Chris StevensonChris Stevenson is owner and founder of Stevenson Fitness in Oak Park, Calif., and the Owners Club columnist for Athletic Business.OperationsTips for Staff When Handling Billing IssuesImagine a busy night at your facility. Members stream in, eager to hit the weights or participate in their favorite group exercise class. Among them is John, a regular gym member ready for his evening workout...January 2, 2024Safety & SecurityHow to Achieve Emergency Preparedness in the Fitness SettingIn August, a weightlifting accident claimed the life of a teen at an Anytime Fitness location in Redmond, Ore. In July, a mother of four fell on a treadmill at an LA Fitness in Kent, Wash., hit her head on the front of the machine and never regained...November 8, 2023LeadershipFour Tips for Effective Networking at AB Show and Other EventsOver the years, I have grown significantly as an owner and operator by attending AB Show and other industry events. While I’ve been fortunate to also present at these events, I always take in as many education sessions, workshops, panels, and...October 9, 2023FitnessThree Key Points on Enforcement of Gym Etiquette ExpectationsWe’ve all seen, heard and maybe even smelled them. The flaunters. The grunters. The hoggers. Those with suspect hygiene habits. While a majority of our clients are great, there are times when some need to remember (or be reminded) that they are in a shareSeptember 12, 2023FitnessFive Steps to Turning Personal Training Prospects Into Paying ClientsMy previous article focused on empowering personal trainers to book more introductory sessions. I shared five tips that, when implemented, make this an excellent experience for both the member and the personal trainer. For this issue, I follow up on...June 30, 2023FitnessHow Personal Trainers Should Approach Client RecruitmentPersonal training is a great way to help members reach their health and fitness goals. It can also be a significant revenue stream for a facility. To build a successful personal training program, a personal trainer must consistently prospect for new...May 18, 2023OperationsHow to Approach the Pursuit of New Revenue StreamsGenerating revenue and being profitable in the fitness industry can be a challenge. Margins can be tight, competition is fierce, and there are always new trends and fads to consider.April 17, 2023MarketingHow to Set Your Business Apart from the CompetitionWhen I present on customer experience, I often remind an audience that all fitness facilities are the same. They all have cardio equipment...April 1, 2023PersonnelUse PIPs to Address Culture Fits Who are Falling ShortA performance improvement plan, widely known as a PIP, is a way to assist underperforming team members positively and strategically...December 29, 2022FitnessHow Special Events Can Help Recruit and Retain MembersThroughout my years in the fitness industry, I have learned that there is one key factor in increasing retention, and that is to diversify the way a member interacts with the facility. If a member attends for only one reason, such as using...December 6, 2022Page 1 of 4Next PageTop StoriesFundraisingHealth Department: Don't Eat Strawberries Purchased Through Softball FundraisersThe death of an 8-year-old boy has prompted the Todd County (Ky.) Health Department to issue a food safety alert, warning citizens to not eat any strawberries purchased through a high school softball fundraiser.FacilitiesDaily Digs: Georgia Military College Weight Room Upgrades, $26M HS Athletic Facility, Mobile's $50M ArenaPersonnelFresno State's Newly Fired Men's Basketball Coach Cleared of 14 Allegations, Including AbusePersonnelTexas A&M Assistant to the AD Indicted for Poisoning Girlfriend, Unborn ChildSponsored ContentIdentifying the Right Equipment to Create the ‘Ultimate Pool’