Fitness Formula, Ltd.
“We provide a variety of educational External: “It’s important
Chicago, Illinois
and growth opportunities for every- that our fitness profession-
Facilities: 9
one,” observes Lauren Eller, the als continue to further their
Number of employees: 500
director of human resources for the education through conventions,
Members: more than 25,000
Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC). “We workshops, and certifications,” notes
Annual training expenditure: N/A
recognize that, only by training and Scott Lewandowski, FFC’s regional
educating our staff can we grow our director of fitness. “Not only does it
base of ‘A’ players in the company.” allow them to maintain their primary
Internal: At the Fitness Formula
Personal Training Certification, but it
Clubs, the educational process for
also provides them with valuable new
each new employee begins with the
tools to use in their work with clients.”
review of a training manual, followed
Full-time staffers enjoy extra educa-
by the taking of a proficiency test.
tional benefits, such as a company-
They then embark on a six-step edu-
sponsored scholarship that pays
cational curriculum, and have 90
up to $2,500 toward an advanced
days to successfully complete each
degree. FFC also offers a Professional
level. Monthly in-house trainings are
Development Credit, matching dollar-
also offered by FFC fitness directors
for-dollar up to $200 for any outside
at the club level; and quarterly com-
educational activity, including conven-
pany-wide trainings are provided by
tion registration, continuing education,
Scott lewandowski
Elite 1 Trainers, all of whom are
and new certifications.
continuing-education providers.
Midtown Athletic Clubs
and have regular opportunities for learning and feedback,”
Chicago, Illinois
says Skiffington.
Facilities: 10
MAC provides a number of internal training opportuni-
Number of employees: 1,800
ties. It certifies tennis professionals through its Junior
Members: 45,000
Development Pathway and Tennis in No Time programs.
Annual training expenditure: N/A
And, utilizing its own online
Nan
program, M Fitness, it pro-
Stein
“Our ‘associates’ are crucial to the success of our organiza-
vides the training and curricu-
tion. They serve as ambassadors for the Midtown Athletic
lum required for associates to
Clubs, and are in contact with our members more frequently
apply for nationally recog-
than any other individuals in the company,” points out
nized certifications from
Ann Skiffington, Midtown’s vice president of human
ACE, ACSM, NASM, or NSCA.
resources. “It’s critical for them to be regularly updated
Support is also available to
about best service practices and the latest trends in business
help staff prepare for Starfish
and communications.”
Certification (aquatics) or
Body Training Systems Certi-
Internal: The core of the Midtown Athletic Clubs’ (MAC’s)
fication (group exercise).
in-house training is beREMARKABLE, a patented, associ-
ate-training program that was developed in consultation
External: MAC provides
with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company’s Leadership Cen-
associates who have been ann Skiffington, center
ter. The program encompasses such topics as opportunity
employed for six or more
resolution; giving and receiving feedback; and how to
months with a Professional
interact with members and coworkers. MAC associates
Development Account (PDA), which pays a portion of the
attend daily beREMARKABLE meetings, during which
cost of activities that are designed to help them develop
they review club news, service principles, etc. They also
their work skills or pursue a career path with the company.
have the opportunity, during the meetings, to share
These could include, among others, college classes; educa-
success stories and challenging situations with their
tional seminars; continuing-education or technical training
coworkers and MAC’s leadership.
courses; membership in a professional association; and the
“This continuous, ongoing process of education ensures
purchase of educational materials. —|
that associates stay abreast of the latest club developments, – Jon Feld,
jon@trendline-co.com
www.ihrsa.org | SePTeMBer 2009 | Club Business International
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