October 2009 Club Business International

> OctOber 2009

Ally and Advocate

26 convention tops!

34 Green Gumption

44 Summit Success

54 Internet Activity ®

Club business InternatIonal

Ally and Advocate

Boxing chAmp LAiLA ALi hAs joined the fight for physicALLy Active And heALthy LifestyLes

Boxing chAmp LAiLA ALi hAs joined the fight for physicALLy Active And heALthy LifestyLes

When you purchase a pink treadmill, CYBEX will donate 10c/mile* logged during the month of October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month)

to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.Women are 54% of health club members and the fastest growing member groupBreast Cancer Research: A great cause

Exercise: A great benefit for women’s health

–

Pink Ribbon Run: A great opportunity to show your club cares

CYBEX: A great treadmill

Why your facility should buy a pink 750T TREADMILL

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is dedicated to preventing breast cancer andfinding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

JOIN THE PINK RIBBON RUNLet your members make their workout work for breast cancer research.

Visit us online www.cybexintl.com to learn moreTo join the Pink Ribbon Run call CYBEX today at +1.774.324.8000

CYBEX also offers great financing packages on our 750T Pink Treadmills!* Financing available for North America only®

®

www.cybexintl.com

Visit us at Club Industry Booth #301

On August 29, Edward M. Kennedy, the senior senator from Massachusetts, was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. On September 14, his biography, True Compass, was published. The man is gone. His lessons linger.

In Washington, D.C., where he served in the Senate for 46 years, Kennedy was known by many and admired by most. Here in Massachusetts, where he was born, he was more—he was family. Good, bad, heroic, wanting, inspiring, disappointing… but family—always family.

And here in Massachusetts, there are few people, it seems, who don’t have a personal Kennedy anecdote. This, then, is mine:

The date was June 24, 1994, and the occasion was the dedication of a new wing of Jordan Hospital, a community medical facility in Plymouth, the spot where the Pilgrims had first set foot 374 years before. A huge tent had been erected beside the new structure, and hundreds had come to sip wine, snack on canapés, chat, and commemorate the opening of the hospital’s new ambulatory care and cancer centers.

A few minutes before the service was to begin, there was the noisy chatter, up above, of helicopter blades, and, shortly thereafter, Kennedy and his new wife, Vickie, entered the tent.

As they took their seats on the stage, he smiled, nodded, but soon opened a notebook he’d brought with him, and, flipping from page to page, began studying intently. Everyone rose for the benedic-tion, and then, remained standing for the playing of the national anthem. There was, for a moment, a pervasive awkwardness, a palpable uncertainty, as the audience wondered what they were supposed to do: were they supposed to sing or remain silent and solemn during the anthem?

But then, after no more than a note, or two, or three had sounded, a single voice was heard: Kennedy, not uncertain at all, had begun to sing the nation’s song. And, within seconds, everyone beneath the tent had joined in enthusiastically.

Before he began to speak, Kennedy acknowledged, by name and a friendly nod of the head, virtually every person who’d been involved in the creation of the centers—the fundraisers, the admin-istrators, the personnel. He congratulated them, and thanked them personally, for their efforts. And then he spoke, as he had so many times before, and as he would so many times again, about the importance of healthcare.

Kennedy had come to this small modest gathering fully prepared. He’d studied until the last minute. He’d given honest credit to others. And, when the music had begun, he’d known exactly the right thing to do, and hadn’t hesitated, for an instant, to do so.

And, seated in the crowd, I thought to myself, “Now I understand what it means to be a true leader.” —|

– Craig R. Waters, [email protected]

| Editor’s Welcome |The mission of IHRSA is to grow, protect, and promote the industry, and to provide its members with benefits that will help them be more successful.

PublishingEditor-In-Chief: Craig R. WatersPublisher: Jay M. AblondiManaging Editor: Rebecca K. MaverickEditor: Jennifer H. McInerneyAssociate Editor: Patricia Glynn Editorial Intern: Mia CoenContributing Editors: Dawn Allcot, Patricia Amend, Phoebe Anderson, Jon Feld, Julie M. King, Catherine Larner, Lesley Mahoney, Jean Suffin, Stephen Wallenfels, Kristen A. Walsh

Advertising, www.cbimediakit.com

Vice President of Advertising & Membership Sales: Michele EynonSenior Account Manager: Jessica GutsteinAdvertising & Associate Membership Manager: Christine PatersonAdvertising Sales Executive: Donna GarrityBusiness Development Publications: Will FinnPublications & Associate Coordinator: Meghan Burnham

Art Direction, Design, Production: HM Studios, Boston, MA

internAtiOnAl heAlth, rACQuet & sPOrtsClub AssOCiAtiOnPresident & CEO: Joe MooreChief Operating Officer: Anita LawlorExecutive Vice President of Public Policy: Helen DurkinExecutive Vice President of Global Products: Jay Ablondi

Club business internAtiOnAl editOriAl & Advertising OffiCes:c/o ihrsA seaport Center 70 fargo street, boston, MA 02210 usA800-228-4772 usA & Canada 617-951-0055 | 617-951-0056 fAXe-mail: [email protected] www.ihrsa.org

to order reprints of articles, call 800-228-4772 ext. 192 or visit www.ihrsa.org/cbi

Club business international (issn 1043-9692, usPs 766-570) is published monthly ©2009 by the international health, racquet & sportsclub Association, seaport Center 70 fargo street, boston, MA 02210. All rights reserved. Periodicals postage paid at boston, Massachusetts, and additional mailing offices. Canadian sales Agreement #40767601.subscription rate for members is $48 per year, which is included in the dues. Additional subscrip-tions $24.95 per year (usA) and $75 (international). POstMAster: Please send change of address to Club business international, c/o ihrsA, seaport Center 70 fargo street, boston, Massachusetts 02210

Volume 29, Issue 10

Kerry b

rett

4 C l u b B u s i n e s s I n t e r n a t i o n a l | O C t O B E R 2 0 0 9 | w w w . i h r s a . o r g

®

©2009 Star Trac. All rights reserved. Star Trac and the Star Trac logo are registered trademarks of Unisen, Inc. Inspiration Strength and Expect Different is a trademark of Unisen, Inc. Lock N Load is a registered trademark of Innovative Strength Technology, LLC

Creating a luxurious fit.

The Inspiration Strength™ line offers the ultimate

user experience. The low-profile towers, soft frame

lines and easily visible instructions make each

piece incredibly approachable. Once seated, the

user is surrounded by an intuitive interface that

owes more to luxury automobile ergonomics than

traditional exercise equipment.

The Inspiration Strength™ line motivates with

smooth function and satisfying feedback. Giving

users the efficiency and effectiveness of the workout

and an exceptionally rewarding experience.

For more information, contact Star Trac at

800-228-6635 or visit www.startrac.com.

CHEST PRESS WITH LOCK N LOAD®

DISCOVER A PASSION.

09-cor-407-CI-InspirationAD.indd 1 8/18/09 9:37:34 AM


28

28 Ally and AdvocateLaila Ali, the youngest daughter of Muhammad Ali, recently hung up her gloves following an undefeated boxing career to become a wife and mother and a health-and-fitness tV personality. Having also founded and run a successful retail business, tangoed her way to the finals on Dancing with the Stars, and cohosted American Gladiators, Ali has some interesting insights to share with club operators.

34 Green GumptionMany of the industry’s suppliers are showing what they’re made of with environmentally responsible products and practices

44 Summit SuccessParticipants in IHRSA’s Summit for a Healthier America received a warm reception on Capitol Hill

49 ci09 of the TimesClub Industry 2009 features a comprehensive offering of economy-minded conference tracks

54 Internet ConnectionThe Gainesville Health and Fitness Center has successfully harnessed the power of the Web

Laila Ali’s focus has shifted from KOs to kids


COntEntS | OcTObeR 09

Club buSInESSIntERnAtIOnAL

Features

Cover: Charles bush Photography | Above: California governor’s Council on Physical fitness and sports

LTB

CAMPBELL MITHUN • DIGITAL RESOURCES • PREPRESS STUDIOPUBLICATION CONFIRMATION

Client Name: Fiserv Media Type: Trade -

Health & Fitness Color Mode: 4C Ad Number/Code: FISHFTD9016P Ad Caption/Title: Cardio/Health Club 1st Issue/Run Date: July 2009 Usage Rights: 1 year End Date: 6/30/2010 Publication: Various

MECHANICAL INFORMATION drStudio Location: Mpls

Prepress Job Number: FISHFTD9016 Purchase Order: P00070877

MECHANICAL DIMENSIONS IN DECIMAL INCHES

Final Size: 7.75” x 10.75”

Bleed: 8.375” x 11.125” Trim: 7.75” x 10.75” Live/Safety: 7” x 9.875”

DOCUMENT INFORMATIONDocument Filename: 70877_Cardio_P.inddPage Number: 1Document Path: CMServer:Volumes:CMServer:Prepress:CLIENTS:FiServ:06_JUNE09:FISHFTD9016P00070877PRE:70877_Cardio_P Folder:70877_Cardio_P.indd

Revision Number: 4 File History: 5/27/09 tf; 6/1/09 sh, sh, ak

Print Scale: 100% Print/Export Time: 6-8-2009 12:40 PMPDF Compatibility: None

Colors Used: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, BlackFonts Used: Times (Roman; Type 1), Univers (67 Bold Condensed, 55 Roman, 45 Light, 65 Bold, 57 Condensed, 47 Light Condensed; Type 1), ITC Zapf Dingbats (Medium; Type 1), Helvetica (Black Condensed; Type 1)Linked Images: FTM_V4.jpg (RGB; 2.0MB; 348 ppi), fisv_prf_fo_cmyk.eps (283KB)

Notes: INDD-CS3Ver. 1; Pg. 1:

AGENCY CREDITS Executive Creative: Garry Valone Creative Director: Bryan

DeYoung Art Director: Wendy

Hansen Copywriter: Bryan DeYoung Producer: Bill Schneck Traffic: Lynn Walstrom

DOCUMENT OUTPUT REVIEW Initials Date Time

drStudio: | AUTOMATED DATA

Traffic: | |

Proof Cycle 1: | |

Proof Cycle 2: | |

Agency Legal: | |

Art Director: | |

Copywriter: | |

Agency Exec: | |

Account Team: | |

Producer: | |

Client: | |

Client Legal: | |APPROVED FINAL VERSION

OK to Ship _______________________________

It’s like adding cardio to your health club. CompeteSM from Fiserv is the most comprehensive club management

software in the health and fi tness industry. Yet it’s totally attuned to your club and to each member, helping clubs of all

sizes grow and retain membership while maximizing revenue and minimizing day-to-day costs. For a total approach to

growth, Fiserv also offers EFT processing and outsourced billing. With Fiserv, you have the unrivaled power to perform.

The power within. www.clubs.fi serv.com

Pay ment s � Processing Ser v ices � R isk & Compl iance � Cus tomer & Channel Management � Business In tel l igence & Opt imizat ion

© 2009 Fiserv, Inc. or its affi liates.

S:7”S:9.875”

T:7.75”T:10.75”

B:8.375”

PL_70877_Cardio_P.indd 1 6/12/09 2:29:03 PM

Inspected 6/12 stl


62

23X-Fit builds Fight Club champions

Surfers practice Fitness Anywhere

News & Know How 15 news What’s happening: a youthful summer

at Lifestyle; a sizzling Wellness Rio; new releases from IHRSA; impressive efforts by Augie’s Quest; and environmentally friendly pampering

21 First Person Pedro Videla, the head of the economics

department at the IESE Business School in Barcelona, sheds light on the recession and previews IHRSA’s European Congress

23 On the Move Crunch searches for its shorts; X-Fit

encourages male bonding; Planet Fitness works toward global expansion; Sport & Health scores $25-million financing; Olga Sloutsker launches Russian revolution; 24 Hour Fitness gets playground bang for its bucks

26 IHRSA 2010 CBI readers worldwide enthuse about

IHRSA’s Convention and trade Show

Innovations 62 What’s new the latest from Spectrum Fitness Services,

Medical Fitness Association, Matrix Fitness Systems, Power Systems, Vibram FiveFingers, and more

67 F.I.T. Extra Selectorized and circuit training equip-

ment are valuable partners in maintaining members’ health

IHRSA Report 95 First Set IHRSA Chairperson David “Patch”

Patchell-Evans prefers ‘treats’ to ‘tricks’

96 In brief IHRSA is successfully fending off threats

to club operations in all 50 states

98 International

100 Member news Updates from Body Bar, Iron Grip Barbell

Company, Life Fitness, Mad Dogg Athletics, Octane Fitness, and more

109 Calendar

Reps 4 Editor’s

Welcome

10 Ihrsa.org

12 letters

113 Marketplace

115 Ad Index

116 last Rep the industry can

work through this latest economic cycle, insists IHRSA President and CEO Joe Moore


COntEntS | OcTObeR 09

Club buSInESSIntERnAtIOnAL

Departments

Life Fitness takes a Celebrity Cruise 103


A PREVIEW OF WHAt’S nEW tHIS MOntH On WWW.IHRSA.ORG

buy IHRSA Webinars by the bundle> www.ihrsastore.com

Need to catch up on your professional development? IHRSA recorded its past six Webinars—order all six for one low price ($219.95 members/$309.95 non-members) at www.ihrsastore.com.

• “Youth Performance Training—Capitalizing on a Multi-Billion-Dollar Market,” presented by Bill Parisi

• “Personal Training Management—8 Critical Components,” presented by Brent Darden

• “Club Programming for Fun, Retention & Profit,” presented by Laurie Cingle

• “Creating a Member-Centric Club Environment,” presented by Karen Wischmann

• “Turn Your Club into a Community,” presented by Herb Lipsman

• “Selling the Value Proposition,” presented by Chris Gallo and Kevin Hedley —|

Brazil and Ireland Are Meeting Hotspots> www.ihrsa.org/meetings

IHRSA’s world-renowned events provide a vast array of speakers on business and corporate culture; instructional sessions on all aspects of succeeding in the health club industry; social events to mix and mingle with peers; and the most spectacular trade shows in the industry.

Join IHRSA in São Paulo, Brazil, October 22-24, for the 10th Annual IHRSA/Fitness Brasil Latin American Confer-ence & trade Show, the larg-est and most comprehensive trade show in Latin America with world-class education and networking opportunities. the event attracts more than 10,000 people and has been chosen by over 130 exhibitors utilizing nearly 140,000 square feet of exhibit space.

the 9th Annual IHRSA European Congress, to be held October 22-25, in historic

Dublin, Ireland, will feature keynote presentations delivered by executives from both inside and outside the health club industry, providing thought- provoking commentary on trends shaping business and the fitness industry. networking icebreakers, special activities for first-time attendees, focus group discussions, and evening and lunch receptions will give participants the opportunity to build relationships with colleagues from throughout Europe. —|


ihrsa.org

Expanding Job Searches> www.Healthclubs.com/Jobs

Since 2005, ActiveCareers.com has been the health club industry’s premier online career center. now, IHRSA has harnessed the power of its consumer site, HealthClubs.com, and is pleased to present HealthClubs.com/Jobs. the new site includes: job postings at fitness clubs and wellness companies worldwide; an extensive resumé bank of active, industry-specific job-seekers; featured employer profiles; free job-seeker resources, such as compensa-tion data and detailed information on various positions; free employer resources, including sample employee policies, job descriptions, and articles on key human resources (HR) topics; plus much more. —|


| letters |

Tracking Star’s ReactionEditor’s note: This letter was sent to participants in Star Trac’s Chain Reaction three-day cycling event, which raised funds for HealthCorps during IHRSA’s International Convention and Trade Show in March.

I applaud your outstanding commitment to fighting obesity. This fantastic spin-a-thon not only promotes the many benefits of exercise, but also raises funds to encourage even more of our youth to improve their wellbeing.

My thanks go to everyone who made this terrific event possible, especially StarTrac; the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association; and HealthCorps founder Dr. Mehmet Oz. I have no doubt that the results of today’s efforts will help inspire countless children to lead healthier lives.

I send my very best wishes for a memorable event and continued success. —|

Arnold Schwarzenegger | Actor, Governor of California | Sacramento, CA

The Case for Wellness> When I was involved with revising IHRSA’s publication titled The Economic Benefits of Regular Exercise, I was struck by the exhaustive amount of research that shows how even small lifestyle changes can yield dramatic improvements. this is the message I think we’re compelled to share with policymakers, legislators, our communities, and individuals.

As the debate over healthcare reform rages on, one thing is certain—exercise is indeed a powerful form of medicine, capable of preventing and treating almost every form of illness that strikes our population. Despite the volume of scientific evidence documenting the economic and health benefits of regular exercise, some individuals are quick to dismiss physical activity programs as impractical or unrealistic strategies for healthcare cost-containment and illness-prevention. We, as fitness professionals, know better. Regardless of your beliefs about universal vs. private coverage, there’s no disputing that if every American were to become more physically active, our nation’s health would improve dramatically.

I’m pleased that IHRSA continues to develop resources to help clubs make the case for wellness, whether at work, at home, or on Capitol Hill. Members may not realize that there’s a wealth of free material in IHRSA’s online resource center (www.ihrsa.org), and there are always new publications in the IHRSA Store (www.ihrsastore.com). I urge all industry professionals to take advantage of these resources to help educate, motivate, and empower our communities and leaders to embrace active, healthy lifestyles. —|

christine O’Neal Thalwitz | Writer, Researcher | ACAC Fitness & Wellness Centers | Charlottesville, VA

Time to RetortEditor’s note: this letter is a response to an article published in the August 17 issue of time magazine, “The Myth About Exercise.”

> the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) supports the 45.5 million American health club members and all others who exercise regularly in the pursuit of living a healthy lifestyle. IHRSA recognizes the daily struggle of many Americans in finding a balance between healthy eating and regular exercise, especially those seeking to lose weight.

However, in an age when overweight, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes are prevalent, it’s more important than ever to engage in regular exercise, which research has proven can prevent such chronic disease and is a key component to living a healthy, happy, and productive life. It’s also vital that Ameri-cans have accurate information about exercise and weight loss based on science and evidence.

IHRSA fully supports the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Heart Association (AHA) with their recommendations and guidelines. According to John Jakicic, Ph.D., FACSM, “there is strong evidence from the majority of the scientific literature that physical activity is an important component for initial weight loss.”

Responding to the Time magazine article published online and in print, Jakicic added, “the statement, ‘In general, for weight loss, exercise is pretty useless,’ is not supported by scientific evidence when there is adherence to a sufficient dose of physical activity in overweight and obese adults.” Jakicic chairs a committee on obesity prevention and treatment for the ACSM and helped write an ACSM Position Stand on strategies for weight loss and prevention of weight regain for adults. —|

Joe Moore | President, CEO | IHRSA | Boston, MA


Motionsoft® offers over 200 standard reports with our software, and with our custom report writer there are endless possibilities. Want to know how many times a corporate member has used the club? We have a report for that! How about how many personal training sessions a member has left? We have a report for that also!

Fast, reliable, and you can give Spot a break to do more important stuff!

If you want your pet showcased in an upcoming Motionsoft® ad email us at [email protected]. (You don’t need to be a client.)

Remember to stop by Booth 343 at CI!

Conexion is now a part of Motionsoft®

Where do you get your reports from?

(800) 829-4321 • www.motionsoft.net

®

®

Catch & Retain

You get it all from Twin Oaks.With more to offer than any other club management software, Twin Oaks’ integrated software package does it ALL. Our 98% client retention rate proves we make our customers happy. As one of the few providers in our industry certifi ed as PCI-DSS compliant, we’re committed to quality, integrity and synergy.

SOFTWARE • BILLING • MEMBER SERVICESStrong. Healthy. Growing. Tomorrow’s Solutions Today.

Twin Oaks Software, 1463 Berlin Turnpike, Berlin, CT 06037Phone 860.829.6000, Toll-free 866.278.6750, www.tosd.com

Free software & upgrades for billing clients

…and MORE!

u

u

ALL the Features Your Club Software Needs to Attract New Members

Integrated touch-screen point-of-sale

Inventory and session tracking

Local and On-line booking

Comprehensive business reports

A/R management & QuickBooks® interface

Digital paperless contracts

Guest register and tracking

u

u

u

u

u

u

u

Time clock module, commission and personal training reports

Easy key tag or fi ngerprint recognition check-in

24/7/365 door access control

Integrated mail/e-mail to members/guests

Internet-enabled database replication

Manages all billing methods

u

u

u

u

u

u

w w w . i h r s a . o r g | O C t O B E R 2 0 0 9 | C l u b B u s i n e s s I n t e r n a t i o n a l 15

Now in its third season, the free summer teen program offered by Lifestyle Family Fitness this year attracted more than 11,000 participants to the company’s 55 facilities in Florida, north Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana. Shown, from left, at a Lifestyle club in Lutz, Florida, are Daniel Perrone, 17, Alex Robinson, 16, and Dominic Cutrofello, 17. —|

News & Know Hownews 15 | First Person 21 | On the Move 23

>


F U E L Y O U R L I F E

Pro3700

Keep your members happy and challenged in 2009 on the all-new xRide and the new Pro3700. With a natural, smooth flow offering forward and reverse motion to challenge muscles differently, state-of-the-art features like MultiGrip handlebars for highly effective upper-body conditioning, the most advanced electronics for greater workout variety; you’ll soon realize why these Octane ellipticals are igniting a global fitness revolution!

See us at Club Industry, Booth #101

© Copyright 2009. All rights reserved by Octane Fitness.

| News & Know How | news

Wellness Rio sizzles!Inaugural convention exceeds all expectations

An estimated 30,000 people turned out for the first-ever Wellness Rio 2009 convention

and trade show, which took place in Rio de Janeiro over a three-day period in June. The event, which was conducted at Convention Center SulAmérica, featured educational presentations, roundtables, workshops, and an extensive trade show.

Waldry Soares, the president of Fitness Brasil, which staged the program in association with Dream Factory Sports, attributed the heavier-than-expected attendance to the

show’s affiliation with the Rio de Janeiro Marathon—the convention was the site where all 15,400 regis-tered runners picked up their race kits.

“It was a perfect marriage,” Soares says of the collaboration. “I have over 20 years of experience in this sector, but I’ve never seen such great atten-dance in the first edition of an event!”

Fitness Brasil, in partnership with IHRSA, also produces the annual IHRSA/Fitness Brasil Latin American Conference and Trade Show and publishes Fitness Business Latin America magazine. —|

From left: Waldyr Soares, of Fitness brasil; Eduardo Magalhães, Dream Factory Sports; Jacqueline Antunes, IHRSA; Marcus Freire, brazilian Olympic Committee; soccer coach Carlos Parreira; Jay Ablondi, IHRSA; and Jason Conviser, ACSM

Hot Off the Presses: IHRSA’s Guide to Personal Training> clubs eager to create, expand, or improve on their personal-training program would be well advised to consult the newly released IHRSA’s Guide to Personal Training: How to Generate Profits and Improve Member Satisfaction.

this comprehensive guide, spon-sored by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), provides revealing statistics on such things as the use of personal trainers by Americans, training trends, per-session fees, and the populations most likely to purchase training services. It also presents seven detailed case studies of clubs that have implemented successful personal-training pro-grams. Also included: information on certification standards, trainer compensation, and best practices, plus inventive sugges-tions about how to differentiate one’s personal-training program from the competition’s.

“the vast majority of health clubs offer personal training, but only a small percentage of club members are utilizing them,” notes Jay Ablondi, IHRSA’s executive vice president of global products. “By removing barriers that are preventing people from exercising with personal trainers—such as time constraints, cost, anxiety, etc.—club operators can greatly increase their nondues revenue and better serve their communities.”

For more information, log on to www.ihrsastore.com. —|

IHRSA’sGuide toPersonal TrainingHow toGenerate Profits andImproveMember Satisfaction

International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association

Sponsored by


Short takes | Augie’s Quest Crests!

Augie’s Quest, the charitable initiative launched by Augie and Lynne nieto to help find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease, has surpassed its initial goal of raising $18 million. In mid-August, the tally stood at $19,771,162. Recently, fund-raising efforts by ClubCorps, the Bally total Fitness Corporation, and Performance Food Centers have helped to boost the total. Augie nieto, an industry pioneer, cofounder and former president of Life Fitness, and ALS victim, is now working on his second $18 million. —|

>

| Green Scene |

The Lasting benefits of luxury

By Jennifer H. McInerney

Imagine being pampered while, at the same time, being kind to the environment.the innovators at Plus One Health Management, Inc., have set a new

standard: they’ve turned the luxury spa experience green. the new York City-based company recently renovated the four-diamond Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel’s Ocean Spa & Fitness facility, in Los Angeles, California, and incorporated a whole host of environmentally responsible elements into the project.

