Club Insider

About Justin Cates

Justin CatesJustin Cates

Justin Cates is the Publisher of Club Insider. Having been born into a club business family in 1985, Justin grew up in the health and fitness club industry. He has lived and breathed this industry for 35 years, since his own day one, and he loves it dearly. Graduating from the Terry College of Business at The University of Georgia in 2007, Justin has run day-to-day operations of Club Insider for 12 years. Justin was elevated to Publisher of Club Insider on April 5, 2020. Justin’s Dad, Norm Cates, continues to serve as Founder and Tribal Leader Since 1993.

Phone: (863) 999 - 2677
Email: Justin@clubinsideronline.com

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Courthouse Athletic Clubs' Fitness Coach Program
Meeting At-Risk Members Head-on

September 2010 - This month, we are very happy to bring a unique cover story to you. Typically, in our case-study cover stories, we seek to delve deep into the minds of successful club owners and operators to learn how they got there, as well as give an up close and personal view of the inner workings of their club(s). The goal is to bring valuable "in-the-trenches" information to you in hopes that some of it can help you create value in your club businesses if implemented. Read Article...

COVID-19
The Coronavirus Crisis - Part I

April 2020 - "Good Day. I hope this finds you well." If you have ever received an email or online message from me, that is my standard greeting. Over the years, I have always meant it. On the phone, I begin with the same sentiment, the first part of my call always being to see how the person on the other end of the line is doing. If you've met me in person, once again, it's the same. Every time. I admit... This has become habit. It doesn't mean I don't mean it, but it is a habit. Recently, though, it has just meant more. Now, I take a pause before writing or saying the usual. I read or listen a little bit deeper when receiving a response. Then, I respond accordingly and with conviction. Since a week or two into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Crisis, I have amended my usual greeting to now say, "I hope this finds you as well as can be during these times." Within that statement, I mean several things... I hope you are healthy. I hope your family is healthy. I hope your team is healthy. I hope your members (or other customers) are healthy. And, I hope your health and fitness club business is hanging in there. There's a lot that can and is going wrong within those statements because of COVID-19; thus, I hope you are doing as well as can be during these times. Wherever you are, whatever you are going through, know that you are not alone. Read Article...

COVID-19
The Re-Opening

May 2020 - Here we are... one month deeper into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Crisis. How many months will there be? Now, a month later, some things have changed; other things remain the same. The case count and death toll has become numbing. At the end of each number, though, is a real person and other people touched by the loss, whether family, friends or co-workers. If you're like me, you have pinched yourself at least a time or two to make sure this is real. Unfortunately, yes, this is real, and we are living it day after day. Albeit a "new normal," when will we see "normal" again? Read Article...

COVID-19: The Re-Opening
Key Information From The Industry's Front Lines

July 2020 - Those who have fought say, "War is hell." Every day is a struggle. Those countless days end up in new battles. Every battle can have a decided effect on the outcome of the war. The seemingly endless cycle continues. But, one day, there is a breakthrough, and it leads to victory. Make no mistake about it. The COVID-19 Pandemic is war. But, unlike previous wars, it is not with a people, a country or an ideology. In this case, it is against something insidious, a virus unlike anything seen in over a century. And, in that, more so than in our lifetime, the world is together in terms of hope and determination to overcome an enemy. At local levels, though, the tactics are different, but the goal is the same. Within the overall theater of this war, because of the nature of the enemy, life must go on. It won't go on normally, but it must go on. And, the key to that is the information needed to keep people safe. Read Article...

Curt Beusman
One of a Kind!

November 2010 - Think of the phrase, one-of-a-kind. Think of the words, genius and fortunate. Sprinkle in a great sense of humor and a sterling personality, and you'll have the ingredients to describe the people person that is Dr. Curtis Beusman. Read Article...

