Current Topics
Beginning July 1, 2010 businesses offering ultraviolet tanning services must collect a 10 percent excise tax as part of the excise tax requirement of the Affordable Care Act, enacted in March 2010. Businesses must collect the tax at the time the customer pays for service; if the customer doesn’t pay then the tanning service provider must pay it. This tax does not apply to spray-on tanning services.
The... [Read more]
Mike Akana’s love for fitness was discovered while playing baseball for Boise State University. He had developed two possible paths during this time of his life; one, he could pursue medicine, or; two, he could pursue preventative medicine in the form of personal training and exercise.
The second posed a much greater outreach for Akana. He spent eight years in the industry working different aspects,... [Read more]
The PowerMax 360 is the most revolutionary piece of strength and conditioning equipment that is functional and safe for everyone from 8 to 88 years old. The 360 brings a completely new meaning to functionality, specificity and safety in exercise, as well as the most comprehensive strength and cardio conditioning workout one could possibly perform and imagine for such a simple idea. The PowerMax 360... [Read more]
Micromanagement has long been a dirty word in business. Micromanagement is the perceived over-involvement of a manager defined by excessive details and minutiae, numerous rules and corrections — a desire to control the minds and actions of a staff, or as perception would challenge: the inability for a manager to surrender that control. Micromanagement is bad for the development of a team, bad for... [Read more]
A few months ago I had a chance to meet with an executive roundtable featuring owners of the top health clubs and chains from around the world. While the discussions were fascinating and the ideas great, it reminded me of the first IHRSA conference I attended 14 years ago.
The challenge then was, “How to increase retention rates, how to increase market penetration and how to get more people to refer.”... [Read more]
Ten years ago it never occurred to Billy Malkovich that he would be working in the fitness industry — he was dead set on becoming a lawyer and politician on Capitol Hill. However, like many things in life, direction changed for Malkovich. He graduated from Arizona State University, worked for Senator John McCain in Washington D.C. and somehow found his way back to be the CEO of the largest privately-owned... [Read more]
Imagine all the help it could provide clubs if for one day they could insert themselves into the member’s shoes. This month we did just that. Jordan Martinez, 22, discussed his experience at Gainesville Health and Fitness Centers. Martinez joined the club in June and has since signed up for personal training.
Martinez could have worked out at the University of Florida’s wellness center, but instead... [Read more]
Club managers and owners alike have been witness to many different socioeconomic changes over the last year. In light of these changes, the Club Industry 2010 Trade Show in Chicago during Oct. 6 through Oct. 8 will be titled “Moving Forward.”
Now celebrating its 25th year, Club Industry is telling the industry that it’s time to make some changes and anticipate what could be around the corner.... [Read more]
Q. Our city is very strict when it comes to marketing — gated communities, signage restrictions. What creative strategies do you recommend on a startup budget? – Justin Bowers, the co-owner of Synergy Fitness, Mechanicsburg, Pa.
A. We all know how important marketing is to the success of a fitness business. Knowing this, I’m sure it has come as a major setback to find out about all of these... [Read more]
The well-known saying “if you build it, they will come” is not necessarily true in this industry. Building a nice gym just isn’t enough. The big question is how do you get them in the door?
When you focus on demographics you can tailor your marketing message to whomever you want and make sure it matches their needs. You want to market to that stay-at-home mother? Make sure she knows you offer... [Read more]
Have you ever walked into a club, and seen an advertisement for a free cruise on the wall, gift certificates at the front desk or a free New Year’s dinner? Incentive programs are a great tool for motivating members and boosting your club’s bottom line. Whether
it’s the competition or the prize itself, by rewarding people for actions, you are positively reinforcing behaviors that will be profitable... [Read more]
Performance Food Centers creates the most natural form of Protein Supplement found anywhere.
Performance Food Centers (PFC), a Juice Bar, Whole-Foods Supplier and Sports Nutrition Educator to over 925 Health Clubs nationwide is proud to introduce the most natural, bio-available protein in the health market today – Bio-Whey.
Most whey protein supplements on the market contain inferior whey concentrates,... [Read more]
Read More Current Topics
Retention Tip of the Week
 Learn Something New About A Member Every Day: What do you know about your members? Do you know who their favorite football team is? Do you know what kind of car they drive? I challenge my staff to learn one new thing about a member every day ... Read
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Sales Tip of the Week
 Believe It or Not: Do you work out like you should? If you don’t believe in what you’re going around selling people, they’ll be able to tell. If you don’t practice what you preach... Read
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