Plus One carefully selected materials and equipment that are recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), including technogym’s Excite line of energy-efficient, self-powered cardio equipment; recycled rubber flooring from Mondo USA for the fitness areas; certified recycled carpeting and eco-resin panels for the spa; furniture that was constructed of reclaimed wood from old buildings and barns; and sustainable ceiling tiles that contain recycled content as well as rapidly renewable jute fiber.

this painstaking attention to eco-conscious detail continues with the spa’s treatments, many of which include organic, all-natural, renewable ingredients. For exam-ple, the “Earth” body treatment wraps guests in warm Moor mud that’s rich with essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes to alleviate pain, enhance circulation, and reduce fatigue; the “Sea” version starts with an exfoliation using mineral-rich sea salts, followed by an algae and enzyme mask to nourish and improve the elasticity of the skin.

Ocean Spa & Fitness is not the company’s first foray into environmentally friendly design. Of note: Plus One built theClub, a state-of-the-art green fitness center inside the Hearst tower, new York City’s first occupied commercial building to earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Seal.

“Our work with the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel allowed us to leverage our experience in sustainable design and realize the vision of a facility that met our client’s business and green goals,” notes tom Maraday, Plus One’s senior vice president. “By integrating eco-friendly materials with eco-conscious equipment, members and guests of Ocean Spa & Fitness can now relax and rejuvenate themselves in a setting that not only benefits themselves, but the environment as well.”

Indeed, pampering never felt better! —|

Please contact [email protected] with your ‘green’ initiatives.

| News & Know How | news


[N&KH – Short Takes]

[cover]

Now in its third season, the free summer teen program offered by Lifestlyle Fam-ily Fitness this year attracted more than 11,000 participants to the company’s 55 facilities in Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana. Shown, from left, at a Lifestyle club in Lutz, Florida, are Dan-iel Perrone, 17, Alex Robinson, 16, and Dominic Cutrofello, 17,

The

Evolution

of Power BrandingWho wouldn’t want to be known as the best place in town?

But making a name for yourself is a long careful process. At every

step, you must be sure the quality you represent supports the image you

seek. Try this rule of thumb. To be seen as the best place in town,

associate your name with the best products on Earth.

Email: [email protected] Address: www.ivankobarbell.com

Untitled-3 1 5/28/09 11:06:13 AM

| Green Scene |

The Lasting benefits of luxury

| News & Know How | First Person

CBI Spends 10 Minutes on the Line with

.orgFor information about the 9th Annual IHRSA European Congress, log on to www.ihrsa.org/congress.

Pedro Videla holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago. He heads the economics department and serves as associate dean of the MBA program at IESE Business School in Barcelona.

“these are the most challenging times that most of us can ever remember. Because I know that people are wondering how we can best emerge from this recession stronger and more competi-tive, I will cover these issues and others when I address the 9th Annual IHRSA European Congress, October 22-24, in Dublin.

While this is not another Great Depression, it is a nasty downturn. the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that the global gross domestic product (GDP) will decrease by 1.3% this year, the first time in 70 years that real GDP has declined worldwide. Predictions are that the recovery will begin by the first quarter of 2010. Unfortunately, unemployment will continue to increase. the U.S. GDP needs to grow at 2% to 2.5% to stop the growth of unemployment.

the U.S. will be the first to emerge with some good news by next year—provided the government manages the fiscal deficit. With the stimulus pack-age, the government is trying to substitute private consumption with government consumption. the risk is that this huge increase in government spending may cause interest rates to rise and undermine future economic growth. the U.S. Federal Reserve must work to reduce the risk of inflation. And we cannot come out of this with a huge tax burden for the private sector. Small and medium-sized firms create the most jobs and wealth.

the current recession is due to a substantial decline in private consumption, which makes up 70% of GDP in the U.S., which, in turn, makes up 30% of the world GDP. Such a decline affects the health club sector, but clubs can influence how it does so. If people see clubs as a place to improve

their looks, they will view their membership dues as discretionary spending—which tends to be highly cyclical. However, when members see clubs as a place to improve their health, they will keep their memberships longer, which can help the sector become counter-cyclical.

My family, for example, belongs to a high-qual-ity, multipurpose club, Egara, in Matadepera, Spain. I purchased this membership to provide an atmosphere for my children where sport is part of daily life. the club offers tennis, field hockey, swimming, fitness, and riding.

Right now, clubs should lock in their customers by offering special services at lower prices, provided they let members know that prices will increase in better times. In this manner, you “finance” their participation. Some clubs are waiving member-ship fees for unemployed individuals. I would be grateful for all my life if someone did that for me and my family.

As for your employees, you can lock them in, too, with training that provides a career path. Just be sure the training is specific to your club, so they don’t take that knowledge to a competitor.

Some of the biggest mistakes that clubs can make: First, not to adjust. Second, to overreact. third, not to realize that recessions are part of the business cycle… soon, we will be up again. therefore, firms need to make the necessary changes in order to create and sustain a competitive advantage when the recovery comes. this, I think, is the single best recipe for dealing with recessions.

It has been said that recessions are too important to be wasted. I agree.” —|

– Patricia Amend; [email protected]

Pedro Videla


What insights do you have to offer about the economic downturn and when it’s expected to recover? In the meantime, how can health clubs make themselves

recession-resilient? What’s the best thing that operators can do for employees and members, right now, that will leave a lasting impression? What are the hidden opportunities in this recession?

THE WORLD’S LEADING GROUP FITNESS FORMULAS

LESMILLS.COM/PRO

Sure your members are fit, your instructors are in great shape but how’s the business looking?

Is it ripped? Is it toned? Or is it a little looser than you’d like?

If you’re looking for an effective way to take your club to the next level,Les Mills’ group fi tness solutions are being hailed as the best there is.

“I have built my entire club business around the Les Mills System. As a result, my members are extremely loyal and we enjoy excellent retention. By making Group Fitness a priority, we can command premium pricing in a competitive local market.” Anthony Cali, Fitness Concepts Health Club, Inc, MA.

Think of it as an extreme makeover for every aspect of your club’s operation. From the club fl oor with programs like BODYPUMP™ – which packs out classes around the world, to ongoing support from a world-class team whose only focus is watching you succeed.

Get in touch with us, and watch your club reach an all-time personal best. Visit lesmills.com/pro

LES9744 Trade Ad RETENTION CBI.indd 1 12/17/08 3:43:54 PM


| News & Know How | On The Move


Promotions

crunch Seeks Gym Shorts Crunch, the new York City-based innovator, is looking for the perfect gym shorts—but not the sweaty kind. Over the summer, the chain launched its first-ever short film contest and promises to stuff $10,000 in cash into one grand-prize winner’s pockets, along with a one-year Crunch membership. the objective of the Gym Shorts competition, says Christina DeGuardi, vice president of marketing, is “to give the Crunch community a unique way to express what this powerful idea means to them.” Open to members and non-members alike, the rules required the inclusion of at least one keyword from Crunch’s philosophy and permitted submission of up to three videos, of less than three minutes in length. the final submission deadline was set for August 31, 2009, and the top 25 submissions were to be screened and voted on by fans at www.crunchgymshorts.com. the top Gym Shorts will ultimately appear as creative, encouraging content on Crunch’s Website. —|

Expansion

Planet Fitness continues to expandPlanet Fitness is well on its way to having locations all over the planet. Already named twice to Inc. magazine’s list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private businesses, the Dover, new Hampshire-based chain seems primed for a third go-around. By the end of 2009, the company, which bills its offering as a no-frills, low-cost option, expects to have 70 new U.S. clubs open. In 2010, nearly 100 more are projected to be in operation. In addition,

Planet Fitness intends to bring its brand across the border. According to Mark Christie, director of development, 400 Canadian clubs are already in development.

John Craig, the company’s brand manager, reports that two primary factors have contributed to this aggres-

sive expansion effort. “We believe the demand remains strong for our gyms,” and “the softness in the commercial real

estate market is resulting in some of the most attractive terms we’ve ever seen.” —|

Programming

X-Fit’s ‘Fight club’ Promotes Male bondingAt Russia’s X-Fit health club chain, members are finding boxing to be a real knockout—both figuratively and literally. the 17-year-old Moscow-based chain, which now boasts more than 25,000 members, has updated and refined the ancient sport. While it provides traditional boxing instruction, it’s also organized a Fight Club—a “club within a club” with its own charter and trademark—to increase interaction, camara-derie, and bonding among members. Participants range from blue-collar workers to business executives, explains Yury Melnikov, X-Fit’s fitness director. they take part, he explains, “to overcome fear and pain, relieve stress, and leave the cumulative anxieties of the day in the ring.” In April, the Fight Club staged its first official tournament, which attracted 24 male and two female contestants, as well as some 200 spectators. the fighters enjoyed “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat,” but, more importantly, notes Melnikov, the joy of healthy competition. —|

Fight Club champs Anton Aksentiev, l., and Dmitriy breslavskiy, both of X-Fit Moscow

| News & Know How | On The Move

Business Development

Sport & Health Invests $25M in GrowthSport & Health Clubs, the 23- facility chain based in McLean, Virginia, recently obtained $25 million in mezzanine financing through PnC Mezzanine Capital, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the CMS Mezzanine Fund, of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. “While the turbulent economy has many industries tightening budgets and cutting back on expansion plans, Sport & Health is swimming against the current—expanding now to meet the needs of our

members, and to grow our footprint in the Washington, D.C., area,” notes Mark Fisher, the president and CEO of Sport & Health. the financial infusion will fund a number of expansion, facility-upgrade, and club-acquisition initiatives, including: a new 43,000-square-foot unit at Brambleton town Center, in Ashburn, Virginia; and major renovations at tysons Sport & Health, in McLean, and the Bethesda Club, in Bethesda, Maryland. the largest Metropolitan Washington area chain, Sport & Health has more than 2,000 employees and over 90,000 members. —|

Russian Youth Get Fit

Olga Sloutsker, president of the World Class and Fizkult club chains, as well as president of the Russian Fitness Aerobic Federation, has started a new Russian revolution—one aimed at transforming the health and fitness of the country’s youngsters. In front of an audience of nearly 1,000, Sloutsker kicked off the “Fitness Movement” project during the Russian Youth Forum “Seliger 2009.” Backed by the government’s Federal Agency of Youth Affairs, the initiative aims not only to promote healthier lifestyles, but also to serve as a means by which to recruit young people who are interested in active careers and eager to bring fitness to the masses. —|


number of playgrounds, and players, is growing thanks to Kaboom!

Reading, writing, and… playtime! these are the essentials of childhood. to ensure the longevity of the latter, longtime youth fitness advocate 24 Hour Fitness, the San Ramon, California, chain, recently donated more than $140,000 to KaBoom!, a national nonprofit organization that builds community playgrounds. During the month of July, the chain’s 3 million members at more than

425 clubs raised the funds in support of encouraging childhood activity and preventing childhood obesity. KaBoom! CEO and cofounder Darell Hammond offered praise for the effort: “We are truly appreciative. the incredible success… reflects the commitment 24 Hour Fitness has made to the health of our nation’s children.” —|

Public Service

24 Hour Fitness boosts Playtime

Sport & Health execs Fisher, l., Jonathan Adler

Russian youth launch Fitness Movement

1414 HARBOUR WAY S.#1201

20901473 CLOROX NI-12587_AFH_AD_Flu-Preparedness.indd 8-26-09 CN 1

H1N1

Clorox is now offering free educational materials, protocols and

quick tips to help you stay one step ahead of fl u viruses this

season. To receive your Flu Preparedness & Prevention Kit, e-mail us at fl [email protected] or visit us online at www.cloroxprofessional.com/H1N1.

NI-

1258

7

Show H1N1 a little muscle.

Now’s the time to think about getting ahead of fl u viruses this season. To help keep your fi tness facility a healthier place, Clorox offers important educational information and a complete line of product solutions to kill germs on surfaces* and hands.

e.®

Hands Hard Surfaces

N1

* The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) believes, based on available scientifi c information, that the currently registered infl uenza A virus products will be effective against the H1N1 2009 fl u strain and other infl uenza A virus strains on hard, nonporous surfaces. Use products as directed. © 2009 The Clorox Company

8.25"11

"

PROJECT TITLE PG# / BRAND PROJECT MANAGER / EXT.Flue Preparedness & Prevention Ads 30229 / AFH Jenne Barbey / x 3036FILE NAME SPEC. / NI# DIMENSIONSNI-12587_AFH_AD_Flu-Preparedness NI-12587 8.25" W x 11" HSTAGE PRINT PROCESS / #COLORS RELEASE DATE / VENDOR

MECHANICAL PREFLIGHT Litho / (4/0) 08/25/09 / RR Donnelley

ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DATE 08/25/09 00/00/00 00/00/00 00/00/00 00/00/00 00/00/00 00/00/00 00/00/00 00/00/00 00/00/00

ARTIST SJ - - - - - - - - -

PROOF SF - - - - - - - - -

R1V1

NOTES:Dielines do not print

COLORS STOCK ART & PHOTOGRAPHYSTATUS IMAGE NAME

#################_AGENCY_RIGHTS_DESCRIPTION

MC Y

K

The energy, excitement and enthusiasm for IHRSA 2010 to be held next March in San Diego are alreadybuilding! Catch the spirit and read the rave reviews for the event this past March. Then, make your plansnow for the best registration rates available.

After a year like this past year, we will need to gather and re-energize for the bright future ahead. Thatgathering place is IHRSA 2010. It will be an event so exceptional, you’ll sing its praises too!

Register at 2009 Rates!We’re holding the line on registration rates this year. Register now through October 15 for US$550, entitling you to all Convention activities forfour days, plus unlimited admission to the massive IHRSA 2010 Trade Show.

For more information, or to register yourself and your team, visit ihrsa.org/convention or callyour Membership Specialist at 800-228-4772 (US/Canada) or +1 617-951-0055 (International).Group discounts for five or more are also available by contacting Nicole Johnson, Senior SalesManager, at [email protected] or ext. 197 at the numbers above.

Plan your budget now to attend!

29th Annual IHRSA InternationalConvention & Trade ShowMarch 10-13, 2010 | San Diego, California USASan Diego Convention Center

ONCE A YEAR, THE INDUSTRY GATHERS.

EVERY YEAR, THE INDUSTRY PRAISES!

“I met club owners from Manhattan and all over the U.S.,Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Russia and Australia, alleager to share ideas and ask questions. I felt part ofa global industry instead of a two-club operation.”

George Schroeder, Director of Sales & MarketingCedar Springs Health, Racquet & SportsclubBurlington, Ontario, Canada

“As usual we had an incredible IHRSA experience.Fabulous keynotes, wonderful sessions, excellentnetworking, exciting trade show.

IHRSA provides a world-class experience for ClubOwners, Managers and Fitness Professionals. I canonly imagine the amount of work involved in putting onan event of this magnitude. Congrats and keep up thegreat work!”

Sherri McMillan, Owner & OperatorNorthwest Personal Training & Northwest Women's Fitness ClubVancouver, WA

“The IHRSA Convention & Trade Show is aMUST-go decision for all managers

and owners who really careabout this industry and theirown business!”

Richard Bilton, PresidentCompanhia Athletica

São Paulo, Brazil

“I always come back from IHRSA inspiredand ready to implement all I have learned. Itlights a motivational fire under me mentallyand physically. I hope to see it continue togrow and improve for years to come.”

Aubree Albert, Membership DirectorKennedy Club FitnessAtascadero, CA

“IHRSA 2009 was the mostinformative conference I haveever attended within my 20years in the Fitness Industry.”

Michael Kelly, Fitness ManagerLifeBridge Health and FitnessBaltimore, MD

“We had an enriching experience. As soon as we got backto work we implemented some of the things we learnedand we saw the improvements in less than a month.”

Yariza Yulián, CEO & FounderZonactivaSan Juan, Puerto Rico

International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association Seaport Center, 70 Fargo Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 USA

2010 2p spread-1009CBI:2010 2p spread-1009CBI 8/26/09 9:55 AM Page 1

The energy, excitement and enthusiasm for IHRSA 2010 to be held next March in San Diego are alreadybuilding! Catch the spirit and read the rave reviews for the event this past March. Then, make your plansnow for the best registration rates available.

After a year like this past year, we will need to gather and re-energize for the bright future ahead. Thatgathering place is IHRSA 2010. It will be an event so exceptional, you’ll sing its praises too!

Register at 2009 Rates!We’re holding the line on registration rates this year. Register now through October 15 for US$550, entitling you to all Convention activities forfour days, plus unlimited admission to the massive IHRSA 2010 Trade Show.

For more information, or to register yourself and your team, visit ihrsa.org/convention or callyour Membership Specialist at 800-228-4772 (US/Canada) or +1 617-951-0055 (International).Group discounts for five or more are also available by contacting Nicole Johnson, Senior SalesManager, at [email protected] or ext. 197 at the numbers above.

Plan your budget now to attend!

29th Annual IHRSA InternationalConvention & Trade ShowMarch 10-13, 2010 | San Diego, California USASan Diego Convention Center

ONCE A YEAR, THE INDUSTRY GATHERS.

EVERY YEAR, THE INDUSTRY PRAISES!

“I met club owners from Manhattan and all over the U.S.,Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Russia and Australia, alleager to share ideas and ask questions. I felt part ofa global industry instead of a two-club operation.”

George Schroeder, Director of Sales & MarketingCedar Springs Health, Racquet & SportsclubBurlington, Ontario, Canada

“As usual we had an incredible IHRSA experience.Fabulous keynotes, wonderful sessions, excellentnetworking, exciting trade show.

IHRSA provides a world-class experience for ClubOwners, Managers and Fitness Professionals. I canonly imagine the amount of work involved in putting onan event of this magnitude. Congrats and keep up thegreat work!”

Sherri McMillan, Owner & OperatorNorthwest Personal Training & Northwest Women's Fitness ClubVancouver, WA

“The IHRSA Convention & Trade Show is aMUST-go decision for all managers

and owners who really careabout this industry and theirown business!”

Richard Bilton, PresidentCompanhia Athletica

São Paulo, Brazil

“I always come back from IHRSA inspiredand ready to implement all I have learned. Itlights a motivational fire under me mentallyand physically. I hope to see it continue togrow and improve for years to come.”

Aubree Albert, Membership DirectorKennedy Club FitnessAtascadero, CA

“IHRSA 2009 was the mostinformative conference I haveever attended within my 20years in the Fitness Industry.”

Michael Kelly, Fitness ManagerLifeBridge Health and FitnessBaltimore, MD

“We had an enriching experience. As soon as we got backto work we implemented some of the things we learnedand we saw the improvements in less than a month.”

Yariza Yulián, CEO & FounderZonactivaSan Juan, Puerto Rico

International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association Seaport Center, 70 Fargo Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 USA

2010 2p spread-1009CBI:2010 2p spread-1009CBI 8/26/09 9:55 AM Page 1

| CBI Interview |

By Chris Mann

CBI: You’re the daughter of the boxing great who’s generally regarded as the best-known sports figure in the history of the world. Did your dad, Muhammad Ali, and your mom stress athletics and fitness when you were young? Did you want a career in professional sports?

LaILa aLI: It was never a goal when I was growing up. Both of my parents—my dad, obviously, but my mom as well—were very active, and fit, and pursued a healthy lifestyle. Just watching them kind of taught me right from wrong. Once I was old enough to understand how important lifestyle choices were, I just naturally followed their example.

CBI: Given that, what led you to become a professional boxer?

La: I didn’t want to be a fighter until I saw women boxing on TV, in action, for the first time. As soon as I saw it, I said, “Oh, my God, how did I not know about this? I want to do it!” Somehow, the fact that dad had done it had never translated, for me, into the fact that I could conceivably do it as well—until I actually saw women fighting. It was right up my alley.

CBI: You were also drawn to business at a rather young age, weren’t you?

La: Yes, believe it or not, when I was 16, I went to school to learn how to do nails. Then I went to Santa Monica College. I’d always wanted to have my own business, because I wanted to be my own boss. I had this grand plan, and everybody knew it: “When I’m 18, I’m going to do nails. That way, I can go to school, and run my own business, and work my own hours, and make my own money.” And that’s exactly what I did. By the time I was 18, I was operating Laila’s Nail Studio in Marina Del Rey, California. I only had one employee working with me, but we had a full clientele.

A few years into that was when I discovered women’s boxing.

CBI: Athletics and business—that’s a combination of interests that many club owners and operators can certainly relate to. How serious were you about the studio?

La: I took what I did very seriously. I always wanted to improve, to get better, and I was constantly taking classes. It takes time to hone your craft. It took me two years just to get good enough so that my clients wanted to come back. You have to build a clien-tele—customers just don’t walk in out of nowhere. I remember making fliers, and passing them out, and, occasionally, giving my services away for free. It took time to begin making money, but, eventually, we got to the point where we were always busy—booked and full.

It took a lot of perseverance and a real belief in myself.

may have followed in her famous father’s footsteps, but she’s a rising star in her own right when it comes to health and fitness

The youngest daughter of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and Veronica Porsche Anderson, Laila ali, 31, is a winning mix of her father’s fighting spirit and her moth-er’s businesslike tenderness. Once the proprietor of several successful retail businesses, she followed her father into the ring in 1999, and claimed the first of several super middleweight and middle-weight titles in 2002. In 2007, however, after having won all 24 of her professional fights, 21 by KOs, Ali hung up her gloves to become a health- and fitness-centric TV personality. Since then, she’s tangoed her way to the finals on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars; co-hosted NBC’s American Gladia-tors; served as a contributing health, fitness, and beauty cor-respondent for CBS’ The Early Show; and hosted the N cable network’s The N’s Student Body. She married Curtis Conway, a former wide receiver with the NFL in July 2007, and, in August 2008, gave birth to their first child, Curtis Muhammad Conway, Jr. —|

w w w . i h r s a . o r g | O C T O B e R 2 0 0 9 | C l u b B u s i n e s s I n t e r n a t i o n a l 29

Highlights» Boxing champion

» Business lessons

» Club suggestions

» Future objectives

>

Laila Ali

Russell B

aer

| CBI Interview |

CBI: That sounds like the story of every new small business. What sort of advice would you give to some other young entrepreneur who was just starting out?

La: You really have to know your mar-ket, whatever it is. Do some market research. Put together a solid business plan. Be prepared for the possibility that, initially, you may not necessarily be making any money. Regardless of what you’re doing, particularly if you’re offering a service, you have to know your clients well. For instance, in the case of a nail studio, if you’re sitting there, talking with women, and they’re getting personal with you, they’re going to want you to be able to pick up on the conversation where they left off two

weeks earlier. Most importantly, try to be the very best at what you do—con-stantly. Never stop striving to be better.

CBI: Given the fact that, for years, you were the world’s foremost woman boxer, it’s obvious that you take your workouts very seri-ously. But we were wondering: Do you belong to a club?

La: I actually belong to two different clubs—the 360 Health Club, in Reseda, and an equinox facility in Woodland Hills, California. The 360 is an older club, but it has a boxing gym, a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a sauna—everything you could possibly imagine. I go there primarily for the boxing gym and a special area that they’ve set up, specifically, for athletes.

When I just feel like working out or taking a Spinning class, I’ll go to equi-nox. But a lot of the time, I simply work out at home in our garage. I have a Pilates machine, a Spinning bike, and a resistance-cord strength training system that my husband and I both love. I get bored really fast, so I like to mix things up.

CBI: Okay, so if you owned a health club of your own, what sort of services and programs would you emphasize?

La: Well, it probably comes as no surprise to your readers, but I think that a club’s cleanliness is incredibly important. And, sometimes, they’re

overly crowded. When you have to wait for machines, and too many people are milling about—you’d just rather not be there. I’d try to devise a way to keep members from being so social: I just want to work out! I also think it would be great if clubs provided their mem-bers with more information about nutrition and proper eating. A lot of people aren’t educated about that. It’s sad that so many Americans are overweight or obese, and especially disturbing in the case of children.

CBI: Anything else?

La: Well, as a relatively new mother, I definitely think that good daycare is important. even though I belong to two excellent clubs, I’ve yet to leave my son

at either one. Not that anything’s wrong—not at all! I might just be a little bit crazy about this, but it’s hard to assure yourself that everything’s of the best quality, the very highest standard, when it comes to daycare.

CBI: That’s right, your son, Curtis, is just 14 months old. What sort of an impact did the pregnancy have on your “fighting shape”?

La: I’ve just now managed to work off all of the baby weight. It took me 10 months—the same amount of time it took me to put it on.

CBI: A very small percentage of Americans—IHRSA puts the number at approximately 16% —belong to a club. What do you think operators could do to convince more people about the benefits of exercise and a club membership?

La: Just 16%, really? Sixteen? One-six? Wow! People out here, in Los Angeles, and throughout California, are much more health-conscious, so we tend to forget about what it’s like in the other states. Here, the figure’s much higher than 16%.

That’s really crazy because, with all of the attention that’s recently been focused on obesity, dieting, diabetes, heart disease, and so forth, you’d think that people would have heeded the wakeup call. I would have thought that they’d have caught on by now.

I think that, somehow, health and fitness really need to be positioned—discussed, demonstrated, and, even-tually, regarded—not as a chore, or task, or series of activities, but, rather, simply as a lifestyle. Perhaps, if we could get more people to begin taking their kids to clubs, if we could begin teaching them when they were young, they’d grow up to understand, and accept, that critical, valuable concept. It would be great if clubs introduced more kid-oriented options—something, like rock climb-ing, where they could come in, be active, and take part in some sort

30 C l u b B u s i n e s s I n t e r n a t i o n a l | O C T O B e R 2 0 0 9 | w w w . i h r s a . o r g

“I think that, somehow, health and fitness really need to be positioned—discussed, demonstrated, and, eventually, regarded—not as a chore, or task, or series of activities, but, rather, simply as a lifestyle.”

| CBI Interview |

of challenge or competition: you know, like an American Gladiators for kids.