Dave Cardone and Memorial Athletic Club
Leadership Through Adversity

May 2021 - You are tired of COVID. I am tired of COVID. We are ALL tired of COVID! I get it, and though COVID will be an important part of this story, it is but only one part. The more important aspect of this month's cover story is one club owner/manager's ability and absolute determination to have his facility not only survive but provide much needed support to the community in which it operates during not one but two back-to-back disasters, the pandemic being the most recent. This month's cover story is about Dave Cardone, Owner and General Manager of Memorial Athletic Club (MAC), and he is the humblest individual I have ever had the opportunity to interview. I mean that sincerely. Read Article...

David von Storch
An Entrepreneur Building the VIDA Fitness Brand!

September 2013 - Being an entrepreneur is challenging, exciting, frustrating, fulfilling and FUN. Actually, a hundred other words could help describe what being an entrepreneur is like, and that is why anyone who is an entrepreneur has selected that path for their life's journey. As an entrepreneur, almost anything can happen from day to day. Adapting to change is the name of the game, and even then, business survival is not always certain because there are so many factors at play. Read Article...

Doug Ribley and Akron General Lifestyles
Health and Wellness Defined By The Medical Fitness Difference

June 2013 - In the day-to-day pursuit of new members and the retention of current members, it is easy to lose sight of a more overarching, and nobler goal, the betterment of the communities we serve. Am I saying that maximizing revenue, minimizing expenses, and thus, growing profit is irrelevant? Absolutely not, but maybe we are thinking about things in the wrong order. Read Article...

Dr. Gerry Faust
Doctor of the Grand Problem Solving Event - Part I

July 2016 - Almost ten years ago, when I was graduating from college, I learned something very important: My time as a student was not over. In fact, it was just beginning, and the skills I learned during my 16 years of education were merely to prepare me for the ultimate study, that of life and business. To be successful in any medium, you must never relent in your passion to learn and improve. Without such passion, then what you are doing might not be the right thing for you. Within the health and fitness club industry, the tools for that commitment to excel beyond what you already know into the realm of what you can know are numerous. This month, Club Insider is truly honored and pleased to present the story of Dr. Gerry Faust, who is responsible for several important tools that many of the true greats in our industry have been utilizing for years. Read Article...

Dr. Gerry Faust
Doctor of the Grand Problem Solving Event - Part II

August 2016 - In Part II of the story of Dr. Gerry Faust, we will conclude the in-depth interview with Dr. Gerry Faust, in which we will discuss his consulting experiences and diagnostic tools, learn about his years of public speaking and hear directly from two of his long-time clients: Carol Nalevanko, President of DMB Sports Clubs/Village Health Clubs and Spas, and Mark Stevens, Executive Vice President of The Houstonian Club and Spa. Read Article...

Dr. Kenneth Cooper
Reminiscing About 50 Years of Aerobics

April 2018 - It was April, 1968, 50 years ago this month, that the book Aerobics, written by Dr. Kenneth Cooper, was released. Today, what we take for granted as fact in this field was a revolution at that time. There were critics and supporters, but time eventually proved the Aerobics concepts and tests, as well as its supporters right, changing the landscape of physical fitness in the United States and around the world. The first edition of Aerobics sold 6 million copies, and including future editions, the total sold now stands at around 30 million. Dr. Cooper also went on to write 18 more books throughout his career, which is still going strong. Read Article...

Dr. Kenneth Cooper Honored At Club Industry
And, an Interview With Dr. Cooper About Obesity in America

November 2008 - On October 16th, Dr. Kenneth Cooper, "the Father of Aerobics" and Founder of the Cooper Aerobics Center, was honored by Club Industry with its Lifetime Achievement Award at its yearly show in Chicago, IL. Read Article...

