A Look Ahead to the Fitness Industry in 2010

March 29, 2010 - PRLog -- Some of the standout topics included the following.

Introducing new members and maintaining customer base has been a goal for many of us in the industry for years. However, knowing it and making is happen are two completely different things. In 2010, allow members to continue to see the value in their membership and help them to build relationships with friends and staff; ‘Offer special events, free massages … whatever it takes!’ suggested Barry Klein, co-owner of Elevations Health Club.

Exceptional customer service and better programming is the prime objective of executive director of River Valley Club, Jennifer Poljacik. Poljacik’s focus will be less on selling gym memberships and more on creating relationships and results during the new decade.

For new members, president of Management Vision Inc. Rick Caro plans to offer a greater variety of trial experiences to help membership retention. These will specifically focus on learning about fitness and exercise to improve the safety and efficiency of workouts.

It also appears that group programming will be on the increase in gyms and fitness facilities. This will involve an increase in small group or coached programming that will attract the special populations demographics and/or sports specific members.

Bob and Jolyn Esquerre have taken a similar outlook in creating an integrated programming system which incorporates the gym floor, group exercise, personal training and group training programs. By moving members through all four areas, they hope to add diversity to the member experience which will help members achieve their goals while increasing adherence to the club.

Cedric Bryant, chief science officer with the American Council on Exercise believes that the next 12 months will see a greater need for credentials for fitness professionals. Fred Hoffman, director of international services for the Club Synergy Group in Paris, similarly considers, ‘for the fitness industry to grow … worldwide standardisation is a necessity’.

So, according to predominantly US sources, 2010 will be a year of relationship building and showing value of membership; trial experiences; small group and integrated programming; and standardisation of fitness credentials.

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About Fitness Network: Launched in 1987, Australian Fitness Network – or ‘Network’ as it is known in the industry – was the first organisation in Australia to service the fitness industry. Today, Network is proud to remain the leading source of information, education and events in fitness, and we strive to continue to provide you with innovative, inspiring and valuable membership benefits to help you remain motivated, focused and challenged in your fitness career.