness Still an Attractive Company for Buyers, Source Says
NEWINGTON, NH Planet Fitness may not have been able to consummate its deal with private equity firm Goode Partners LLC, but one industry observer indicates...
Texas AG Claims Bally Misled Former Members with Past Due Bills
AUSTIN, TX Neither Bally Total Fitness, Chicago, nor the Texas Attorney General's office provided updates last month into the lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney...
Supplier Side
Club Flooring Choices Can Affect Indoor Air Quality
OVERLAND PARK, KS Although environmental awareness is rising among fitness facility operators, many of them remain unaware that flooring choices can affect...
Strength Equipment Vendors Join Forces to Gain Strength
OVERLAND PARK, KS As club operators have put off equipment purchasing due to the recession, many equipment manufacturers have experienced a downturn in...
Business Builders
Pricing Club Fees Presents a Simple Question with a Complex Answer
Often, club owners determine what they will charge members for monthly dues before opening their club, before finalizing a club concept, before identifying...
Retention Edge
Clubs Should Offer the Stellar Service of the Hospitality Industry
During my stay earlier this year at the Fairmont Pierre Marques hotel in Acapulco, Mexico, I experienced a level of customer service unmatched by almost...
Smart Design
Smart Club Owners Are Proactive, Not Reactive, with Renovations
Club operators often find themselves asking whether or not it's time to renovate. The answer seems like it would be obvious. Sure, if you have not renovated...
