connected workout tracking compat- ibility, with Virtual Trainer programs downloadable from the company web- site (www.lifefitness.com). And to make it all accessible, the
Life Fitness Academy trains club man- agers and their trainers so club mem- bers get the most out of the equip- ment. Why have state-of-the-art computerized consoles if the exercis- er doesn’t get it and won’t use it? So it asks the questions, and expect its
customers to ask questions right back. “We want our customers, and their
customers, to receive positive reinforce- ment,” notes Stransky. “There’s a psy- chological component that keeps them engaged. And that keeps them coming back.” FBC
Kathryn Korchok is a freelance writer who loves to work out (her favourite is the elliptical), play tennis, hike and practice yoga. You can contact her at
kathryn.korchok@gmail.com.
Biomechanical development lab
disease. So far, the quest has raised $15 million (www.augiesquest.org). “As successful as he’s always been
in business and in wonderfully physi- cal shape, he’s facing a new challenge to fight, not for himself but for others,” notes Stransky. So, the characteristics that drive the
company – passion, dedication, pursuit and achievement of goals, embracing challenge, a commitment to innovation and ideas, a willingness to listen and learn, a competitive but healthy nature – have been there from the start. “I learned long ago that we come to
work each day to first serve our cus- tomers, and hopefully, to make a profit,” he says. “As our customers talk to us, we listen to what they have to say be- cause if they become more successful, we become more successful. I say it’s a partnership, and that’s not just jargon – it’s real.”
Customer and user engagement the key
Life Fitness offers expertise in de-
signing and developing equipment (backed by a biomechanical team and development lab that includes industri- al designers, engineers and researchers who study how exercisers move and in- teract with the various pieces of equip- ment) and also provides assistance and expertise in club development, facility design and layout, all to keep members interested and engaged. This level of engagement defines
the company’s Elevation product line of treadmills, cross trainers and bikes that are iPod compatible and have USB-
March/April 2009 Fitness Business Canada 49
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56