I think that, if we want to have a brighter, healthier future, it’s important to start by educating our youth.

CBI: You’ve been involved with a number of different television shows, and are currently a con-tributing health, fitness, and beauty correspondent for CBS’ The Early Show. What’s next in terms of your business career?

La: I want to continue to be active in the area of fitness, wellness, and lifestyle. I’m very interested in getting into the licensing and branding of apparel and fitness, healthcare, and skincare products—that’s my primary objective, today, in terms of business. I intend to be very careful, mindful,

and responsible with any products I put out there. Particularly now that I’m a mother who’s concerned about what’s best for her child, I intend to be very involved in the process. I want to educate people about their product choices. Too often, they think that, if something’s on a shelf in a store, it must be safe, but that’s not always the case.

Americans need to make informed choices—in terms of the things they buy, the things they eat.

These are things that I’m passionate about. That’s why I’m involved with the Women’s Sports Foundation, the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and Subway’s Fresh and Fit campaign.

CBI: You’re a woman with very strong convictions. Do you have

some sort of a personal philosophy that you adhere to?

La: I believe in being a leader, not a follower—that’s my basic message. Whatever you want to do, don’t let anybody stand in the way. You have one life to live, and every single per-son you come across is going to have an opinion; but, if they’re not someone you trust, and respect, and who’s made something out of their own life, why listen? When I was just starting out, if I’d let other people steer me, I wouldn’t have become a fighter. They were saying things like, “It’s too dan-gerous,” and “You’re too pretty.” For a while, I got caught up in that, but then, I just decided to go for it. I followed my heart’s desire. I think that’s what everyone should do. —|

– Chris Mann, [email protected]


Your programs!

Your facility! Your staff!

Show Off!IHRSA

cordiallyinvites you to

Announcing the IHRSA-CBIWe’re looking for photos that capture the

“essence” of what your club is all about.

Top prize winners will be featured in the March 2010 issue of CBI, and their entries showcased at IHRSA’s 29th Annual International Convention and Trade Show, March 10-13, in San Diego.

ALL entries will be on view at IHRSA 2010 and on IHRSA’s Website, www.ihrsa.org. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: December 22, 2009

For complete rules, contest details, and prize information, log on to www.ihrsa.org/photocontest

Do Right by Your Members. Do Well for Your Club.

1 GOJO product usage study including over 12 million workouts from January 2003- July 2004 comparing liquid and foam shower soaps.

Because it’s a foam, members use 56% less than liquid soap and get 5 times more showers between re�lls.1

You have worked hard to build your strong membership base. Because hygiene matters to club members, keep up the momentum by adding new GOJO Green Certi�ed Foam Hand, Hair & Body Wash.

Readily biodegradable formula rinses clean without buildup or residue associated with liquid soap.

Ideal for use at both the showers and sinks.

4707_CBI_Ad.indd 1 5/29/09 2:16:17 PM



By Jennifer H. McInerney

Greener

If you’ve been paying attention—that is, if you’ve read the periodic feature and/or the monthly “Green Scene” column that appears in CBI—then you’re fully aware that, over the past few years, clubs have made dramatic strides with respect to preserving and protecting the environment.

What you may be less aware of is that the industry’s manu-facturers, suppliers, service providers, and other vendors are equally concerned about the ecological state of the world and committed to doing whatever they can to improve it. They’re not only producing products and offering services that are designed to help clubs become as “green” as possible, but, in many cases, are also living, working, and doing business in an environmentally enlightened way.

CBI has touched upon some of their efforts in past issues, but our coverage has merely scratched the surface. Recently, when IHRSA surveyed its associate-member companies, nearly 100% of the respondents reported that they’ve embraced green practices in their operations—from their offices, to the loading docks of their manufacturing plants, to their corporate delivery fleets.

Among the measures that many have taken: implementing recycling programs; converting to energy-efficient lighting and heating/cooling systems; installing automated faucets in rest-rooms; resorting to paperless-only communication; and adopting fuel-efficient transportation and shipping methods.

The fact that green has become an integral business concern is attested to by some of the survey’s other findings. Again, nearly 100% of the respondents said that going green had had a positive impact on their operations, and 67% said that selling green products had made their companies more profitable (since

Like clubs, the industry’s suppliers are taking better care of the environment

Also


28% responded “not applicable” because they don’t sell green products, that leaves just 5% with mixed feelings on the issue).

Perhaps most important, 100% of the respon-dents said that they plan to make even more green improvements during the coming year.

“There’s no question that a new awareness has emerged within the industry,” observes Michael Curnyn, the chief marketing and strategy officer for The Green Revolution, a Wayne, Pennsylvania-based company that creates green solutions for the club industry. “Today, people view being green as good for their business.

“On the supplier side,” he explains, “companies are really considering the ‘cradle-to-grave’ lifecycle of their prod-ucts. They’re giving more thought to the resources and energy required to create the product in the first place—such as using recycled or sustainable materials; sourcing product components from local companies; reducing the use of toxic chemicals; and making use of clean, renewable energy sources—and they’re also taking into account how, ultimately, their products will be disposed of.

“Once you begin to think about the sustainability issues that are linked to the decisions you’re making, you really have the potential to do great things,” attests Curnyn.

Virtually all of the major equipment manufacturers have significant and extensive green programs. For instance, the achievements of Life Fitness, the Schiller Park, Illinois-based company, include recycling of 99% of its scrap metal; recycling of 374,000 cardboard boxes each year; recycling and reuse of 4,000 skids per year; recycling of 1,270 pounds of printed circuit boards per month; and reuse of 50%-75% of the parts in its cardiovascular lines to produce certified pre-owned equipment.

You’ll be reading about the green accomplishments of many more firms in future issues of CBI, but it’s worth noting that, in ways small and large, industry suppliers of every size and persuasion are making a valuable contribution to the planet’s health. Among them are the following:

Case study 1: Body Bar, Inc.Body Bar, Inc., offers a recycling program that, for the moment, sets competitive differences aside. It collects, reuses, and recycles the rubber and steel components not only of its own weighted exercise bars, but also those produced by other companies.

Rather than throwing out their worn-out bars, clubs can exchange them for brand-new Body Bars at a discounted price. The company then refurbishes and rebuilds them with high-quality components.

“It’s really a win-win-win situation all around,” explains Patrick Riley, the company’s director of

On the Other Side

>

Green strength: Body Bar remanufactures its signature product

also Greener On the Other Side

sales. “Clubs get up to 60% off their purchase of new Body Bars; we reuse the materials from the old bars to create new ones; and the environment benefits from the recycling and conservation of resources.”

Body Bar strips the rubber and end-caps off of the solid rolled steel and puts new rubber and end-caps back on. The steel portion, which, accord-ing to Riley, “is impossible to damage,” can be reused over and over. The old rubber components are separated and sent to a rubber recycler.

Among the green-minded chains that have partici-pated in Body Bar’s exchange program are Equinox and the New York Health and Racquet Club.

At Body Bar’s corporate head-quarters in Boulder, Colorado, the green commitment continues. The staff is diligent about mini-mizing its fuel expenditure and, thus, its carbon footprint. An esti-mated 95% of the employees walk, bike, or take public trans-portation to work, and, taking advantage of the Internet, they also have the opportunity to work “virtually.” Body Bar takes the notion of fuel smarts a step further by

making use of shipping companies with energy-efficient vehicles in their fleets.

Its offices have energy-efficient light bulbs and an extensive recycling program. Also on the horizon: a switch to wind power!

Case study 2: YogaFit Training Systems Worldwide, Inc.Earlier this year, YogaFit decided to complement its mind-body educational offerings with a line of envi-ronmentally sensitive—and incredibly comfortable—cloth-ing for fitness and everyday wear. Among the new items are Bamboo Fitted Flare Pants, a Bamboo Mock Neck Jacket, and Organic Scoop Neck Tee. The pants and jackets are made from rapidly renewable bamboo,

and are thermal reg-ulating, crafted from breathable, quick-drying,

antibacterial, and antibromic fabric. The long-sleeved T-shirt is fashioned from 100% organic cotton.

“Yoga teaches compassion and awareness,” explains Beth Shaw, YogaFit’s founder and president. “When you have awareness, you realize that, every time you throw out trash, flush the toilet, or pour something down the drain, you’ve having an impact on the planet.”

That understanding informed the design and con-struction of YogaFit’s corporate office in Torrance, California, two years ago. The company employed as many green solutions as possible, including: recycled denim insulation; non-VOC-based (volatile organic

compound) paints; sustainable bamboo flooring; compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs); and an Energy Star dishwasher that trims operating costs by as much as 30%. The staff also demonstrates its environmental sensitivity in the lunch room, limit-ing its use of plastic and paper products, recycling religiously, and eating only organic and natural foods, mostly fruits and vegetables.

“The staff is more than happy to do their part in conserving the environment,” observes Shaw. “Recy-cling and avoiding paper and plastic have become a habit in the office, and nobody thinks twice about it anymore. Employees carpool whenever possible, and we offer incentives for them to do so, such as free personal training and yoga classes.” Next on the agenda, says Shaw, are the installation of water-con-serving drains and the replacement of all paper-based communication with e-mail messaging.

Case study 3: Woodway USALast March, during IHRSA’s 28th Annual Interna-tional Convention and Trade Show, Woodway USA unveiled one of its latest innovations, the EcoMill, a manually powered treadmill that requires no outside electricity to operate. The user actually generates power while exercising, which recharges the machine’s battery. And, since then, the company has followed up with another environmentally friendly model, the SpeedBoard.

“The SpeedBoard is currently the most energy-efficient model we produce,” points out Eric Weber, Woodway’s director of sales and marketing. “It’s completely nonmotorized, and has a unique curved


“A new awareness has emerged within the industry. Today, people view being green as good for their business.”

Fitness fashions made from bamboo

>

GROuP PuRCHASING ‘GReeNS’

Many of the companies that participate in the IHRSA Group Purchasing Program, which is designed “to produce real values and real savings” for club operators, are among the green leaders in their respective industries. Some of the improvements achieved by six of them are outlined below:

The Clorox Companywww.thecloroxcompany.com“We recognize the importance of conserving our environment and strive to find sustainable solutions,” reads The Clorox Company’s statement on corporate social responsibility. Clorox does so both in terms of how, and what, it produces. It aggres-sively pursues ways to conserve energy and water, minimize packaging, eliminate waste, and use recyclable and renewable materials. Last year, it completed a comprehensive inventory of greenhouse gas emissions at all of its facilities worldwide. Its new line of Green Works products, designed to be safe, effective, and environmentally responsible, make use of such natural ingredients as filtered water, earth-based minerals, coconut-based cleaning agents, and biodegradable preserva-tives. The company has been honored by the Sierra Club for its line of green cleaning products, and, in July, was named a Climate Leader by the u.S. environmental Protection Agency (ePA). See our ad on page 25

affiliated Power Purchasers International, LLC (aPPI)www.appienergy.comAffiliated Power Purchasers International’s (APPI’s) internal operations are being run with a cleaner, greener world in mind. It consciously “reduces, reuses, and recycles” in order to increase efficiencies, reduce costs, and minimize waste. Among its many initiatives: Thermostats are programmed to reduce energy usage at night and on weekends. Printer and photocopy cartridges are purchased without wasteful packaging. Office supplies are acquired locally to reduce shipping costs and emissions. Recy-cled paper is used for most documents in copiers and printers. Business cards, note cards, and folders are all reused. The com-pany recycles plastic, aluminum, cardboard, glass, magazines, plastic bags, paper, and, even, rubber bands. And APPI’s Demand Response and Demand-Side Services programs help its clients reduce their energy usage.

Clark Products, Inc.www.clarknational.comClark Products, Inc., is working to make life greener both within, and outside of, the company. Committed to developing an “internal culture of green,” its divisions are identifying and imple-menting a host of ways to recycle materials, minimize waste, maximize energy usage, and increase transportation efficien-cies. eager to share its enthusiasm and expertise externally, it’s also created a new ONe WORLD program that offers clients 250 packaging and janitorial products that are environmentally sen-sitive. All of the items in the ONe WORLD line provide distinct ecological benefits, such as biodegradability, compostability, recyclability, and source-reduction opportunities.

Ecolab, Inc.www.ecolab.comA “short” summary of ecolab’s environmental concerns, philosophy, and achievements runs five single-spaced pages, and it’s hard to imagine an area it hasn’t addressed. The company has devised green solutions for its customers’ laundry, housekeeping, and pool and spa needs, including no-rinse formulas, solid concentrates, waterless application, and water-conserving formulations. It’s been equally attentive to its own environment: last year, it achieved reductions of 5% in energy usage, 12% in water consumption, and 19% in liquid effluent discharge at all of its plants worldwide. Its research, development, and engineering facility has been awarded the LeeD-eB Gold Certification, and, as a member of the ePA Climate Leaders Program, ecolab has committed itself to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% between 2006 and 2012.

Standard Textile Co., Inc.www.standardtextile.comStandard Textile has been concerned about responsible products and processes since long before “green” became a buzzword. The three principal thrusts of its efforts include: managing energy consumption, utilization, and generation; aggressively recycling manufacturing-process supplies and byproduct materials; and conscientiously considering environmental impact during product development and engineering. It makes use of clean hydroelectric power, has a massive materials-recycling program, and delivers pre-laundered products to its customers to reduce energy consumption. “Managing the entire supply chain in an environmentally responsible manner is the ultimate goal, and instilling that philosophy in each associate is a key to success today, tomorrow, and in the future,” says Gary Heiman, the firm’s president and CeO.

Staples, Inc.www.staples.comWhen it comes to safeguarding nature, Staples has as many green initiatives as it has paperclips. Its environmental commitment, which it calls Staples ecoeasy, involves provid-ing its customers with innovative environmental products and services, and implementing energy conservation, waste reduction, recycling, and green building programs internally. It champions the use of recycled-content papers and the recycling of ink and toner cartridges; purchases 122 kilowatt hours of green power each year; has 24 sites with rooftop solar installations; has improved the fuel efficiency of its fleet of trucks by 20% since 2007; and, as a member of the ePA Climate Leaders Program, intends to reduce its carbon emis-sions by 7% between 2001 and 2010. Staples has received a host of environmental awards, including being named an ePA Green Power Partner. —|


“A new awareness has emerged within the industry. Today, people view being green as good for their business.”



Energy-efficient lighting, daylighting

Energy-efficient cooling/heating systems

Energy-efficient transportation/shipping methods

Recycling program (paper, plastic bottles, etc.)

Paperless communications (no more faxing, printouts)

Water-conserving toilets

Automated faucets

Hand dryers

Elimination of harsh cleaning products/Conversion to natural cleaning products

Recycled or sustainable building materials (flooring, carpet, wood, etc.)

Cogeneration units

Solar or wind power

Purchasing carbon offsets

Other green manufacturing practices

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

42.9%

21.4%

21.4%

78.6%

42.9%

0%

7.1%

0%

0%

0%

0%

28.6%

42.9%

42.9%

The Industry is Going Greener with:

The industry’s suppliers are concerned about the ecological state of the world and committed to doing whatever they can to improve it.


Recently, IHRSA surveyed its 750-plus associate and Group-Purchasing member companies about their green products and practices. The respondents listed below reported that they’re now conducting business with an eye to protecting the environment. CBI salutes their ideals, efforts, and achievements, and is pleased to add their names to its Green Honor Roll. For more information about what each firm is doing, please log on to their corporate Website.

THe GReeN HONOR ROLL

1. ACe Styline Millwork & Cabinetry www.acestyline.com

2. ActiveXL Promotions www.activexl.com

3. Affiliated Power Purchasers International, LLC (APPI) www.appienergy.com

4. Avanti Fitness, Inc. www.cardiogym.com

5. Balanced Body Pilates www.pilates.com

6. Body Bar, Inc. www.bodybars.com

7. Brewer’s Ledge, Inc. www.brewersledge.com

8. Centaur Floor Systems www.centaurfloors.com

9. Clark Products, Inc. www.clarknational.com

10. The Clorox Company www.thecloroxcompany.com

11. Club Resource Group www.clubresourcegroup.com

12. ecolab, Inc. www.ecolab.com

13. eCORe International www.everlastingsports surfacing.com

14. Fabiano Designs www.fabianodesigns.com

15. Fitness Anywhere www.fitnessanywhere.com

16. Fitness Flooring, Inc. www.exerflex.com

17. GOJO Industries www.gojo.com

18. The Green Revolution www.egreenrevolution.com

19. GreenHealthClubs.org www.greenhealthclubs.org

20. GymToolz.com/Structured Fitness Solutions, LLC www.gymtoolz.com

21. GymValet/B&D Specialty Concepts, Inc. www.gymvalet.com

22. Jacobs Ladder, LLC www.jacobsladder exercise.com

23. Life Fitness www.lifefitness.com

24. North West Rubber www.northwestrubber.com

25. Petra Hygienic Systems International, Ltd. www.petrasoap.com

26. ProTeam www.pro-team.com

27. Ready Care Industries www.readycare.com

28. SportsArt Fitness www.sportsartfitness.com

29. Sportsmith, LLC www.sportsmith.net

30. Sports Solutions, Inc. www.sportssolutionsinc.com

31. Standard Textile Co., Inc. www.standardtextile.com

32. Staples, Inc. www.staples.com

33. WaterRower www.waterrower.com

34. Woodway uSA www.woodway.com

35. W.W. Grainger, Inc. www.grainger.com

36. YogaFit Training Systems Worldwide, Inc. www.yogafit.com

shape that allows the user to walk, jog, or run with-out a motor driving the unit—there’s no need to plug it into an electrical outlet.”

The company also does its best to prolong the lifespan of its products, which helps the environment in countless ways. It estimates that approximately 95% of the treadmills it’s produced since the firm’s founding in 1992 are still in use—thanks, in part, to their patented, nearly frictionless design, as well as to Woodway’s Factory Renewal Program. The latter allows club operators to have their treadmills restored to their original condition, using recycled parts, for a fraction of the cost of a new machine. During the refurbishing process, components are evaluated to determine if they can be reused, remanufactured, or recycled, Weber explains, in order to conserve resources and provide savings for customers.

In its plant, Woodway makes use of lean-manufac-turing best practices, and has instituted a number of green initiatives, including: reducing energy consump-tion by acquiring a more efficient compressed-air system and tools, which require 40%-50% less air to use; replacing overhead shop lights with a more effi-cient design; reducing water consumption by using timed sensor faucets; and recycling all wood pallets, steel strapping, steel scrap, and metal shavings, as well as plastic bottles, paper, and aluminum cans. —|

– Jennifer McInerney, [email protected]

Green feat: SpeedBoard



Countless Shades of ‘Green’As the industry’s green and sustainability initiatives have ramped up, products for virtually every aspect of club operations have been developed to meet those needs. The following examples from IHRSA associate members demonstrate the growing versatility and diversity of green products and services available to the club industry.

Balanced Body provides Pilates equipment, education, and information. The company has also implemented “green” business and manufacturing practices, including eco-friendly shipping alternatives, packing materials, emission controls, and office policies. Additionally, the company works with its suppliers and partners to identify green remedies and alternatives for their product offerings.

“From recyclable pallets and shipping crates to PVC-free Pilates mats, we’re trying to do what we can to leave this planet in better shape than we found it,” states Ken endelman, Balanced Body’s founder and CeO. “I’m especially proud that our wood equipment uses only sustainable

harvested lumber, made with processes that maximize lumber yield and minimize waste. We put a lot of engineering resources into green manufacturing alternatives, and into the long-term durability of all our equipment. The reason is simple: the longer they last, the less waste they produce.”

Contact: www.pilates.com, 800-745-2837 See our ad on page 71 —|

BALAnCed BOdy PILATeS

BOdy BAr, InC.

Although the Body Bar will function as designed forever, certain components, such as rubber sleeves and labels, may eventually show the effects of frequent use. The Body Bar exchange Program provides health clubs and fitness facilities with the opportunity to get brand-new Body Bars in exchange for old bars at a fraction of the cost. It’s a cost-effective way to keep group exercise and personal training areas looking sharp, while helping the environment by reusing materials.

“During the past four years, we’ve helped numerous health clubs with the Body Bar exchange Program and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” asserts Patrick Riley, Body Bar’s director of sales. “The clubs get up to 60% off of new Body Bars and we’re able to reuse the materials from the old bars to create new Body Bars.”

Contact: www.bodybar.com, 800-500-2030 See our ad on page 31 —|

eCOre InTernATIOnAL

everlast sports surfacing with Nike Grind is com-posed of recycled SBR tire rubber, ColorMill ePDM rubber, and sports footwear manufacturing byproducts and post-consumer athletic shoes collected through Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe pro-gram. The contribution of ePDM color technology to the composition of everlast surfacing enables the transforma-tion of solid black SBR tire rubber into products with various levels of color concentration, enabling the creation of vibrant sports floors and even allowing for custom color and logo capabilities.

“Recycled rubber surfaces maintain superior indoor air quality and support exceptionally low overall life-cycle costs,” says Kathryn Ross, director of marketing at eCORe International, the manufacturer of everlast sports surfacing. “everlast surfacing not only adheres to the most stringent standards for low VOC (volatile organic com-



GOJO recently introduced Green Certified Foam Hand, Hair & Body Wash. This readily biodegradable formula rinses clean without the buildup or residue that’s often associated with liquid soap, and is ideal for use in both showers and sinks. GOJO’s research shows

that members use 56% less foam than liquid soap and get five times more showers between refills.

“A facility’s cleanliness has a greater impact on a member’s willingness to stay and take full advantage of all the services available,” explains Mike Hanes, GOJO’s marketing director for the health and fitness division. “We offer recognized and trusted brands, such as PuReLL, and the benefits of total solutions, including GOJO GReeN Certified Foam Hand, Hair & Body Wash.”

Contact: www.gojo.com, 800-321-9647 See our ad on page 33 —|

GOJO InduSTrIeS

FITneSS FLOOrInG

Zenterra flooring from Fitness Flooring is made from bamboo, a rapidly renewable flooring resource. Traditional hardwoods require 40-60 years to grow to a size where they can be harvested for floor-ing, whereas bamboo returns to its original height within months and can be used for flooring within about five years. This translates into a plant that can produce flooring at least eight times before a hardwood tree is large enough to produce flooring only once.

“Bamboo flooring was increasingly being used in fitness centers, but all of it was simply a commercial-grade bamboo that was being adapted for use in fitness,” says Steve Chase, Fitness Flooring’s general manager. “In response to this, we developed our Zenterra bamboo sports flooring, which is durable enough to perform in a health club, while also passing the necessary safety and performance testing that sports floors of other types have undergone.”

Contact: www.fitnessfloors.com, 800-428-5306 See our ad on page 85 —|

pound) emissions and is Floorscore-certified, but it also assists in the rescue of millions of pounds of scrap tire rubber from landfills each year, making it an essential tool for fitness clubs or sport facilities seeking to distinguish themselves as leaders in supporting both personal and environmental health.”

Contact: www.everlastsportssurfacing.com, 888-383-7655 See our ad on page 91 —|

WOOdWAy uSA

Woodway recently introduced the SpeedBoard, an all-green, non-motorized treadmill that uses zero electricity. The SpeedBoard utilizes an innovative curved design that allows any user, regardless of size or weight, to walk or run at their desired pace, without the use of a drive motor or elevation. This break-through actually turns the user into the motor and burns calories, not electricity.

“The SpeedBoard takes advantage of Woodway’s superior, near frictionless drive system and allows users to work out in an eco-friendly way, using zero electricity,” explains eric Weber, Woodway’s director of sales and marketing. “If a facility is looking to make an immediate impact on the environment without sacrificing the products they offer to members, the SpeedBoard serves as a great alternative to conventional motorized treadmills that consume a great deal of electricity.”

Contact: www.woodway.com, 800-966-3929 See our ad on page 20 —|

SPOrTS SOLuTIOnS, InC.

Sports Solutions has formulated its “Nutri-essence Naturals” spa amenity lines in five fragrances. They’re made from 95%-98% natural, plant-based ingredients, and include shampoos, body washes, conditioners, lotions, bar soaps, aftershave balms, and colognes. The products have no parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, gluten, petro-leum, or animal byproducts. The beneficial ingredients of essen-tial oils, vitamin therapy, and coconut oil’s “magic ingredient,” hydroxy lactylate, penetrate hair and skin deeply for the best natural rehydration. By using bulk size products in the club, operators can save on the “per-ounce cost” of liquids, and can recycle empty gallons for other uses.

“Our wall-mounted and theft-resistant dispensing systems, wrapped in permanently adhered vinyl labels, guarantee that you never have to replace dispenser bodies or bottles due to deterio-ration of less permanent labels or screen-printing. This saves clubs future dispenser replacement costs and recycling issues that follow,” notes Laurie Schmidt, Sports Solutions’ president.

