Capital Reinvestment & Performance Considerations

The decision to spend money, or “reinvest”, in updated facilities or new exercise equipment is never an easy one. Typically, membership prospects expect it, members request it, staff push for it, and investors / owners often resist it. Further, when is the right time to make such...
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Talent Acquisition & Acceleration

I continue to hear from club owners and managers around the world that, “finding good people” is one of their greatest challenges – especially for leadership positions, such as General Managers and Department Directors. In contrast, there is virtually unanimous agreement...
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Interview Tips and Sample Questions

Interviewing Tips   Upon initial contact (perhaps by phone), make sure the candidate understands the basics of the position they are applying for, such as hours, compensation, responsibilities, etc. It wastes everyone’s time to discover there is not a “basic’ fit later. Prepare...
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Why Get Active?

Petra – Soapbox:  Why Get Active Why indeed? The answer seems self-evident to those of us who have made careers founded on the premise of physical activity. The indisputable evidence and ongoing avalanche of research supporting the benefits of an active lifestyle are endless....
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Slingshot Leadership – Rules of Engagement

The best leaders not only perform well themselves, but perhaps even more importantly, they bring out the best in those they lead. Slingshot leadership is about just that – multiplying momentum, energy, and effectiveness to achieve a common goal. Described below are 12 crucial...
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Personal Training Assessment Tool

This Assessment Tool provides a framework for the meaningful evaluation of personal training programs. Based on over a decade of consulting with clubs in the area of private training, I have found the following to be key considerations of prolific personal training programs....
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Why Get Active?

Why indeed? The answer seems self-evident to those of us who have made careers founded on the premise of physical activity. The indisputable evidence and ongoing avalanche of research supporting the benefits of an active lifestyle are endless. Hopefully you have seen, and perhaps...
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Sufficient To Stand, Yet Free To Fall

This bit of business philosophy served as the focal point of a message that I communicated to my team members recently at one of our “all-hands” meetings at my club, the TELOS Fitness Center, in Dallas. My intention was to reinforce the belief that every employee has the talent,...
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A Mecca For Best Practices…

The upcoming IHRSA Annual Convention & Trade Show in San Diego represents a unique opportunity for learning that is tailored specifically to the health club industry. Having attended this spectacular event for over twenty years, I can honestly say that I have always returned...
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A ‘One World (Fitness) Alliance’

When I travel to other countries for speaking and consulting engagements, I generally use American Airlines, which offers me the best options for international flights, thanks to its “One World Alliance” program with other carriers.  That phrase reminds me of IHRSA. Although I...
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