Are you absolutely positive your membership contracts are in shape? If not, it may be time for a review. Every year, health clubs, whether large or small, are the target of costly and time-consuming litigation. Much of it is filed on behalf of members alleging harm from illegal business practices, such as violation of the…
The locker room is a central feature in most health clubs, offering club members a convenient place to shower, dress, and store belongings during a workout. But locker rooms are also host to some of the most sensitive legal issues facing clubs, namely personal privacy and security. Antidiscrimination Protection For club operators, there are significant…
Harassment, in any form, and for any reason—whether predicated on age, gender, race, religion, or other factors—is a minefield issue that no business wants to cross. In the case of health clubs, the problem might arise in relationships between management and staff, managers and subordinates, or staff/trainers and club members. Any one of the combinations…
Looking to recruit new members to your health club? Here are a half-dozen sales tips from a recent IHRSA webinar called “Mastering the Sales Process.” Share them with your sales staff, courtesy of Jeff Houghtaling, membership director for VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa. 1. Learn the prospect’s name. This isn’t as obvious as it seems. If…
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 reinvestments? Perhaps most importantly, will the improvements generate more revenue…
Locker rooms and their amenities and features have become increasingly important as health clubs compete to attract new members and retain existing ones, but choosing the right size for your facility can be tricky—especially since there are a number of factors that should be considered in addition to the basic square footage percentage. “Like all…