Building a Fitness Business That Endures - Part 3 of 4 - Equipping
Today we continue the third part in our four-part series, “Building a Fitness Business That Endures.” The focus of this entry? The role equipping --and its three primary facets -- plays in supporting your fitness business growth. Here’s a closer look at what all gym, health club, and fitness center owners need to know about how equipping factors into fitness business success. Read more
Building a Fitness Business That Endures - Part 2 of 4 - Business Fundamentals
In part one of this four-part blog series on building an enduring fitness business, we provided an overview of three key elements of growth. In this follow-up entry, we take a closer look at the first element: business fundamentals. Read on to learn more about these must-haves for growing your gym, health center or other fitness business.
Read more
Building a Fitness Business That Endures - Part 1 of 4
Over the five year period between 2012 and 2017, the fitness market grew at an annual rate of 2.1 percent. This upward trend is forecast to continue, according to an IBISWorld market research report on gym, health and fitness clubs. But just because the fitness industry forecast is bright doesn’t mean the road ahead is an easy one for fitness businesses. In fact, as more competitors enter the market trying to cash in on the abundant opportunities, taking steps now to lay the foundation for ongoing fitness business success is essential.Read more
Let's Review: Are You Using Social Media to Grow Your Fitness Business?
Think your fitness business has social media covered because you have a Facebook page? Think again. Facebook is just one small piece of the social media puzzle. And, without the other pieces, you’re falling far short of achieving “big picture” results when it comes to leveraging the power of social media to maximize fitness business growth. Here’s a closer look at what all fitness businesses should know about the critical role of strategic planning in social media. Read more
Build Your Fitness Biz With the PHIT Campaign
An epidemic is threatening the lives of millions of Americans. We’re not talking about the flu, or whooping cough, or polio, or measles, but about something equally hazardous to human life: Inactivity. Enter the PHIT Act. Wondering what this legislation is and how it can benefit your gym or health club? Here’s a closer look at what all fitness business owners need to know about the PHIT Act.Read more
Is Your Fitness Center ADA Compliant?
If you even have to ask yourself the question posed in the title, you’re also asking for trouble. In fact, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can save fitness centers like yours time, money, and a giant headache down the road. Here’s a closer look at the ADA, along with what all gym owners and managers need to know about it.Read more
Four Absolutely Essential Metrics for Membership Retention
Managing membership retention for your fitness center business involves more effort and analysis than simply counting how many members you have now compared to how many members you had six months ago. The good news? Technology makes it easier than ever to understand whether your membership numbers are rising or falling, and how to take corrective action, if necessary. Wondering where to start? Here’s a closer look at four must-have metrics for maximizing your membership. Read more
HIIT: Fad or Future of Fitness?
HIIT may currently be the buzziest acronym in the world of fitness. Short for “high-intensity interval training,” it lands atop a multitude of “top fitness trends” lists. But is HIIT all it’s cracked up to be, or will it eventually go the way of vibrating belts, ineffective equipment hawked via infomercial for just “four easy installments of $29.99 each,” and celebrity fitness videos? Read more
Build Your Fitness Business with Doctors' Referrals
Gyms and fitness centers are always looking for new ways to build and maintain fitness center membership. However, some fail to recognize some of the best avenues for doing so. One lesser-known approach with major potential? Doctor referrals. Here’s a closer look at this strategy, aimed not just at supporting your membership, but also at helping your members reach their health and wellness goals. Read more
Grow Your Fitness Business By Hiring the Right Personal Trainers
The fitness business industry is intensely competitive. What makes your gym stand out from the rest? One word:
RELATIONSHIPS.
After all, any fitness business can have the latest equipment and appealing programming, but the key to engaging your members ultimately relies on how well your staff relates to your clients. While this may be less quantifiable than the square footage of your facility or a particular number of classes, it doesn’t mean it happens by luck or chance. Rather, hiring the right people is strategic for fitness center member retention.Read more
Build Your Fitness Business with Automation
“Automation” is one of the most popular buzzwords of the 21st century. With good reason. From fast cars to fast food, everything that can be automated is getting automated in the Internet of Things (IoT) age. While many industries are embracing the trend, some are lagging behind -- not only to their own detriment but also to the detriment of their clientele. One industry ripe to get in on the trend? The fitness industry. Here’s a closer look at why automation is a smart way to promote fitness business growth.
Read more
Four Results a Fitness Center Should Expect from Its Personal Trainers
The primary purpose of personal trainers is to assist and instruct people toward reaching their personal health and fitness goals. However, their responsibilities don’t end there -- particularly if they’re employed by a health club or fitness center. In fact, personal trainers can play an important role in helping your business thrive in a variety of different ways.
Read more
The Role of Non Compete Agreements in Gym Membership Retention
Some people think of non-compete agreements as the domain of high-powered companies trying to safeguard their trade secrets. However, non-competes have value for many different kinds of businesses, including fitness centers -- especially when it comes to the issue of preventing employees from leaving ... and from taking your members with them. Here’s a closer look at what all fitness business owners should know about non-compete agreements.Read more
Four Third-Party Services Your Fitness Center Should Consider
The odds are you didn’t get into the fitness business because of your love of red tape. Nevertheless, many fitness business leaders and their team members find themselves spending a significant amount of time on tasks unrelated to their primary missions -- a phenomenon which can lead to a critical culture disconnect. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way thanks to outsourcing. Read more
Five Tips for Becoming a Leader in the Fitness Business
So you're a fitness owner who wants to raise your profile in the fitness business. While there’s a lot of competition out there, there are some things you can do to gain the inside edge. The best part? You won’t just enjoy increased exposure for you and your club, you’ll also improve when it comes to helping people make real change in their lives -- and isn’t that what it’s all about? Read on for a roundup of five tips aimed at helping you establish yourself as a fitness industry leader.Read more
Build Your Fitness Business with a Drip Campaign
Fitness clubs are always looking for new ways to build their businesses through better marketing. But with so many members and potential members in the mix, how do you keep track of them all in order to market to them in the most effective way? Enter drip marketing campaigns. Here’s a closer look at this increasingly popular marketing method, along with tips for getting it right.Read more
Boost Club Membership With a Corporate Fitness Program
More than two-thirds of employers in the U.S. offer corporate wellness programs, according to a report from Forbes. With good reason: Data reveals that for every dollar invested in employee wellness, companies see a return of $1.50. Certainly, this means big things for businesses, but it also means something else for health centers: Opportunities abound for boosting your membership by catering to the corporate market. Read more
Lessons Learned from the Planet Fitness Transgender Lawsuit
Running a fitness business is complex, and growing more so by the day.
One of the latest challenges faced by contemporary health clubs? Navigating transgender issues -- particularly pertaining to locker room policies. Is it possible to satisfy, respect and protect all of your members while simultaneously staying within the bounds of the law? Here’s a closer look at a recent lawsuit against Planet Fitness, along with actionable insights for gym owners facing similar situations in their own facilities.Read more
Promoting Retention Through Personal Achievement
New member recruitment may get the lion’s share of attention from fitness center owners, but another “R” word is equally important when it comes to keeping your doors open: retention. Read more