Clubindustry

Even if you are a boss that is free with praise for your staff, few things perk up people more than winning an award. So why not reward your best personal trainers by nominating them for the PFP Trainer of the Year award? more

It’s time to go public about the recent rumblings in this industry about going public. more

No one in the fitness industry needs to be reminded that the country is in the midst of an obesity crisis. One-third of the country is overweight, and one-third is obese. more

Towel theft got you down? If so, join the club. A Wall Street Journal article details the woes of YMCAs and commercial clubs that have been generous enough to offer towel service to members, only to have that generosity repaid with towel thefts. I’m not sure what surprised me more—that The Wall Street Journal would cover towel theft in gyms or that a Y in New Jersey reported losing an average of 50 towels per day at a cost of $50,000 per year, and that The Columbia Association, Columbia, MD, spends about $500,000 per year on towels. more

As we reported two weeks ago, Dan Block, former president of Flex Equipment Co. and Intek Strength, died in March. About 200 people attended his memorial service this past Sunday, according to Mark Nalley, former owner of Flex Equipment Co. and the organizer of the memorial. more

Three years ago, when I received a copy of Jack LaLanne’s book, “Live Young Forever,” I noticed the foreword was written by a man named Robert Kennedy. This was not the former attorney general, brother of President John F. Kennedy and presidential candidate, mind you. This Robert Kennedy, a Canadian and native of Great Britain, was the publisher of what would be LaLanne’s final book. He also was one of the leading publishers of books and magazines in the fitness industry.

Sadly, Robert Kennedy passed away last Thursday, succumbing to cancer at the age of 73. He died at his home in Caledon Hills, Ontario, north of Toronto, surrounded by his wife, Tosca Reno, herself a best-selling author of fitness books, and his four daughters. Kennedy’s only son, Braden, died in March 2011 at the age of 23. more

Greatist.com released its 25 Healthiest Colleges in the United States list this month after a rigorous process that looked beyond the size of universities’ recreation centers, instead focusing more closely at their food, health services, health-programming and overall happiness of their students. more

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has drawn a lot of attention lately, mostly due to new regulations that went into effect March 15, 2012. A New York Times article is adding to that attention by focusing on efforts by some lawyers to sue businesses that do not comply with the ADA. more

It’s that time of year again. The Club Industry staff wants to know about the programs at your club. Here is your chance to tell us about your best programs and gain industry recognition for your achievements by entering Club Industry’s 10th Annual Best of the Best contest. more

During my visit to Tampa, FL, last month for the 2012 National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) Conference and Recreational Sports Exposition, I found university recreation is pulling its weight on the sustainability front, and NIRSA is doing well after its recent change in executive directors. more