Contact: www.sportssolutionsinc.com, 800-969-8008 See our ad on page 43 —|

TITANIUM LEVEL ($60,000 AND UP)

Anytime Fitness Curves International LA Fitness International

GOLD LEVEL ($15,000-$29,999)

Atlantic Coast Athletic Clubs The Atlantic Club, Inc. Fitness Formula ClubsIn-Shape Health Clubs The Wellbridge Company Western Athletic Clubs

SILVER LEVEL ($5,000-$14,999)

The Alaska Clubs Club One, Inc. Dedham Health & Athletic ClubEast Bank Club Elite Fitness and Racquet Clubs Gainesville Health & Fitness

Genesis Health Club Gold's Gym International Health Fitness CorporationThe Houstonian Club Leisure Sports, Inc. Lifestyle Family FitnessMaryland Athletic Club Millennium Partners MVP Sports ClubsRice Fitness Centers Saw Mill Sports Management T.W. Holdings, Inc.

Wisconsin Athletic Club, Inc.

BRONZE LEVEL ($2,000 - $4,999)The Belmont Athletic Club Brick Bodies Cedardale Health & FitnessThe Claremont Club ClubCorp, Inc. Club Fit Jefferson Valley

The Columbia Association DMB Sports Clubs Gold’s Gym Franchisee Assoc.Gold's Gym Alliance of New England Gold’s Gym Alliance of NY, NJ & PA Gold’s Gym Alliance of Atlanta

Hoffman Insurance Services Livermore Valley Tennis Michigan Athletic ClubOxford Athletic Club Plus One Health Management Rochester Athletic Club

The RUSH Fitness Complex

FRIENDS (UNDER $2,000)BodyBusiness Health Club & Spa Club Insider News Fitness Management Systems

Gold's Gyms By Galiani Gold’s Gyms of Wenatchee, WA Hockessin Athletic ClubNational Academy of Sports Medicine Oakland Hills Tennis Club PRO Sports Club

Contributions of any amount are very welcome. For more informationand to pledge, visit ihrsa.org/council or call 800-228-4772, ext.129.Contribute at least $5,000 and receive three (3) complimentary IHRSA International Convention Registrations.Contribution at least $2,000 and receive one (1) complimentary convention registration. Visit ihrsa.org/councilfor additional benefits.

IN

DUSTRY DEFENSE

International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub

Associa

tion

N

UDDD

N

DDU

NNNNN

D

N

D

N

D

N

D

IIN

NNNNNNNEE EE ENFFEEEFDDDDDERRRYRRYTTTTSST

UUSN

SSSESSENNNNN

SN

SN

SN

SEEN

ooo

Hll Haal

nnaoononiiiioioio

atttiaati

nnareer

tnntI

oppbuubllucclsscttsrrtoorppR SS

h R &tcaR,,,hltltthl hlthaaleeaHHe

ss

n

soiiottiaatiiaccioocssosssssssssAAs

bp,

S&teuqcaR,

Introducing

THE INDUSTRY DEFENSE FUNDThe Public Policy Council (formerly the Industry Leadership Council)established a fund over ten years ago to ensure that our industry wouldhave the financial resources necessary to PROTECT against dangerousgovernment regulations and taxes, while PROMOTING positive healthpromotion legislation. To better represent what these contributions fightfor and against, the fund is now called “The Industry Defense Fund”.

IHRSA's successes benefitting the industry-at-large — including eighteenlegislative wins and zero losses in 2009 — are owed greatly to the membersof the Public Policy Council and their contributions to the Industry Defense Fund.

Please join IHRSA in thanking the current members of the Public Policy Council:

International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association

IDF ad-1009CBI:IDF ad-1009CBI 8/26/09 1:09 PM Page 1


Pat O’Brien, l., of Leisure Sports, Inc., and art Curtis, of Millennium Partners Sports Club Management

Virginia Collins, of Gold’s Gym Franchisee association, with U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal (R-Ga)

From l., Desiree Fletcher Hayes, anytime Fitness; Lilly Prince, IHRSa; and unidentified legislative aide

Dr. Miryam Navaie, l., of advanced Health Solutions, with U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Ca)

From l., Tanya Barham, of Recess Wellness; Kay Yuspeh, Elite Fitness & Racquet Clubs; Tom Daglis, USPTa; and Monte Pearce, anytime Fitness

From l., Gene LaMott, of Total Woman Gym atmosphere; unidentified legislative assistant; Desiree Fletcher Hayes; Jason Paul, Life Core Group; and Tom Scanlon, Benchmarks


The 7th Annual IHRSA Summit for a Healthier America, conducted in Washington, D.C., in the spring, couldn’t have been held at a more critical, or opportune, time in American history.

As U.S. Senators, Representatives, and the Obama Administration—and, in fact, the nation at large—argued about the need for, and most promising approach to, health care reform, fitness industry professionals from throughout the country con-verged on the capital to endorse a single, elegantly simple solution: focus on wellness.

Never before, during the seven years that the Summit has been staged, have attendees encoun-tered such a warm and receptive audience. Legisla-tors, galvanized by President Obama’s commitment to achieve health care reform this year, well informed about the complicated issues, and energized by their own involvement in the debate, are acutely aware of the importance of preventive measures, such as exercise, to the success of any plan.

In meetings with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, it became clear that the fitness industry is closer than ever to helping Congress craft and pass legislation that would have a significant impact on the nation’s health by, in part, curtailing epidemic obesity and reducing the incidence and cost of treating chronic diseases.

“IHRSA is encouraged by the growing awareness that exercise is medicine, both a preventive and rehabilitative necessity, that’s able to improve the quality of life for all Americans,” Joe Moore, IHRSA’s president and CEO, observed during his opening remarks at the Summit. “Now’s an ideal time for our industry to educate the nation’s leaders about the many preventive benefits of exercise.”

IHRSA’s specific legislative proposals, designed to encourage people to pursue healthy, active lifestyles, are the Workforce Health Improvement Program (WHIP) and Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Acts. The WHIP Act (H.R. 2106/S. 973) would correct tax inequities that exist in the IRS’ treatment of on- and off-site fitness facility memberships for workers that are subsidized by employers. The PHIT Act (H.R. 2105) would allow individuals to pay for various physical activities, such as a club membership, with pretax dollars from a tax-favored account (e.g., flexi-ble spending account), or, in some cases, to deduct such expenses as “qualified medical expenses.”

A Summit for today!The Summit got off to an exciting start by unveiling some new reforms of its own. It was announced that it was being renamed the Summit for a Healthier America (it was previously the Legislative Summit)

Health Care

WorkoutIHrSA’s club advocates received a warm reception on Capitol Hill

By Lilly Prince

>

(All Feature Photography) John H

arrington

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

To learn more about how you can work for federal legislation that promotes physical activity, please visit www.ihrsa.org/cam-paign. For information on IHRSA’s 8th

Annual Summit for a Healthier America, scheduled for May 2010, please contact Breanne McGahey at [email protected]. —|

LOBBYISTS WANTeD!

Health Care Reform Workout


and will be incorporated into IHRSA’s broader, more inclu-sive Campaign for a Healthier America. The latter is a national grassroots initiative that enrolls exercise enthusiasts in efforts to make healthy lifestyles a priority for all. The event’s organiz-ers also unveiled a new Summit format, created to produce a more focused, streamlined advocacy experience. The program has been scaled down to a half-day of orientation and prepa-ration for attendees, followed by a full day of meetings with policymakers on Capitol Hill.

The prep session included a panel discussion, “The Role of Prevention in Health Care Reform,” which featured Bill Pierce, a senior vice president with APCO Worldwide; Rich-ard Hamburg, the director of government relations for Trust for America’s Health; and Jenelle Krishnamoorthy, the health affairs assistant to Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), a senior member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pen-sions Committee, and long-time supporter of wellness and prevention initiatives.

During the meeting, Krishnamoorthy spoke passionately about the urgent need to transform the nation’s “sick-care” system into a health-care system. “Senator Harkin believes that our health care system must emphasize prevention and exercise,” she pointed out. “By reforming the system and focusing on fighting and preventing chronic disease, not only can we save countless billions of dollars; we can also dramatically improve the health of the American people.”

The orientation also featured a briefing on health care policies and economics by Dr. Robert Kocher, the National Economic Council Special Assistant to President Obama. The briefing offered an inside look at how the White House is addressing problems such as obesity and chronic diseases and their impact on health care spending.

Advocates take the HillFor Summit newcomer Tom Daglis, the first vice president of the United States Profes-sional Tennis Association (USPTA), the orientation and panel discussions helped ease the concerns he had about lobbying. “Walking down the halls of the Senate and House can be a little bit intimidating,” he explains. “But the educational seminars were incredibly helpful for novice lobbyists such as myself. Club representatives who’d done this all before taught us about the pitfalls to avoid.”

Another first-timer, Desiree Fletcher-Hayes, the owner and general manager of an Anytime Fitness facility in Des Moines, Iowa, was reassured when she realized IHRSA staff would support her throughout the entire process. “I was most concerned about knowing what to say and how to say it,” she recalls. “But the IHRSA staff did a great job of setting up the meetings, and I didn’t have to attend any of the appointments by myself.”

“When health-promotion legislation finally passes, I’m going to feel as though I played a role in helping it happen.”

From l., Senatorial aide Stefan Wirth; allison Flatley, L&T Health & Fitness; and Roger Ralph, Hockessin athletic Club

From l., Richard & Kay Yuspeh; and Mark Daly, of anytime Fitness

Desiree Fletcher Hayes

Mike Raymond, of Curves International, Inc.


IHRSA had identified, in advance, 29 key legislators who will play a significant role in reforming health care. The targets included all members of the House and Senate leadership and individuals holding high-ranking posi-tions on committees critical to health care reform, such as the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee; the Senate Finance Committee; the House Ways and Means Committee; and the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The meetings with legislators and/or their staffers provided rich discussions about the preventive benefits of exercise, and the impact they can have on improving quality of life and curtailing skyrocketing health care costs. Tanya Barham, the founder and CEO of Recess Wellness, in Portland Oregon, found her audience, an aide to Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), much more receptive to the idea of exercise as prevention than expected. “It was a lot of fun to talk with her,” says Barham. “She was actually a fitness instructor!”

Summit attendees scored points for the power of exer-cise and healthy lifestyles by providing first-hand accounts of their day-to-day experiences working with club members. Fletcher-Hayes believes that the anec-dotes made a deep impression. “Real stories about real people help legislators put a face on the need in their districts,” she explains, “which, I think gives them more of a reason, if not ammunition, to fight for the legislation that’s put before them.”

Barham had a successful interaction with Representative Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). “I wasn’t able to speak with her personally—she was on the phone with the governor of Wisconsin,” says Barham, “but I wrote her a heartfelt note about how important locally owned and operated facilities

can be to staying healthy. And I’m pleased to be able to report that she’s since agreed to sponsor the WHIP and PHIT bills!”

Making a differenceArt Curtis, the CEO of Millennium Partners Sports Club Management LLC, a member of IHRSA’s board of direc-tors, and a veteran Summit attendee, awarded high marks to the new format. (See “Polishing a Brand’s Image,” August CBI, pg. 32.) “The event was much more focused,” he attests. “Targeting the Congressional leadership that’s responsible for developing health care-reform legislation made the meetings much more productive—we were speaking to the right audience.”

The Summit not only allowed fitness professionals to educate lawmakers about the unique and crucial role that exercise plays in the health care continuum, but also gave them the chance to educate themselves about the lawmak-ing process. “It permits you to really get acquainted with the system,” says Fletcher-Hayes. “It provides an opportu-nity to broaden your horizons, and to touch on an aspect of our business—government regulation—that we often hear about, but rarely see in action.”

The Summit also leaves participants with a distinct impression that they haven’t been involved in a pointless political process, but rather, have made a real difference. Laurie Smith, the senior vice president of Leisure Sports, Inc., of Pleasanton, California, and an IHRSA board mem-ber, turns to exercise to explain the Summit experience. “I think a good analogy is whether you think that walking an extra 20 minutes a day ‘makes a difference’ in your health,” she explains. “I firmly believe that every little bit helps, and that there’s a cumulative effect. So while my particular part may have been very small, I’m convinced that coming to the Summit each year has made a difference.

“When health-promotion legislation finally passes, I’m going to feel as though I played a role in helping it happen.” —|

– Lilly Prince, [email protected]

“I’m convinced that coming to the Summit each year has made a difference.”

From l., unidentified legislative aide listens to Michele Melkerson-Granryd, of the Texas Health, Racquet & Sportsclub association

From l., Laurie & John Miller, of Courthouse athletic Club; Tanya Barham; and legislative assistant Eva DuGoff



One of the industry’s premier conferences tackles economic issuesBy Jon Feld

TThe timely theme of ci09, Club Industry’s 2009 show, being held this month, October 14-17, at McCormick Place in Chicago, is “Your Clients Are Looking for More Than Fitness. Give Them Everything They Want.”

While the tagline is meant to suggest several markets and a wide range of topics—including wellness, healthy lifestyles, superior service, weight management, creative programming, and functional training—it’s also designed to address the daunting realities that the fitness industry currently faces.

“What makes this year’s Club Industry event different is that, today, the industry, like the entire economy, is challenged,” points out Herb Greenebaum, the marketing manager for the show. “The conference addresses the economy specifically. We have meetings on cutting costs, innovative programming, financing in a difficult economy, and positioning your business for future success, and we delve deeply into the emerging area of wellness.

“And, of course, we cover retention heavily—that’s always important, but in a recession, it’s critical.”

Zari Stahl, the group show director, echoes Greenebaum’s points. “Overall,” he explains, “our focus is on the economy and on wellness. We want to give people solid, tangible reasons to attend. Club Industry ’09 is all about making sure that people who are serious about improving their club operations get to meet and learn from other operators of like mind.”

This year’s conference tracks include ones on Business Management; Sales & Marketing; Leadership & Personal Development; Specialty Populations; Personal Training; Well-ness, Weight Loss & Medical Integration; Customer Service & Retention; Creative Programming; and Worksite Wellness. Within each of the tracks, there are dozens of tightly-focused sessions on a comprehensive range of topics.

Club Industry 2009 is About ‘More’ Than Fitness

>

While the conference strongly stresses value, pragmatism, and productivity, it’s hardly short on excite-ment. The event’s two featured presenters are industry veterans, and legends, Jack LaLanne, the “Godfather of Fitness,” and Mark Mastrov, the founder and former head of 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide, Inc., one of the largest club chains in the world.

LaLanne, who, at the age of 95, remains very nearly as active as ever,

opened the nation’s first modern health studio in Oakland, Cali-fornia, in 1936, and, since then, utilizing every medium imagin-able, has inspired millions of people worldwide to begin exercising. LaLanne, who was honored at Club Industry’s very first convention in 1986, will this year receive its Lifetime Achievement Award. He’ll also deliver, on

the first day of ci09, a keynote address chronicling his eight decades in the business.

Mastrov, best known for his semi-nal role in creating 24 Hour Fitness, will be the keynote speaker on the second day of the event. Like the theme of the conference, his topic,

“How to Deliver Record-Breaking Performance in Today’s Economy,” is timely and relevant. Since selling 24 Hour Fitness for $1.68 billion in 2005, Mastrov has cofounded an investment group, the New Evolution Fitness

Company (NEFC), based in Lafayette, California, which, earlier this year, entered into an agreement with Ulti-mate Fighting Championship (UFC) to develop a new club brand, UFC Gym. (See “Ready to Rumble,” April CBI, pg. 38.) Among NEFC’s other holdings are YogaWorks and the recently acquired Crunch Fitness.

In addition to the keynote addresses and general sessions, ci09 will offer attendees a host of exciting options and opportunities. Among them: its “The New Face of Club Industry” wel-come reception; an Early Morning Boot Camp Challenge Workout; and the SCW Club Studio, a joint venture with SCW Fitness Education, showcas-ing fitness products and programming. Also on the program are Club Indus-try’s ever-popular Roundtables, which give participants the chance to discuss key operations issues with their peers; Active Training Seminars, practical workshops that include a lecture and

demonstration, either with equipment or via a workout; and a Town Hall Meeting addressing a critical industry topic, an innovative new format that was first introduced at Club Industry East, held in Boston in May.

Some 14 of the industry’s leading educational organizations—from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) to the World Instructor Training Schools (WITS)—will be offering continuing education units (CEUs) during the conference.

And certainly not to be overlooked is the trade-show component of ci09, the Club Industry Exhibit Hall, which, this year, will feature the goods of more than 200 companies. Virtually every category of essential club-related goods—from computer software to workout hardware—will be accounted for, with the industry’s leading suppliers presenting their newest equipment and services. —|

– Jon Feld, [email protected]

.comFor complete information about, or to register for, Club Industry 2009, log on to www.clubindustryshow.com/national

The Club Industry exhibit Hall will feature the goods of nearly 200 companies.

Mark Mastrov

Club Industry 2009 is about ‘More’ Than Fitness


Lifetime achiever: Jack LaLanne Endless action: Club Industry Exhibit Hall


Company Name Booth Number2XL Corporation (GymWipes) 1349Aerobics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA) 1241 See our ad on page 53

Ab Coaster, LLC 330ABC Financial Services, Inc. 549 See our ad on page 66

AbCore Fitness, Inc. 1340ABSOLO 516AGM Group 755American Council On exercise (ACe) 854 See our ad on page 74

Apex Fitness 1336ASF International 321 See our ad on page 2 & 3

Aspen Information Systems 349AV Now Fitness Sound 1240Ball Dynamics International 1329BIOMeTRICS Nutrition & Fitness 1028BiProuSA 341Blue Fish Corp. T2Brewer’s Ledge, Inc. 440California university Of Pennsylvania 1421Celsius, Inc. 1250Centaur Floor Systems 1243Club Industry,The Magazine for Fitness Business Professionals 1Club Insider 1431Club Resource Group 1128Club Solutions Magazine 1418Concept2 417 See our ad on page 68

Creative Fitness Marketing 943Creative Health Products, Inc. 1248CSI Software 748CyBex International, Inc. 301 See our ad on the Inside Front Cover & page 1

DeBourgh Mfg. Co. 1443Digilock 1128egg Whites International 108

Company Name Booth Numberelations 421equilibrium Active Wear T1eRC Wiping Products, Inc. 1413everlast Climbing Industries 211exerbotics 310expresso Fitness Corporation 327 See our ad on page 69

eZ Facility.Com, Inc. 957Fabiano Designs International 448Fiserv 929 See our ad on page 7

Fitness Insurance 756Fitness Master 1235Fitness Tools 827FreeMotion Fitness, Inc. 517Go Figure, Inc. 522Gojo Industries, Inc. 423 See our ad on page 33

GymValet/B&D Specialty Concepts, Inc. 1353Hampton Fitness Products 731Health Club Panel Network 857Healthways 351Hydromassage 416 See our ad on page 70

Ideal Products, Inc. 757IHRSA 317Intek Strength 1301IntelaMetrix, Inc. 452International Tanning equipment 1323Iron Grip Barbell Company 739 See our ad on page 11

Ironworks Fitness of Columbus, LLC 149iTech Fitness-XRKADe 539Juice Plus + 454JuVO, Inc. 1142K & K Insurance Group, Inc. 1029 See our ad on page 99

Keiser Corporation 1049L & H enterprises 1419

Ci09 Exposition Exhibitors List

Club Industry 2009 is about ‘More’ Than Fitness


Company Name Booth NumberLaundry Loops 450Legacy Lockers 248Les Mills International 131 See our ad on page 22

Life Fitness 501 See our ad on page 9

Lifeline uSA 231Loos & Co., Inc. 1424Lucy T6Marpo Kinetics 458Matrix Fitness Systems 1101 See our ad on page French Gate Cover

McArthur Towel & Sports 1033M-Core FTS 956MeT-Rx-Worldwide Sport Nutrition 434MicroFit, Inc. 767MIndBOdy, Inc. universal Business Management 656 See our ad on page 105

Motionsoft, Inc. 343 See our ad on page 13

national Federation Of Professional Trainers (nFPT) 1059 See our ad on page 82

national Fitness Financial 1149 See our ad on page 77

nautilus 919 See our ad on page 106

New Leaf Health & Fitness 1403Octane Fitness 101 See our ad on page 16

Optimal Design Systems International 1042Paramount Acceptance 1155 See our ad on page 72

Paramount Fitness Corp. 719Peaksware 337Perform Better/M-F Athletics Co. 649Performance Food Centers 839PFP-Personal Fitness Professional 339Philadelphia Insurance Companies 933Polar electro 1448Power Plate north America, Inc. 631 See our ad on page 48

Company Name Booth NumberPower Systems, Inc. 439Precor, Inc. 901Prospec uS, Inc. 355ProSun International 359PuNCH Gym/Art of Strength 233RA Gripad T8Regupol America 1249RenoSys Corporation 1334Retention Management 657Royale International Beverage Co. 1348SCW Fitness education 130Shape.net Software 1043 See our ad on page 80

SofSurfaces, Inc. 520SPINNING®/SPIN FITNeSS® 237Sports & Fitness Insurance Corporation 335SportsArt Fitness 937SPrI Products 831 See our ad on page 75

Star Trac 701 See our ad on page 5

STOTT PILATeS® 749Taft Construction 1157Troy Barbell & Fitness 420TRue Fitness Technology 1121Twin Oaks Software development 1141 See our ad on page 14

umax Strength 1319united Leasing 1031VCP Printing, Inc. 1158VersaClimber 442Vigiyaapan Technologies Put, Ltd. 758Visual Fitness Planner 766Vitabot 727 See our ad on page 60

VuMAWeAR T4WaterRower, Inc. 1030Woodway uSA 1135 See our ad on page 20

not to be overlooked is the trade-show component of ci09. Virtually every category of club-related goods—from computer software to workout hardware—will be accounted for.


ExPLORING the InTerneT

Sw w w . i h r s a . o r g | O C T O B e R 2 0 0 9 | C l u b B u s i n e s s I n t e r n a t i o n a l 55

Somebody is nearly always surfing the Net, the staff attest, and the club’s 28,000 members can also make use of their own computers, PDAs, and other electronic devices, to access the com-plimentary building-wide Wi-Fi. Many do. You see them everywhere—burrowing into couches, sitting at the juice bar, screens flickering, fingers tapping away.

Another striking feature of the spacious foyer is a series of five wall-mounted, flat-panel televi-sions that, on this particular day, are promoting one of the club’s newest offerings: Zwurly.com, an Internet-based social-networking site that’s designed to increase the interaction among members and staff.

Zwurly is the brainchild of Joe Cirulli, the owner and president of GHFC, who conceived of creating it after reading author Seth Godin’s recent best-seller, Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us, which describes the business importance of tribe-like links between people. Though still in its infancy, Zwurly already offers blogs, forums,

and chat rooms for individuals with special interests, and is being used primarily by mem-bers and staff. “The goal is to eventually open it up to club members everywhere—anyone who wants to hop on,” explains Brian Russell, GHFC’s communications specialist.

A personal relationship—whether between members, or customer and employee—has always been critical to a club’s success, and, digital revolution notwithstanding, that hasn’t changed.

“Inside a club, when you look at the people who stay with you the longest, they generally belong to a group of some kind. The people who are in a group-aerobics class, for instance, stay longer than the average member,” observes Cirulli. They not only spend more time in the club, he points out, but also are likely to remain members longer. “So,” he explains, “the question has always been, ‘How do you create more groups?’”

One small part of Cirulli’s answer is Zwurly—“There’s a great opportunity here,” he con-

ExPLORING the InTerneT

The Gainesville Health and Fitness Center is discovering the Web’s rewards

By Patricia Glynn

Step out of the Florida sunshine into the cool lobby of the Gainesville Health and Fitness Center (GHFC) and the soft glow of its ubiquitous computers will be one of the first things you notice.

There is, of course, a corps of monitors on the front desk for standard check-in purposes, but, in addition, off to the right, there’s a row of three laptops lined up on a counter, with stools positioned in front. This is the club’s Internet café, and it’s a bustling hub of activity.

>

Exploring the Internet

tends—but the larger, internationally ubiquitous platform on which it rests is the Internet.

Cirulli, an industry veteran, pioneer, and a former president of IHRSA, has always operated close to the cutting edge, and, not infrequently, has been known to push the envelope. He and GHFC have won countless awards, and, last year, Inc. magazine reported, “Cirulli may have one of the four best fitness businesses in the world.” He’d be the first to admit, however, that he’s just begun to tap the possibilities of the Internet.

Turning members into ‘friends’Like the new owner of an iPhone, contemplating the endless apps already available, club operators, today, can choose from among an impressive number and variety of online resources. They may use them them-selves; integrate them into their operating systems; deploy them company-wide; or put a wealth of them at the disposal of members.

Cirulli is committed to exploring the options, but in a methodical, prudent, and productive way. His initial investment in Zwurly was just $500, but, in its first six months, the site has yielded rich rewards. One instructor hosts “Debbie Lee’s Workout Girls.” A sales associate, Karen Coley-Cannon, conducts “Karen’s Krew” to keep her readers interested in fitness, and promote the purchase of personal-training sessions. There’s also “Yoga Buddies,” an “Online Swim Club,” and an “I Heart Zumba” enthusiasts’ group.

