- 1/31/12 (IHRSA) - The 3rd Annual Women's Leadership Summit
IHRSA 2012 in Los Angeles will feature its 3rd Annual Women's Leadership Summit on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 2:00PM to 5:00PM... Read More...
- 11/30/11 (Chains) - LA Fitness Completes Acquisition of 171 Bally Clubs
LA Fitness has completed the acquisition of 171 Bally Clubs. Paul Norris, Principal of LA Fitness commented, "Our objective in general is to make this transition as easy as possible for both the members and the employees... Read More...
- 11/18/11 (Chains) - Fitness International, LLC to Acquire 171 Bally Total Fitness Clubs
IRVINE, CA/CHICAGO, IL - Fitness International, LLC, an affiliate of L.A. Fitness International, LLC, today announced that it has agreed to acquire... Read More...
- 11/16/11 (Chains) - LifeTime Fitness Acquires 9 Lifestyle Family Fitness Clubs
LifeTime Fitness, the Chanhassen, Minnesota-based upscale club company will acquire nine Lifestyle Family Fitness Centers in Ohio, North Carolina and Indiana... Read More...
- 9/20/11 (Suppliers) - Secrets to 76 Referrals in 30 Minutes
HOUSTON, TX - iGo Figure Software's founder and CEO Kyle Zagrodzky is scheduled to present an in depth presentation entitled Secrets to 76 Referrals in 30 Minutes on October 13th, 2011... Read More...
- 9/20/11 (Suppliers) - NBC's The Biggest Loser Kicks Off Another Season With Iron Grip Free Weights
ORANGE COUNTY, CA - The new fall season of NBC's The Biggest Loser will feature new contestants... Read More...
- 12/17/10 (Club Insider) - Dale Dibble, Club Business Legend, and Great Friend, Passes Away
Dale Dibble passed away peacefully on December 13, 2010. May the great man I call "Mr. Enthusiasm" Rest In Peace... Read More...
- 12/15/10 (IHRSA) - Federal Court Reverses Gym Music Decision in Australia
The Courier Mail announced Monday that gyms won't be forced to pay musicians more money for playing their songs in fitness classes after a Copyright Tribunal ruling was overturned by the Federal Court... Read More...
- 12/15/10 (Chains) - Gordon Johnson Honored by Gold's Gym International
Gordon Johnson, owner of two Gold's Gyms in Douglasville, GA was named the Visionary of the Year by Gold's Gym International for 2010... Read More...
- 12/09/10 (Chains) - Retro Fitness Location in Allentown, PA Reopens
Norm's Notes in the December 2010 Edition of Club Insider included an accurate news item that the Retro Fitness in Allentown, Pennsylvania had closed... Read More...
- 11/24/10 (IHRSA) - IHRSA Yearbook Deadline Extension
The deadline for submissions for IHRSA's special 30th Anniversary Yearbook has been extended until Friday, December 17th... Read More...
- 11/17/10 (Chains) - Planet Fitness Drops Personal Training!
Planet Fitness Co-founders Mike and Marc Grondahl and Chris Rondeau, have announced that the company will be dropping personal training as a service in all locations nationwide... Read More...
- 11/16/10 (Chains) - Loudon County Gets "The Rush"
KNOXVILLE, TN - THE RUSH Fitness Complex is proud to announce their newest club located in Lenoir City. This 20,000 square-foot facility is their 22nd location and scheduled to open in January 2011... Read More...
- 11/16/10 (Suppliers) - ABC Financial Expands Business Offerings
LITTLE ROCK, AR - Arkansas-based ABC Financial, one of the country's largest providers of health club billing services, announced the launch of ABC Merchant Services (ABCMS), a subsidiary of ABC Financial Services, Inc... Read More...
- 10/29/10 (Club Insider) - Vote For Top 10 CNN Hero Nominee Linda Fondren
Remember, you and your friends have until November 18th to cast your vote for LINDA FONDREN for the CNN Heroes Award! Read More...
- 10/28/10 (IHRSA) - IHRSA Quarterly Index Posts Improvements in all Key Performance Indicators
The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) announced the release of the IHRSA 2010 Second Quarter Index... Read More...
- 10/26/10 (Independents) - Madonna to Open "Hard Candy" Gym Chain
NEW YORK, NY - Pop singer Madonna will soon be making her mark in the world of fitness. The Material Girl has partnered with her manger, Guy Oseary, and Mark Mastrov, the founder and CEO of 24 Hour Fitness... Read More...
