What is the job of a professional personal fitness trainer?
What is the job of a professional personal fitness trainer? The goal is simple: Help clients reach their goals the most efficient, effective and safest way possible. This means designing programs, which include exercising without wasted effort. A well-designed program such as this will minimize injury and maximize the benefits of improved performance, regardless of the goal. There is no perfect program or class for everyone. The job of the professional personal fitness trainer is to fit the program
to the client, and never the other way around. Too often we see programs that are inappropriate for particular individuals, yet they are encouraged to participate because it might be the latest fad or craze-The Latest & Greatest is an on-going theme in fitness and nutrition because most people never actually see progress or reach their goals.
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How to Run an Inclusive Fitness Business Matters and Why It Matters
“Inclusivity” is one of the biggest buzzwords of our times. While becoming more inclusive is important for organizations in all industries, it’s particularly important in the fitness space. The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) recently teamed up in an initiative aimed at increasing inclusivity in the fitness industry. Read more
Finally Some Good News for the Fitness Industry
I think we can all agree that the fitness industry has had more than its share of bad news lately, so we need to celebrate the small victories when we can. While gyms and health clubs continue to bear much of the brunt of COVID-19 and the resulting social distancing requirements, recent research from Norway reveals optimistic findings: fitness facilities are not at a higher risk of spreading coronavirus -- as long as the proper health and safety precautions are in place. Read more
Women in Fitness Weigh in: Gaining an Edge in a Male-Dominated Industry
The fitness world has long been dominated by men. However, women are increasingly taking on leadership roles -- and having great success in doing so. Here's a closer look at three noteworthy women in the fitness space, along with advice and insights they've shared regarding what it takes to make it in this competitive industry. Read more
Franchise Fitness Businesses Success Stories: What All Fitness Business Owners Can Learn from Them
While the fitness industry has always been competitive, today's fitness businesses face especially unique and pressing challenges. The ability to adapt and evolve is one characteristic that supports success. So is learning from the example of others -- particularly when it comes to understanding what works and what doesn't. The good news? Many fitness business owners are happy to share the strategies that have helped them grow their businesses. Here's a closer look at what three leading fitness business entrepreneurs have to say.Read more
Joining IHRSA in Spreading a Valuable Message
The Covid-19 pandemic has rocked the world. It's also rocked the fitness industry. The lockdowns that began in March left many fitness clubs in distress and wondering how to move forward. The good news? They've got a dedicated ally in their corner: the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). Here's a closer look at this organization, the critical message it's delivering to the world, and how fitness businesses can do their part to help amplify its voice at this pivotal time.Read more
Should Your Gym Have a Silver Sneakers Program?
The U.S.'s senior population has experienced rapid growth over the past decade. In fact, more than 54 million US residents currently fall into the 65-and-older population, according to the United States Census Bureau. As the massive generation of Baby Boomers continues to age into retirement, this number will only grow. Read more
World Wellness Weekend 2020: A Wrap-up
While a lot has changed in 2020, the objective of most fitness businesses hasn’t: to help people lead more active, healthy lives -- even amidst unprecedented challenges and in the face of tremendous uncertainty. To that end, fitness businesses all over the world recently participated in World Wellness Weekend. This global initiative, which took place September 19-20, is aimed at encouraging people to be more healthy and active. Read more
Are Workout Pods the Future of Fitness?
Are Workout Pods the Future of Fitness?
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced fitness clubs to get creative to keep their members safe, happy, and coming back through the doors. One trend having a major moment? Workout pods. Here’s a closer look at this innovative new way to workout.Read more
Prepare Your Fitness Business for the Holidays with These Five Tips
Prepare Your Fitness Business for the Holidays with These Five Tips
The holidays will be here before you know it. Is your fitness business prepared to make the most of them? Starting early can help leverage the holiday season to your advantage through a variety of different initiatives. Here’s a closer look a five things you can do to make sure your fitness business is ready to send 2020 out with the fanfare it deserves while positioning yourself for a successful new year.Read more
The New Face of Fitness in the Post-COVID World
While we often talk about the changing fitness industry in response to Covid-19, we don't always drill down to specifics. Business Insider recently identified several ways the pandemic transformed the fitness space. This piece takes a closer look at their six findings, along with what they mean for fitness business owners. Read more
Ace Debuts All-New Personal Trainer Study Program
Personal trainers are a critical part of your fitness business staff. One way to ensure that your personal trainers are on top of their game? Committing to continuing education. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) recently launched a new certification program, the ACE Personal Study Program. Here’s a closer look at this all-new, “gold standard” accreditation for health and fitness professionals, along with why continuing education matters for personal trainers and the gyms they represent. Read more
Fitness Equipment Borrowing: Exploring a New Revenue Stream
During COVID-related shutdowns, many fitness businesses were forced to turn to creative new ways to bring revenue through the door. One strategy? The implementation of fitness equipment borrowing programs. Here's a closer look at this trend, along with a few things fitness businesses should know about going this route.Read more
Will Your Fitness Business Survive COVID-19?
The fitness industry took a major beating in the early COVID-19 outbreak as well as during its ongoing aftermath. Not only were gyms all over the country forced to close their doors, but hundreds of thousands of fitness business employers unexpectedly found themselves jobless, according to Fox Business. Equally alarming? That 25 percent of fitness businesses in the US will close for good this year without government intervention, according to International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) board member Chris Craytor. Read more
The Complete Guide to Cleaning and Disinfecting Fitness Business Equipment
The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to the importance of prioritizing cleanliness for fitness businesses. However, this has always been a good business practice -- especially when you factor in that a staggering 90 percent of members say they're more likely to renew their memberships when clubs maintain high standards of cleanliness, according to an IHRSA survey. Read more
What Fitness Business Owners Should Know About Luxury Wellness
Driven by technology, demographic changes, and evolving consumer goals, the fitness industry is in a constant state of transformation. One of the most recent trends playing out? While middle-market fitness businesses are struggling, low-end and high-end offerings are going strong. Here's a closer look at the latter, including why luxury wellness is an increasing priority for gym-goers and how fitness businesses can benefit from this trend. Read more
Helping Your Members Get Back on Track After Time Off
COVID-related lockdowns came on suddenly and without warning. When they did, they came not just between gyms and their members, but also between members and their fitness goals. With restrictions lifting and many people headed back into the gym, your members may be wondering how to best pick up where they left off. Read more
Are Your Personal Training Sessions as Efficient as They Can Be?
Personal training can be a significant revenue stream for fitness businesses, but only if clients keep coming back for more. One way to ensure that satisfied members continue to book personal training sessions and to recommend them to their friends? Deliver optimal results. Here's a closer look at four tips for personal trainers aimed at ensuring the most efficient and effective personal training sessions. Read more
Beyond Programming: The Member Experience Imperative
Fitness businesses often think in terms of the programs they offer. However, in a recent article for Club Solutions, fitness industry expert Ben Ludwig makes the case for thinking in terms of the member experience instead. Here’s a closer look at his argument for doing so, along with tips for creating unique and compelling experiences for your fitness business members.Read more