The Wave House’s 12,000-square-foot pool
POOL POSSIBILITIES
WHAC certainly isn’t alone in embellishing its aquatic curriculum to keep its current pool-users interested, and to expand and improve on the results they obtain, while, at the same time, tempting new populations to get “into the swim.” In New York City, for example, the Manhattan Plaza Health Club (MPHC), which has nearly 4,000 members, combines “the artistry of dance with the athleticism of swimming” in a unique and highly intensive synchronized swim class. During the sessions, choreographed to theatrical music, participants, at some points, are suspended upside down as they perform ballet-like kicks. MPHC also keeps things intriguing by offering scuba diving lessons. On the other side of the country, in Palo Alto, California, the members of Equinox Fitness can be found running lanes with fitness balls hoisted over their heads, during Aqua Boot Camp; or shaking their hips in Aqua Zumba, the water-based version of the popular Latin dance class. The club soon plans to introduce swim clinics featuring Olympic gold medalist Brent Lane. For other clubs wanting to make the most of their pool, the timing could hardly be better. Today, more
than ever before, the public craves fresh new alternatives and opportunities, which gives operators the chance to experiment, innovate, and implement. However, when doing so, it pays to be prudent, cautions Julie See, the AEA’s president and director of education. She advises facilities to tailor activities to their specific pool, bearing in mind temperature, depth, slope, etc. “The biggest mistake,” she says, “is trying to incorporate a ‘hot’ trend that’s not appropriate for the environment—for instance, yoga requires warmer water; so analyze your pool, and then select programming that’s appropriate. Also,” she adds, “music is huge—the right music can make a class awesome. So can a great instructor—consumers want enthusiastic, educated leaders.” Huff echoes See’s recommendations and stresses the importance of timing. “To attract younger adults,
you’ll want to schedule classes around traditional work hours,” she points out. “And consider offering pool time to local sports teams; as they get fitter, they become great advertisements for your club’s services.” Stone, for his part, suggests that clubs start small. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew,” he suggests.
“Talk to current members and tap into their needs. Then get the word out—promote. Finally, if a class doesn’t take off, bring in a new instructor or change some of the variables—a simple tweak might be all that’s required to revitalize an offering.” —|
– Patricia Glynn,
p.glynn@
fit-etc.com www.
ihrsa.org | SEPTEMBER 2010 | Club Business Internat ional 39
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