- 10/20/10 (IHRSA) - A New Order for CPR, Spelled C-A-B
The American Heart Association is re-arranging the ABCs of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in its 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care... Read More...
- 10/15/10 (Suppliers) - Iron Grip Provides Equipment to NBC's The Biggest Loser
ORANGE COUNTY, CA - Iron Grip Barbell Company has recently outfitted NBC's hit series The Biggest Loser with its signature urethane Olympic weight plates, urethane dumbbells and Olympic bars... Read More...
- 10/14/10 (IHRSA) - IHRSA Celebrates Three Decades of Excellence
Boston, MA - IHRSA will celebrate turning 30 by continuing its tradition of offering the industry's most outstanding business educational and networking experience at its 30th Annual International Convention & Trade Show Read More...
- 10/7/10 (Suppliers) - CYBEX Teams Up With NBC's The Biggest Loser to Fight Breast Cancer
As recently reported, Cybex International, Inc. announced that it is partnering with NBC's The Biggest Loser in a "Hot Pink Challenge"... Read More...
- 10/7/10 (Chains) - Sport&Health Acquires Club Golf in Gaithersburg, MD
GAITHERSBURG, MD - Sport&Health Clubs, the Washington, D.C. Metro Area's largest health club company, announced the acquisition of Clubgolf Performance Center at its Rio location in Gaithersburg, Maryland... Read More...
- 10/1/10 (IHRSA) - Retired Generals: Childhood Obesity Threatens National Security
"Obesity rates threaten the overall health of America and the future strength of our military," according to Rear Admiral, Jamie Barnett, US Navy (Retired)... Read More...
- 10/1/10 (Chains) - Up to $50 Million From GE Capital to Fuel Growth at Planet Fitness
NEWINGTON, N.H. - Planet Fitness has reached an agreement with GE Capital on a $40 million credit facility... Read More...
- 9/24/10 (IHRSA) - IHRSA 30th Anniversary Yearbook Coming Soon!
IHRSA's 30th Anniversary Yearbook is coming soon! IHRSA will produce a 30th Anniversary Yearbook, and everybody is invited to participate... Read More...
- 9/23/10 (Chains) - ACAC Fitness & Wellness Center Expands Club Portfolio
ACAC Fitness & Wellness Center announced plans for a new health club in West Broad Village in Richmond, Virginia. The new 57,000 square-foot club will span three stories... Read More...
- 9/23/10 (IHRSA) - IHRSA California End of Session Report
The California legislature adjourned on September 1, 2010. IHRSA worked to protect and promote the interests of health clubs across the state... Read More...
- 9/9/10 (IHRSA) - Urgent Advocacy Needed: Oppose a Sales Tax on Club Services
As reported by IHRSA on August 26th, the Governor of California has proposed a universal expansion of the state sales tax... Read More...
- 9/9/10 (Suppliers) - Medical Fitness Association (MFA) Presents an Educational Teleconference
Medical Fitness Association (MFA) in conjunction with the MFA Education Committee presents an Educational Teleconference on October 14, 2010... Read More...
- 9/9/10 (Suppliers) - Iron Grip Introduces Redesigned Urethane Free Weight Line
Iron Grip Barbell Company, a leader in commercial free weight equipment worldwide, has recently upgraded their premium line of urethane dumbbells and Olympic plates improve durability, functionality, longevity and appearance... Read More...
- 9/3/10 (IHRSA) - UNC Tarheels Team up with Cybex to Help Fund Cancer Research
The University of North Carolina Fitness Center has joined Cybex International and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to raise money... Read More...
- 9/2/10 (IHRSA) - Minor Exemption Bill Passes Legislature
In response to member concerns about the recently-passed child care facility law, IHRSA... Read More...
- 8/26/10 (IHRSA) - California Governor Proposes Expansion of Sales Tax
Tuesday, Governor Schwarzenegger called for an expansion of California's sales tax to cover all services that are currently not taxed in exchange for reducing the current base rate... Read More...
- 8/25/10 (IHRSA) - Federal Prevention Fund At Risk In Upcoming Senate Vote
On September 14th, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on Amendment #4596 that would eliminate funding of the Prevention and Public Health Fund for fiscal years 2010-2017... Read More...
- 8/21/11 (Independents) - Minton's Sportsplex Honored By SBA
TEXARKANA, TX - Administrators from Washington DC and DFW will be in Texarkana to tour Minton's Sportsplex and hold a presentation ceremony honoring Minton's Sportsplex... Read More...
- 8/20/10 (Club Insider) - Correction!
