Hugh Jackman and Jennifer Aniston have one.

by Rebecca Myers | Sunday, February 06, 2011

Have you ever dreamed of being a trainer to the stars?

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The Unprofessional Fitness Professional

by Oliver Kitchingman | Monday, January 31, 2011

The following post was written by San Diego industry professional Anthony Carey  of Function First. Recently I posted on Facebook some grainy photosof a personal training session I stumbled upon in the Pacific Beach area in San Diego. I had parked my truck above the bayside beach to take in the view and draw inspiration for some goal setting and strategic planning I was doing.

Well, I was inspired alright. Inspired to vent my shock and disbelief for what this ‘trainer’ was pulling off as a paid personal training session.   ...read more

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Are nutrient-enhanced waters just 'expensive lolly water'?

by Oliver Kitchingman | Monday, January 17, 2011

The following post was written by nutritionist Dr Rebecca Reynolds, of Nutrition Undressed.
A recent article on SMH online reported that Choice consumer group has described nutrient-enhanced ‘water’ drinks as ‘expensive lolly waters’ and cautioned that ‘the labelling on several nutrient drinks created the impression they are healthy when often an apple and a glass of water is more beneficial’.  ...read more

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Are gyms facing avalanche of class action lawsuits?

by Oliver Kitchingman | Tuesday, January 11, 2011

So, here we are in 2011 – Happy New Year! Or, as some elements of the media and public would like to have it, Litigious New Year!

As of 1 January the new Australian Consumer Law kicked in, opening the doors to potential legal action against fitness facilities which are perceived to be implementing unfair fees or conditions.  ...read more

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Is the Power Balance bracelet the snake oil of our times?

by Oliver Kitchingman | Thursday, December 23, 2010

As we all know, the world of fitness – and particularly the consumer side of it rather than the industry side – is rife with gadgets and gizmos promising instant weight loss, muscle growth and rippling abs. And enhanced energy and strength. It’s the latter of these ‘Holy Grails’ of health and wellbeing that has become particularly prominent in the past couple of years, largely due to the arrival on the market of the Power Balance bracelet. Unless you conduct your training or classes on the moon, you will have encountered this product, adorning the wrists of clients or colleagues. Or perhaps you even wear one yourself.  ...read more

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PPCA fee hike overturned!

by Oliver Kitchingman | Monday, December 13, 2010

In news that will have group exercise instructors nationwide beaming from ear to ear, the Federal Court has overturned the recent Copyright Tribunal decision to allow the increase copyright fees for the use of music in group exercise classes, citing ‘procedural fairness’ as the reason for the decision.  ...read more

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Are You an Ethical Personal Trainer?

by Lisa Champion | Saturday, November 27, 2010

Today on the Sydney Morning Herald website a news article caught my eye which was titled ‘Fitness group rescued off NSW beach’. It was purely an informational piece reporting on a trainer’s decision to take his boot camp clients into the ocean after an apparently hard training session on the beach.

The article stirred up some strong feelings in me. What was the personal trainer thinking? Was jumping into the sea after a hard training session on the beach wise? Did he/she take time to think about the greater implications of that decision?  ...read more

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Zumba Fitness – Temporary Fad or Here to Stay?

by Ryan Hogan | Thursday, November 25, 2010

For those of us that have been in the fitness industry for a while, we are sure to have seen fads and trends come and go. From personal experience it’s also been quite interesting to see those that have stuck around for the long run.

The Reebok Slide, stair climbers and Tae Bo are good examples of trends that seemed to take hold of the industry in a flash – but then just as quickly disappeared. Others like Les Mills pre-choreographed classes, balance training and indoor cycling are great examples of so called “trends” that ended up sticking around for good.  ...read more

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Marketing - A Trickle or a Flood?

by Ryan Hogan | Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The following post was written by author and educator Kym Wimbis. It was originally posted on his blog, Access Fit, on 25 October 2010.

When it comes to marketing, advertising, lead generation, sales, and retention we almost always want more… more leads… more sales…and more retention.

When it comes to more members we don’t want a trickle we want a flood.

Makes sense… right? More members means more money… right?

Who in their right mind would want a trickle of members when they could have a flood?

Well it depends on the members.  ...read more

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Weighing in on the new law for fast food restaurants in NSW

by Alisha Smith | Monday, November 08, 2010

The November 7th edition of The Sun-Herald reported on a new law being introduced into Parliament this week, forcing fast-food chains such as McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut to prominently display kilojoule counts.

Touted as a move to counter Australia’s growing obesity epidemic, fast-food companies will have until February 1, 2012 to comply with the edict which will see kilojoule values printed next to each item (at least to the same size as the product price).  ...read more

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