Clubindustry

When I hear the words “North Carolina” and “Roy,” I automatically think of Roy Williams, the two-time national championship basketball coach of the Tar Heels and former coach of a local university called “Kansas.” Lately, though, another Roy has asserted himself in the Tar Heel state, especially in our industry. more

After we ran a story about the Washington Army National Guard gym in Iraq that created some unique do-it-yourself fitness equipment, I got a message from somebody at SPRI Products Inc. who said the company plans to send a “care package” to the soldiers. While the SPRI contact I spoke with said he respected the troops’ creativity in putting together a makeshift gym, he thought they might appreciate a selection of ready-made fitness gear. I had a feeling something like this might happen when I originally wrote the story—I’m so glad my hunch was right! A special thanks goes out to SPRI and Sgt. Catlett in Iraq.

The future of cardio exercise and group training is upon us. What you are about to see will revolutionize the fitness world. more

When I was in Boston two weeks ago for the Club Industry East conference, I made a quick trip up to Peabody, MA, to see the new Latitudes Sports Clubs, a 130,000-square-foot club that is scheduled to open this summer. Owner John Grossi, a former Gold’s Gym franchisee, gave me a personal tour of the club. As we made our way through the construction crews that were still finishing areas of the club, I found myself wishing the conference had been a few weeks later so I could see the completed facility. It looks like it will be quite impressive. more