Our Norm's Notes for August contained a comment that Jonathan Adler, CEO of Sport & Health, had left his position. Jonathan Adler contacted us today and informed us that he is still employed at Sport & Health as its CEO. Read More...
- 8/19/10 (Chains) - The RUSH Fitness Complex Grand Opening Celebration!
WINSTON-SALEM, NC - On September 3-5th, The RUSH Fitness Complex will celebrate the Grand Opening of its newest facility in Winston-Salem, NC... Read More...
- 8/17/10 (IHRSA) - Massachusetts Legislative Victories
BOSTON, MA - The Massachusetts Legislature adjourned its 2-year legislative session on July 31, 2010... Read More...
- 8/16/10 (Advertisers) - Steve Ayers Joins ABC Financial as Vice President of Sales
LITTLE ROCK, AR - ABC Financial (ABC) is pleased to announce the addition of Steve Ayers to their team as Vice President of Sales... Read More...
- 8/13/10 (Chains) - Co-founder Is Named Chairman of Planet Fitness
NEWINGTON, N.H. - Marc Grondahl, a Co-founder Planet Fitness, has been named Chairman of the company's Board of Directors... Read More...
- 8/12/10 (IHRSA) - IHRSA Monthly Performance Index Signals Market Growth
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA announces the results of IHRSA's Monthly Trends Survey, which indicates that U.S. health clubs improved their performance... Read More...
- 8/9/10 (Club Insider) - Club Insider Website Update Complete!
Club Insider is very proud to announce the completion of an expansive update to its website... Read More...
- 8/9/10 (Club Insider) - Cover Story Preview: 200th Edition, A Retrospective
December, 1993: "Norm Cates' Club Insider News was launched this month to provide a new and unbiased view of the happenings in the club industry"... Read More...
- 7/20/11 (Suppliers) - Iron Grip Introduces Functional Training Set
ORANGE COUNTY, CA - Iron Grip Barbell Company, the industry leader in commercial free weight equipment, has introduced the Iron Grip Functional Training Set, an easy and cost-effective way for fitness facilities to create... Read More...
- 6/22/11 (Suppliers) - Join the 3rd Annual Pink Ribbon Run & Take Steps to End Breast Cancer
During October 2011, ten cents per mile logged on the CYBEX pink Treadmill will be donated by CYBEX to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation... Read More...
- 6/6/11 (Suppliers) - Chuck Leve, AFIRM/SGMA Part Ways
EVANSTON, IL - The Association of Fitness Industry Retailers & Manufacturers' Executive Director, Chuck Leve, and AFIRM's parent organization, the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, have parted ways... Read More...
- 6/4/11 (Chains) - The RUSH Fitness Complex Has Its 23rd Grand Opening Celebration
KNOXVILLE, TN - The RUSH Fitness Complex, will hold its 23rd location's Grand Opening the weekend of June 17th... Read More...
- 6/3/11 (Club Insider) - Government Launches New Dietary Guidelines Campaign
First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today unveiled the federal government's new food icon, MyPlate, to serve as a reminder to help consumers make healthier food choices... Read More...
- 6/2/11 (Suppliers) - AFIRM's Mid-Atlantic Showcase Canceled
SILVER SPRING, MD - Citing weaker than anticipated pre-registered attendance, AFIRM, announced the cancellation of the AFIRM Showcase Tour event, June 6-7 in suburban Washington, DC... Read More...
- 6/1/11 (Independents) - Rochester Athletic Club Recognized as the Partner to Olmsted County, Minnesota
The Rochester Athletic Club in Rochester, Minnesota, was recognized as the partner to Olmsted County, Minnesota.... Read More...
- 5/26/11 (IHRSA) - Global Health Club Industry Surpasses 128 Million Members
Boston, MA - For the first time, global health club membership exceeded the 120 million mark in 2010, surpassing the industry-wide goal set by IHRSA more than a decade ago... Read More...
- 5/13/11 (IHRSA) - IHRSA Index Attests to Industry Strength
BOSTON, MA - The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) announced the release of the IHRSA Index results for 2010, which demonstrates the financial performance of the commercial health club industry... Read More...
- 5/13/11 (Club Insider) - REX Launches First European Roundtable
The First REX Roundtable, with members from thirteen Italian clubs, had its first meeting May 6-7, 2011 in Bologna, Italy. The REX Italian Chair is Fausto De Giulio, and he organized and chaired the meeting... Read More...
- 5/13/11 (IHRSA) - Fitness Industry Provides Free Health Club Memberships to Military Families
WASHINGTON, DC - Executives from the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) joined First Lady Michelle Obama... Read More...