Elizabeth Asch and River Valley Club
Improving Lives Through Fitness and Self-care

January 2024 - The cornerstone of boxing is the one-two combo. Throughout the chess-match of each round, jabs set up the cross. Over and over. The eventual goal is to set up more complex and damaging combinations, such as a jab, cross then hook or uppercut. To the initiated, multi-punch combos are survivable. Strength, conditioning and defensive strategy makes this so. Eventually, endurance or that one perfect shot wins out. However, if anyone inexperienced in the sport steps in with a pro, they are likely going down on the first punch. As we live our lives day-to-day, we get used to the usual jabs and crosses thrown into the mix of daily routine. Maybe we overslept or the car has a flat tire or there's a traffic jam on a Sunday morning... We survive these problems without breaking a sweat. In the grand scheme of things, they just aren't that important. But, sometimes, life hits us with the big one, and how we react defines who we become. Read Article...

Eric Schmitz and California Athletic Clubs
"Your Happy and Healthy Place."

April 2022 - One of my joys each month is getting to learn the story of another successful club business professional, then sharing it with you. It's a beautiful thing, and it keeps me going each and every month: motivated, inspired and slightly more educated. This month, that club business professional is Eric Schmitz, President of California Athletic Clubs, and folks, let me tell you: Buckle Up! This cover story interview with Eric is one for the ages, and if you take notes throughout, you will fill pages. The vast quantity of information and takeaway nuggets shared cannot be understated, and it is my privelege for Club Insider to share it with you. I'd normally write more of an introduction, but it would not be worthy of the space compared to what you are about to read. So, with that, let's get right into it! Read Article...

Executive Health and Sports Center
Showing Members Their Health is Their Wealth

November 2016 - What does your health mean to you? Without it, would you be able to do the things you do or accomplish the goals you have set in life? Or, conversely, you are healthy; how would you feel and what would you do if a family member were not healthy? What if it was self-inflicted? Our industry knows all too well how important these questions are in a member's life. We know our industry can offer the solution to so many woes of a society that, by and large, is unhealthy and doing it to itself. But, is anyone noticing? Read Article...

Family Fitness
Where Staff Really Is Family

February 2011 - In the world of dance, a great performance is comprised of strong individual efforts supported by equally strong team efforts. Dance performances have solos and individual stars, but the ultimate success or failure of the show is in the hands of the entire company of dancers. If a soloist falters for only an instant, most will not notice, and the performance can still be considered a success because the group will overcome the mistake of an individual. Read Article...

ForeCourt Racquet and Fitness Club
Celebrating 50 Years as a Community Institution

February 2024 - Believe it or not, I have personally fulfilled every Paid Subscription Order to Club Insider for the past 15+ years. I send every email renewal notice individually, not in batches with a third-party sender. I sign every printed letter, as well as label, stamp, stuff and seal every envelope (Don't worry; I don't have to lick them anymore!). Over the years, the effort has been worth it. I have built relationships with our readership, many of whom have been Paid Subscribers for 5, 10, 20+ years. Each month, it is a wonderful feeling to send these messages out to so many familiar names. And, many times, in addition to their renewal, I receive personalized notes of thanks, good wishes, compliments, and sometimes, critiques. Recently, with his renewal, I received a local news clipping from Dave Morin, Owner of ForeCourt Racquet and Fitness Club, sharing the story of their 50th Anniversary Celebration. Read Article...

Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness
It's not how you feel when you get here... It's how you feel when you leave.

November 2015 - This month's cover story, featuring Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness, concludes our 22nd year of publication and is our 263rd monthly edition! At this time in our industry's history and potential future, I can think of no better topic than the successful integration of health, fitness and wellness services. In fact, as I think back on some of this year's cover stories, this topic has been a very common theme this year, specifically. Read Article...

George Foreman III and EverybodyFights
Train Like a Fighter; Live Like a Champion

April 2017 - Everyone has the fighting spirit in them. Because of the daily grind so many of us get used to, we may not realize it still exists inside of us, but it does. We've all studied it in school; it's called the Fight or Flight Response, and it is ingrained in nature. When we perceive a threat, our heart rate increases, adrenaline kicks in and we become hyper-aware of our surroundings. It is in that moment that one chooses the course that best ensures their survival. Read Article...

