Norm's Notes for October 2025
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Norm Cates
■Hello Everybody! This is your Club Insider Founder and Tribal Leader Since 1993 checking in with our 382nd monthly edition of this 30+ 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!
■Is AMERICA a GREAT COUNTRY, or WHAT!? Hmm... hmm... hmm! And, as usual, let me start these Norm's Notes with my normal monthly salutation to you all: GOD BLESS AMERICA and GOD BLESS YOU, YOUR FAMILY and YOUR BUSINESS!!!
■Hooray and Congratulations to the Crunch Fitness folks, as their fine organization has been honored by being named Franchise of the Year at the 2025 Beyond Activ Americas Awards! As part of Beyond Activ's celebration of the leading health, active lifestyle and outdoor (HALO) brands, this recognition reflects Crunch's ongoing commitment to innovation and the member experience.
"To our position now as the fastest-growing fitness company, and a strong trajectory of new club openings and membership growth, we're proud to represent not only our franchise partners, members and Crunch teams worldwide, but also the fitness industry as a whole." said CHEQUAN LEWIS, Crunch Fitness President.
Lewis, and COO, MOLLY LONG, attended the award ceremony in Dallas, Texas, where Lewis commented that he proudly accepted the award on behalf of the company and he said Thank You to the Beyond Activ team and the judges for this recognition. Club Insider also congratulates Chequan Lewis and Molly Long on the honor given to their excellent company! Be sure to check out the Crunch Ad on Page #2.
■MIKE MANNING is a club industry veteran who has written a terrific article for us entitled: Things I Have Seen and Learned. Check it out beginning on Page #14.
■Tennessee-based National Fitness is joining its sister club, California-based In-Shape Fitness, for the 11th year of their annual Fight Cancer Campaign. In its first ten years, the initiative has raised more than $1 million to support vital services such as free cancer education, emotional support for those diagnosed and free lodging for patients and caregivers who must travel for treatment. Additionally, contributions fuel cutting-edge cancer research, helping to advance prevention, detection and treatment. This year, the goal is to raise more than $150,000 by October 31. Members and nonmembers are participating in the campaign through different activities, including kettlebell sales, retail specials, social media activations and more.
■More news today, on this Monday, October 20th, about pickleball in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution (AJC) newspaper with the headline written by RONI CARYN RABIN saying: "Eye injuries rise among people who play pickleball." The first paragraph then said, "Some pickleball players have taken a direct hit from a fast-moving ball. Others were struck by a paddle. Some fell on the court. Many suffered injuries to their eyes." The AJC article continued: "The injuries have spiked in recent years by players of pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the U.S. according to a recent report. As the report has gained popularity, it may have attracted less experienced and less fit players who are less agile and less fit players, who are more susceptible to injury," the author noted. "They're not used to how fast the projectiles are moving and how close they are to other players on the court are," he added. The report continues, "The number of eye injuries is small relative to the number of Americans who play pickleball, estimated to be 19.8 million. But, some injuries were serious enough that they could result in vision loss. USA Pickleball, the sports governing body in the United States, last year disapproved of a rule change that would require players to wear eye protection in its tournament, saying it would be difficult to enforce."
■Here's a good one folks... this message was broadcast online today, October 21st, by an unhappy health club member here in my hometown of Marietta, Georgia. I quote him verbatim: "I've been a member of a health club on Roswell Road in East Cobb, Marietta since I bought my house in 2014. Today, I walked out forever because I'd had enough of one of the trainers, who has been harassing me at the gym for the last several months. This dude who walks around with a scowl most of the time has been verbally abusive and trying to physically intimidate me. Each time, I've addressed it with the owner. Today, I sat down with the owner. Yet again, he told me he doesn't pay his trainers enough to put up with us East Cobb women! This guy came at me three times, and that's how the owner addresses it! Ladies beware. No apology! AND, he projected the problem on me. You can't make this stuff up! CUSTOMER NO SERVICE!"
■29 Ways to Better Health... Folks, the human body is a fascinating and mysterious machine, filled with surprising and strange facts. We've explored the intriguing realms of biology, anatomy and everyday quirks to bring you these incredible tidbits. Ever wanted to be the one at the party with the most jaw-dropping trivia? This is your moment. Our friend has sifted through scientific journals, quirky anecdotes and the oddest corners of human knowledge to compile the ultimate list of weird body facts. Whether you love learning new things or discovering clever ways to improve your health and wellbeing, these weird facts about the human body will provide you with valuable insights and practical benefits. There are 29 different things you can do, and if you want to know what they are, send me an email and I will email them to you: norm@clubinsideronline.com.
■My long-time friend, DEAN WALLACE, shared a truly amazing story about an athletic achievement of his in the game of baseball. The following is an exact quote that I'm making from The Book of World Records:
After 57 Years, Dean L. Wallace Finally Enters the World Record Books
Dear Mr. Wallace,
Warm greetings from The Book of World Records.
It gives us immense pride and deep respect to inform you that your remarkable achievement --pitching the entire 17-inning NCAA College Baseball Game on May 4, 1968-- has now been officially recorded and published in our archives.
Your story is one of perseverance, integrity and an unbreakable belief in the value of true sportsmanship. After 57 years, your extraordinary performance has not only been verified but has also earned its rightful place in the global record books.
We are deeply honored to share with you the following:
- Official Article: After 57 Years, Dean L. Wallace Finally Enters the World Record Books
- Official Record Entry: Longest NCAA Completed College Baseball Game Ever Pitched by One Pitcher - 17 Innings
- World Record Certificate: Record Code: TBWR/US/2025/160925/327
This recognition symbolizes more than a record; it honors a lifetime of dedication, discipline and belief in fair achievement. Your story now stands as an inspiration to countless athletes and dreamers across generations.
On behalf of our global adjudication committee, please accept our heartfelt congratulations. The entire team at The Book of World Records celebrates this milestone with you.
With warm regards and highest respect,
Kenzo Mateo,
Asia Pacific Head & Senior Adjudicator
Congratulations Dean!!!
■JUSTIN and I want to THANK YOU for reading Club Insider! We appreciate you being with us. And, in particular, WE VERY SINCERELY APPRECIATE ANY and ALL SUPPORT OF OUR ESTEEMED Club Insider ADVERTISERS! PLEASE DO BUSINESS WITH THEM and WHEN YOU DO, PLEASE TELL 'EM Club Insider SENT YOU! THANK YOU ALL!
■God bless our troops, airmen and sailors worldwide and keep them safe. Thank you, Congratulations and Welcome Home to all of our troops who have served around the world. God bless America's Policemen and women and Firemen and women; keep them safe. Finally, God bless you, your family, your club(s) and your members. God Bless America! Laus Deo!
