The Club Insider Archives: February 2017
Cherry Creek Athletic Club
The Evolution and Success of One of Denver's Premier Athletic Clubs
By: Justin Cates
Justin CatesChange... Improvement... Evolution... It can go by any of these names. And, possibly even more so than in the general business world, within the health and fitness club industry, those who earn success do so by constantly changing, improving and evolving their craft. A classic tale of this approach, which we have documented in Club Insider numerous times, is that of Red Lerille, Owner of the world-renowned Red's, located in Lafayette, Louisiana. When it comes to improvement, his mantra is simple but absolute: Each and every month, change and improve at least one thing. Even small changes, in aggregate over time, can create an entirely new identity for a business. This month's cover story subject, the Cherry Creek Athletic Club (CCAC), located in Denver, Colorado, is another renowned facility that has evolved and created success.
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Catching Up With VFP
Part I
By: Norm Cates
Norm CatesIt was my pleasure to interview Mario Bravomalo, Founder of VFP, and Daron "Rocketman" Allen, President and CEO, as we learned a lot about the many things they have going on with this special company. To say that VFP is truly a "one-of-a-kind" company that's doing things that nobody else in the marketplace can do for your club, or even come close to doing, would be the absolute truth. So, if you're a club owner/operator and you're not familiar with VFP, you owe it to yourself to become familiar with them. And, I promise that, after you read this, you WILL have all the evidence that you need to make the move to join them.
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"Insider Speaks"
Pump Up Your Profits By Extending the Life of Your Out-of-Warranty Exercise Equipment
By: Jon Webster
Jon WebsterThis is the time of year when fitness club managers turn their attention to building up membership with hopes of healthy profits. Marketing takes center stage as many search for ways to attract and retain club members by spicing up existing services and searching for new income streams. They know from experience that the first few months of the year are when conditions are best for adding members, and thereby, increasing revenue. Wise managers understand that expanding membership is only half the battle. Reducing costs is the other side of the equation. But, how?
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The Year Ahead
Ten Predictions for the Health and Fitness Industry in 2017 - Part II
By: Stephen Tharrett
Stephen TharrettOn the eve of each new year, industry experts and prognosticators hunker over their computers, studying industry benchmarks and trends to extrapolate nuggets of wisdom in order to forecast, or at least predict, what will happen in the New Year. For these individuals, the goal is to be the voice of the near future, to provide a degree of clarity on what might be expected in the upcoming year, or as T.S. Eliot so eloquently said, "For last year's words belong to last year's language, and next year's words await another voice."
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Management Styles
Or, Why Sometimes Working Together is So Difficult - Part I
By: Dr. Gerry Faust
Dr. Gerry FaustIn my Club Insider article published in the September 2016 Edition, I discussed the Four Roles of Management, which are critical to an organization's success in both the short and long term: Produce Results; Administer; Entrepreneur; Integrate. Now, it's time to discuss the related concept of management personalities, or if you will... management or work styles.
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Club Marketing Tips For Incorporating Video
By: Jim Thomas
Jim ThomasThe health and fitness industry is huge and continues to grow. One of the biggest challenges facing individual gym owners in such a growing and competitive industry is attracting a steady stream of new members. One of the best ways to do that is incorporating video into your marketing strategy. Consider the following statistics on user interaction with video...
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Be - Do - Have
By: Bill McBride
Bill McBrideWhat does it mean to change the paradigm in which we typically look at our life? Throughout life, many of us at some point in time have decided what it is we want in life and set out on a path to get it. It's an easy logic drill to figure out: If I want this, I need to do that, and I will have it. But, we have seen on occasion after occasion the failure of this approach, individuals succumbing to "now" without regard to the prize they hold dear. This seems to occur on a long-term basis all too often. So, how do we "re-direct" the paradigm of what seems like a logical approach?
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Risk Management
How to Minimize Your Legal Exposure to Slip and Fall Claims
By: Paul R. Bedard, Esquire
Paul R. Bedard, EsquireIt's no secret that these are competitive times for the health and fitness club industry. Given the effort required to generate increased revenues, it can be challenging to find time to develop a sound risk management strategy. However, whether training your people to effectively respond to a medical emergency, designing your employment practices to minimize the likelihood of an employment dispute or methodically inspecting and maintaining your premises to mitigate your exposure to premises liability claims, you must be proactive from a risk management standpoint.
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World Gym Starts 2017 With Deals For Over 30 New Gyms
LOS ANGELES, CA - World Gym International, the iconic global brand for bodybuilding and seriously fun fitness, had another huge year of growth in 2016, signing deals for more than 30 new gyms. World Gym's continued expansion includes a mix of new gyms and conversions from existing gyms.
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Fitness & Lifestyle Group Launches United States Growth With HYPOXI
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - Fitness & Lifestyle Group, Australia's largest fitness organization continues its global growth with HYPOXI USA, an all-natural weight loss and training program now franchising in the United States. Fitness & Lifestyle Group is proud to have the backing of Australian-based Quadrant Private Equity Group to bring this concept to the U.S.
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Brunswick Names Jaimie Irick as Fitness Division President
LAKE FOREST, IL - Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) announced the appointment of Jaime A. Irick, 42, as President of the Fitness Division, reporting to Brunswick Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mark D. Schwabero. Irick will succeed Christopher E. Clawson, President of Life Fitness, who is leaving the company. The appointment is effective immediately.
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Norm's Notes for February 2017
By: Norm Cates
Norm CatesHello Everybody! This is your Club Insider Publisher and Tribal Leader checking in for our 278th monthly edition!
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