Clubindustry

The number of fitness centers located in facilities with some sort of religious affiliation—from YMCAs to Jewish Community Centers to Kroc Centers—have for many years been joined by fitness programs located in actual places of worship. But have fitness facility operators truly looked at this market for growth opportunity like they should? more

With Academy Award nominations just announced and the Super Bowl less than two weeks away, I uncovered some fascinating facts about a health club operator’s husband who not only played in the National Football League but who also appeared in one of my all-time favorite films. more

Every four years, we look forward to presidential elections, the Summer Olympics and objections to a provocative, highly questionable ad campaign from Equinox. more

A recent New York Times article, “How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body,” has been getting a lot of attention lately for its look at how people can be injured doing yoga. This form of exercise that so many have been preaching as a way to relax, reduce stress and even rehabilitate is now being placed in another light. more

I signed on for 10 personal training sessions about a month ago, something I had been considering doing for almost two years. Why it took me, a regular exerciser and gym-goer, so long to decide to finally do personal training may offer you some insights into what is holding back some of your members from doing the same. more

As we noted in a recent news story, Clubs for the Quest is asking fitness facilities to host a Zumbathon event at their facilities by March 15, 2012, to raise money for research of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease. more

Because of Augie Nieto, founder of Life Fitness, many people in the fitness industry follow what is happening in the world of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research more closely than perhaps they would otherwise. Nieto has ALS, and he established Augie’s Quest several years ago to raise money for ALS research. more

The recent firing of Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano is related in some respect to one of the club companies in our industry, since Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is the CEO and founder of The Related Companies, the real estate development company that is the parent company of Equinox. more

I recently received a link to an entertaining and informative video that I thought I’d pass along to each of you for possible inclusion on your websites or Facebook pages. It is an explanation by Dr. Mike Evans on the one thing that people can do to improve their health. It gets the point across without being too heavy-handed—although, as you’ll see by the video, having an artistic hand does play a heavy role in getting across the message.

For more from Dr. Mike, go to his YouTube channel.

Of all the times for the phones to go dead at the LA Fitness corporate office in Irvine, CA, last Thursday was the absolute worst time for the company. more