The online relationships that are formed, Cirulli says, help keep members interested, inspired, involved in their workouts, and, as a result, enthusiastic about belonging to the club.

GHFC also makes good and ever-increasing use of the independent social-networking sites and services, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, all of which are basically free. Its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/gainesvillefit, has attracted a solid group of

followers—including 832 “friends” from among its own membership—who access and comment on health-related news and club activities. At www.youtube.com/user/GHFCadmin, the info and encour-agement come in video form; one click, for instance, can connect users to a Cirulli speech or a peek inside a boot camp. The microblogging platform Twitter allows GHFC to communicate, in 400 characters or less, whatever needs to be said; http://twitter.com/ ghfc has dispatched everything from an invitation to a stretching seminar to a link to a national fitness-focused news story.

As is the case with most clubs, GHFC’s main Web-site, www.ghfc.com, has become a crucial way to interact with the world at large. “People turn to the Web to form opinions,” notes Russell. “They research a business on the Internet before deciding to do busi-ness with it.” Like the club’s other digital initiatives, its Website has been developed incrementally. “If you were to have looked at it in 2003 and then, again, in 2006, you wouldn’t have noticed much of a difference,” concedes Russell. That changed last year, though, when GHFC invested $7,000 in a major upgrade.

Now, post-renovation, prospective clients can access an inviting, informative, and persuasive guide

to GHFC’s flagship club and its two sister facilities. Debbie Lee, the company’s director of marketing, reports that, “A survey we con-ducted revealed that at least 90% of our potential customers reviewed the Website before first visiting the club.” Current mem-bers also make use of the site to check class schedules, learn about special events, and look at job-board listings. Thus far, however, they can’t use it to book classes, pay their bills, make purchases, or check their account bal-ances—those are the sorts of very interactive apps that may come in the future.

The site is currently receiving more than 12,000 unique hits per month.

“My goal is to constantly figure out how we can make our site even better,” says Russell. Member magnet:

GHFC’s Internet café


Joe Cirulli Debbie Lee


EA club community communicates E-communication, in all of its many morphing forms, is also playing an increasingly valuable role at GHFC. Cirulli carries a Blackberry and identifies it as his primary Web tool; so, too, does Lee, who considers it pivotal. “We’re relying less and less on traditional ways of reaching people—snail-mail and telephone—and more and more on the new landscape of technology,” she observes.

Coley-Cannon is a big fan of Zwurly, makes heavy use of e-mail in her dealings both with prospects and current members, and turns to Google to identify and research promising corporate clients. “That way, I’m able to effectively tailor my sales presenta-tion,” she says. She credits the Internet with a 20% increase in her own membership sales.

GHFC makes use of the services of Retention Man-agement, an IHRSA associate-member company based in Cornelius, North Carolina, to conduct an ongoing, eight-week e-mail campaign that’s designed to “initiate and integrate” new members. The mes-sages provide information and updates about the club’s programs, activities, and other offerings, and, conveyed in a friendly, familial tone, help cultivate the sense of community that’s so important to Cir-ulli. The program costs about $700 per month for all three GHFC facilities.

Similarly, the club makes use of a biweekly elec-tronic newsletter to keep in touch, and maintain its relationship, with all its members. The goals, in this case, are not only to keep everyone interested, involved, and well-informed, but also, Lee acknowl-edges, “to encourage them to do the things we want them to do”—e.g., sign up for a class, book an hour with a personal trainer, etc. The content for the news-letter, which costs about $175 per month, is culled from a variety of media sources or written by the club’s own staff.

Coley-Cannon estimates that the e-solicitations have produced a 15%-25% increase in the sale of personal-training sessions.

An in-house, Internet-based grid—the Group Inter-active Network (GIN) System—allows the club’s management and its 400 employees to stay on the same page, and to stay on top of things, with respect to one another. The network, developed by Group Interactive Solutions, Inc., of Gainesville, employs e-mail and a message board to do everything from posting announcements about meetings to making requests for work-shift coverage. The GIN intranet also hosts employee-training videos, and can be used

by sales, marketing, public-relations, and personal-training staff to access educational Webinars.

The apps just keep on happeningThe Internet has proven a very flexible—and sticky—Web in terms of keeping everyone involved with GHFC “in the loop,” but, within individual depart-ments, it’s also employed to address very specific needs. It can be used, for instance, to conduct detailed market research, obtain competitor intelligence, identify and purchase new fitness equipment. The possibilities are very nearly endless—literally.

At GHFC, the maintenance department utilizes the webexone.com intranet to file reports on faulty machines, place orders for parts, track repairs, and maintain a record of a particular machine’s repair history. The club’s personal trainers may enlist the Internet’s expertise to help them design programs for members, illustrate exercise fundamentals with photos or diagrams of the body, or print out regimens for clients who are traveling. The trainers’ favorite sites are the instruction-centric ptonthenet.com and, for monitoring calories, bodybugg.com. Now being discussed: a GHFC-produced online personal-training application.

“Business was growing pretty strong before the Internet came along,” reflects Cirulli, “but it’s fast become essential, integral, to the club’s overall devel-opment. It won’t ever replace the personal touch, or be more important than a solid business plan, but it can, in fact, further enhance the members’ experi-ence. The Internet has the potential,” he says, “to help them get the most out of their workouts, and, in turn, to get the most out of their lives.” —| – Patricia Glynn, [email protected]

“My goal is to constantly figure out how we can make our site even better.”

Exploring the Internet


Constantly ConnectedThese IHRSA associate-member companies offer a wealth of online services.

ABC Financial offers online recurring billing services, club manage-ment software, club mar-keting services, and sup-port. The company’s Internet-based functionality provides clubs with real-time updates and connectivity to their information from anywhere in the world on a safe, reliable platform.

“Our Website provides a portal through which members can view and pay their monthly invoices, review their contracts, and update their billing information,” states Kelly Sweeney, ABC Financial’s vice president of sales. “It also enables e-mail marketing and retention campaigns, as well as transactional e-mails, which can remind members about upcoming events on the club calendar.”

Contact: www.abcfinancial.com, 800-551-9733 See our ad on page 66 —|

ABC FInAnCIAL SerVICeS, InC.

Affiliated Acceptance’s Frontdesk Corporate-edition software is a hosted facility and membership-manage-ment solution for the health club, tanning, and martial arts industries. The service, geared toward clubs with multiple locations, is designed to help manage all data, including membership, point-of-sale, attendance, and marketing activities from the corporate, club, and individual departments inside each club.

“Our clients have used Frontdesk Corporate-edition to manage their facilities from the front desk to the back office, without the cost of implementing and maintaining their own connections to each club,” notes Jeff Runnels, IT director. “They also have the confidence of knowing that their data is safe and highly available in our secure data center.” Contact: www.affiliated.org, 800-233-8483 See our ad on page 63 —|

AFFILIATed ACCePTAnCe COrP.

FISerV

Compete, from Fiserv, is a Web-based, club-management soft-ware solution that automates the process of operating a club, enabling staff to manage every-thing from prospecting, to contract management, to member management; front-desk check-in; accounting; and schedul-ing and locker assignments. The program couples easy- to-use functionality for clubs with a member self-service experience. Compete offers a single- to multi-site solution with optional eFT payment processing, outsourced billing, collections, and member call-center services.

“Compete, with an intuitive interface that improves staff efficiency and productivity, will grow along with a club as new members or locations are added, eliminating the need to acquire new hardware or software,” says Jim Parks, the general manager of Club Solutions, at Fiserv. “In addition, Compete is backed by a financially stable company that’s constantly improving its products and services.”Contact: www.fiserv.com, 800-324-9800 See our ad on page 7 —|

ASF InTernATIOnAL

ASF offers payment processing, billing, and online club management and marketing pro-grams. Its payment-pro-cessing methods and real-time information access are designed to help clubs more accurately predict cash flow and plan for future growth. ASF’s secure, Web-based software applications include online POS, appointment and class scheduling, paperless contract entry, check-in, and more. Club members can also make payments and manage their accounts online.

“We provide our clients with easy, intuitive reporting and management systems,” says Sean Kirby, the national sales director for ASF. “More importantly, it’s our relationship with our clients that allows us to understand their business needs and help them improve their cash flow, whether it’s through payment collections, profit centers, enhancement fees, or any other add-on they process.”

Contact: www.asfinternational.com, 800-227-3859 See our ad on pages 2 & 3 —|

Constantly Connected


MOTIOnSOFT, InC.

eClubLogic, Motionsoft’s online club manage-ment, membership man-agement, and marketing software, offers a comprehensive system designed to automate the business processes associated with membership updates and billing, scheduled sessions with club trainers, and fitness assessments, as well as the various related commercial activities in a membership-based business. eClub-Logic is offered as a complete suite or in modular form.

“As with anything, clubs that have invested in the online world need to ensure that their data is safe, secure, and easy to use,” asserts Al Noshirvani, Motionsoft’s president. “Motionsoft can help make that possible.”

Contact: www.motionsoft.net, 800-323-6005 See our ad on page 13 —|

Shape.Net’s Web-based management technology’s functions include: personal training management, mem-bership management, eFT, scheduling, fitness assessments, digital contracts, check-in (fingerprint and key tag), point of sale, gift cards, member and trainer log-in access, videos (instructional exercises), prospect and retention management, expense tracking, collections, and financial reports. Shape.Net also offers free software training.

“Shape.Net software is designed for the owner of a health club or personal training facility who wants a single software system that can operate their entire business effectively,” notes Larry King, founder and CeO of Shape.Net.

Contact: www.getshape.net, 800-381-2082 See our ad on page 80 —|

VITABOT

Vitabot, the online nutrition firm, uses advanced mathematics and computer-based intelligence to transform food journaling into a simple and easy process. Its pro-gram is delivered via the club’s Website, under the club’s logo, and allows members to identify their eating mistakes and learn how to correct them, using their favorite foods.

“Vitabot not only improves member results, but also serves as a powerful new marketing tool, both in the community and with corporations; today, the latter place a particularly high value on clubs that can improve the nutrition of their employees,” explains Vitabot founder Joe Graves.

Contact: www.vitabot.com, 301-220-4250 See our ad on page 60 —|

MIndBOdy, InC.

MindBody offers Web-based software tailored to businesses that need scheduling and business management systems. Its func-tions include: scheduling that is accessible to clients and staff; integration of e-commerce and point-of-sale; automated e-mail confirmations and reminders; in-depth business analysis reports; the ability to track client information and history using the company’s robust client profile; and staff management functions that allow users to create and edit schedules, access contact information, and generate payroll. MindBody Business Management Software is trusted by thousands of clients in 50 countries to manage and grow their businesses.

Contact: www.mindbodyonline.com, 877-755-4279 See our ad on page 105 —|

PArAMOunT ACCePTAnCe

Paramount Acceptance provides robust, adap-tive software solutions that offer operators the flexibility to remain competitive in today’s environment. These include: 24/7 access to real-time reporting, personal-training tracking, streamlined data entry, POS, employee management, Front Desk Monitor, childcare management, automatic payment processing, billing and invoic-ing, return resolution, collections, and marketing programs.

“Owners and managers need solutions that help them maximize sales and retention while giving them the latest technology to achieve their business goals,” observes Glen Bendixen, Paramount’s CeO. “Paramount provides this pairing of services and experience.”

Contact: www.paramountacceptance.com, 800-316-4444 See our ad on page 72 —|

SHAPe.neT SOFTWAre

TWIn OAKS SOFTWAre

Twin Oaks’ Online Services inte-grate with desktop software and provide club management func-tionality, all accessible from the Internet. The services include: real-time membership statistics; member transaction tracking; report generation; and member information maintenance.

“For today’s prospective club members, instant online information is an expectation,” observes MJ Laliberte, Twin Oaks’ general manager. “By meeting this demand and establishing an online sales and marketing process, you will realize improvements in revenue and retention rates as members become more involved in your facility.”

Contact: www.tosd.com, 866-278-6750 See our ad on page 14 —|


Nautilus, Nautilus One Abdominal Crunch. —|

Photo sponsored by Nautilus

w w w . i h r s a . o r g | O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 | C l u b B u s i n e s s I n t e r n a t i o n a l 61

InnovationsWhat’s New 62 | FIT Extra 67 | BuyersMart 87

»

| Innovations | What’s New

Human Kinetics» Now available from Human Kinetics is Qualitative Research in Physical Activity and the Health Professions. This 232-page text explains the underlying principles of qualitative inquiry to help make it easier for students and practitioners to understand how to design, conduct, and evaluate qualitative research studies. It helps readers learn how to frame a researchable problem; how to develop questions to gain insight that specifically applies to the problem; and how to guide the procedures for data collection and analysis. It also includes examples from current literature, along with learning objectives, dialogue boxes that feature students’ questions in Q&A format, and take-home messages that summarize each chapter. For more infor-mation, contact the company at 1607 N. Market St., Champaign, IL 61920; 800-747-4457; www.humankinetics.com. —|

Club Marketing & Management Services, Inc. (C.M.S.) » Industry veteran Mike Chaet, Ph.D., has teamed up with Stephen C. Lundin, Ph.D., author of the best-selling FISH! series of business books, to produce LOOPS: The Seven Keys to Small Business. This new release is designed for anyone who is running, or working in, a small business with less than $100 million in sales and with limited resources for training and development programs. This business parable follows the personal journey of a young man who’s assigned a business school project to study how small businesses operate. LOOPS explains the commitments that build trust, innovations that improve service, and the day-to-day routines that deliver real results—ensuring that entrepreneurs close all the “loops” related to their business dealings. For more information, contact the company at P.O. Box 1156; Helena, MT 59624; 406-449-5559; www.cms-clubweb.com. —|

Balanced Body» Balanced Body has introduced the EXO Chair with a new split-pedal option. This update adds rotational and reciprocal movement of the extremities—which can’t be performed with a single pedal— for expanded performance and a more robust exercise repertoire. Add a Functional Resistance Kit, and gain additional exercises not possible with any other chair. It’s great for group Pilates classes and personal training sessions. Single-pedal EXO exercises may still be per-formed using the included dowel accessory that converts the dual pedals to a single pedal. With eight resistance settings, this product is ideal for all fitness levels and is lightweight and easy for one person to set up, store, move, and stack. For more information, contact the company at 8220 Ferguson Ave., Sacramento, CA 95828-0931; 800-745-2837; www.pilates.com.—|

»Fitness Anywhere, Inc. » Fitness Anywhere, Inc., and Surf Stronger, a provider of training programs, have created a new surf-specific training video that brings the performance benefits of Suspension Training to bear against the physical demands of surfing. The 30-minute full-body workout, using Fitness Anywhere’s TRX Suspension Trainer, targets muscles and movements that are critical to surfing and injury-prevention. The third in the popular Surf Stronger series, this video features professional surfer Holly Beck and is sold for $14.95 as a download. “We’re excited to work with Surf Stronger to bring TRX Suspension Training to surfers worldwide,” says Randy Hetrick, the founder and president of Fitness Anywhere, Inc. For more information, contact the company at 1660 Pacific Ave., San Francisco, CA 94109; 888-878-5348; www.fitnessanywhere.com. —|

62 C l u b B u s i n e s s I n t e r n a t i o n a l | O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 | w w w . i h r s a . o r g

Surfing ‘suspension’ by Fitness Anywhere

Human Kinetics’ research resource

Small-biz smarts from C.M.S.

Balanced Body’s EXO Chair

»


Spectrum Fitness Services » Spectrum Fitness Services offers its new Tailgate Detection System (TDS), which is designed for 24-hour access health clubs to monitor unauthorized club entry, such as when a valid member lets a nonmember enter the club during unstaffed hours. Designed to be reliable and a significant value, TDS sells for less than $1,500. “Many owners of independent fitness centers are do-it-yourselfers by nature, so we designed a system that would be easy to install without the expense of bringing in a professional installer,” explains Lee Roberts, the president of Spectrum Fitness. The company provides products and services designed specifically for fitness center key clubs. For more information, contact the company at 554 South 1st St., Fulton, NY 13069; 315-598-5585; www.keytagclub.com. —|

Medical Fitness Association» The Medical Fitness Association (MFA) recently released the results of the 2009 Medical Fitness Industry Compensation Survey. The survey analyzes and provides data on demographics, financial information, compensation, and industry trends. The compensation analysis includes salary data on management positions, hourly staff positions, and salary-to- revenue ratios by facility size. More than 30 job categories are included, and the trends analysis compares today’s annual salaries and hourly rates to those of 1998, 2007, and 2009 on a percentage increase basis. According to the report, over the past two years, annual salaries and hourly rates have risen an average of 15.3%; over the past 11 years, these rates have risen an average of 46.7%. For more information, contact the company at P.O. Box 73103; Richmond, VA 23235; 804-897-5701; www.medicalfitness.org. —|


Entry security by Spectrum Fitness

Compensation data from MFA

»


M-F Athletic Company – Perform Better» Perform Better’s new Functional Training Racks provide effective, efficient, and organized storage for all functional training equipment. Both types of racks can hold stability balls, medicine balls, elastic bands, foam rollers, mats, and more, in a space- efficient manner. The Club Rack measures 48” wide by 33” deep by 61” high; the Physio Rack measures 29” wide x 33” deep x 61” high. Both are priced at $549. For more information, contact the company at P.O. Box 8090, Cranston, RI 02920-0090; 800-556-7464; www.performbetter.com.—|

Power Systems, Inc. » The new Adjustable Power Plyo Box from Power Systems is designed to save space and time, without sacrificing quality. With a fully welded tubular steel frame, the new 30” adjustable box offers seven height settings, in 2” increments, from 18” to 30”. It features a 30” by 26” non-slip landing area to accommodate athletes of all sizes, and comes equipped with wheels and a handle for easy transport. For more information, contact the company at P.O. Box 51030; 5700 Casey Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909; 800-321-6975; www.power-systems.com. —|

Vibram FiveFingers» Vibram has expanded its offering of unique glove-style footwear with the introduction of three new FiveFingers models: Performa for women, the Moc for men, and the KSO Trek. The Performa and the Moc were developed in response to consumers’ demand for a design intended specifically for yoga, Pilates, and fitness training, and sell for $110. The KSO Trek, which comes in kangaroo suede leather, offers a new outsole and tread design for increased protection and traction on rugged terrain. It’s priced at $125. FiveFingers footwear delivers the freedom of going barefoot, with the protection and surefooted grip of a Vibram sole, helping to improve balance, agility, and general foot health. For more information, contact the company at Damon Mill Square, #H3, Concord, MA 01742; 978-318-0000; www.vibramfivefingers.com. —|

»Matrix Fitness Systems » Johnson Health Tech North America, Inc. (JHTNA), has introduced a redesigned version of the Johnny G KRANKcycle by Matrix, a stationary hand-cycle with independent crank arms. Among the changes is a rotating crank and flywheel assembly that allows for forward and reverse movements from the seated position. The ergonomically shaped seat allows users to sit more comfortably while exercising. In addition, its tapered design enables exercisers to lunge or squat while standing, and the seat can be easily removed for wheelchair access. A pivoting height adjustment accommodates a wide range of torso and arm lengths; a narrow crank axis facilitates higher RPMs; and the maximum user weight is 350 pounds. For more information, contact the company at 1600 Landmark Drive; Cottage Grove, WI 53527; 866-693-4863; www.matrixfitness.com. —|


Matrix’s new Johnny G KRANKcycle

Training Racks Perform Better

Power Systems’ new Plyo Box

FiveFingers footwear

»


| Innovations | FIT Extra Circuit Training

Strong on WellnessSelectorized and circuit training equipment are valuable partners in maintaining members’ health

Think of selectorized and circuit training equipment as the

strong, silent—and very accommodating—type. As wellness

and rehabilitation become inextricably linked with fitness,

strength training is increasingly being recommended to

help fight a number of diseases and to maintain overall

health. Manufacturers have recognized this link and, as a

result, have quietly developed machines that move more

naturally with the body and fit a wider range of users.

“It’s nice to see that the medical community is finally realizing and vocalizing the importance of strength training. It now plays a key role in fighting obesity, preventing diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis, reducing high blood pressure, and just improving the way you look and feel,” notes Randy Webber, founder and chief designer for Hoist Fitness, in San Diego. “To meet those needs on the equipment side, we’ve seen an increase in multi-dimensional/multi-plane exercise movements, such as user-defined exercise arms that allow the exer-ciser to determine the movement path of their hands during pressing or pulling exercises, and cable motion machines and machines utilizing articulating pivots, both of which allow the user to choose the arc and angle that their hands will travel in. We’ve also been diversifying our product line-up to benefit a greater age range of participants, with lighter weight stacks, smaller incremental jumps, and the promotion of increased reps at lower weight.”

B. Daryl Shute, education coordinator at Knoxville, Tennessee-based Power Systems, Inc., has also noted this move toward functional, more natural movement. “With innovations, such as cables and pulleys attached to moveable arms on the machines, we can now perform ‘functional’ exercises from standing, sitting, or even lying down positions. These weight-bearing exercises allow the body to move in the way it was designed. Almost every manufacturer now offers a series of non-traditional equipment to meet those needs.”

To that end, adds Doug Durnford, product manager at Precor, in Woodinville, Washington, strength equipment manufacturers are now more focused on ease of access and user adjustments. “Selectorized/circuit training strength equipment is a very mature market,” he says. “Current trends, like pinless weight stacks, continue to address ease-of-use and small refinements to biomechanical implementation. It’s about making strength training equipment more approachable and usable to a larger percentage of the population, including those with disabilities.”

To see the latest innovations in this category, browse through the following pages of F.I.T. Extra! —|

– Jon Feld, [email protected].

CIRCuIT TRAININGKEISER

Keiser XPress Training System

Designed to maximize workout results in a minimal amount of time, this research-based training system combines cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, and stretching. The circuit incorporates Keiser bikes, the Keiser Stretch Zone, and a minimum of six of the company’s air-powered resistance machines. The first half of the 30-minute training system is dedicated to cardiovascular training on the bikes, while the second half entails strength training, with “active-rest” stretches performed in between sets.

LIFE FITNESSSee our ad oN Page 9

Circuit Series

Life Fitness’ 11-piece line of space-efficient machines delivers time-efficient, total-body workouts in an approachable, easy-to-use format. The units boast a user-friendly design and superior biomechanics. The patented Lifeband Resistance System mimics gravity for maximum strength-training results, and eliminates acceleration at the top and bottom of the exercise for an express-style workout with the feel of traditional machines. A low-profile, easy-access design, no required machine adjustments, and an innovative resistance- selection system minimize user intimidation.




PROMAXIMA FITNESS

Champions CL-110 Leg Extension

ProMaxima Strength and Conditioning’s new line of Champions youth equipment is engineered with the same reliable materials and rugged components that ProMaxima is known for. It features sleek shrouds and specialty pop-pin-seat adjustments to prevent injuries. The cam designs ensure biomechanical movements with appropriate resistance and starting weights, and seat heights are positioned for youths and petite adults. The Bee Fit educational materials include facility design layouts, slip covers, logos, and circuit training guidelines.

SCIFIT

NeWFit-Quik

Fit-Quik puts all-body strength and cardio protocols at an exerciser’s fingertips, and allows fitness professionals to take advantage of SCIFIT’s training differenti-ators to attract, manage, and retain clients. Fit-Quik programs are time-efficient, motivational, and easy-to-use exercise protocols that accommodate a wide range of clients, from those rehabilitating to those training for elite-level competition. They deliver cardiovascular and functional strength benefits.

TECHNOGyMSee our ad oN the back cover

Easy Line

Easy Line provides a fun, effective, and easy-to-use training option for individuals looking for a friendly and non-intimidating training modality. The hydraulic resistance system requires no adjustments; resistance is determined by the speed of movement. The nine-piece circuit also incorporates interval station equipment to support Technogym conditioning programs: General Fitness/Weight Management, Kids and Teens, and Active Aging. In a non-group setting, Easy Line can be used as an entry-level resistance-training circuit.




VORTEX FITNESS EquIPMENT NIMBUS

The NIMBUS is a unique training system for kids, ages 6-18, that accommodates up to 16 children, and takes up just 11' 6" x 20' of floor space. Programming for the unit was developed by Brian Grasso of the IYCA for fun, unlimited movement/activity-based fitness and sports training for all. The Vortex NIMBUS offers virtually limitless training opportunities.

Quad Training Center

The Quad Training Center utilizes 4 Vortex Pro-Trainers in an 800-square-foot footprint for maximum versatility in a minimal amount of space. Circuit training, group exercise, or one-on-one personal training is easily accomplished. With the company’s unique “Grab-n-Go” feature, users can perform complete strength-training, functional, and core workouts in only 30 minutes. Each Pro-Trainer is wheelchair-accessible for inclusive fitness and ADA compliance.

