Will I see you in sunny San Diego this week?
IHRSA 2014 is this week- I will be at the Les Mills booth #1215 Thursday afternoon and all day Friday!
Stop by and let's connect.
See you soon!
Lindsey
My dear friend and colleague Jeni Morrison and I were talking last week about the importance of Legacy and the impact we have in our environments. The conversation was born out of a few site visits I had made last week and the conversations that birthed out of them, I asked her to share with us her thoughts on legacy, see below for her perspective, I know I certainly enjoyed it!
We often ask this question when great leaders like Nelson Mandela pass away. Sometimes we ask when the holiday spirit sweeps over to ignite acts of giving. In the fitness industry, we may learn of instructors or clubs that simply inspire. This week, an instructor in Texas and two health clubs in Colorado have lead me to the question of legacy.
Drew Suprenant is a Group X Instructor and co-worker of mine. Earlier this week, he posted on his Facebook page after teaching a Les Mills BODYCOMBAT class, “A single moment of tear jerking joy came tonight. About half way through warm up in BODYCOMBAT tonight, I looked past the back row and noticed a women in the window…in a wheelchair. She was just a punching and going! Caught me off guard. Then I realized, this is what I'm here for - my purpose. We take so many things for granted...some just want to try… she touched my heart. Live for others because life is too short to not impact at least one life.” If you know Drew, you know that posts like these are not uncommon. Drew often writes of experiences and uplifting messages. As a result, he has gained many followers from all over the world. Although he has never met many, they are positively impacted by his posts. He takes the time to respond to each and every one. Drew will leave a legacy of humility, hope, & humanity.
Southeast Fitness is a club in Aurora, Colorado. Dalene acquired ownership last year although the club has been open much longer. The previous owner had some choice operational ideas leaving the club in financial ruin. The day the doors were being shut, Dalene assumed ownership, with a large amount of financial obligation that came along with. Over the past year, Southeast Fitness has gone from 300 to 1000 members. Acquisition didn’t come from top dollar marketing or social media exposure. Dalene walked door to door through Aurora and made homemade signs to post around town. Although the membership has increased greatly, Dalene has yet to draw a paycheck. When asked why she keeps the doors open, she turned and waved to an overweight man entering the club and said, “I do this because of people like him. When he first joined, he had to stop and sit down on this couch to catch his breath before attempting the stairs to the work out room. He can now walk in and make it up the stairs.” I know the legacy Dalene will leave. Unselfishness, sacrifice, and giving to her community.
Slated to open in 2014, Women of Ruffhouse is also located in Aurora is a women’s only health club. The first thing seen upon entering the website is, “The Only One Who Can Beat Me is Me.” Former police officer Sherrel Roland, is the founder of Ruffhouse. Two years ago, her 17 year old daughter was sexually assaulted. She chose to turn her feelings of helplessness into a call to action. Her mission is to provide a safe fitness environment for all girls and women, many who have been victims of sexual assault. Along with Group Fitness classes, Ruffhouse will also offer motivational speakers and educational programs. The building may still be under construction but the foundation for the legacy has already been set. Sherrel will leave a legacy of empowerment, restoration, and service.
As I think about Drew, Dalene, & Sherrel, one of my favorite quotes came to mind from Mandela, “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” While he wasn’t referring to our industry specifically, we all know that this applies to instructors, managers, club owners, and anyone who serves in our industry. I have always found a perfect time to reflect is when the year is coming to a close. Have I served our industry in a way that I want to be remembered as? What did we provide as a company? How were others impacted?
With the anticipation of what 2014 will hold, I ask you to consider …..what legacy will you leave?
Jeni Morrison has been part of the Fitness Industry for over 10 years. Born and raised in Texas, her passion to positively impact people’s livesdeveloped into a career where she has worked at the YMCA, 24 Hour Fitness,and PUR-FIT and currently works in Business Development at Les Mills South Central.
I love highlighting the clubs that I discover out there that are offering fun, fresh new takes on fitness. The Denver metro area has many fun spins on the boutique club environment, and I had the pleasure of visiting one of them recently.
