| IHRSA Report | IHRSA Profiles
Introducing: Christian Pierar, Special Advisor, Europe
Industry veteran Christian Pierar was recently named IHRSA’s new Special Advisor, Europe.
Preface: Pierar holds a master’s degree in economic science from the University of Antwerp in Belgium. For 30 years, he’s been a club owner, international consultant, and presenter for many national and international associations. He was the co-owner of
the Centro Sportivo and Moving Fitness Center from 1980 to 1987; and the CEO and co-owner of the Forum Lifestyle & Wellness Centres from 1992 to 2001. He’s been the owner of Sports and Management Consult- ing BVBA, in Antwerp, since 1992. From 2001 to 2004,
Pierar also served as the CEO of Tinbert/Elexia NV, which was involved in the acquisition and rollout of 68 fitness and wellness clubs in Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Finland, and Sweden. In addition, his commit-
ment to assist others in our industry led him to help found and support such organizations as the Bel- gium Fitness Federation (DFO); the Belgium Fitness Employer Organization (BBF&W); and the European Health and Fitness Associa- tion (EHFA). A member of IHRSA since
1987, Pierar became an IHRSA Vanguard member in
1993. He’s attended every IHRSA convention since 1987, and is an alumnus of the IHRSA Institute. Today, he’s a member of the IHRSA Europe Council, chairman of the BBF&W, and a strategic partner of IHRSA.
Preview: “In 1980, when I started, fitness was an emerging industry with great opportunities for creative entrepreneurs. In those days, I was still part of Belgium’s national karate team, together with the actor Jean-Claude Van Damme. Sport played a major role in my career ambitions. Starting a fitness business combined this passion with my studies in economics. “Right now, it’s certainly
true that we’re experiencing trying circumstances. But I believe in the saying, ‘In every challenge, there lies an opportunity.’ I’m con- vinced that, in these times, talented entrepreneurs will be able to decide how best to proceed. In this environ- ment, being creative in terms of cutting down on opera- tional costs is important. However, I’ve always been a keen admirer of owners, in any industry, who can turn their companies around and satisfy the needs of clients in a given
market. This is very much a people industry. Finding niche markets for my business has always worked for me.” Economic woes notwith-
standing, Pierar believes that the greatest challenge facing the industry today is the need to develop a solid, credible image so clubs will be able to align themselves with medical, insurance, and healthcare providers. “Building and maintain-
ing credibility is something that is now, and will remain, crucial for the future of our industry,” insists Pierar. “I believe that the 10-10-10 rule holds true: ‘A reputa- tion that took 10 years and $10 million to build can be destroyed in 10 seconds.’ To achieve the necessary credibility, the industry will have to develop achievable international standards, as determined by an indepen- dent third party, that will be accepted by medical and insurance providers, worldwide.” Since education is a major
part of creating quality standards, Pierar intends to share the experiences he’s had working with EHFA, which regulates The Euro- pean Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS). The Register provides an inde- pendent process for the
Christian Pierar
registration of all instructors, trainers, and teachers work- ing across Europe, making them subordinate to all national or regional rules. “When a fitness profes-
sional registers, it means that they’ve met prescribed minimum standards of good practice, including the adop- tion of a Code of Ethical Practice. It also means that they’re committed to raising standards through a process of continuing professional development.” Addressing his main goal
as Special Advisor, Europe, Pierar says: “Europe is a large market, but some areas still lack the experi- ence and expertise that’s required to build a strong industry. It’s my personal goal to assist all players acquire such expertise by informing, sharing, and educating them in all of the different areas where they might need help.” —|
– Patricia Amend,
Pamend@aol.com.
www.
ihrsa.org | SEPTEMBER 2010 | Club Business Internat ional 89
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