Chris StevensonChris Stevenson is owner and founder of Stevenson Fitness in Oak Park, Calif., and the Owners Club columnist for Athletic Business.FitnessHow 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, 2022Operations5 Steps Toward Maximizing Effectiveness of Key Performance IndicatorsIn January 2020, I wrote an article for AB titled, “In Decision-Making, Real Always Trumps Feel.” The premise is that better decisions are made when you use data and information rather than a “gut” feeling...October 3, 2022FitnessTips for Purchasing Fitness Equipment to Spare You Buyer’s RemorseThere are many reasons to consider upgrading, replacing and adding new equipment to your facility. Adding new equipment prevents things from feeling stale, allows you to keep up with innovation, gets members excited, demonstrates to members that you...September 1, 2022MarketingFive Simple Tweaks for a More Effective Sales ProcessI recommend everyone in our industry visit other facilities. I enjoy visiting new facilities opening in my area, and make it a point to visit and even work out in local facilities when I’m on the road...June 13, 2022PersonnelFive Methods for Finding Top-Notch Job CandidatesRecently, my business partner and I informally surveyed our fitness clients and asked them to share the biggest pain point in their businesses...May 29, 2022Programming5 Crucial Steps Toward Better Employee OnboardingStaffing the fitness industry is often a revolving-door scenario. Some team members move on, some are let go and some get promoted — leaving a gap to fill...May 26, 2022MarketingFive Keys to Successfully Opening a New FacilityApril 5, 2022ProgrammingFour New Year’s 2022 Resolutions for Fitness OperatorsHappy New Year! Historically, the new year is a busy time for the fitness industry. Consumers use January as a reset point and vow to make changes, many of which revolve around health and fitness...January 24, 2022PersonnelFive Tips for Leading a Streamlined StaffThe onset of the COVID-19 pandemic changed many facets of the way the fitness industry does business. It prompted new cleaning protocols, expanded virtual and outdoor programming opportunities, revamped reservation systems and much more.November 22, 2021LeadershipReturning to Live Industry Events Post-PandemicAbout two years ago, I wrote a column called "Making the Most of Live Industry Events," with tips on how to get the most out of attending conventions and trade shows. Who could have imagined that those tips would be rendered irrelevant by a pandemic thatOctober 20, 2021Previous PagePage 2 of 4Next PageTop StoriesFacilitiesDaily Digs: Chicago Bears' Lakefront Stadium Plans, High School Stadium Complex, and more!The Bears are planning to build a state-of-the-art, domed lakefront stadium. The team is asking for the cost to be covered by a combination of public and private funding.Governing BodiesOpposing Factions Lobby NCAA Regarding Transgender Athletes in Women's SportsPersonnelOn Eve of NFL Draft, Sports Industry Workers Push for 'Ability to Thrive'BudgetingReport: Sporting Goods Manufacturers' Sales Grew by 4.2 Percent in 2023Sponsored ContentThe Magic of Water: A Place for All Abilities