Archive for April 2002

Obesity and overweight statistics can vary widely from study to study, mainly because of the criteria each uses to classify persons as overweight or obese. Usually, a baseline number represented as body mass index (BMI) is used to differentiate one group from another. The following statistics were provided by the Weight-Control Information Network of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a part of the National Institutes of Health (except where noted in superscript).

Every weekday, one of
your club members is at Starbucks spending $3 plus tip in 15 minutes or less. Occasionally, she will buy a little something extra, making the monthly total $80 or more. How can the corner coffee shop possibly collect $80 a month for the daily morning fix when you have to justify $40 to $90 a month for a full-service membership to your fitness facility?

It’s because Starbucks (and a few other companies like them) has transcended simple price objections and created a loyal breed of daily customers by simply making them feel welcome and pampered.

Since 1995, the fitness industry has been changing its profile in Norway. Many new and more exclusive clubs have arrived. The marketing of these clubs to consumers has also changed to signal that fitness is for everyone, not just the young and fit. These changes have made the common man in our culture feel comfortable and included in the clubs.

Everywhere, people are talking about the downturn in the economy and how they are cutting back to make ends meet. But have you stood in line at Starbucks lately? Despite today’s dour economic indicators, people are still forking out up to $4 for their daily dose of java. Multiplied by 30 days, that translates to $120 a month for what is essentially coffee grounds and water! Yet consumers don’t appear to be balking or depriving themselves of what they’ve come to perceive as a necessary indulgence.

Are you aware that, for your clients, one of the biggest obstacles to motivation may be fear? That’s right. In fact, identifying the best ways to help your clients address their fears can very well be one of your biggest challenges as a fitness professional. To keep your clients motivated, it is important to understand the behavioral factors affecting motivation, to know the best ways to reward your clients and to identify—and help them overcome—the fears they face.

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Pack your bags. Exotic five-star resorts are calling all fitness professionals to the playful side of paradise. “Vacations” valued at $2,500 to $5,000 per week can be yours in exchange for your services as a fitness professional. That’s right.