I met with Mr. Bradley Cooley, owner/operator at the studio, Bradley has been in the industry for years with a collective background that allows him to truly serve his membership base with a passion for fitness. See Bradley's description of the facility and images below.
Studio
"FIIT WERX is a unique functional training studio in the heart of downtown Denver, next to Coors Field. Training barefoot and using the MYZONE heart rate training system, they've created a two week circuit of exercises consisting of a day of pushing exercises and a day of pulling exercises. The FIIT circuits are structured by way of a 12 station routine, creating an effective 36 minute total body "werkout". Each exercise is performed for an intense minute before resting for 30 seconds, as you rotate through a series of stations combining aerobic and resistance exercises. Everyone is encouraged to reach their own level of “Full Intensity” and every exercise can be adjusted to accommodate one’s personal ability".-Bradley Cooley
While I was there, of course I had the chance to participate! I worked through a 36 minute workout, barefoot! What a BLAST the workouts are at FIIT WERX! I would encourage you, if you are in the Denver area and want to check out something new, stop in and try out their unique spin on barefoot training.
And while you are at it, stay for a Will Power and Grace class, they share a studio space with the the Will Power Method. Talk about a dynamic duo, Willpower FIT studio and FIIT WERX under one roof!
Buffalo Overlook, Colorado
Friday Morning I made the drive to Silverthorne Colorado to meet with and present to the Colorado Parks and Recreation at their Fitness sector retreat. What a lovely drive, I love driving from Denver to the high country, the picture above is the first glimpse of the mountain range that you get climbing above the city, it really is a privilege to live in such a beautiful state.
What a lovely group the folks with the Parks and Rec's are! I knew a handful of them from when I have met with them individually, they all bring such tallent and perspective when collected like they were.
I had the honor of talking with them about industry trends in the climate of the current fitness business, and the importance of knowing what category you fall into as an operator and then meeting your market with the best possible experience to motivate and encourage members that call your facility home. The Parks and Rec's are a great example of facilities in Colorado that provide a progressive and wide variety of programs to offer their community.
Below is a picture with the Denver Parks and Rec's crew! Tommy, Natalie and Bridget handle the Denver Fitness programming and had a large presence at the recent fitness on the rocks event last month. It is encouraging to see all the different fitness sectors in Denver, Private or for profit, take such an active approach to reaching the public and get more people moving and exercising everyday.
Tommy, Natalie, Me, Bridget; Denver Parks and Rec
After spending a day with these folks, I must say... I am very proud to be a part of working with these guys! They have a heart for fitness and health! Reaching the people in each community they touch.
Thank you Colorado Parks and Rec's for having me! Looking forward to working with you more in the near future!
Cheers,
IHRSA2013
It is that time of year Fitness professionals! IHRSA 2013 is two short weeks away, will I see you there?
Let's connect at IHRSA 2013
A few highlights I wanted to share with you, and also extend an invitation to connect. I will be meeting with many fitness professionals in the south central region seeking gorup fitness solutions within their health and fitness environments. If you would like to meet with me, message me here, and we will make a point to connect.
I am thrilled to share that this year, IHRSA has supported those of us attending with a smart phone APP! that's right, all of your appointments, education sessions, booth locations, etc, are all available on your smart phone. Fantastic, right?! Here is the LINK if you would like to utilize this resource.
IHRSA 2013 APP
Second, my friend Bryan K. O'Rourke will be delivering content you DO NOT want to miss! click here for more information on the panel Bryan will be a speaking on and get all of the content from industry leaders. Also, he will be presenting Thursday at 1:30pm specifically on Trends Transforming the Health and Fitness industry, click here to see more info.
IHRSA 2013 - Las Vegas - Trends Impacting The Health Club Business from Bryan O'Rourke Business Leader In Fitness, Wellness & Technology
And last but not least, Booth #825 - Less Mills - please stop by and say hello! The whole Fitmarc Team will be at the event. To speak specifically with me about how I can help you with your group fitness solutions, message me here.
Fitmarc, Les Mills South Central
Looking forward to meeting you!