The Club Insider Archives: December 2024

2024 In Review
By: Justin Cates

Justin CatesAs 2024 comes to a close, I find myself thinking more and more about the future. In January, I turn the BIG 4.0. 40! I get to begin the second half of my life with 40 years of knowledge and experience behind me as the wind at my back, which is a great feeling. Conversely, though, as I get older, it feels like each year goes by faster and faster. So, I got to thinking about that... and I came to this conclusion: The proportion of life yet to live becomes less and less, so it feels like it goes faster and faster. For some, this can be a sad thought. For others, it can be the greatest motivator. Optimally, I suppose there should be a balance in those thoughts... we are mortal after all, but we are capable of much in a very short period of time, especially with knowledge and experience guiding our path. Read More

Powerhouse Gym Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
Honoring the Dabish Family Legacy
By: Shannel Brooks

The Dabish family transformed Powerhouse Gym into a global powerhouse, marking a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to an international brand. Family patriarch Will Dabish and his brother, Norm, grew up in challenging circumstances, facing early hardships as immigrants' kids. When they first arrived in the United States, they didn't speak English, everything was new, and the family endured a number of challenges. The boys endured bullying from older kids in their neighborhood, which motivated them to find a way to defend themselves. Read More

Fitness and Wellness Trends You Need to Know for 2025
By: Frank Guengerich

Frank GuengerichAs we enter the New Year, our members are recommitting to their New Year's Resolutions, and improving their health and wellness is most often a top priority. For that reason, we need to be mindful of what trends are on the horizon or are already upon us. These trends impact virtually every aspect of how you will approach your fitness and wellness business, such as... Read More

How to Maximize the January Rush and Capitalize on New Year's Resolutions
By: Jim Thomas

Jim ThomasJanuary is a golden opportunity for gym owners, boutique studio operators and personal trainers to significantly boost membership, increase engagement and build long-term client relationships. The "New Year, New Me" mindset leads to a surge of people eager to prioritize fitness, offering a once-a-year chance to capture new business and make a lasting impression. To fully capitalize on the January rush, it's essential to implement a strategic plan that covers marketing, operations, member retention and staff preparation. Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure your gym thrives during this pivotal period. Read More

How to Rewire Your Brain for Success
By: Margaret Graziano

Margaret GrazianoThe human brain is incredibly adaptable. It holds the potential to change, learn and grow throughout our lives. However, many people unknowingly sabotage this by operating with a fixed mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence are static. Research shows that this mindset limits personal and professional success, as well as discourages any positive change. On the other hand, a growth mindset, the belief that skills can be developed, unlocks boundless possibilities. Read More

The Best (Pound-For-Pound) Salesperson I've Ever Met
By: Jeffrey Pinkerton

Jeffrey PinkertonIt was a sunny Saturday afternoon, when our doorbell rang. At the time, we lived in a neighborhood with lots of families, and it wasn't uncommon for a friend of one of our kids to ring the doorbell in search of a pickup soccer game or a Pokémon card swap. As I reached for the door handle, I saw a mom-aged woman standing off our front porch, down on the sidewalk. Opening the door, having been out of sight because of her size, stood a small young girl, bright smile, dressed in a Brownie uniform. She made direct eye contact with me and started her sales pitch with a voice that projected twice her size. Long story short, I bought ten boxes. Read More

Unsubscribes Do Not Mean Cancellations
What You Need to Know About the FTC's New Rules
By: Sara Kooperman, JD

Sara Kooperman, JDGood news for consumers (and businesses that value transparency)! The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is rolling out updates to its "Negative Option Rule," which are set to shake up the way subscription services work. One of the biggest changes? A "click-to-cancel" requirement, designed to make it easier than ever for customers to opt out of services. These changes could start as early as March 2025, so it's time to prepare. For subscription-based businesses, this isn't just about following the rules, it's a chance to build trust and improve customer experiences. Read More

Crunch Fitness Franchise Unveils Its First 3.0 Gym Design with the Opening of Crunch East Plano
PLANO, TX - CR Fitness Holdings, the largest, fastest-growing Crunch Fitness franchisee, announces the opening of Crunch East Plano, its second location in Plano, Texas, and sixth in the Dallas metro area. Located in a former Bed Bath & Beyond site, this expansive 44,000-square-foot facility officially opened its doors on Thursday, December 12th, at 5:00 AM. The new gym is the 72nd Crunch Fitness location for CR Fitness Holdings and the first to debut the brand-new Crunch Fitness 3.0 gym design. Read More

Eight Education Tracks Unveiled for a Tailored Conference Experience at The HFA Show 2025
BOSTON, MA - The Health & Fitness Association has released session details for the eight education tracks at The HFA Show 2025, which will occur March 12 - 14 in Las Vegas. Formerly the IHRSA Convention & Trade Show, The HFA Show has transformed its conference design, categorizing this year's sessions under eight education tracks so attendees can create a customized conference experience that meets their particular career and business needs. The tracks are... Read More

The Health & Fitness Association Announces HFA Hall of Fame to Recognize Industry Leaders
BOSTON, MA - The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) is launching the HFA Hall of Fame during a special inaugural ceremony at The HFA Show in Las Vegas. The ceremony will take place from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the evening before The HFA Show officially begins at the Mandalay Bay Resort. Read More

ACSM Announces Top Fitness Trends for 2025
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Technology applications in the fitness industry continue to build momentum as Wearable Technology, Mobile Exercise Apps and Data-Driven Training Technology all appear in the Top 10 of the 2025 ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends. The report was published by the American College of Sports Medicine in its November/December issue of ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal. Read More

In-Shape Family Fitness Surpasses $1 Million Milestone in Fight Against Cancer
SACRAMENTO, CA - In-Shape Family Fitness announces that its 10th annual In-Shape Fights Cancer campaign raised $172,307 this year to bring its total contributions to $1,035,336 in the past decade. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the campaign's mission to support cancer research, education and services through The American Cancer Society and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Read More

Norm's Notes for December 2024
By: Norm Cates

Norm CatesHello Everybody! This is your Club Insider Founder and Tribal Leader Since 1993 checking in with our 372nd monthly edition of this 32+ year running club business publication I refer to as: A Labor of Love! I'm very thankful that you've tuned in again for this iteration of Norm's Notes, as I proceed on my keyboard with my longtime habit of "Telling-It-Like-It-Is!" I'm really happy that you're reading this edition, and I want to THANK YOU ALL for sticking with us every month! As usual, we have a bunch of health and fitness club business news, so please read on! Read More

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