Facilities: Page 621

Good Works, Good Workouts

The homeless in Kirkland, Wash., now have access to a local health club, thanks to a music director with a passion for health.

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Sowing Seeds

A handful of universities are disseminating essential knowledge to today's sports turf professionals and preparing the field for tomorrow's caretakers.

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SilverSneakers Program Seeing Success

In its 10th year of serving seniors, SilverSneakers is hitting its stride.

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Something for Everybody

Although owners strive for operational efficiency, programming a fitness center ultimately involves a little trial and error.

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Defying Strength-Training Convention

Should beginning strength-training clients start with three sets of 10 repetitions?The common recommendation for beginners when first starting a strength-training program is to perform three sets of 10 repetitions (reps). Trainers instruct them to use the maximum weight that they can handle in each set for 10 reps, or as many reps as possible in the second and third set. If you closely examine most fitness magazines and books that deal with strength exercises, you will see that this routine is used most often and for almost all exercises. It is commonly believed that people need three sets of the exercise to gain its full benefits.Too much strength training, too little time?Some trainers counter this argument by saying clients can perform compound exercises that use several major muscle groups at one time. But this is only partially true. For example, the squat is an exercise used mainly to develop the quadriceps muscle and strengthen the knee joint. The gluteus maximus and hamstrings, which are touted as also being involved, do not get involved unless exercisers go to thigh level or below in the down position while maintaining normal spinal curvature. However, most beginners do not have the hamstring flexibility or the back strength to do this with proper technique.Since strength is specific to select joint angles, beginners should work the muscles and joints through the full range of motion for basic strengthening. Even though exercises such as the squat can involve the muscles of more than one joint, the involvement is not the same and will not produce the results needed by beginners.In addition to time limitations, performing two or three sets of 10 reps, or even eight to 12 reps (which is basically the same), is quite strenuous. Beginners are not prepared to handle such stress in the early stages. Those who get through this stage using three sets of 10 reps invariably experience soreness for the first or more weeks. This is not conducive to having them continue on an exercise program beyond the first few weeks. Beginners should have positive experiences and feel safe as they progress through their strength-training program. They should not have to fight soreness, pain and tightness.Starting freshTeach. Begin with one exercise for three to five repetitions with light resistance. This is needed to learn how to perform the exercises correctly, and for becoming comfortable and accustomed to the exercise movement. Technique is an important aspect that can be overlooked in strength-training programs, but it is critical for getting the desired development, as well as for preventing injury. This is why personal trainers must be well-versed in all nuances of each exercise, rather than just teaching the basic features.Start slow. Strength workouts should take place three times per week, with the first week should be devoted to learning and familiarization with the exercises. The intensity should be low. They should not experience any soreness or pain at this time, as this will be a turnoff.As clients perform the exercises, they must concentrate on exactly how they are doing it and how it feels. This way, they gain a better feel for the movement and how it relates to the changes they would like to seein their bodies. After completing three to five reps, they should relax and then get ready for the next exercise. They should read a description or listen to the instructions, then perform several repetitions of the new exercise. Proceed in this manner until they perform all of the exercises selected for that day.Keep adding one or two repetitions at each workout (or each week) to select exercises until 15 to 20 repetitions are attained. When 20, and often more, reps are repeatedly performed, it is time to increase resistance for that particular exercise. If 20 repetitions cannot be completed in the other exercises, they should remain at the same level.At this time, only one set of each exercise should be performed. For beginners, performing one set will bring about the same benefits as performing two or more sets of each exercise. More sets will be needed as they make progress and master the exercises.At this time, greater endurance is more beneficial than greater strength, as it allows for increases in intensity without fear of injury. The main reason for this is that the higher repetitions for endurance bring about a greater increase in blood flow, which helps to strengthen the ligaments and tendons. As a result, clients then have stronger joints that are more capable of withstanding higher-intensity workouts. Since strength is also gained in this program, the clients will be able to handle increased weights without any problems.As they approach the end of this period, it is then necessary to look at their objectives and the year-round periodization plan that should now be established. Clients should never stay on any one program for extended periods of time. Not only will such workouts become boring, but they will hit a plateau and no longer receive gains. They must have a change in their exercise programs to bring about additional gains.Personalizing the approachStarting with three sets of 10 reps does not allow for full individualization of the exercise program. Everyone is a unique individual, and will respond to the exercises differently. This is why clients should never copy what someone else is doing.This is especially true for older adults.Each program must be individualized to be most successful, and to bring about the greatest physical gains.