The Perfect Storm

Vortex’s The Perfect Storm is an adjustable, functional multi-station that accommodates up to 12 people. It takes up only 5' x 12' of space in a 12' x 20' training area. Among its many features are: an adjustable push-up and dip station; a chin-up bar; a training post to attach resistance bands; multiple U-bolts along the base of the unit for attaching bands; 16 bands of various resistance levels; a 65cm physio ball; and a resistance band storage rack.


| Innovations | FIT Extra Selectorized

SELECTORIzEd BOdy-SOLId, INC.

Pro Club Line

Designed for heavy health club use, Body-Solid’s Pro Club selectorized strength-training line includes machines that are aesthetically appealing; space-efficient; solidly constructed; biomechanically sophisticated; and comfortable, with upholstery and padding, and user-friendly adjustments. Built to last a lifetime, all are backed by a strong warranty. The Pro Club line consists of a deluxe cable center, functional-training center, dual cable column, lat machine, chest press, inner- or outer-thigh machine, leg curl, leg extension, and leg press.

Pro Dual Line

Body-Solid’s Pro Dual Line can be used in single- or multiple-stack arrangements. The heart of the system is the space- saving 4-Stack Weight Tower, with positions for two, three, or four stations. Individual stations include the ab crunch/back extension, cable column, biceps/triceps, inner-thigh/outer-thigh, lat-pulldown/ mid-row, leg-press/calf-extension, leg-extension/leg-curl, multi-press, and pec/delt. All of the units feature curved frames, sophisticated biomechanical engineering, heavy-duty construction, user-friendly adjustments, and comfortable upholstery and padding.


FOR MORE INFORMATIONSee the advertisers’ index on pg. 115 or search at

www.ihrsabuyersguide.com



BRuddEN TECHNOLOGy

NeWNEXT Strength Line

The NEXT strength line stands out for its unique design. Tested and approved by the Biomechanics Labs of the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, the NEXT strength line was created to lead users to achieve their maximum muscle performances, allied to low injury risks. With no apparent cables or belts, it’s also innovative with respect to user safety. The NEXT strength line is an ideal cost-benefit solution for clubs, gyms, and high-end users.

CyBEX INTERNATIONAL, INC.See our ad oN the iNSide froNt cover aNd Page 1

CYBEX Eagle

The Eagle strength-training line features Second Generation Dual Axis Technology, which provides a choice of machine-defined or user-defined paths of motion, resulting in versatility that helps users of all fitness levels achieve results. Patent-pending range-limiting devices ensure the integrity of the strength curve, regard-less of the user’s size, and ergonomically contoured, molded pads provide maximum support. The line’s unique “Logical Pairs” design conserves floor space by allowing machines to be positioned back-to-back.

Manufacturer’s list price: $4,545.00

CYBEX Total Access Cardio and Strength Line

CYBEX’s Total Access products address the exercise needs of people with dis-abilities by removing the barriers that have previously prevented them from obtaining a beneficial workout. The cardiovascular equipment and weight stacks feature raised iconography and color-contrasted handles to aid visually impaired people; swing-away seats and one-handed functionality to accommodate people in wheelchairs; and a Range Limiting Device (RLD) to assist people with limited ranges of motion.Manufacturer’s list price: $2,795.00




CYBEX VR1 Strength Systems

VR1 has been value-engineered to yield an elegant, space-saving design that lets health clubs offer their members a comprehensive strength-conditioning system, regardless of the size of the facility. Ease of use, intuitive design, and function ensure member satisfaction. It also features enclosed weight stacks that add a modern appeal and meet all ASTM and EN safety standards. The 15-piece line offers a host of options, and can be customized to meet any club’s specific needs.Manufacturer’s list price: $2,495.00

CYBEX VR3

The CYBEX VR3 line is packed with innovative features. These include: advanced biomechanics, such as converging and diverging patterns; patent-pending range-limiting devices; the Second Generation Twist Select increment weight system; and assisted seat adjustments. Its elegant appearance is enhanced with unique oval tubing and contoured pads crafted for ultimate support and maximum comfort, as well as a fully enclosed weight stack for safety.Manufacturer’s list price: $3,645.00

FOREMAN PROduCTS, INC.

FOREMAN FITNESS

FOREMAN’s full line of non-analog strength equipment is simple to operate, and is ideally suited to boutique health clubs, colleges and universities, YMCAs, and municipalities. The company offers quality and affordability, and its equip-ment is manufactured with durability to withstand intensive usage. Standard color options for frames and upholstery are available for quick delivery, and custom colors can also be selected to suit individual design tastes.




FREEMOTION FITNESS

FreeMotion EPIC Selectorized

FreeMotion’s EPIC Selectorized line has raised the bar for traditional strength training with 18 pieces of equipment that are attractive and easy to use. Innovations in technology and movement patterns provide members with smooth workouts that employ efficient fixed isolation. FreeMotion EPIC’s rugged, commercial-grade construction delivers heavy-duty performance.

HAMMER STRENGTHSee life fitNeSS

Hammer Strength MTS

Hammer Strength MTS, the selectorized version of the popular plate-loaded machines, makes use of patented Iso-Lateral technology. This technology offers independently functioning limbs and a converging or diverging movement pattern that closely replicates the body’s natural movements. The machines’ dual weight stacks (one for each limb) are designed to preserve the purity of Hammer Strength’s hallmark independent move-ment and minimize friction to enhance the smoothness of the exercise. The line features 13 pieces.

HOIST FITNESS SySTEMS, INC.

ROC-IT Selectorized

The HOIST ROC-IT line embodies a unique training experience that achieves the unrestricted joint movement and core-activating benefits of functional training, coupled with the stabilizing benefits of machine-based equipment. ROX technology makes the user an integral part of the exercise motion by continuously adjusting the position of the exerciser with the movement of the exercise arm. The ROC-IT line engages the user throughout the entire exercise range of motion, creating fun, biome-chanically correct workouts.

LIFE FITNESSSee our ad oN Page 9

Pro2 Series

Featuring 19 rock-solid pieces, Life Fitness’ Pro2 Series is a full line of traditional strength machines designed to withstand heavy-duty usage. The line features 10 upper-body, seven lower-body, and two torso/multi units. Each of these machines is available in a base version, called Pro2, or a fully-loaded version, the Pro2SE. The latter offers an integrated incremental weight system, complete rear weight stack shrouds, spring-assisted roller seats, and six frame and 10 upholstery colors.



International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association | Seaport Center, 70 Fargo Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 USA

Since 2005, ActiveCareers.com has been thehealth club industry’s premier online careercenter. Now, IHRSA has harnessed the powerof healthclubs.com and is pleased to presenthealthclubs.com/jobs.

If you’re hiring, or looking for a job in the industry, healthclubs.com/jobs is for you.

Log on today!

I�troducing . . .

healthclubs.com/jobs .5 page-1009CBI:healthclubs.com/jobs .5pg ad 9/8/09 11:02 AM Page 1


Signature Series

Life Fitness’ Signature Series strength line boasts a number of convenient, innovative features, including gas-assisted seat and pad adjustments, and an integrated incremental weight system. Oval frame tubing, contoured cushions, and a low profile create a sleek, contemporary look. The warranty covers frames for 10 years; guide rods, pulleys, and weight plates for five years; linear bearings, cables, and grips for one year; and upholstery, springs, and any items not specified for 90 days.

MATRIX FITNESS SySTEMSSee our ad oN the freNch cover

G3 Series

The G3 selectorized series comprises 27 single-station units. The new converging chest press, converging shoulder press, diverging seated row, diverging lat pull-down, and the Matrix Functional Trainer offer greater variety and training options. Each unit boasts oversized grips; towel and cup holders; ergonomic seating; oval tubing; color-coded adjustments that can be made from the exercise position; and an automotive-quality powder-coat finish. The polarized titanium finish with clear coat provides a lasting, superior-quality appearance.

NeWG7 Series

Beautifully designed with a consistent low profile, the new G7 Strength Series challenges exercisers to expect more. It’s packed with intuitive features that will transform a club’s strength floor, including: exercise placards that are equipped with an integrated electronic rep counter and timer; Action Specific Grips that reduce stress on contact points; and numeric incremental weights that are easily accessible and provide quick selection.

| Innovations | FIT Extra


MILON INduSTRIES GMBH

Train Tec

The Train Tec series offers ideal biome-chanics, adjustable resistance in 1-kg increments, and various adjustments to fit all users’ bodies. A multifunctional display provides easy access to important training feedback, such as speed, range of motion, heart rate, and more. Relevant exercise information is saved on the user’s personal Smart Card, which is used with the exclusive software that comes with the Train Tec series. This line is suitable for health clubs and physiotherapy centers.

NAuTILuSSee our ad oN Page 106

Nautilus Nitro Plus

Offering the same advanced functionality and technology as the Nautilus Nitro line, the 26-unit Nautilus Nitro Plus incorporates upgraded aesthetics and special enhancements that set it apart. These include: sleek tower shields with brushed stainless steel fronts; contoured, extra-comfortable seats; and accessory trays conveniently mounted on each weight stack.



Nautilus One Strength System

This single-station strength equipment combines a revolutionary weight-stack technology with an intuitive and user-friendly selection method: a dial. The line includes a single weight tower design; custom-contoured, handcrafted upholstery; hydraulic seat adjustments; and large instructional placards. Nautilus One boasts a sleek, modern design that helps make strength training a selling point for any health club. Plus, it’s easy to maintain, with no guide rods to lubri-cate and no weight-stack pins to bend or get lost.

PARAMOuNT FITNESS CORPORATION

Paramount XL2 Series

The Paramount XL2 Series represents advanced, value-engineered performance, styling, and reliability. A low profile, space- efficient footprint, and attractive, oval-shaped tube frames create a streamlined, uniform design with superior biomechanics to enhance any commercial fitness center application. User-friendly features include easy-to-follow, step-by-step exercise charts; user adjustment guides; and intuitive seat adjustments. These machines undergo structural testing of 500,000 cycles, and meet or exceed ASTM and EN-957 industry standards.

SP Circuit

Featuring low-profile, space-efficient designs, the premium 17-piece SP Circuit combines optimal ergonomics, precise biomechanics, and superior structural performance with contemporary aesthetics. Features include colorful, user adjustment guides with step-by-step instructions; gas-assisted, four-bar-linkage seat adjustments; patented Advanced Rotary Technology on select models; contoured pads; and fully shrouded weight stacks. Extensive component cycle testing well above maximum field applications ensures long-term durability and minimal service requirements. The circuit is ASTM- and EN957-compliant.



POWER SySTEMS, INC.

Adjustable Cable Column

The adjustable cable column has a 150-pound weight stack and a multifunctional design that give users a multitude of exercise options. It operates at a 2:1 pull ratio for decreased inertia, and rotating handles meet different range-of-motion requirements. Its compact footprint and free-standing style fit any location. Made of tubular steel, the machine weighs 590 pounds and measures 90" H x 45" L x 36" W .Manufacturer’s list price: $1,750.00

Functional Trainer

The functional trainer boasts dual 150-pound weight stacks to accommodate one or two users simultaneously. It fea-tures a revolving handle and dual-position chin station. Designed for efficiency, the functional trainer requires only one adjustment: the starting position. No cable changes are needed. Made of tubular steel, the trainer weighs 760 pounds and measures 93" H x 51" L x 48" W.Manufacturer’s list price: $2,950.00

PRECOR, INC.

NeWPrecor Experience Strength C-Line

The Experience Strength C-Line is pure Precor quality in selectorized strength equipment that moves the way exercisers move. This outstanding line delivers durability, attention to detail, and a sleek, sculptural appearance to complement any health club’s decor. Built using sound biomechanics to ensure optimal resistance and smooth interaction between user and equipment, easy-to-use Experience Strength products are designed to provide both users and owners/ operators with a positive experience.




NeWPrecor Experience Strength S-Line

The Experience Strength S-Line is a high-quality, comprehensive conditioning circuit that meets the space and budget requirements of a wide range of health clubs. These single-station strength machines complement any facility’s decor; require minimal floor space; and are easy to own and use. Built using sound biomechanics for optimal resis-tance, they’re engineered to move smoothly with the body, and the user-friendly design and attention to detail make working out more satisfying, comfortable, and efficient.

Precor Icarian Line Functional Training System (FTS)

This cable-and-pulley strength-training machine permits users to define their own range of motion while performing a variety of strength and conditioning exercises. The FTS incorporates two adjustable high/low pulleys that slide easily along parallel tracks, affording multiple placement positions and facili-tating more than 100 different movements and exercises. Users are able to target every major muscle group and focus on strengthening their core.

Precor Icarian Line Selectorized Machine-Defined Motion

This user-friendly product line guides members through exercises along a fixed-motion path that targets specific muscles. With their compact footprint and low-profile frame design, these machines are extremely club-friendly. Each piece offers intuitive adjustments, and select units feature an adjustable start position (ASP). With the Precor Icarian trademark 2" x 4" bent-steel frame construction, this reliable selec-torized line offers a smooth, effective workout experience that’s appropriate for all users.

Precor Icarian Line Selectorized User-Defined Motion

Featuring dual independent weight stacks, these units provide real, dedi-cated resistance with true isolateral movements. The user-defined path accommodates multiple angles and independent movement, while the dual stacks permit small, incremental adjustments, making them ideal for deconditioned users, fitness enthusiasts, and athletes alike. For added convenience, exercisers can make adjustments easily from the seated position.

PROMAXIMA FITNESS

Raptor P-6100 Abdominal Curl

Endorsed by Lee Labrada, the Raptor Series is powerful strength training equipment. Offering a full array of upper- and lower-body exercises and a sleek, space-efficient design, ProMaxima’s top-of-the-line strength-training series makes it easy to achieve maximum results. All Raptor pieces are made to order, thereby allowing flexibility to deliver virtually any color combination. Color leather upholstery pads with an optional logo are also available. The equipment is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

SPORTSART FITNESS

Strength Series

The ergonomically designed Strength Collection includes 23 single-station units and a line of benches and racks that boast a modern, visually appealing design. Among the features: integrated incremental weights, magnetic selector pins, fully shrouded weight stacks, gas-assisted seats, and range-of-movement and range-limiter adjustments. Units include a cable tower, independent lat pulldown, abdominal crunch, assisted chin/dip, chest press, cable cross, leg press, pec dec, shoulder press, and low row.



STAR TRACSee our ad oN Page 5

Impact Strength

The Impact Strength’s LockNLoad tech-nology is the latest among Star Trac’s user-focused features designed to simplify and maximize the effectiveness of strength-training workouts. The pinless LockNLoad weight-selection system ensures that health club members won’t have to deal with missing or bent pins on weight stacks. The Impact strength line offers 27 uniquely designed training stations that encompass the industry’s most popular strength-training exercises; all of the pieces are available with LockNLoad technology.

NeWInspiration Strength

Inspiration Strength provides the ultimate user experience and incredible approachability, with low-profile towers, soft frame lines, and easily visible instructions. Exercisers are surrounded by an intuitive interface that owes more to luxury automobile ergonomics than traditional exercise equipment, and many machines offer unilateral function for balanced training and greater variety. Inspiration Strength also features the LockNLoad pin-less weight-selection system that affords streamlined and efficient workouts.

Instinct Line

The Instinct line encompasses 30 space-efficient single- and dual-function machines that can be used as a stand-alone strength line or as a quick circuit. Simple to use and comfortable for all users, the machines feature minimal adjustments and easy entry. The line has a look that’s consistent with Star Trac’s popular cardiovascular equipment.


Special Advertising Section


TECHNOGyMSee our ad oN the back cover

NeWElement+ Line

Element+ provides effective, non-intimi-dating, and intuitive strength training. The small footprint and reduced weight stack heights accommodate all facility layouts. Adjustments are minimal, and all are accessible from a seated position. Visual-only instructional placards provide exercise guidance, and Vario-density padding offers extra support. Conical handgrips accommodate different training positions. Key upper-body machines incorporate an independent and con-verging arm movement. Lastly, an integrated half-plate allows users to gradually increase their weight.

Selection

Technogym’s Selection line combines effectiveness, comfort, and ease of use with visual appeal and more than 30 equipment options. The durable and non-intimidating elliptical design is con-sistent throughout all benches, cables, and selectorized machines. Selection products have extensive safety features, including weight stack covers and Easy Start levers. A towel-locking device, integrated incremental half-plate adjustment system, double hand-grip system, and easy-to-spot yellow-colored adjustments enhance user comfort and satisfaction.

TuFF STuFF FITNESS EquIPMENT, INC.

NeWCal Gym Series

The Cal Gym Series by TUFF STUFF is designed for vertical markets and health clubs, and features simple single- and dual-function selectorized machines. This streamlined, versatile, and compact equipment represents quality, ease-of-use, and smooth biomechanical operation that make them inviting and non-intimi-dating for users. Cal Gym delivers the same performance as larger, more complex machines, in a smaller, friendlier package. And the optional finish and upholstery combination colors liven up any atmosphere.

Proformance Series

TUFF STUFF’s belt-driven Proformance Series encompasses a full line of single-station exercise and multiple-exercise/dual-function machines. They feature 2" x 6' and 2' x 3' 11-gauge tubular-steel-frame structures that are guaranteed for life, as well as low profiles, compact design, and exceptional biomechanics. Six frame finishes and 20 upholstery colors are available. Other features include custom-embroidered wear covers and accessory items, such as acrylic-composite protective weight shields, and the company’s patent-pending “PiggyBack” add-on weight device.

VORTEX FITNESS EquIPMENT

Multi-Vector Lat & Back Trainer

The Multi-Vector Lat and Back Trainer by Vortex trains the lats, traps, and overall back ultra-efficiently with a patented “Grab-n-Train” design that offers ease of use for a more complete workout in less time. The machine provides exceptional versatility with seven attachments that can be accessed and set easily. It’s also wheelchair-accessible.


Missed an issue?Did you know you can access the

full text of CBI articles from as early as 2001 on IHRSA's Website?

You can also download entire pastissues, and purchase reprints!

to learn more, visitwww.ihrsa.org/cbi.

| Innovations | BuyersMart


The BuyersMart is an effective shopping tool—one that allows you to find out about a wide range of products and services without leaving the comfort of your club. The following companies are also listed on www.ihrsa.org/buyersmart, where an advanced search function enables you to find the companies and products you are looking for easily. For detailed contact information, please refer to the advertiser index at the end of this section.

Product Profiles

®

Sports & Fitness Insurance CorporationSince 1985, Sports & Fitness Insurance (SFIC) has been in the business of insuring health clubs and fitness centers. For the past eight years SFIC has been IHRSA’s only business partner providing General Liability Insurance for our industry. As a member of IHRSA’s Group Purchasing Program, SFIC offers General Liability Insurance, Property Insurance, Professional Liability Insurance, Umbrellas, Worker’s Compensation Insurance and Surety Bonds for facilities in all 50 states.

» at Sports & fitness insurance our service and commitment ensure you a perfect fit. contact us at Post office box 1967, Madision, MS 39130–1967 800-844-0536, ext 2222 or 2252; 601-898-8464; 601-707-1037 (faX) [email protected]

»

SPotlight


245cbi

505245_Buyersmart_July_09_FINAL.indd 1 5/19/09 2:35:07 PM




Aeromat Fitness

ASF International CI Solutions

CYBEX International

A-1 Textiles

HEX Tanning

aeromat/ecoWise 2070 Zanker road San Jose, ca 95131 toll-free: 877-278-6158 fax: 707-221-4040 [email protected] www.aeromats.com www.ecowisefitness.com

Aeromat/EcoWise Fitness Products specializes in supplying high quality mats and related fitness products to the fitness, sporting and rehabilitation industries, and offers the market both product innovations and brand name recognition.

» for a dealer near you, call today! call toll-free: 877-278-6158 or visit www.aeromats.com or www.ecowisefitness.com.

The new CYBEX FT-450 Functional Trainer has a unique patent-pending design that adds two key features to enhance functional training capabilities. First, the Progressive Stabilization Pad, which allows the user to incrementally modify their stability, and the Cable Width Adjustment, which results in

innumerable height and width configurations. No other product offers such game-changing training versatility.

» for more information call us at +1-774-324-8000, or visit us at www.cybexintl.com.

WWW.SPORTSMITH.NET/CYBEXPADS

SPORTSMITH UPHOLSTERED PADSMake Your CYBEX Equipment Look &Feel Like New!

Extend the life of your Cybex Classic and VR2 strength equipment and save money with our SPORTSMITH replacement upholstered pads. We use the same quality materials as leadingequipment manufacturers:

> Durable, stain-resistant covers> Top quality dense polyurethane foam> Sturdy 3/4-inch plywood bases> SPORTSMITH savings and value

Your Fitness Parts & Products Superstore

Cybex Classic &VR2 UpholsteredPads Available

SPORTSMITH UPHOLSTERED PADSMake Your CYBEX Equipment Look &Feel Like New!





iron grip eWeight Planner™ Iron Grip has recently updated their eWeight Planner online tool. Featuring the latest product updates from 13 of the top strength manufact-urers, this program is the fastest and easiest way to calculate the perfect amount

of free weights for your fitness facility. The Planner recom-mends the proper assortment of dumbbells, plates and bars based on the variety of plate-loaded machines, racks and benches you select.

» visit www.eweightplanner.com or www.irongrip.com for your personalized free weight plan.

Mondo USA

SPORTSMITH Star Trac

Supreme Audio, Inc.

Iron Grip Barbell

Tune Belt, Inc.

The eSpinner® is a breakthrough new Spinning® bike manufactured by Star Trac that brings the experience out of the group cycling room and onto the cardio floor. Now users of all levels and abilities can experience the fun, energy and excitement of a Spinning® class whenever they want, and on their terms. With a state-of-the-art, embedded touch

screen, it’s more than an intuitive dash board—it’s a virtual Spinning® Master Instructor. Simply choose a goal and intensity level and you’re off to a guided, virtual Spinning® class experience.

» for more information on the eSpinner® visit www.startrac.com/espinner or call 800.228.6635.

fitness Sound Systems Dedicated exclusively to Fitness Sound Systems since 1975! Free “Professional Fitness Audio Buyer’s Guide” featuring SupremeProAudio, Samson, Shure, Telex, Audio-Technica and Special Projects wireless microphones, variable speed tape decks and CD players, speakers and amplifiers. SupremeFM wireless

entertainment systems.Free Lifetime Technical Support. 24-hour shipping...99% same day! Largest selection of components with 100% secure online shopping. Competitive prices!

» for more information, please call Jane Plaugher at 800-445-7398 or visit www.Supremeaudio.com

For free samples & pricingcall: 1-800-860-1175

visit: www.tunebelt.com

cardio entertainment accessories & instructor Supplies

• iPod Armbands• Microphone Belts & Batteries• Ten Quality Headphones

rubber Sports SurfacesMondo's wide ranges of sport surfaces are engineered to meet the specific needs of every athletic facility; from gymnasiums, weight rooms and cardio areas to indoor and outdoor running tracks.

Mondo has combined quality, durability and performance in its various product

lines. Engineered to withstand punishment from free weights and barbells. It combines exceptional shock absorption and energy return for unparalleled safety and comfort.

» for more information please visit our website: www.mondousa.com


Page Advertiser

88 » a-1 textiles www.a1athletictowels.com | 800-351-1819

88 » aeromat/ecoWise fitness Products www.aeromats.com | 877-278-6158

88 » aSf international www.asfinternational.com | 800-227-3859

88 » ci Solutions www.cisolutions.biz | 800-599-7385

88 » cYbeX international, inc. www.cybexinternational.com | 508-533-4300

88 » heX tanning www.hextanning.com | 800-556-3201

89 » iron grip barbell company www.irongrip.com | 800-664-4766

Page Advertiser

89 » Mondo uSa www.mondousa.com | 800-441-6645

87 » Sports & fitness insurance corporation www.sportsfitness.com | 800-844-0536

89 » SPortSMith, llc www.sportsmith.net | 800-713-2880

89 » Star trac www.startrac.com | 800-228-6635

89 » Supreme audio, inc. www.supremeaudio.com | 800-445-7398

89 » tune belt, inc. www.tunebelt.com | 800-860-1175




HIV is a devastating disease that affects more than 30 million people and 2 million children worldwide, according to UNAIDS. Exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on some of the virus’ debilitating symptoms. It does so, in part, by promoting the growth of immunity-building T-cells, which, among other things, helps minimize muscle-wasting. —|


IHRSA Report

First Set 95 | In Brief 96 | International 98 Member News 100 | Calendar 109 | Coming Soon 109

October tends to be a nerve-wracking period for the financial markets—it’s the month in which the most financial meltdowns have occurred—as well as for industry, in general. It also marks the advent of Halloween, at a time when most people are thinking, “We don’t need anything else to scare us.”

As a result, and particularly given the weak global economy, a lot of people are being extremely cautious about how they spend their time and money. I’d like to suggest a positive and proactive approach to the situation.

First, visit the IHRSA bookstore (www.ihrsastore.com) to access a wealth of information that will help you be more successful. Revisit topics that you’re already well versed in, and explore ones that are brand new. The time and effort you invest this month will determine, in part, how well your club does in the future.

Many people, as well as many businesses, tend to follow the crowd, but, as members of IHRSA, our job is to remain cutting-edge and provide leadership. The advantage we enjoy is that we always have the newest, most reliable facts at our finger-

tips. Knowledge is critical, but creating an effective action plan and, then, implementing it successfully are also crucial.

