Health and Fitness Club Industry News: Chains
Thursday, May 7th, 2026
COVID-19 – The Coronavirus Crisis: The Membership
Posted: April 28, 2020 in Chains, Independents
As a supplement to our Special Edition Two-Part Cover Story on COVID-19, the Coronavirus Crisis (Click Here to Read Part I), Club Insider presents the following participant responses about their Membership. In this supplement, you will hear from Pat Laus and Kevin McHugh, Greta Wagner, Mike Alpert, Geoff Dyer, Carol Nalevanko, Jim Worthington and Linda Mitchell, Larry Conner and Rich Nelsen. Next week, we will be presenting participant responses and inspiring news items about various Communities around the country. Stay tuned, and stay safe and healthy! Read More...
Marsh Founder and Industry Veteran, the Beloved Ruth Stricker, Passes Away at 85
Posted: April 27, 2020 in Independents
MINNETONKA, MA - March 12, 1935 - April 14, 2020 - Ruth Ann Stricker of Deephaven, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2020. Connected in love and gratitude for her immeasurable contributions over the course of a remarkable life, Ruth's family, friends and professional colleagues around the world honor this visionary of the health and wellness industry. Founder of The Marsh, A Center for Balance and Fitness in Minnetonka, Ruth was an industry icon and pioneer in mind-body work. She integrated Eastern and Western practices in her personal and professional life; her philosophy offering a "liberal arts approach to health." In Ruth's words, "The resiliency of the human spirit makes it possible for us to find a sense of well-being in our lives... that our challenge is to be emotionally resilient and physically healthy to handle change and stress." Ruth believed, "health and fitness are not the chief goal in life but rather the potential to be good citizens of the earth." Read More...
Navigating How to Re-Open Your Gym in Phases
Posted: April 22, 2020 in Chains, Independents, Suppliers
I recently had the opportunity to speak to a large operator in China as that country begins to reopen. My goal was to understand how they navigated the different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. The learning was extremely valuable, and I thought I’d synthesize it and pass it along... Read More...
COVID-19 – The Coronavirus Crisis: Staffing
Posted: April 21, 2020 in Chains, Independents
As a supplement to our Special Edition Two-Part Cover Story on COVID-19, the Coronavirus Crisis (Click Here to Read Part I), Club Insider presents the following participant responses about their Staffing. In this supplement, you will hear from Pat Laus and Kevin McHugh, Greta Wagner, Mike Alpert, Geoff Dyer, Carol Nalevanko, Jim Worthington and Linda Mitchell, Larry Conner and Rich Nelsen. Next week, we will be presenting participant responses about their Membership, followed by their Community the following week. Stay tuned, and stay safe and healthy! Read More...
30 At-Home Activities for Kids
Posted: March 29, 2020 in Independents
NEWTOWN, PA - At home with your family the next few weeks? If you’re looking for activities to keep your family active & engaged during this difficult time, we’re here to help! Here are 30 fun, easy and cheap activities for kids, to keep them (and you!) entertained while at home... Read More...
Newtown Athletic Club Temporarily Closes Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Posted: March 17, 2020 in Independents
NEWTOWN, PA - Governor Wolf has publicly recommended the closure of all gyms in Bucks County for the next two weeks due to the coronavirus. We have made the decision to comply with these recommendations and will close for the suggested 2 weeks. Since this closure was not mandated but recommended, we struggled with our social and civic responsibility. Do we remain open to serve our community when they need us most, or do we err on the side of extreme caution? Even though we passionately believe that exercise and good nutrition offer the best protection against this virus and a great many illnesses, both chronic and acute, we are taking this measure to insure that no stone is left unturned in this critical situation. We plan to utilize the time we are closed well by continuing to work making improvements and upgrades to the club. Read More...
Saco Sport & Fitness Temporarily Closes Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Posted: March 17, 2020 in Independents
SACO, ME - Due to new information coming out daily and the rapidly increasing impact of the Coronavirus, we feel obligated to close to help protect our members, staff and the greater community. Our plan is to reopen April 1st, and we can’t wait to see you all! We are offering online virtual classes for our members. We are continuing to serve our Nutrition clients and HealthyCARE90 classes through telemedicine and video conferencing. We wish you all well and will see you soon. Read More...
Ruth Stricker Honored For Her Many Lifelong Contributions As A Humanitarian
Posted: August 10, 2019 in Independents
MINNETONKA, MN - Ruth Stricker, humanitarian, wellness pioneer and international spokesperson for the mind-body connection was honored on August 9th at The Marsh, A Center for Balance and Fitness with the presentation of an artistic life casting of her hands by renowned sculptor Don F. Wiegand. The life casts capture Ruth’s hands in the fluid movement of Tai Chi, symbolizing her roots, philosophy and her life’s work dedicated to balance. Read More...
Cedardale Founder, John Edwin Veasey, Passes Away at 89 – February 17, 1930 – June 27, 2019
Posted: June 28, 2019 in Independents
HAVERHILL, MA - John Edwin Veasey, a lifelong resident of Haverhill, passed away in the company of his family on June 27, 2019 at his home on Brockton, Avenue. Born February 17, 1930 to Decia Beebe and Arthur Hale Veasey, John Edwin grew up at 5 Windsor Street in Haverhill with three siblings, Arthur Hale Veasey, Jr., Decius Beebe Veasey, and Katherine Ensign Veasey. Affectionately known to his friends and loved ones as "Ed" or "Eddie", he devoted his life to his family, country, friends and community. Read More...
Club Fit Named “GOLD LEVEL” Learn-To-Swim Provider by American Red Cross
Posted: May 29, 2019 in Independents
BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. and JEFFERSON VALLEY, N.Y. - When Club Fit Briarcliff Aquatics Director Ruth Garcia visited the Greenwich American Red Cross office on May 16th, she thought it was simply for a “meet & greet.” She had no idea she would be leaving with four awards for Club Fit! Club Fit is pleased to announce both the Briarcliff Manor and Jefferson Valley locations have been awarded the “GOLD LEVEL Learn-To-Swim Provider” designation for 2017 and 2018. Read More...
