P90X, TRX, Suspension training, Barre, Spinning, Indo-row, Kettleworx, Piloxing, Turbokick, Bodypump, Freestyle insturcor's, Zumba, Bootcamp, Crossfit, virtual classes... and much much more...

Lindsey Rainwater, Consultant to the Fitness Industry I remember when I started working in health clubs, I was 17 years old, had just graduated from High School and worked in an all women's private health club.  We had a 'full' group fitness studio schedule. Our class offerings were Aerobics, Step, Kick boxing and Guts & Butts.  It was simple, strait forward, and the instructors created their routines and play lists (at the time with cassette tapes, oy vey) for the most part, it was all freestyle choreography. 

Fast forward to now, oh my goodness! We are so spoiled, the industry has advanced to a place were we are chin deep in options. What a gift!

We have extremely intelligent, scientifically backed choreography and well researched workouts that have been established, tested and tried so that our members get incredible experiences time and time again.

So as an owner of a club, how in the world to you go about deciding what programming to offer?  What will your members enjoy and keep coming back for? where are you going to find instructors? 

I would love to share with you a few of the best practices that club owners and operators have shared with me, from all over the United States.  I am in on average, fifteen different Health clubs a week covering for profit, non profit, ymca and recreation center verticals.  Here is what the collective is saying...

1. Solicit member feedback- don't be afraid to ask them what they would enjoy.  I have heard more than one owner/operator tell me they ask what their members think, I would say this is your most influential tool. You might have the 1 or 2 that use the feedback forum as an opportunity to tell you everything you did not ask to hear about, but don't let that stop you from the other 50 that are going to provide you with valuable insight.  

2. Study your age demographics- closely, pay attention to your time selections and go with the flow of the lifestyles you are attracting.  Know their schedules and accommodate their schedules vs. instructors favorite time to teach.

3. Follow trends, don't try to be ultra unique- as industry leaders, we love the innovative, barefoot, fancy newest trend...If the club across the street from you offers the same class, that's OK- have you ever noticed that there can be 2 starbucks in the same parking lot, and they both have a line... plus the average health seeker that needs to move from the coach to your treadmill, doesn't know the difference. We are the ones that care, they don't. So offer the staples that get them moving, they will gain results and once they are ready for more, advancing them to private training and small group training is a seamless transition, that also stimulates revenue.  

When making programming decisions, remember that ultimately you provide the environment to help support and motivate your members to gain results and meet their goals, what an honor to help facilitate that experience.  

Share with me, Lindsey Rainwater- how are your programming selections going? Having a magical group fitness space combined with incredible programming truly unlocks incredible power for your members!

Lindsey Rainwater, Consultant to the fitness industryThis past month I have been highlighting details about how to create the best group fitness environment and the step by step details about how to create a space that is welcoming and functional for your members.

Now that the stage is set and the vision is created, let's get to the juicy party! actually building relationships with vendors so you can get bodies moving in the space.

I was thinking about this subject in the context of a "support team"- we all have them, hair dressers, dry cleaners, assistants, even our phones act in some respect as support to us on a daily basis.  When you need something done, at a certain point you have established relationships in your life that depending on what it is, you have a 'go to guy' for that specific task.  This is really no different, flooring, equipment, sound, audio, all of what is needed to properly furnish and equip your studio can come from established relationships to avoid the trial and error of finding people to fulfill all of these tasks.

The importance of vendor relationships is critical.  We all have specific brands and functions we like best, price obvisouly being king in many respects, although in my experience the relationship with a vendor often times trumps pricing. 

Robert leading the fitmarc teamAt Fitmarc, our friend Robert Dyer has done a lovely job of building solid relationships with vendors specific to the group fitness environment.  So much so that we can assist in guiding you through the process of going from start to finish.  All of the work it takes to pre qualify vendors etc, has already been done on our end. 

My last installment of this blog series will be next week, I will be covering program selection and highlighting the different methods of delivery that are cutting edge both live and virtual programming.

Please contact me, Lindsey Rainwater and let me know how I can guide you in establishing the best possible group fitness environment for your members and instructors.  

On a  weekly basis I visit fitness facilities all over the south central region of the United States, in that I have the opportunity to see a lot of different group fitness studio's.  I decided to share insight on not only what I have seen, but put together a series of blog posts using our studio at the Les Mills south Central offices as an example of how to build a studio that creates an environment for your participants and causes them to crave returning time and time again.

Lindsey Rainwater, Consultant to the Fitness Industry

The first installment of this post will be about setting the stage; what are the first steps in creating a world class group fitness studio?

Step one is starting with the end in mind; what do you want your members to gain from spending time in your studio?

Is your studio offering a large variety of class formats, and if so what story will the environment tell? Do you offer virtual programming in addition to live classes, and does the space feel fitting for each format and participant?

Most facilities already have a group fitness space that is dedicated to classes specifically, if that is the case in your center, the next step would be deciding if you can make some simple shifts in transforming that space or if a complete over haul is in order.

I have included a few images below on environments to give you ideas about how to make a few simple shifts to enhance the room.  Lighting, installing a stage, adding a projector system with worded messages or adding decals to the walls can be large enhancements with little investment. Let me know, Lindsey Rainwater; how have you enhanced your fitness environment to attract and retain more participants? 

Les Mills South Central Studio

Les Mills South Central Studio

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.

Clubs within clubs, giving this subject thought this morning I wanted to energize your thinking in this space of the 'Health Club'.

The word Health Club in itself implies we are up to something, does it not?

When you think of the word club words like "group, like minded, common theme" come to mind. When I think of health clubs, I do not automatically think "people coming together to be in a group"... I think of many people moving in many different directions to frolic on an adult playground. In my mind I see today's health clubs more as grown up recess. We all arrive and move in our own direction to our favorite activity, some of us hang out in groups, some of us would prefer to swing on a swing alone... or the leg press if you will. I think you see my point.

What is it that defines our Health Clubs as clubs, and by calling it that, do we own up to that name by creating a space for individuals of like mindedness to gather?

A few thoughts to seed you with when looking at evaluating the true nature of your 'club'.  Do you offer a place for like minded individuals to connect? Cycling clubs, running clubs, or simply a strong and thriving group fitness schedule.  One of the key ways to create culture within your club is to create places and spaces for people to create organic groups and community.  A very simple way to do this is via the group fitness space.  Depending on the size of your studio, up to 60 people gather in that space multiple times per day, and if the right class at the right time is offered, you give people the opportunity to gather.  Having a consistent time slot and instructor enhances this effort.

Once you have people joining together and feeling 'A part of', I believe you have successfully created a club.

Contact Lindsey

 I wonder, do you create a culture and community within your health club? I would love to hear from you, let me know what your engagement looks like to create a true 'Club' for your members.