IHRSA, for instance, is constantly formulating detailed, comprehensive strategies to define and guide its broad initiatives, as well as specific projects and meetings. A case in point: IHRSA 2010, the association’s 29th Interna-tional Convention and Trade Show, which will take place March 10-13 in San Diego. The planning for this annual world-class event takes place, virtually, year-round.

As I’ve indicated, you need to be thoroughly informed; plan intelligently; and execute professionally. But, perhaps as important, you need to recog-nize that now, this month, at this very moment, when everyone else is run-ning scared, it’s your time to be bold! As others hesitate, you have a golden chance to proceed with confidence.

Certainly, you have to remain prudent financially, but you also have a responsibility to your various constituencies—staff, members, and suppliers— to excite, inspire, motivate, and work with them. We’re required to serve our communities with our professional expertise, but also with our honest optimism. An upbeat attitude, a little fresh paint on the walls, a dynamic membership sales promotion—how much difference can little things make?

As members of IHRSA, we all hold a competitive edge.For us, recession notwithstanding, October is a time of treats—no tricks

required. —|

– David “Patch” Patchell-Evans, [email protected]

| IHRSA Report | First Set

The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association is a not-for-profit trade association open to investor-owned and member-owned fitness, racquet and athletic facilities. Associate memberships are available to manufacturers or suppliers of products and services of use to IHRSA members.

800-228-4772 USA & Canada 617-951-0055 International 617-951-0056 FAXwww.ihrsa.org www.healthclubs.com E-mail: [email protected]

IHRSA Board of Directors

David Patchell-Evans: Chairperson GoodLife Fitness Clubs 519-661-0190 ext. 238

Lynne Brick: Brick Bodies Fitness 410-252-8058

Rick Beusman: Saw Mill Club 914-241-0797

Bob Shoulders: Fayetteville Athletic Club 479-587-0500

Mike Raymond: Curves International 254-399-9285

Susan Cooper: BodyBusiness Health Club & Spa 512-459-9424

Art Curtis: Millennium Partners Sports Club Management, LLC 617-476-8910

Sandy Hoeffer: Western Athletic Clubs 415-901-9243

David Hardy: Club Fit Corporation 780-953-4273

Kilian Fisher: ILAM + 353 (0) 45 902235

Jeff Klinger: Anytime Fitness 651-438-5050

Kay Yuspeh: Elite Fitness & Racquet Clubs 262-786-0880

Bill McBride: Club One 415-477-3000

Gene LaMott: Ex-officio TW Holdings 360-877-3915

SPECIAL ADVISOR LATIN AMERICA

Richard Bilton: Companhia Athletica (55) 11-5181-2000

® October: Trick?Or Treat?

w w w . i h r s a . o r g | O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 | C l u b B u s i n e s s I n t e r n a t i o n a l 9 5

David Patchell-Evans IHRSA Chairperson

| IHRSA Report | In Brief

Fending Off Threats in All Fifty States

Every day, club operators encounter business threats: a new club could be opening in the neighborhood, or the local job market could be putting the squeeze on members’ wallets. Or it could take the form of legislation—quietly filed in the state capital—that could dramatically affect how a club operates. What makes the latter situation so dire is

that many operators are so busy working with their heads down, trying to out-pace the competition and increase retention numbers, that they don’t even notice the silent threat lurking at the state house.

Members of IHRSA, however, can continue to focus on daily operations, knowing that, should an urgent issue arise, the association will work diligently to protect and promote the club industry. In fact, IHRSA has an 18-0 legislative record so far this year.

The IHRSA Public Policy Council, a coalition of concerned club operators who make financial contributions to the Industry Defense Fund that supports battles vital to the club industry, funds this work. “In this economy, for clubs and IHRSA alike, we must maximize every dollar to grow, protect, and promote the industry,” says Meredith Poppler, vice president of industry growth. “This is not just about the largest clubs in the industry; it’s about every club contributing what they can.”

Indeed, the resulting work benefits clubs and suppliers of all types and sizes. In late 2008, New Jersey legislators introduced a bill that would have placed enor-mous financial burdens on personal trainers, group fitness instructors, and clubs. The Industry Defense Fund enabled IHRSA to retain a lobbyist in the capital city of Trenton, who could personally lobby legislators and work with local fitness professionals to build opposition to the legislation. “This bill was so burdensome that it could’ve potentially shut down personal training and group exercise in all of New Jersey,” says Helen Durkin, JD, executive vice president of global public policy. “It’s sobering to consider the financial impact this would have had.”

At the state level, IHRSA works not only to protect clubs from personal training legislation but also from the threat of many other negative types of legislation, including a sales tax on club dues. Forty-seven states are currently facing budget deficits; implementing a tax on services, such as health clubs, can be an attractive option for cash-strapped states. This year, the Industry Defense Fund has allowed IHRSA to successfully fight the taxation of membership dues in five states.

Contributions to the Industry Defense Fund are also used to support legislation that “grows the industry” by increasing the number of people exercising in health clubs. In Washington, D.C., this means that IHRSA can actively seek passage of legislation that creates incentives for Amer-icans to exercise, such as the Workforce Health Improvement Program (WHIP) and the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) acts. Dollars from the Public Policy Fund are used to operate an IHRSA Washington

office, build a nationwide grassroots network, and host the annual IHRSA Summit for a Healthier America on Capitol Hill.

“Having a presence in D.C. has been incredibly important to the industry, especially this year during the healthcare reform debate,” says Durkin. Members of IHRSA’s public policy staff have been meeting regularly with key Congressional officials to talk about including exercise as prevention in healthcare reform. “As the industry trade association, it’s part of our critical mission to represent the health club industry in Washington and every state capital. Contributions from the Public Policy Council make that possible.”

Clubs and individuals who donate are thanked handsomely by IHRSA. Accord-ing to Poppler, “Making a contribution provides tremendous added benefits for club operators.” In addition to access to special council-only communications and meetings, contributors can receive discounted or even complimentary passes to the IHRSA Convention and Trade Show, IHRSA research publications, and more. —|

.org For more information, log on to www.ihrsa.org/council. To pledge now, please visit www.ihrsa.org/pledge.

9 6 C l u b B u s i n e s s I n t e r n a t i o n a l | O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 | w w w . i h r s a . o r g

| IHRSA Report | International

International IntrigueIHRSA events blanket the world in just 30 days

By David Patchell-Evans

This fall, IHRSA will perform on the world’s stage in three different places in less than 30 days.

The grand tour begins this month (October 22-24) in São Paulo with the 10th Anniversary IHRSA/Fitness Brasil Latin

American Conference and Trade Show, the largest gathering of industry leaders in South America. It overlaps (October 22-25) with the 9th Annual IHRSA European Congress in Dublin, Ireland, the premier event for European club operators. And it concludes (November 10-13) with the 8th Annual IHRSA Asia-Pacific Forum, in Japan, similarly, the biggest event of its kind in the region.

Wow!How many people will be influenced by this whirlwind,

worldwide production? Well, if you take into consideration the fact that the South American fitness industry serves 6 million people; the European, 41 million; and the Asian-Pacific, 15.9 million—that means that IHRSA, in ways subtle or significant, will have touched the lives of nearly 63 million individuals belonging to approximately 86,500 clubs.

In just 30 days! In each case, the IHRSA staff and prominent guest speakers

from throughout the world will be sharing their expertise, experiences, and wisdom with attendees. And, in each case, IHRSA and, in turn, the industry will be learning valuable lessons from local operators.

South American clubs, for instance, have much to teach about the critical importance of education. In Brazil, fitness-class instructors are required to have a degree in physical education or an equivalent level of education in kinesiology. That firm foundation, combined with the highest concentration of group-fitness classes anywhere and Brazilians’ legendary enthusiasm for music and fashion, has made the country one of the world’s leading group-x practitioners.

Dublin, for its part, provides a window on the incredible diversity represented by Europe, which boasts the largest number of club chains in the world. The amazing variety is reflected in its member demographics, business models,

physical facilities, exercise programming, branding approaches, and market penetration. In France, for example, just 5% of the population belongs to a health club, but, in Sweden, more than 15% have memberships.

There’s much to observe and learn in Tokyo, as well. You’ll discover, for instance, that, while the major chains dominate the landscape, they appear to coexist peacefully, and profitably, with a large number of small operations—there seems to be room and a niche for all. The most striking aspect of Japanese clubs, though, is the unparalleled cleanliness of each and every facility—a standard I’ve never seen equalled elsewhere. Incredibly, every single person, without exception, has to remove their shoes before entering a club. The emphasis on cleanliness, hygiene, and club maintenance creates a fresh, uncluttered environment that makes it easy for members to focus on their fitness goals.

IHRSA, which, as you know, stands for the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association—emphasis on “international”—has done a remarkable job of integrating the global industry, spreading both enthusiasm and information about health and fitness in some 78 countries. There’s no other organization of its kind in the world. Its efforts may be universal, but they come together, coalesce in a dramatic, concrete way, during IHRSA 2010: the 29th Annual International Convention and Trade Show, which will take place March 10-12 in San Diego.

If you can, you should explore the world at the association’s events in São Paulo, Dublin, and Tokyo. But, if you can’t, we’ll bring the world to you in San Diego.

See you there! —|

– David “Patch” Patchell-Evans, [email protected]

9 8 C l u b B u s i n e s s I n t e r n a t i o n a l | O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 | w w w . i h r s a . o r g

“If you can, you should explore the world at the association’s events in São Paulo, Dublin, and Tokyo. But, if you can’t, we’ll bring the world to you in San Diego.”

Dublin’s luxurious Burlington Hotel

Sports | Leisure | Entertainmentwww.kandkinsurance.com

877-355-0315

K&K Insurance offers a variety of affordable specialty coverages to the health and fitness industry crafted for the needs of individual facilities. Coverage through our facilities program includes property, general liability, inland marine, crime, commercial auto, excess liability, and workers’ compensation (subject to state availability). Coverage is provided by one of the largest insurance providers in the U.S., rated A+ by A.M. Best.

Now, fitness instructors and smaller health and fitness operations such as exercise studios, circuit training facilities and health clubs offering limits services may also purchase coverage online via our new website. The new site is simple to use and provides an option to purchase coverage immediately using a credit card. K&K, a leading provider of sports, leisure and entertainment insurance programs, has been a key supplier of coverage to the health and fitness industry for more than 15 years and is pleased to offer this innovative design for our clients’ convenience.

Buy online today at www.fitnessinsurance-kk.comor ask your insurance agent to call us at 877-355-0315.


| IHRSA Report | Member News

ProTeam

u When it comes to cleaning, ProTeam has what it takes. This company invented the lightweight backpack vacuum cleaner in 1987, and, since then, has been devel-oping tools and programs that make the cleaning of commercial facilities more efficient and productive, and, even, healthier. ProTeam’s backpack units are ideal for health clubs, allowing workers to easily move from room to room and maneuver around closely placed equip-ment. A convenient tool belt for accesso-ries simplifies dusting machines and hard-to-reach areas. The units feature superior ergonomics and advanced, four-level filtration, which captures 99.9% of dirt and pollutants one micron or larger in size. Its backpacks, ProTeam claims, can increase productivity by up to 70%. A three-year warranty on parts, labor, and motor is standard. For more information, contact the company at 5118 N. Sawyer Ave., Boise, ID 83714; 866-888-2168; www.pro-team.com. —|

Tangolates

u Tangolates, the unique Tango and mind-body combination, gives health clubs the opportunity to offer exciting new classes using the licensed DI TELLA Apparatus made for two. Created by

ASSOcIATE PrOFIlES

American College of Sports Medicineu To decrease the prevalence of childhood obesity and promote physical activity, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has partnered with the Youth Fitness Coalition (YFC). This partnership brings together ACSM’s Exercise is Medicine initiative and YFC’s signature program, Project ACES (All Children Exercise Simultaneously). Project ACES Day takes place on the first Wednesday of May as part of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and National Physical Education Week. Project ACES Clubs promote physical activity all year long by creating youth fitness programs in their schools. “This is an important action we’re taking to address youth fitness and health, and Exercise is Medicine is the perfect venue for our involvement with Project ACES,” explains James R. Whitehead, an executive vice president of ACSM. —|

Body Bar, Inc.u Arno Niemand, founder and chairman of Body Bar, Inc., was recently inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, earn-ing the Order of Merit, which is presented to individuals other than athletes and coaches who have made a significant contribution to the sport of wrestling. The winner is selected by a vote of the Distinguished Members of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “This award is

particularly meaningful to me, considering the great people who have received it before,” says Niemand. He wrestled at Cornell University, and was later inducted into the Cornell Hall of Distinguished Wrestling Alumni. Throughout his life, Niemand has supported wrestling and, last year, received the FILA Gold Star, the highest award given to an individual by the world-governing body of wrestling. —|

Iron Grip Barbell Companyu Iron Grip Barbell Company has joined the Medical Fitness Association (MFA) as a Corporate Vendor Member. “As the only free weight provider to partner with MFA, we recognize the increasingly important role that medical fitness facilities play in the health and fitness industry,” notes Donna McCallum, the vice president of sales for Iron Grip. According to Cary Wing, Ed.D, the MFA’s executive director, “We’re confident recommending Iron Grip’s excellent products to our medical fitness center members.” The medical fitness category continues to serve the needs of an increasing population of individuals with health risks, and the MFA is a professional membership association that’s dedicated to medical fitness and integrated care as the prescription for better health. —|

ASSOcIATE NEwS

>

1 0 0 C l u b B u s i n e s s I n t e r n a t i o n a l | O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 | w w w . i h r s a . o r g

The mission of AFPA is to provide students with an affordable education

that gives them the knowledge, skills andawareness necessary to enhance their

own lives, the lives of others, and the community at large.

Accredited Certification for PersonalTraining, Fitness, Wellness & Nutrition

Call today to learn more 1.800.494.7782

www.afpafitness.com

VAApprovedfor GI Bill

Excellencein Health& FitnessEducation

Nationally & Internationally Recognized, withover 65,000 members & 15 years of providingoutstanding education to the fitness industry.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates



w w w . i h r s a . o r g | O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 | C l u b B u s i n e s s I n t e r n a t i o n a l 1 0 3

Tamara Di Tella of Buenos Aires, and originally introduced to the medical com-munity, Tangolates is now endorsed by several celebrities, including Sting, Bryan Adams, and ballet legend Julio Bocca. Purchased as a license only, the package includes one DI TELLA Tangolates porta-ble, stackable apparatus for two clients; an owner’s manual; and a collection of DVDs featuring more than 1,000 exciting movements. A license contract is available at a promotional discount price of $1,995, plus shipping, and each additional appa-ratus costs $650. For more information, contact the company at Libertador Avenue 3152, Buenos Aires (1425), Argentina; +54 11-4805-6081; www.tamaraditella.com; www.tangolates.com. —|

YogaDirect.com

u Since 1999, YogaDirect.com has provided individuals and wholesale customers with a wide variety of innovative, affordable yoga and fitness products, such as yoga blocks, mats, and fitness balls. The com-pany’s newest item, the Microban Yoga Mat, is the only yoga mat that’s proven to repel bacteria and fungus, while keeping the mat cleaner in between cleanings—making it ideal for hot yoga, ashtanga, or power yoga classes. The company also recently released its new “Maendy Mat,” a 6' by 6' square yoga mat that’s popular for use in partner and acro yoga classes. The company offers outstanding customer service and a 100% satisfaction, money-back guarantee. For more information, contact the company at YogaDirect.com, 206 Murphy Road, Hartford, CT 06114; 800-331-8233; www.yogadirect.com. —|

ASSOcIATE PrOFIlES

Life Fitnessu Celebrity Cruises has installed 16 Life Fitness Elevation Series treadmills, nine elliptical cross-trainers, and six Lifecycle exercise bikes on its Celebrity Solstice ship. The equipment features touch-screen technology, iPod connectivity, an on-console Virtual Trainer, and Nike+ iPod compatibility, all for more engaging workouts. “We don’t have the luxury of being able to bring in new parts or prod-ucts at any time, so durability is equally important to style,” explains Susan Bonner, the director of onboard revenue at Celebrity Cruises. Notes John Stransky, the president of Life Fitness, “This innovative fitness equipment reflects the luxury experience that guests are receiving on the rest of the ship.” —|

Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc.u SPIN Fitness (Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc.), the creators of the Spinning program and patented line of Spinner bikes, now owns the exclusive distribution rights for the Bodyblade product line. SPIN Fitness, a large equipment-based education com-pany, will create effective curriculum for Bodyblade. Each year, the company holds thousands of continuing education and certification courses in multiple disciplines,

including Spinning group cycling, Peak Pilates, Freeform Board, and Resist-A-Ball stability ball training. “The Bodyblade has a broad appeal in that it’s simple to use, challenging to master, and effective in numerous practical applications,” says John Baudhuin, the founder of SPIN Fitness. “Our ability to advance products through comprehensive education and distribution is exactly what the Bodyblade system needs to take it to the next level.” —|

Octane Fitnessu The newest winner of NBC-TV’s world-wide hit series, “The Biggest Loser” in Australia credits his Octane Fitness elliptical cross trainer as critical in help-ing him shed a remarkable 192 pounds in just 12 weeks—the most ever of any “Biggest Loser” titleholder. Starting the weight-loss contest at 370 pounds, Bob Herdsman, 57, of Bunbury, Western Australia, says, “I never liked treadmills, but I became a huge fan of ellipticals, and Octane is unbelievable when it comes to feeling good and delivering results.” Although he was entitled to a free elliptical from a show sponsor, Herdsman followed advice he solicited, and selected the Octane Fitness Q47ce, paying $5,468 of his own money and exercising consistently to claim a spot in the show’s finals. —|

ASSOcIATE NEwS


NEw MEMBErS

ArizonaSNAP FITNESS6455 N. Viewpoint DrivePrescott Valley, AZ 86314Mr. Keith Conrad

CaliforniacruNch1725 Union St.San Francisco, CA 94123415-403-3399Mr. Ben Vadi

SNAP FITNESS43480 Mission Blvd.Ste. 160Fremont, CA 94539Ms. Dana Mason

FloridaANyTIME FITNESS 701 Cleveland St.Clearwater, FL 33755727-216-6378Mr. Ricky Allison

ANyTIME FITNESS 32813 Eiland Blvd.Zephyr Hills, FL 33545813-355-4845Ms. Lola Jegede

IllinoisANyTIME FITNESS 1710 Bradford LaneNormal, IL 61761309-452-9695Mr. Justin Breese

SNAP FITNESS276 N. Broad St.Carlinville, IL 62626Mr. Tony Harris

IowaSNAP FITNESS100 6th Ave.De Witt, IA 52742Mr. Will Schuster

KentuckySNAP FITNESS3215 Irvin Cobb DriveSte. 103Paducah, KY 42003Mr. Chad Young

LouisianaANyTIME FITNESS 209 E. Park St.Crowley, LA 70526337-250-4675Mr. Matthew Richard

SNAP FITNESS14505 Hwy. 44Gonzales, LA 70737Mr. Mike Dupuy

MichiganANyTIME FITNESS 2350 10th St.Menominee, MI 49858906-864-4888Mr. Keith Boye

MississippiANyTIME FITNESS 1573 U.S. 49 SMagee, MS 39111601-849-4757Ms. Jenny Mapes

ANyTIME FITNESS 311 Hwy. 45 Alt S.West Point, MS 39773662-492-5877Mr. Joel Ward

SNAP FITNESS640 Friars Point RoadClarksdale, MS 38614Mr. Michael Carr

NevadaANyTIME FITNESS 955 W. Craig RoadNorth Las Vegas, NV 89032702-399-0025Mr. Steven Benson

ANyTIME FITNESS 3170 Vista Blvd.Sparks, NV 89436775-358-1144Mr. Brendon Borden

ANyTIME FITNESS 243 N. Main St.Yerington, NV 89447775-463-3848Mr. Alex Hilgenberg

New JerseyANyTIME FITNESS 549 Rte. 130Hamilton, NJ 08691609-581-0122Mr. Kevin Kroos

New YorkcruNch152 Christopher St.New York, NY 10014212-366-3725Ms. Ashanti Randolph

North CarolinaSNAP FITNESS6919 Hwy. 70 ENewport, NC 28570Mr. Ken Hammer

OhioANyTIME FITNESS 5878 Mayfield RoadCleveland, OH 44124440-461-9500Mr. Ron Hackleman

TennesseeSNAP FITNESS830 Nissan Drive Ste. 120Smyrna, TN 37167Mr. Robert Britton

TexasANyTIME FITNESS 4600 W. Eldorado Pkwy.McKinney, TX 75070972-369-0909Mr. Eric Guillot

ANyTIME FITNESS 1185 S. BroadwaySulphur Springs, TX 75482903-885-3434Mr. Brannon Moore

VirginiaSNAP FITNESS7641 Somerset Crossing DriveGainesville, VA 20155Mr. Derreck & Alicia Benoit

WashingtonSNAP FITNESS13514 E. 32nd Ave.Ste. ASpokane Valley, WA 99206Mr. Jeffrey Spencer

WisconsinSNAP FITNESS18905 W. Capitol DriveBrookfield, WI 53045Mr. Richard & Christa Paul

AustraliaFIT! GyM84 Bermersyde DriveP.O. Box 1024Berwick, Victoria 3806+61 39-702-1155Mr. David Flanagan

CanadaMANSFIElD AThlETIc cluB800 Blvd. LeducBrossard, Quebec J4Y 0E9405-618-0321Mr. Stephane Quintal

IHRSA Membership Eligibility StandardsMembers of the association must comply with IHRSA’s baseline health, safety, and ethical standards. To learn more, visit www.ihrsa.org/standards or contact IHRSA at 617-951-0055.




Store Online Scheduling Auto Billing Contracts eCommerce Solutions Strategic Marketing Tools Customer Relationship Management On

PERSONAL TRAINING

877.755.4279www.mindbodyonline.com

MANAGEMENT SOFTWAREStarting at just $65 a month

©




SNAP FITNESS2927 Ellwood Drive SWEdmonton, AB T6X 0B1Mr. Corey Dalton

ZENITh FITNESS cluBS95 St. Claire Ave. WSte. 1403Toronto, Ontario, M4V 1N6416-450-9060Mr. Murray Kline

DenmarkFySIOTErAPI & MOTIONStamholmen 151, St..Hvidovre, 2650+45 3-649-1340Mr. Turf Nielsen

GermanyINJOy MuNchEN NOrD *Heidemannstr. 5BMunchen, D-80939+49 89-319-0830Mr. Mario Wenzel

JapanAlIcE SPOrTS cluB1-33-15 MatsugaokaNakano-kuTokyo, 165-0024+81 33-385-6363Mr. Chiaki Nakajima

FITNESS & ONSEN lIv yAMATO3-2-1 YamatohigashiYamatoKanagawa, 242-0017+81 46-265-3222Mr. Takuya Nozu

FITNESS cluB lIv hAShIMOTO3-3-1 HashimotoSagamiharaKanagawa, 229-1103+81 42-775-6600Mr. Takuya Nozu

FITNESS cluB lIv hIBArIGAOkA2-8-23 Hibarigaoka KitaNishitokyoTokyo+81 42-438-3636Mr. Takuya Nozu

FITNESS cluB lIv hIGAShI-kuruME3-3 Hon-ChoHigashikurumeTokyo, 203-0053+81 42-476-7654Mr. Takuya Nozu

FITNESS cluB lIv kASukABE3-8-1 KasukabeKasukabeSaitama, 344-0061+81 48-753-7070Mr. Takuya Nozu

FITNESS cluB lIv kITAASAkA1-2-2 NishiharaAsakaSaitama, 351-0034+81 48-485-2200Mr. Takuya Nozu

FITNESS cluB lIv kITATODA2160 NiizoTodaSaitama, 335-0021+81 48-434-5151Mr. Takuya Nozu >


Introducing the NEW Schwinn A.C.™ Series IC Bikes, Consoles and Instructor Training

Measurement = Motivation

©2009 Nautilus, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Schwinn A.C. is a trademark of Nautilus, Inc. Schwinn and the Schwinn Quality Seal are registered trademarks. Nautilus, Inc. World Headquarters, 16400 SE Nautilus Drive, Vancouver, WA 98683.

