Social Media and Fitness Businesses - a perfect fit?

by Ryan Hogan | Monday, January 16, 2012

There is no question that businesses both in and outside of the fitness industry are embracing social media as a cost effective and efficient way to communicate with their customers and stakeholders. Every magazine you read, conference or workshop you attend will feature somebody talking about how social media will change your business, and should be adopted by everybody, whether you are a sole trader, mid size or large corporation.

At a recent small conference I attended one thing did stand out for me. One of the speakers coined the phrase: "Whether you like it or not, your business will have a presence/space on social media. The difference is whether or not you, your customers or a random person own that space". I really believe this statement drives home the need to have a strategy for social media, so that you can do your best to own the space as much as possible.   ...read more

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Are you driving your fitness business like a taxi driver?

by Oliver Kitchingman | Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The beautiful coastline, the world-beating harbour, the temperate climate: there are many things to love about living in Sydney. But getting a taxi is not one of them.

There was the time when one monosyllabic driver tossed a street directory at me, telling me to find my destination and read out directions to him. He proceeded to ignore my directions, drive around the block and charge me handsomely for the privilege.  ...read more

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Les Mills Pump and Beachbody - an interesting association

by Ryan Hogan | Monday, October 24, 2011

As you may or may not be aware, a recent announcement was made by Les Mills International (LMI) that they were launching a home workout program called 'Pump' based on their hugely successful licensed BODYPUMP® class. They plan to distribute it in the US only through an organisation called Beachbody, which specialises in home workout programs like P90X or Insanity.

Beachbody is also a very succesful company that sells its home exercise programs through its network of 'coaches' (read: sales consultants) and is notorious for false claims of miracle products and routines that will 'change your life' in just 30 minutes a day.   ...read more

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The best way to predict the future is to invent it

by Analee Matthews | Friday, April 15, 2011

By Helen Jones, freelance editor

These were the wise words from business management expert Justin Tamsett, at the FILEX 2011 Business Summit, which was held today in Sydney to kick off the weekend of events. Justin brought along a panel of experts to discuss what the fitness industry will look like in 2016.
The main answers we heard were independent gyms will consolidate, as they won’t be able to keep up with the chains. The only way to stand strong will be to do something a bit different, be aware of the competition, and be a bit more creative – ideas could include lower cost marketing options and coming up with original ways to motivate consumers. 24-hour gyms and Crossfit are great examples of unique services.

Customers will stick with you if you deliver on the things they’re looking for such as a good atmosphere, new technology, helpful staff, competitions, a good nutrition program, incentives, etc. Every club needs to be consistent in their offerings, and if you’re not a high-end club or a budget gym, you need to act very smartly and effectively.  ...read more

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Is this your dream job? PT on a Criuse Ship?

by Rebecca Myers | Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Imagine waking up in a different port every morning and working in a gym that has constantly changing views from its windows.   ...read more

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Are these fitness trends happening in your club?

by Oliver Kitchingman | Tuesday, February 22, 2011

A recent survey conducted by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) has revealed what are purported to be the world’s top fitness trends for 2011.

ACE surveyed 2,700 fitness industry professionals to gauge what’s hot for the year ahead. Although these respondents were from a ‘worldwide network’, it is not clear whether a higher percentage were US-based (a possibility considering the local of the Council).  ...read more

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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?

  ...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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Career "Life Span" of the Personal Trainer

by Ryan Hogan | Wednesday, October 20, 2010

The following post was written by exercise physiologist, FILEX presenter and industry consultant William Sukala. You can read the original post on his blog by clicking here.

I was having dinner with a personal training colleague the other day when the conversation fell on the topic of the average professional "life span" of a personal trainer. We anecdotally observed that most trainers in the industry last anywhere from 1 to 3 years and then drop it for something else altogether. This prompted the question -- why so short?  ...read more

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