The Club Insider Archives: August 2024

Maria Gonzalez and ClubFitness
Inspiring and Empowering!
By: Justin Cates

Justin CatesIt is easy to take for granted the things we are born with. That could be physical ability, linguistic capability, financial means above the average... you name it. True character is built outside one's comfort zone. How do we react to being challenged? Do we give up, or do we rise up, striving to be better? This story is about the latter, rising up and striving to be better! Maria Gonzalez, CEO of Club Fitness, is a native of Colombia. In 1998, speaking limited English, Maria and her husband, Carlos, immigrated to the United States. Like all of us before her, the United States was a beacon, and the people came. The fabric of cultures, languages and life experiences this has brought together has created a beautiful quilt of humanity that is unmatched anywhere in the world. Read More

Elevating Accountability and Morale
A Blueprint for Independent Gym Owners
By: Jim Thomas

Jim ThomasIn the competitive world of independent gyms, boutique studios and personal training businesses, the fine balance between holding staff accountable and maintaining high morale is a crucial factor that can make or break your success. Accountability is not just about meeting sales targets or showing up on time, it's about fostering a culture of excellence where every team member feels responsible for the gym's success. Yet, it's equally important to keep your staff motivated, happy, and enthusiastic about their roles. Here's how you can strike that balance effectively... Read More

My Insurance Aviator Program
An Entry into the Reimbursement System
By: Eric Durak, MSc

Eric Durak, MScOver the past 30 years, professionals in the exercise field have been interested in receiving reimbursement dollars for specific types of fitness services. The only bona fide service that started receiving insurance money was cardiac rehab, which in the mid-1980s received reimbursement for up to 35 cardiac visits. This meant that patients who needed exercise could get phase 3 programs for up to 3.5 months post-surgery. No other types of clinical exercise --obesity, hypertension, diabetes management, etc.-- received reimbursement dollars. This has led to reimbursement being considered the Holy Grail for the industry. Read More

How to Approach the Pursuit of New Revenue Streams
By: Chris Stevenson

Chris StevensonGenerating revenue and being profitable in the fitness industry can be a challenge. Margins can be tight, competition is fierce, and there are always new trends and fads to consider. While the primary revenue source is often membership dues, most facilities need other revenue streams to be profitable and reach their full potential. Adding these ancillary services can't be done haphazardly. Various factors must be considered when determining what products and services will provide the best ROI and be worth adding to a facility's arsenal. Here are some things to consider when exploring new revenue streams for fitness clubs... Read More

Marrying PR With Social Media is a Winning Blend For Your Wellness Business
By: Nancy Trent

Nancy TrentSocial media is an essential tool for wellness businesses such as gyms and fitness equipment companies. While social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok allow these businesses to connect directly with their audience, the role of Public Relations (PR) should not be overlooked. PR can significantly amplify social media efforts, ensuring a more robust, credible and impactful online presence. Here's how PR supports social media and tips on leveraging this synergy for wellness-based businesses. Read More

Crush or Be Crushed
Five Variables of Group Fitness Performance
By: Jeffrey Pinkerton

Jeffrey PinkertonGroup fitness can and should be the shining star of your facility. Few experiences under your roof create the same energy and excitement, camaraderie and community as a well-managed, well-organized program. And, to maximize its impact, your goal should be to make your group fitness rooms as full as possible, as often as possible. Imagine your favorite restaurant: the crowd is lively, the patrons are diverse, the energy is palpable, the vibe is cool, the staff is professional and passionate, and everything on the menu is high-quality. If this doesn't sound like the group fitness experience at your club, it's time to take a hard look at these five variables of group fitness performance... Read More

Crunch Celebrates Momentous Year at Annual Franchise Convention; Announces Appointment of Molly Long to Chief Operating Officer
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Crunch Fitness, a leading high-value, low-price gym, has wrapped its global Franchise Convention in Arizona, where executives reflected on the momentous year with approximately 600 attendees and laid out plans to further fuel Crunch's continuous growth. The convention's theme, "Feel the Good," represented the spirit and inclusive values of Crunch and featured dynamic content, such as leadership development, strategic discussions, beneficial training courses and the introduction of new initiatives for the brand. Read More

Blink Fitness Takes Action to Position Business for Future
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Blink Fitness ("Blink" or the "Company"), the affordable fitness brand known for its commitment to an all-inclusive and inviting environment, announces that the Company has made the strategic decision to execute an efficient and value-maximizing sale process to optimize its footprint and position the business for long-term success. To facilitate the sale process, Blink has voluntarily filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the District of Delaware. Read More

Equinox Appoints Marc Mastronardi as President
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Equinox, an authority in high-performance luxury living, announces that they have appointed Marc Mastronardi as President of Equinox. Together with the executive leadership team, Marc will develop organizational strategies to drive Equinox's continued success, profitability and future growth. He will be responsible for leading operational excellence, employee and member experience, financial performance and innovation across all club offerings. Read More

Norm's Notes for August 2024
By: Norm Cates

Norm CatesHello Everybody! This is your Club Insider Founder and Tribal Leader Since 1993 checking in with our 368th monthly edition of this 31+ year running club business publication I refer to as: A Labor of Love! I'm very thankful that you've tuned in again for this iteration of Norm's Notes, as I proceed on my keyboard with my longtime habit of "Telling-It-Like-It-Is!" I'm really happy that you're reading this edition, and I want to THANK YOU ALL for sticking with us every month! As usual, we have a bunch of health and fitness club business news, so please read on! Read More

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