Authentic Cycling

Learn more and contact a sales rep: www.Nautilus.com/SchwinnAC

Nautilus_0509CBI.indd 1 3/19/09 8:35:19 AM



FITNESS cluB lIv SAGAMIOhNO7-19-1 SagamiohnoSagamiharaKanagawa, 228-0803+81 42-702-0303Mr. Takuya Nozu

FITNESS cluB lIv yOkOhAMA2-2-1-2 MinatomiraiNishi-kuYokohamaKanagawa, 228-8105+81 45-222-5555Mr. Takuya Nozu

kONAMI SPOrTS cluB JIyuGAOkAEkIMAE2-12-17 JiyugaokaMeguro-kuTokyo, 152-0035+81 35-701-3111Mr. Chiaki Nakajima

kONAMI SPOrTS cluB hIMONyA2-1-24 HimonyaMeguro-kuTokyo, 152-0003+81 35-274-6005Mr. Chiaki Nakajima

kONAMI SPOrTS cluB NAkANOFuJIMIchOu2-53-6 Yayoi-choNakano-kuTokyo, 164-0013+81 35-342-3855Mr. Chiaki Nakajima

SPOrTScluB & SPA rENAISSANcE hIkIFuNE1-46-2 KyojimaSumida-kuTokyo 131-0046+81 35-655-3676Mr. Takuya Nozu

SPOrTScluB & SPA rENAISSANcE TOMIGAOkA6-3-3 NakatomigaokaNaraNara, 631-0003+81 74-240-2200Mr. Takuya Nozu

SPOrTScluB rENAISSANcE EBINA2-9-50 ChuoEbinaKanagawa, 243-0432+81 46-235-2320Mr. Takuya Nozu

SPOrTScluB rENAISSANcE FuJIMIDAI3-12-33 NukuiNerima-kuTokyo, 176-0021+81 35-372-1006Mr. Takuya Nozu

SPOrTScluB rENAISSANcE MEGurO4-1-5 Megurohon-choMeguro-kuTokyo, 152-0002+81 33-760-7100Mr. Takuya Nozu

SPOrTScluB rENAISSANcE NAGAOkA2-221-1 SenshuNagaokaNiigata, 940-2108+81 25-829-5529Mr. Takuya Nozu

SPOrTScluB rENAISSANcE NIShIkOkuBuNJI2-9-2 Izumi-choKokubunjiTokyo 185-0024+81 42-300-2459Mr. Takuya Nozu

SPOrTScluB rENAISSANcE urAyASu2-6-18 KitasakaeUrayasuChiba, 279-0002+81 47-304-6133Mr. Takuya Nozu

SwIMMINGcluB rENAISSANcE chOShI3-652 Nagatsuka-machiChoshiChiba, 288-0837+81 47-924-0450Mr. Takuya Nozu

TAkANODAI TENNIS cluB810 Yokodo-choHanamigawa-kuChiba, 262-0001+81 43-259-8281Mr. Takuya Nozu

TENNIS SchOOl rENAISSANcE ShINTOMIyA1-7-12 NaritaTomiya-machiKurokawaMiyagi, 981-3341+81 22-348-3719Mr. Takuya Nozu

TENNIS SchOOl rENAISSANcE FuJIMINO2-16-1 UreshinoFujiminoSaitama, 356-0056+81 49-256-3444Mr. Takuya Nozu

NorwayS.A.T.S. SchOuS PlASTrondheimsveien 2 dOslo, N-0560(47) 2-149-2223Ms. Karoline Ildal

NetherlandsJuDO & SPOrTcENTruM yAwArADorpshuisweg 9bHierden, 3849 BL

kEI-FIT cENTEr GENDrINGENWaalstraat 1Gendringen, 7081 AJ

kIESEr TrAININGGeldropseweg 8aEindhoven, 5611 SH

krOEvENSPOrTRoemer Visscherlaan 3Roosendaal, 4707 BX

lIFE & kIckING B.v.Eva Besnyostraat 29Amsterdam, 1087 KR

lIFE STylE FITHuniahof 14-18Rotterdam, 3079 ES

MANGO hEAlTh & FITNESSHeidebloemstraat 23Schijndel, 5482 ZA

MEDIcO vISION SPOrTS TrAINING II BvOlympisch Stadion 23Amsterdam, 1076 DE

NEckSPOrTSNeckerstraat 133Wijdewormer, 1456 BC

OASIS FITcluB B.v.Slachthuislaan 22dDen Haag, 2521 SB

OlyMPIA SPOrT & hEAlThDe Hooge Krocht 33Noordwijk, 2201 TP —|

w w w . i h r s a . o r g | O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 | C l u b B u s i n e s s I n t e r n a t i o n a l 1 0 7Visit us at Club Industry Booth #919

To obtain complete details about, or to register for, all IHRSA events, log on to www.ihrsa.org/meetings..org

| IHRSA Report | Calendar


OcTOBEr 9-10FitnessvakdagenUltrechtThe Netherlandswww.fitnessvakdagen.nl

OcTOBEr 14-17Club IndustryChicago, Illinoiswww.clubindustryshow.com

NOvEMBEr 4-7American Council on Exercise’s Fitness Symposium 2009San Diego, Californiawww.acefitness.org/ symposium

NOvEMBEr 4-7SIBEC EuropeSplit, Croatiawww.sibec.co.uk

DEcEMBEr 2-515th Annual MFA Medical Fitness & Healthcare ConferenceOrlando, Floridawww.medicalfitness.org

DEcEMBEr 3-5Athletic Business Conference & ExpoOrlando, Floridawww.athleticbusiness conference.com —|

Save the date | 2009-2010 IHRSA Events cOMING SOON IN

u Face lift: Clubs are upgrading their brand presence and keeping their members updated via Facebook, Twitter

u Patch him In: An exclusive interview with David Patchell-Evans, the president and CEO of GoodLife Fitness Clubs and IHRSA’s new chairperson

u Architectural Odyssey: CBI takes you on a guided world tour of some of the most architecturally innovative and just plain stunning fitness facilities out there

u Flavorful Infusion: Many clubs are achieving healthy profits by effectively marketing smoothies, vitamins, and other nutritional supplements

u uplifting workouts: Help your mem-bers reach new fitness heights with rock climbing walls and climbers, in next month’s installment of F.I.T. Extra

CluB BuSINESS INTERNATIONAL

OcTOBEr 22-2410th Anniversary IHRSA/Fitness Brasil Latin American Conference & Trade ShowTransamerica Expo Center, São Paulo, Brazil www.ihrsa.org/fitnessbrasil

OcTOBEr 22-259th Annual IHRSA European CongressThe Burlington HotelDublin, Irelandwww.ihrsa.org/congress

NOvEMBEr 10-138th Annual IHRSA Asia-Pacific ForumTokyo, Japanwww.ihrsa.org/forum

MArch 10-13IHRSA 2010 – The 29th Annual International Convention & Trade ShowSan Diego, California www.ihrsa.org/convention

MONThlyIHRSA Online EducationMonthly Webinar Series For details and topics, visit: www.ihrsa.org/webinars —|

2009 Industry Events

Out of Shape by Stan Tran

Ah-ha!This is the moment you discover thevalue of IHRSA Group Purchasing.

Save hundreds, even thousands, just by changing the

way you think about purchasing . . . to IHRSA Group

Purchasing. That’s all it takes and you’ll start saving

immediately on a variety of products and services that

you use every day in your club.

That’s the power of IHRSA Group Purchasing!

Imagine saving an average of up to 25% on cleaning

products, payroll, office supplies and more. Now more

than ever, powerful savings on locker room amenities,

cleaning supplies and insurance can actually help you

to manage this tough economy.

Ah-ha!

This is the moment when it makes real sense. With

IHRSA’s Group Purchasing Program, we find the

savings for you. You just need to take advantage of

them. It’s that simple.

“

”

Our initial proposal from

PrimePay offered a savings

of over $200 per month! The

transition was smooth and

the support staff at PrimePay

was extremely helpful. We

have been very pleased with

all the support and full range

of services that PrimePay

offers. I am more than happy

to recommend PrimePay as I

now feel I have a payroll

company that shows interest

in us. Again, IHRSA has

provided a great benefit.

Lorinda Drake CrowThe Belmont Athletic ClubLong Beach, California

TO LEARN MOREVisit us online at www.ihrsa.org/grouppurchasing,call 800.228.4772, or email [email protected].

GP ad-0509CBEnt:Layout 1 4/7/09 8:22 AM Page 1

A BRAND NEW CONCEPT

237 East Davis St. Suite 200 Culpeper, VA 22701(540) 825 9007

[email protected]

A BRAND NEW CONCEPTDEAL ONE-ON-ONE FROM BEGINNING TO END

ELIMINATE MULTIPLE CONSULTANTS

Market Research – Lease Negotiation – Construction Interior Design –Equipment Packages – Layout

HERE ARE JUST A FEWWAYSWE CAN HELP YOUWHENHERE ARE JUST A FEWWAYSWE CAN HELP YOUWHENNEGOTIATING YOUR LEASE.

FREE RENTFREE PRE-SALE

TI MONIES INCORPORATED IN YOUR LEASE

Taft Consulting is an exciting new venture owned and operated by industry leaders with experience in health clubdevelopment, operations, leasing and construction. Taft Consulting’s team has over 75 years of combinedexperience. The goal is to make your experience as seamless as possible by eliminating the need to deal with multipleconsultants, designers and contractors. We have the proven experience to handle all of these areas for you. Taft provides

REDUCED FINANCE OBLIGATIONS WITH BANKSMINIMIZED RISK IN PERSONAL GUARANTIES

Check us out atCI09

B h

consultants, designers and contractors. We have the proven experience to handle all of these areas for you. Taft providesa complete service package from conception to completion.

Booth 1157Mention this ad at the show

and receive a free gift.

IHRSA MeetingsPreparing you for great accomplishments!Plan to attend one or more upcoming IHRSA meetings and you will be preparedfor great accomplishments. Each IHRSA meeting is designed to address specificneeds and provide you with the tools to excel in discrete areas of expertise. For28 years, IHRSA meetings have been synonymous with success.

Register today by visiting ihrsa.org/meetings. Meeting...accomplished!

9th ANNUAL IHRSA EUROPEAN CONGRESSOctober 22-25, 2009 | Dublin, Ireland | The Burlington HotelThe European market remains one of the most vibrant, fluid markets in the world today. Jointogether with the movers and shakers in the European fitness community to strategize on howto grow, prosper, and influence the entire European community for the greater good.

8th ANNUAL IHRSA ASIA-PACIFIC FORUMNovember 10-13, 2009 | Tokyo, Japan | Hilton TokyoThe Japanese health club industry boasts at least three companies in multiple categories in the2008 listing of the IHRSA Global Top 25, making Tokyo a perfect setting for the 2009 IHRSAAsia-Pacific Forum. Included in the event will be a tour of some of the country's finest clubs,which are run with a distinctive management and operational style that cannot be seen any-where else. Join us for an exciting and invigorating four days at this lively forum!

IHRSA 2010: 29th ANNUAL INTERNATIONALCONVENTION & TRADE SHOWMarch 10-13, 2010 | San Diego, California USA | San Diego Convention CenterIHRSA 2010 returns to San Diego for another spectacular Convention and Trade Show. Witha positive theme, 'The Future is You!', we will focus on moving beyond the economic struggleswe have experienced and celebrate YOU, the individual who is truly at the core of whatmakes the fitness industry so successful.

8TH ANNUAL IHRSA SUMMIT FOR A HEALTHIER AMERICAMay 5-6, 2010 | Washington, DC USA | Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol HillJoin political icons as IHRSA descends upon the Nation’s Capitol to work together for aHealthy America. Being involved in grassroots lobbying is something every fitness profes-sional can do, whether you work for a large chain of clubs or you own a small independentclub, and doing so is personally and professionally rewarding. The work we are doing in DCbenefits all clubs and all Americans.

TO LEARN MORE OR TO REGISTER• Visit ihrsa.org/meetings• Call +1 617-951-0055 or 800-228-4772

International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association | Seaport Center, 70 Fargo Street, Boston, MA 02210 USA

meetings spread-0909CBI:meetings ad-0909CBI 8/27/09 9:02 AM Page 1

| Marketplace |


Employment

NEW CLUBS IN 2009!Visit us at wellbridge.comor send your resume [email protected].

Fitness | Wellness | Sports | Fun

EXERCISE YOURPOTENTIAL!

Continue your career path inthe fitness industry with ourteam of highly motivated &well compensated industryprofessionals at one of ourstate-of-the-art athletic clubsand spas located in CO, FL,GA, MA, MD, MN, MO, & NM.

SPOrT&yOu

Sport & Health Clubs, Washington DC’s premiere provider of over 20 multi-purpose health clubs, is looking for talented industry professionals to join our team! We want DYNAMIC individuals who will build & develop teams, drive sales, implement & improve business tactics, foster member relationships & want to make $$$!

SPOrT&GENErAl MANAGErSLeading & driving all club activities including sales, operations, financial management, retail, programming & staff development. 5-10 years of health club sales & management experience, including financial management is a must.

SPOrT&SAlES DIrEcTOrSDriving sales. Building & training sales teams. Implementing marketing plans. Fostering member relationships. 3-5 years of industry sales & management experience, a proven successful sales record & a desire to make $$$ are all required!

SPOrT&FITNESS DIrEcTOrSTraining & developing personal training teams. Building and driving PT revenue. Creating a fitness culture that defines Sport&Health. Must have 3-5 years of personal training & industry management experience, a proven revenue production record & a passion to be the best!

SPOrT&BENEFITSCompetitive salaries, aggressive bonus & commission plans, great benefits package, 401(k) plan, relocation assistance, ongoing training & long term career opportunities.

To check us out, visit us at www.sportandhealth.com!

Send resume and total compensation requirements to Director of Recruiting, Chris Ann Strahan, [email protected].

Lifestyle Family Fitness is one of the fastest-growing premier fitness clubs in the industry. Investing in our employees, creating a culture of teamwork, and building lasting relationships with our members is what gives Lifestyle Family Fitness the competitive edge to achieve great things!

The Company is in an aggressive growth state with locations in Florida, Indiana, Ohio and North Carolina. Our target markets include the Southeast, Mid-West, and Mid-Atlantic.

Give your career more strength and join the Lifestyle Family Fitness team!

Lifestyle Family Fitness has immediate career opportunities for qualified candidates in the following areas:

SALES / OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT• Regional Sales/Operations Managers • DistrictSales/OperationsManagers• ClubSales/OperationsManagers

TRAINERS / INSTRUCTORS• DistrictandAreaPersonalTrainingManagers• PersonalTrainers

• GroupFitnessInstructors

Experience the benefits of working with some of the most talented people in the fitness industry. Exercise your ability to have a fulfilling career with Lifestyle Family Fitness today!

Lifestyle Family Fitness offers a Competitive Salary, Bonus, & Commission Programs; Robust Benefits Package; State-of-the-Art Fitness Facilities, Certification Reimbursement & Continuing Education, An Energetic, Enthusiastic, Team Oriented Work Environment.

APPLY NOW at www.lff.com. EOE

See your ad here!

Rates start at just $245 per issue for IHRSA members.

visit www.ihrsa.org/classifieds or e-mail [email protected]

for details.

Consulting

| Marketplace |


Consulting

hiring right is More Important Than EverDuring these challenging economic times, hiring the right people is crucial. Managers must be disciplined enough to keep spending under budget, and sales rep-resentatives must be positive and persistent in order to meet their goals. Find your next star at Healthclubs.com/jobs, the health club industry’s premier online career center.

ActiveCareers.com is now

healthclubs.com/jobs

Effectivemarketing

doesn’t have tobe expensive

Get your club noticedand drive in new leadswith a package customdesigned for your club’smarket situation.

advertising that w

orks

ou

t

888•349•4594w w w. c l u b a d s . c o m / p i c k 3

The IhrSA Buyers’ Guide brings an industry trade show

right to your computer!

www.ihrsabuyersguide.com

IHRSA’s Newest Supplier Members!

Atwood Consulting Group27 River StreetNatick, MA 01760508.654.6244www.atwoodconsultinggroup.com

Club Sentry Software283 Weeks AvenueManorville, NY 11949631.878.2539www.clubsentry.com

Fitness Master, Inc11419 Mathis, #200Farmers Branch, TX 75234866.434.8639www.fitnexonline.com

Health Prose3010 Galena WayBoulder, CO 80305303.499.7845www.health-prose.com

I-Trainer International9030 W. Sahara Avenue; #213Las Vegas, NV 89117702.892.0400www.Janddfitness.com

JOINONLINE 2471000 Miranda Avenue, Studio 6Toronto, Ontario M6B 3W7CANADA800-631-9858www.joinonline247.com

NetProfitExplosion.com3208 East Colonial Drive, #257Orlando, FL 32803888.866.4998www.netprofitexplosion.com

Taylored Stretching3008 East Huber StreetMesa, AZ 85213480.540.5348www.tayloredstretching.com

Weight Loss Buddy Inc.P.O. Box 488Tenafly, NJ 07670877.283.3987www.weightlossbuddy.com

International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association | Seaport Center, 70 Fargo Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 USA

For a complete listing, including a downloadable desktop search application, visit www.ihrsabuyersguide.com.

suppliers ad .5 page-1009CBI:suppliers .5pg ad-1009CBI 8/28/09 7:51 AM Page 1

| Ad Index |

Page Advertiser 73 » A-1 Textiles

www.a1athletictowels.com | 800-351-1819

66 » ABc Financial Services, Inc. www.abcfinancial.com | 800-622-6290

73 » Active Doctors/Institute of lifestyle Medicine www.activedoctors.org | 81-234-1205

53 » Aerobics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA) www.afaa.com | 877-968-7263

63 » Affiliated Acceptance corporation www.affiliated.org | 800-233-8483

74 » American council on Exercise www.acefitness.org | 800-825-3636

101 » American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA) www.afpafitness.com | 609-978-7583

2 & 3 » ASF International www.asfinternational.com | 800-227-3859

76 » Athletix Products by contec, Inc. www.athletixproducts.com | 864-503-8333

71 » Balanced Body Pilates www.pilates.com | 800-745-2837

31 » Body Bar, Inc. www.bodybar.com | 800-500-2030

25 » The clorox company www.cloroxprofessional.com/H1N1 | 888-797-7225

68 » concept2 cTS www.concept2cts.com | 77-887-8014

Inside Front » cyBEX International, Inc. cover and 1 www.cybexinternational.com | 508-533-4300

91 » EvErlAST Sports Surfacing (made by EcOrE International) www.ecoreintl.com | 866-883-7780

69 » Expresso Fitness corporation www.expresso.com | 888.528.8589

7 » Fiserv www.compete.fiserv.com | 800-242-9522

72 » Fitness Equipment Source, Inc. www.fitnessequipmentsource.com | 800-748-5125

85 » Fitness Flooring www.fitnessfloors.com | 800-428-5306

97 » Global Fitness, Inc. www.globalfitness.com | 888-991-9991

33 » GOJO Industries www.gojo.com | 800-321-9647

94 » GrAvITy by efi Sports Medicine www.efisportsmedicine.com | 800-541-4900

70 » hydromassage www.hydromassage.com | 727-536-5566

Inside Back » ThE INDOOrcyclING GrOuP, Gmbh cover www.indoorcycling.com | 49(0)911-54450

11 » Iron Grip Barbell company www.irongrip.com | 800-664-4766

19 » Ivanko Barbell company www.ivankobarbell.com | 310-514-1155

74 » Jade Distribution www.jadedistribution.com | 800-785-5233

99 » k & k Insurance www.kandkinsurance.com | 800-637-4757

Page Advertiser 22 » les Mills International

www.lesmillsusa.com | 888-669-8876

9 » life Fitness www.lifefitness.com | 800-634-8637

French » Matrix Fitness Systems cover www.matrix-fitness.com | 866-693-4863

80 » Medical Fitness Association (MFA) www.medicalfitness.org | 804-897-5701

105 » MINDBODy www.mindbodyonline.com | 877-755-4279

13 » MotionSoft, Inc. www.motionsoft.net | 800-829-4321

92 » National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) www.netafit.org | 800-237-6242

102 » National Fitness www.discovernational.com | 888-878-1152

82 » National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) www.nfpt.com | 800-729-6378

106 » Nautilus, Inc. www.Nautilus.com | 800-NAUTILUS

16 » Octane Fitness www.octanefitness.com | 763-757-2662

79 » OPTP www.optp.com | 800-367-7393

81 » Peak Pilates www.peakpilates.com | 800-925-3674

108 » Polar uSA www.polarusa.com | 888-850-0349

48 » Power Plate North America www.powerplate.com | 877-87-PLATE

78 » Salsbury Industries www.lockers.com | 800-562-5377

80 » Shape.net Software www.getshape.net | 800-381-2082

78 » Soft Play & little Tikes Playground by PlayPower www.softplay.com | 888-752-9582

43 » Sports Solutions, Inc. www.sportssolutionsinc.com | 800-969-8008

75 » SPrI Products, Inc. www.spriproducts.com | 800-222-7774

5 » Star Trac www.startrac.com | 800-228-6635

111 » Taft consulting www.taftconstruction.org | 540-825-9007

Back cover » TEchNOGyM www.technogymusa.com | 303-875-0306

83 » Thin & healthy Total Solution www.thinandhealthy.com | 800-260-THIN

14 » Twin Oaks www.tosd.com | 866-278-6750

60 » vitabot www.vitabot.com | 301-220-4250

20 » woodway uSA www.woodway.com | 800-WOODWAY

65 » Zumba Fitness, llc www.zumba.com | 954-925-3755


T

| last rep |

Economic cycles are just that—cycles: a series of events that usually unfold in a fairly predictable way. When the economy is strong, it’s reasonable to expect that it will eventually falter; and, when it’s weak, that it will improve.

he people who are prescient enough to predict—or lucky enough to guess—when the shifts from plus to minus, or from negative to positive, will occur sometimes become quite rich. However, all too often, driven by emotion, most people tend to buy high and sell low.

The younger players in the health and fitness club industry have never experienced a recession,

and, if they follow the news coverage, may well fear that this one will never end. Today, however, the Wall Street Journal reports the longed-for moment may be at hand:

“More signs have emerged to suggest that the worst of the global recession is over,” assessed Andrew Gates, a UBS economist, “and that a modest recovery should commence over the latter stages of this year.”

I take more comfort, how-ever, and have greater faith in another bit of good news that also broke today. Newspapers

worldwide announced that David “Patch” Patchell-Evans—the founder and chief executive of the GoodLife Fitness Clubs, a 170-facility Canadian chain—has purchased Nubody’s Fitness Centres, Inc., which has 23 sites in the Maritime provinces, for an undisclosed sum. That gives GoodLife 193 units, just seven short of the 200 Patch has said he wants to have by the end of this year, some 8,500 employees, and approximately 550,000 active members.

Even before the acquisition, GoodLife was the largest club company in the world owned by a single individual.

Patch, as most of you know, is also the current chairperson of IHRSA’s board of directors (see “First Set,” pg. 95).

As it has for untold ages, the economy continues to revolve, and, so, yes, this recession will, hopefully, soon draw to an end. But the landscape, the marketplace, our customers, our product offerings, and how we meet our members’ needs—all of that will have changed. The critical factor that will then determine which businesses thrive or merely survive is whether management has viewed the downturn as a calamity to be endured or a challenge to be overcome.

Patch clearly regards it as a challenge. So, too, does Mark Mastrov, the founder and former head of 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide, Inc., who’s now launching a new club brand, UFC Gym (see “Ready to Rumble,” April CBI, pg. 38). So, too, apparently, does Praesidian Capital, a leading provider of mezzanine capital, which has just invested $10 million in Meridian Sports Clubs California LLC, a regional 11-facility chain.

They’re not alone. Many other operators believe that the current economic environment holds legitimate opportunities for growth. The price of real estate is attractive. Rental rates are low. Landlords are inclined to offer improvements. Equipment manufacturers and other industry vendors are ready to do deals. Many lenders have money to extend.

Now, I assure you, isn’t a time to hunker down and wish for the best. It’s a time, Patch would tell you, to take action. That’s what keeps the economy, and our industry, cycling right along. —|

– Joe Moore, [email protected]

Joe Moore IHRSA President & CEO

One Hundred Twenty MillionMembers by 2010

Tracy Pow

ell


Acquiring Cycling Experience

TUVRheinland

Product SafetyGeprüftes MedizinproduktApproved medical device

Frei

will

ige

Pro

dukt

prüf

ung

Kinesis One for all.

Learn more about the Kinesis family and discover the benefi ts awaiting you if you choose ONE for business at www.technogym.com/kinesisone

KINESIS ONE FOR MOVEMENT TRAINING.Kinesis™ One expands your training options so users can perform nearly any movement relevant to their training goals.

KINESIS ONE FOR PERSONAL TRAINERS.Kinesis™ One offers trainers a unique framework to create personalized and engaging training programs for clients.

KINESIS ONE FOR YOUR BUSINESS.Kinesis™ One will support your personal training staff, attract members and generate secondary spending opportunities.

KINESIS ONE FOR 3D MOVEMENT.Kinesis™ One offers 360 degrees of movement in a freestanding unit thanks to our FullGravity™ Patent Pending Technology.

NORTH AMERICA - TECHNOGYM USA Corp. Ph. +1 206 623 1488 Toll free: 800 804 0952 Fax +1 206 623 1898 E-mail: [email protected]

OTHER COUNTRIES - TECHNOGYM SpA Ph. +39 0547 650500 Fax +39 0547 650591 E-mail: [email protected]

Exclusive 3D Movement powered by FullGravity™ Technology (Patent Pending) and 3D Pulley System (Patent Pending).

S_K-one_UK INT (cbi 20081120).indd 1 20-11-2008 16:25:50

Date post:	15-Nov-2014
Category:	Documents
Upload:	ihrsa
View:	133 times
Download:	14 times

October 2009 Club Business International

Documents