Club Insider

The Club Insider Archives: April 2017

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

By: Justin Cates

Justin CatesJustin CatesEveryone 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 More

"Insider Speaks"
Mike Alpert... Our Industry's Most Dedicated Prophet Leads the Exercise IS Medicine Charge!

The following letter is from Mike Alpert, President and CEO of The Claremont Club in Claremont, California. Mike has taken the concept "Exercise IS Medicine" to a World Class level. Recently, to follow-up on the IHRSA Convention, I called Mike to check in by phone. During that conversation, we agreed that Club Insider will publish a new monthly column, which will be written each month by Mike and his Claremont Club Managers. The title of the new monthly column will be: "Exercise IS Medicine." This month, we present a letter from Mike Alpert. Read More

What's Your Story?
By: Derek Barton

Derek BartonDerek BartonHow many times have we looked at someone inquisitively and wondered, "What's his story?" Other times it's, "What's he smoking?" The truth is, we all have a story. If we tell our story right, it could inspire people and open many doors. Told wrong, it could turn people off and even become a deal breaker. Read More

Risk Management
Minimize the Likelihood of Medical Emergencies and Mitigate Your Responsive Liability

By: Paul R. Bedard, Esquire

Paul R. Bedard, EsquirePaul R. Bedard, EsquireMost health club owners and operators rightfully find themselves contemplating the inevitable medical emergency. It has been reported that more than 10,000 people are treated in emergency rooms daily for injuries stemming from exercise, sports and recreation. Many suffer injuries while using exercise equipment, with treadmills being involved in a significant percentage of these incidents. More than 250,000 Americans die annually due to sudden cardiac arrest, with a significant number of these cardiac events transpiring within health clubs. Although certain types of medical emergencies are beyond anyone's control, consistent operational practices guided by a targeted risk management strategy can reduce the likelihood of others. Read More

Workplace and Medical Fitness Case Studies
By: Dave Beadle

Dave BeadleDave BeadleIn their 2015 Vision Report, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) observed that the Affordable Care Act's "essential health benefits" and other factors have spurred the conversation about scaling fitness in the workplace. With little regulatory guidance and stifled innovation, there is no clear path forward for the small- to medium-sized business (500 employees or less) where most Americans work. The report continues by stating that what is needed is for these businesses to tap into the content, programming, facilities and qualified expertise available in the community around them. Read More

Is Your Organization's Culture Independent or Integrated?
Part II

By: Karen Woodard-Chavez

Karen Woodard-ChavezKaren Woodard-ChavezIn Part I of this article, you were exposed to the elements that outline differences between organizations that operate in an independent culture and organizations that operate in a more integrated culture (included as a sidebar). You were also asked to determine which culture your organization most resembled. In Part II, we will discuss tools you can utilize to become more of an integrated culture. Read More

At IHRSA 2017, We Asked, "What Makes You Great?"
By: Matt Zagrodzky

Matt ZagrodzkyMatt ZagrodzkyLast month, IHRSA 2017 came and went, and as usual, it was a great show. The keynotes were great, as usual. The Exhibit Hall was jammed with great vendors representing the best of what the fitness industry has to offer, as usual. The IHRSA educational tracks provided great content, as usual. The best of the best in fitness were in attendance... as usual. As an IHRSA exhibitor for more than ten years, another trade show with the usual was just too much to bear. We wanted to try something a little... unusual. Read More

Planet Fitness Reaches 10 Million Member Mark
NEWINGTON, N.H. - Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT), one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S., announced that, as of the end of March 2017, the brand reached the significant landmark of 10 million club members across its entire system. Read More

Congressional Fitness Challenge Allows Nation's Leaders to Encourage Healthy Lifestyles
SAN DIEGO, CA - The American Council on Exercises (ACE) announced the winners of its annual Congressional Fitness Challenge, a 6-week competition that saw participation from more than 300 congressional staffers and 10 members of Congress. The challenge offers Congress and their staff the opportunity to serve as role models of healthy living by tracking various forms of physical activity, including the steps they take each day, as they strive to incorporate more movement into their daily lives. According to ACE, the friendly contest proved bi-partisan in nature, drawing almost equal numbers of teams from both parties. Read More

Blink Fitness Launches "Tune Out While You Work Out"
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Americans are experiencing record levels of stress. To raise awareness of the importance of mental health during National Stress Awareness Month, Blink Fitness has launched "Tune Out While You Work Out," an initiative to encourage members to minimize stress and focus on themselves. Every Monday for the month of April, Blink will be switching its television programming to mood-lifting and news-free content in all locations, while inspiring members to take a step back from social media and all of their daily stressors through exercise. The content will include comedy, entertainment, music and educational programming. Read More

Equinox Unveils First East Bay Club in Berkeley
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Equinox, a high performance lifestyle leader, announced the opening of its first club in Berkeley, California. Located in close proximity of the world-renowned university, the 30,000-square foot club combines the unparalleled experience that Equinox offers at each of its 87 global locations with touches that feel unmistakably "Berkeley." Read More

reACT Strength Trainer Joins Club Insider Advertising Team
Club Insider is pleased to welcome the reACT Strength Trainer to the Club Insider Advertising Team. We present an introduction interview with Greg Maurer, Director of Education. Read More

Instinctive Insights Joins Club Insider Advertising Team
Club Insider is pleased to welcome Jeramy Fishel, and his company, Instinctive Insights, a health and fitness club marketing company to the Club Insider Advertising Team. We asked Jeramy to describe his company and its objectives in his own words. Read More

Norm's Notes for April 2017
By: Norm Cates

Norm CatesNorm CatesHello Everybody! This is your Club Insider Publisher and Tribal Leader Since 1993 checking in with our 280th monthly edition of Club Insider! If that's not clear proof there IS a GOD... I don't know what is! For 280 months now, I've planted my big derriére at this computer and stayed in touch with all of you by bringing you the best possible educational information we can assemble every month, working with our fantastic Team of Contributing Authors, along with an absolutely great Team of Advertisers to serve you. Read More

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