Fitness Facility Management Articles

Owners IDEA and CODE Managers OF ETHICS As a member of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, I will be guided by the best interests of the client. I will provide facilities and staff for effective exercise and lifestyle programs; ensure that staff maintains the education and experience necessary to appropriately train clients; uphold fair business practices and safety guidelines; and use truth, fa...

equipment Brokering the Best Deal HOW TO NEGOTIATE A PRICE THAT GIVES YOU THE BIGGEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK. By Amy Boone H aving learned how to determine your club's fitness equipment needs (see the January issue of IDEA Fitness Manager), you are now in a position to negotiate a deal with the manufacturer that will best suit the needs of your staff and club members. Many fitness facilities use on...

legal Managing Misrepresentation WHAT IS IT, AND HOW CAN YOU MANAGE IT IN YOUR FACILITY? By Sean Riley, MS, JD I DEA proudly promotes a code of professional ethics for the fitness community. Ethical violations, however severe or minor, soil the industry's reputation. One ethical violation that fitness managers must routinely monitor is misrepresentation. Misrepresentation in fitness arises when...

group exercise Group Fitness Takes Center Stage 10 TIPS FOR CREATING A SCHEDULING MASTERPIECE. By Maureen Hagan, PT G roup exercise has taken center stage in the fitness industry, and its momentum continues to grow. Connecting members to other members in a group fitness setting makes sense, not only for the members' overall fitness experience, but also--through enhanced retention-- for the fit...

equipment Creating an Equipment Maintenance Plan WHY AN EFFECTIVE PLAN THAT COVERS YOUR INVENTORY WILL SAVE MONEY AND TIME AND REDUCE THE NEED FOR COSTLY REPAIRS. By Amy Boone S o far this year, this column has focused on how to select the best fitness and cardiovascular equipment for your facility; where to place it on the fitness floor for the biggest return on investment; how to foster mutua...

legal The Pros and Cons of Automated External Defibrillators SHOULD YOU HAVE A DEFIBRILLATOR IN YOUR FACILITY? WHAT ARE THE LEGAL RISKS? By Sean Riley, MS, JD Association and the American Red Cross (Gmelich 2000). Moreover, a licensed physician must be involved in the design of any emergency plan that includes the use of defibrillators. Equipment Maintenance. The AED must be properly maintained....

Designing Your Floor Space for Maximum Profits HOW TO GET THE BIGGEST RETURN ON YOUR EQUIPMENT INVESTMENT. By Amy Boone K nowing how to position your new fitness equipment in your facility is both a skill and an art. There are so many design considerations and so many conflicting opinions to balance. Because it is such a complex process, many clubs hire individuals who specialize in organizing f...

program director Great Suggestion! MAKE YOUR SUGGESTION BOX MORE THAN JUST A DUSTY ACCESSORY. By Kymberly Williams-Evans, MA those goals before a comment or concern got to the note phase. In a way, the best suggestion box is one you don't need because members' requests have already been acknowledged." While Livingston firmly believes in offering suggestion boxes, she thinks they are more import...

group exercise Recruiting and Retaining Members USE GROUP FITNESS PROGRAMMING TO BRING MEMBERS THROUGH YOUR DOORS AND KEEP THEM COMING BACK. By Maureen Hagan, PT relationship with your members. Staff retention is an operational priority for your club's success and survival, so never underestimate the value that staff plays in this relationship. Be Proactive Quality programs and services that s...

equipment Facilitating Change STRATEGIES TO HELP YOUR STAFF AND MEMBERS WELCOME AND APPRECIATE YOUR NEW EQUIPMENT SELECTIONS. flyers, on your website or through word of mouth. When citing intended improvements, state the reasons why you are adding or removing equipment. This gives members a chance to voice their concerns or approval and lets them feel they are being heard. By Amy Boone Thompson...