This Month in Club Insider: July 2024
Luke Carlson's Discover Strength
Be Unstoppable
By: Justin Cates
Justin CatesSpecialization. It occurs in all industries, and it has come to the health and fitness club industry. We have seen it in the boutique movement, whether cycling, Pilates, yoga and many others. In the case of this month's cover story, we will delve into specialized strength training. Luke Carlson, CEO of Discover Strength, can be considered a young gun whose aim has been set on affecting change in his clients utilizing a very focused 30-minute, one-on-one or small group (3:1 ratio) format. The model is built on education and provides results in a safe and regulated environment. Beyond Discover Strength, Luke gives back to our industry and other industries with his public speaking, as well as Board service for the Health and Fitness Association (HFA). Most recently, he was named Vice Chair of the HFA Board. In this month's cover story interview, Luke will speak to all of this and more. I invite you to read on!
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"Insider Speaks"
Character Matters
By: Herb Lipsman
Herb LipsmanI recently listened to the new book by Jean Becker, entitled Character Matters. Jean was Chief of Staff for President George H. W. Bush for more than 25 years. During my 13 years with The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa in Houston, Texas, I had the good fortune of forming a friendship with the former President, as well as Barbara Bush and a few other members of the family. Character Matters provides an inspiring collection of stories by those whose lives were positively impacted by this incredibly accomplished, yet humble leader. I strongly urge you to order the book today and take the time to read or listen to it at your earliest convenience. It will make you a better person.
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Overcoming Challenges in Recruiting and Retaining High-Quality Personal Trainers in 2024
By: Gary Polic
Gary PolicAs we all know, it is a never-ending battle to recruit and retain high-quality Personal Trainers in our industry. With that said, we at Polic Consultants Group, LLC would like to refer to our Personal Training Group Specialist Victor "VMan" Verhage once again. VMan is internationally recognized as a Personal Training Educator and Fitness Management Systems Expert. He is an experienced Fitness Solutions Specialist with a demonstrated 28-year history working in the fitness, health and wellness industry. Skilled in maximizing usage, profitability and member traffic in the Personal Training, Small Group Training and Group Fitness areas and spaces. Let us dive into a Q&A with VMan to discuss solutions to implement today! Enjoy the read!
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Enhancing Positive Energy
Harnessing Feng Shui in Health Club Design
By: Bruce Carter
Bruce CarterIn the pursuit of holistic wellness, creating a harmonious and inspiring environment goes beyond physical fitness equipment and amenities. Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice centered around energy flow and spatial arrangement, offers valuable principles for cultivating positive energy within health club spaces. One may question the concept of Feng Shui, but it can be assumed that anything around for thousands of years must have some meaningful value, especially since clubs are so much about energy. Here is how integrating Feng Shui principles into health club design can enhance member experiences, promote wellbeing and foster a sense of balance and positivity...
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To Strengthen Your Membership, Strengthen Your Strength Training
By: Cathy Spencer Browning
Cathy Spencer BrowningIf we could sell health and fitness in a magic pill --and I'm not the first to suggest this, of course-- everyone would take it. But, alas, we don't. What we are selling, exercise, is potentially uncomfortable, inconvenient, and for many, intimidating. And, this "gymtimidation" is likely most prevalent when it comes to strength training. Maybe that's because, years ago, strength training was bodybuilding. It was a means to an end, and that end was to build muscle mass and sculpt the body. It was basically about aesthetics. But, here's the truth: strength training is a magic pill. One that we all, 100% of us, need to swallow. So, it's up to us in the fitness business to make it appealing and approachable for the largest possible population. The question is: Is strength training strengthening your facility, your group fitness and your members?
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Trive Capital Invests in JF Fitness of North America, a Leading Crunch Fitness Franchisee
RICHMOND, VA and DALLAS, TX - Trive Capital, the Dallas-based private equity firm, and 808 Capital Partners announce their investment into JF Fitness of North America, a leading Crunch Fitness franchisee serving the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern U.S.
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Fitness International Acquires XSport Fitness, Expanding Chicagoland, New York and Virginia Markets
IRVINE, CA - Fitness International, LLC, operator of LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness, City Sports Club and Club Studio brands, announces its acquisition of XSport Fitness, marking a significant expansion of Fitness International's offerings in the Chicagoland, New York and Virginia markets.
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The Health & Fitness Association Helps Highlight Structured Exercise in U.S. House GLP-1 Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) commends the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee for its proactive steps in considering H.R. 4818, the "Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023." This legislation marks a significant stride toward addressing the obesity epidemic by expanding Medicare coverage for GLP-1 weight loss drugs.
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Discover Strength and Minnesota Distance Elite Celebrate Partnership Success as Dakotah Lindwurm Heads to the Paris Olympics
ST. LOUIS PARK, MN - Discover Strength is proud to celebrate the ongoing success of its partnership with the Minnesota Distance Elite (MDE) Running Training Group. This collaboration has already led to remarkable achievements, including MDE runner Dakotah Lindwurm qualifying for the Paris Olympics this summer.
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Norm's Notes for July 2024
By: Norm Cates
Norm CatesHello Everybody! This is your Club Insider Founder and Tribal Leader Since 1993 checking in with our 367th monthly edition of this 31+ 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!
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