- 4/21/11 (Suppliers) - fitRewards Announces Full Integration with ABC Financial
PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ - fitRewards has announced that it is now fully integrated with the club management software DataTrak, powered by ABC Financial. The fitRewards ABC Financial Web Service integration will make... Read More...
- 4/20/11 (Chains) - Teens Get Fit for FREE This Summer at Lifestyle Family Fitness
St. Petersburg, FL - This summer teens around the nation will have the opportunity to get fit for free. Lifestyle Family Fitness kicks off its annual Teen Initiative on May 15, opening up all club doors to teens ages 12-17 for free... Read More...
- 4/19/11 (Club Insider) - Stephen Williams Passes Away
Jill Stevens Kinney informed us today that our longtime industry friend, Stephen Williams, passed away on April 13th. Stephen was one of the true pioneers of the health and fitness industry and will be greatly missed... Read More...
- 4/18/11 (Chains) - Club Insider Warnings About Urban Active Now Taking Shape in Legal Actions
COLUMBUS, OH - Urban Active fitness clubs including seven in Central Ohio, were hit with a lawsuit alleging the club violated the state's... Read More...
- 4/5/11 (IHRSA) - U.S. Health Club Membership Exceeds 50 Million, Up 10.8%
BOSTON, MA - The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) announced today that U.S. health club membership reached 50.2 million in 2010... Read More...
- 3/17/11 (Suppliers) - ABC Financial Unveils New Software Features at IHRSA
LITTLE ROCK, AR - ABC Financial Services, the leading provider of software and billing in the Health and Fitness Industry, announced seven feature upgrades to its DataTrak software... Read More...
- 3/15/11 (Chains) - Club One Appoints Bill McBride as President and COO
Club One recently announced the appointment of Bill McBride as President in addition to being the Chief Operating Officer. McBride, a 20-plus year industry veteran, assumes his new leadership role immediately... Read More...
- 3/5/11 (Club Insider) - Kenneth Dean Wertz Passes Away
We're sorry to report that long time club industry veteran and Club Insider subscriber, Dean Wertz, passed away on March 5, 2011. May Dean rest in peace... Read More...
- 3/1/11 (Club Insider) - The Revenuers Are Coming!
Georgia House of Representative leaders proposed large-scale tax reform yesterday, which includes an expansion of the sales tax to health club dues and services... Read More...
- 3/1/11 (Supplier) - Star Trac President Mike Leveque Resigns
Star Trac, a global leader in the commercial fitness industry, announced today that Mike Leveque has resigned as President to pursue new business opportunities. Leveque has held numerous positions at Star Trac... Read More...
- 2/23/11 (Chains) - It's number 400 for Planet Fitness
NEWINGTON, N.H. - Planet Fitness, the gym franchise known for its Judgement Free Zone atmosphere and friendly prices, opened its 400th location today. The milestone was reached in Albany, N.Y... Read More...
- 2/16/11 (Suppliers) - City Blends Launches Co-Branded Partnership With World Gym International
City Blends Smoothie Cafe is proud to announce the launch of a co-branded Cafe and menu board program with World Gym International.. Read More...
- 2/11/11 (IHRSA) - 15th Annual Financial Panel
Mark your calendar now to attend the 15th Annual Financial Panel taking place during IHRSA30, the 30th Anniversary International Convention & Trade Show in San Francisco next month... Read More...
- 1/23/11 (Club Insider) - Fitness Guru, Jack LaLanne, Has Passed Away at the Age of 96
The legendary icon of fitness, Jack LaLanne, passed away at his home in Morro Bay, California on Sunday afternoon, January 23, 2011. According to his agent, Rick Hersh, he died of respiratory failure due to pneumonia... Read More...
- 1/22/11 (IHRSA) - United States Surgeon General to Speak at IHRSA30
IHRSA has announced that the U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Regina M. Benjamin, MD, MBA, will address attendees of IHRSA's 30th Anniversary International Convention & Trade Show ("IHRSA30") in San Francisco... Read More...
- 1/22/11 (Miscellaneous) - 2011 Club Industry Executive Summit Canceled
Zari Stahl, Group Show Director of Penton Media, Announced on January 21, 2011: You talked. We listened. In a recent survey, we received a lot of feedback about how to enhance the attendee and exhibitor experience... Read More...
- 1/7/11 (Club Insider) - Tim Richards, Club Veteran, Passes Away
Philanthropist and club business pioneer, Founder of Orchard Hills Athletic Club and IHRSA Founding Member, Tim Richards, died suddenly on January 4, 2011... Read More...