Glenda Pigue
A Gem in Benton!

January 2011 - Happy New Year! Are you ready for 2011? This month, to begin the new year, we are very excited to bring you a truly amazing story. Hopefully, it will inspire you to have the best year ever in 2011! Read Article...

HealthQuest
Reinvesting in the Future of Fitness

February 2016 - This month, we are very excited to feature HealthQuest of Hunterdon, New Jersey. The story of HealthQuest we will be presenting is one of reinvention and reinvigoration, culminating in an incredible renewed 105,000 square-foot facility on 38 acres that is among the best of the best. Led by General Manager, Wade Williams, and supported greatly by Owner, Jack Cust, HealthQuest's list of offerings is incredible. But, this story, like any club's, is more than just a list of offerings. Read Article...

Help Us, Help You.
August 2022 - Club Insider: Telling It Like It Is Since 1993... The Pulse of the Health and Fitness Club Industry... Celebrating X (X = currently 29, soon to be 30!) Years of Trust... MAKE IT FUN!!! These are a few of our taglines over the years, and they tell our story. They are quick, memorable and true. This month, we announce a new one you will be seeing, and it is: Help Us, Help You.

In 1993, this publication was created to be a voice in the wilderness. Our goal was to say and share things others would not. Over the years, this has included telling the stories of those in the industry you might never have heard about elsewhere (Cover Stories), sharing various news and happenings from coast to coast (Norm's Notes), and when needed, taking strong stances on industry issues and sharing special topics ("Insider Speaks"). All of this has been anchored with fantastic, in-depth content across a myriad of subjects by our hundreds of Contributing Authors over the years. And, of course, all of that has been brought to you by our esteemed Advertisers.

Across almost 30 Years of Trust, we have Told It Like It Is, sought to be the Pulse of the Health and Fitness Club Industry and have Made It Fun! But, now, we ask you to: Help Us, Help You. Read Article...

IHRSA 2021
Celebrating the Industry's Revival

November 2021 - The year 2020 was the longest on record... It wasn't any different in terms of time, from hours to days to weeks and months. But, the perception of time was definitely different. It was almost infinite. This year, 2021, seems to be going much faster. It's already November!!! Still, we want it to go even faster because 2022 is supposed to be back to "normal." We long for normal. However, as we have learned, it's during these times of abnormal that we have all hopefully learned the most in terms of how to better run our businesses during those "normal" times. This should not be a lesson lost. In the future, no matter how fast time is perceived to be running at that moment, it's important to do what can be done to slow it down. Use the iterations from previous periods to learn and define, acknowledge and refine. For our industry, one of the yearly times we slow down, remove ourselves from daily business life (sort of) and come together is IHRSA's Convention and Trade Show. This year, after its cancellation in March of 2020 and the move of IHRSA 2021 from Los Angeles to Dallas, we finally all met in person. As Liz Clark, IHRSA President and CEO, said in her opening comments, "We did it; we're here!" Read Article...

IHRSA Returns to Sunny San Diego
March 2023 - Finally, the IHRSA Show returns to where we all love: Sunny San Diego! We want attendance to go from a lull to a roar! If you are already scheduled to be there, read on to learn about what you should definitely check out while there, with a Club Insider twist, of course. And, if you are still on the fence about attending, read on, too! Read Article...

In-Shape Health Clubs
Shaping Healthier, Happier Lives

October 2018 - In 1981, a retired doctor named Dr. Mort Rothbard founded In-Shape Health Clubs in Stockton, California. Back then, it all began with the conversion of a dated racquetball club into a full-service health club. Over the next 37 years, the company grew to 67 locations across California. Whereas the national brand names we know that originate in California and are focused on primary markets, In-Shape focuses on the secondary markets other players may not see as having the potential for a full-service, resort-style health and fitness club facility. It's within these openings that In-Shape found a niche that has created duplicatable success. Read Article...

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