Club Insider

The Club Insider Archives: April 2020

COVID-19
The Coronavirus Crisis - Part I

By: Justin Cates

Justin CatesJustin Cates"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 More

Justin Cates Named Publisher of Club Insider
MARIETTA, GA and CLERMONT, FL - Club Insider announces that, effective April 5, Justin Cates has been named Publisher of Club Insider. Accordingly, Norm Cates' title will be slightly modified from Publisher and Tribal Leader Since 1993 to Founder and Tribal Leader Since 1993. The Team of Justin Cates and Norm Cates will continue together to produce Club Insider each month. Read More

Exercise IS Medicine!
By: Mike Alpert

Mike AlpertMike AlpertI want you to know that, as I watch and listen to news and business channels, I am incredibly proud of our country. How we are handling this terrible COVID-19 virus and the efforts being made by doctors, nurses, scientists, first responders, economists and too many others to mention in my article is inspiring and uplifting. I have felt for years that, if we could get the public and private sectors to work together, we would achieve things that no one ever thought possible. And, as it is showing as we battle this pandemic, it can work with our health care system if we can get the experts in fitness to begin working together with them to promote Exercise is Medicine. Read More

How to Navigate Change Amid COVID-19
By: Jim Thomas

Jim ThomasJim ThomasWhile all of us in the gym business settle in and wait for the pandemic to pass, we need to recognize that this could end up being a significant opportunity for your gym if you choose to expand and advance into the market place. But, it will require work and courage. Don't just sit and wait; develop a strategy, so that when this is over, you're prepared to advance. Here are some thoughts on what needs to be done now... Read More

Saving Sales During the COVID-19 Crisis
By: Casey Conrad

Casey ConradCasey ConradI know what you're thinking... "Saving sales! Saving sales! What sales? We're all closed." Yes, I'm aware; I simply wanted to get your attention. Now that I have it, let's move to the meaning of the headline. To say the future for many small businesses is uncertain is clearly an understatement. As I write these words, our country has been shut down for more than two weeks but interrupted now for over a month. Although we can (and should) remain optimistic, the reality is that we do not know when States will allow non-essential businesses to reopen. When I say, "Saving Sales During the COVID-19 Crisis," I'm referring to managing your business in such a fashion that you position yourself for two key things to happen once we are out of lockdown... Read More

Coronavirus Legal Considerations for Health Clubs
By: Paul R. Bedard, Esquire

Paul R. Bedard, EsquirePaul R. Bedard, EsquireThe Coronavirus has disrupted health club operations in unprecedented fashion. As of this writing, whether by legal mandate or out of an abundance of caution, many clubs across the country are temporarily closed. These clubs are grappling with issues, including but not limited to maximizing liquidity during closure, retaining members and employees, monitoring and ensuring compliance with the evolving laws governing this pandemic and forecasting what will be required when resuming "normal" operations. Read More

How to Keep Your Gym Going Strong During and After COVID-19
By: Jon Butts

Jon ButtsJon ButtsThe COVID-19 pandemic hit the $94 billion fitness industry hard. To help stop the spread of the new Coronavirus, most gyms and clubs have now been forced to close for the duration. It's a stressful time for everyone, but shutting your doors doesn't mean you have to shut down for good. Consider these tips for keeping your business fit now and when you reopen... Read More

A Letter to Clients From Karen Woodard-Chavez
By: Karen Woodard-Chavez

Karen Woodard-ChavezKaren Woodard-ChavezThe following is a communication that was sent to Karen Woodard's clients on March 17, 2020: In reflecting on discussions with many clients over the past few weeks, I would like to share a few thoughts with you to help move through this crisis from a personal and professional perspective. We will get through this very uncertain time. To do so, it is important that you care for yourselves, your family, your staff, your members and your business. Let me share a few things to consider in this wild ride... Read More

We Got This!
By: Derek Barton

Derek BartonDerek BartonI have never experienced anything like this Coronavirus pandemic, and I'm sure you haven't either. I remember the '50s and taking the polio sugar cube vaccine. We were also trying to dodge measles, mumps and chickenpox. I even dodged a bullet twelve years ago from a blood clot in my leg, which later moved into my lung. Last year, after walking around in a friend's yard that was sprayed with the weed killer, Roundup, I woke up that night out of a deep sleep and couldn't breathe, but somehow, I survived. When we look back on our lives, we have all survived a lot of things, and I am confident we will survive this Coronavirus if we work together. Read More

Norm's Notes for April 2020
By: Norm Cates

Norm CatesNorm CatesHello Everybody! This is your Club Insider Founder and Tribal Leader Since 1993 checking in with you via our 316th Monthly Edition! We are all in this together, folks, and I, for one, wish you, your family, your club team and your members the best of health and safety as we all endure the most challenging times ever in memory. Read More

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