» Club Management


Lessons Learned:


What It Takes to Run a Successful Club


road to success. Whether you own a facility or are planning for the future, here are some important lessons that I’ve learned along the way.


O


1. Do your homework Be sure your finances and budget


are in order. Our first year in business was the toughest. Until we started making money, we couldn’t afford to pay full-time staff. My mom, dad and I


24 Fitness Business Canada November/December 2016


ver the past 14 years that I’ve helped manage our family-run gym, there have been ups and downs on the


covered all of the hours with the assis- tance of just one part-time employee. Be sure you have enough funds to


cover equipment expenses. Resistance and cardio equipment need regular maintenance and repairs, and they should be upgraded regularly. Since parts to fix a treadmill can cost up to $500, it’s a good idea to learn gener- al equipment maintenance and repair skills.


2. Broaden your expertise to boost business Our club works with a large number


TVs at the correct


height along with the right music at the


right volume attract members to the treadmills all day.


A successful business takes time and effort to build BY LAUREN WALKER


of people with chronic conditions, some of whom are unable to exercise without our assistance. Our success with clients managing medical is- sues, such as heart attacks, diabetes, cancer, strokes and high blood pres- sure, has resulted in ongoing refer- rals from local physicians and medical professionals. To move into this specialty area,


take courses and certification pro- grams, find a mentor, and shad- ow experienced trainers and health professionals.


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