Software Stories

How four fitness centers are using computer software to turn their businesses around. New Lady Fitness, Indianapolis, Ind.Calvert hired ASF International, Highlands Ranch, Colo., to bring New Lady Fitness into the 21st century, and then steeled himself to meet any challenges posed by the transition. Surprisingly, though New Lady Fitness wasn't hip to new technology, its employees were -- and success was just around the corner. "Our customer service improved a hundred-fold," Calvert states. "But, more importantly, it allowed us to refocus back on the member." That attention to customer service helped New Lady Fitness grow from four to 16 clubs in five states from 2002 to 2003. "Without computer software, there's no way you can do that," Calvert says. "The whole billing process, simply issuing cards, without that technology in place, it stifles growth." By simply keeping pace with the rest of the world, New Lady was able to expand its business and improve customer service. It's exciting to imagine what's next.Tim Hewitt, owner of Socada Health-Fitness Studio, Fla., uses technology to focus less on member issues and more on actually running his fitness centers. Socada Health-Fitness Studios are entirely automated. "The buildings are automated, member check-in is automated, point of sale is automated," says Hewitt. "What I wanted [was a system] to be turnkey, so I could run this thing single-handedly." With the help of Affiliated Acceptance Corp., Sunrise Beach, Mo., all three Socada Health-Fitness Studio locations are successfully running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Two employees work in the back office entering contracts, managing corporate accounts, etc. "We're able to run this show with very little labor because of the technology," says Hewitt.For the last 12 to 24 months, the fitness centers have averaged 300 new members a month. "The growth is phenomenal, and now that it's automated, it allows me to do what I do best, which is marketing and sales," Hewitt says. "That's what gyms really need to focus on to grow their business and keep making it better. When you have to do it yourself, you have to manage labor, productivity. Through technology, it's an unlimited curve. I can grow as big or as fast as I want."Having a great fitness center is only half the battle; the other half is getting the word out. Clubs can spend thousands of dollarson marketing campaigns to attract new members, but Millennium Sportsclubs, managed by Salutary Sportsclubs Inc., Vacaville, Calif., advertises for next to nothing using the Internet. CheckFree Health & Fitness, Dublin, Ohio, software enables Millennium to send highly specific email blasts to inform members about new services, and also lure prospects into the facility.Getting the word out to prospective members is as easy as purchasing marketing lists and clicking "send." The main target market for the email blasts are new homeowners in the area -- and, the earlier Millennium gets to these prospects, the better. "One location has 13 different competitors within a 6-mile radius," says Salisbury. And the success rate is impressive -- out of 500 email blasts sent, 25 percent of recipients will either join or visit the facility.Gold's Gym International, Venice, Calif.Koenig is excited about the new technology, but is testing the waters before plunging in. "We're trying to take it slowly," hesays. "Before I replace a time-tested technology -- the analog and digital phone systems that everybody uses today -- I want to make sure that it's 100 percent." Avaya phone systems allow Gold's Gym to try voiceover IP technologyat the same time that the digital phone system isrunning. "I can run both of them on the same system side by side," explains Koenig. "If there are any problems, I have the tried-and-true digital system as a backup."

Climbing Wall Basics

Location, programming, staffing and marketing all play a role in the success of your facility's climbing wall.Climbing and bouldering walls have broadened the appeal of rock climbing. However, the sport retains a specialized image, and requires foresight in design, strong promotion and programming, and enthusiastic staffing to ensure that the wall will be well-used. Climbing has an edge over repetitive gym-based exercise because of the thrills, skill and challenge involved. Members may join your fitness center purely on the basis that it has a climbing wall, and to all facility visitors, a climbing wall can present an impressive visual impact.Climbing continues to be a fast-growing sport, and climbing walls have broadened its appeal with the convenience and comfort of indoor facilities. When deciding whether to install a wall in your fitness center, consider design, location, atmosphere, maintenance, routing and marketing to ensure your climbing facility is a success.Approach wall suppliers to help you focus on the climbing concept most suited to your situation. Brewer's Ledge, Boston, Mass., poses a straightforward question to its clients: "What are your goals?" A fitness center may be looking to create a complete climbing center, a simple place to experience a bit of rope work or a feature to help promote the fitness center as a whole. Conant Brewer, president of Brewer's Ledge, says this consultation phase is critical, as clients often have never clarified the purpose of their climbing facility.Shane S. Riffle, senior program director of Ralph J. Stolle Countryside YMCA, Lebanon, Ohio, says the main considerations when designing a climbing facility are cost of construction and operation, potential usage, marketing opportunities and programming potential.Location is essential for climbing walls. Climbing walls can provide fitness centers with a visual feast, which can attract not only users but can entertain observers. Situating your climbing wall behind the reception area, for example, can provide a striking backdrop.Many facilities have found an opportunity to convert underused areas to climbing. Countryside YMCA, for instance, converted a racquetball court into a climbing facility. To help create atmosphere, it painted a mural of Arches National Park on one of the open walls.Atmosphere is a key component in design, and can have a powerful effect on the popularity of your climbing area. Dirk Bockelmann, director of sales at The Boulder Rock Club and the Colorado Mountain School (BRC), Estes Park, Colo., says that his facility pays attention to dust management, lighting and temperature control, and ensures music is upbeat and suitable.EquipmentOn the other hand, BRC does not use auto belay systems. "They would allow our members to use the facility when they do not have a climbing partner; however, they require significant training and maintenance," says Bockelmann.Once you have your climbing facility installed, whether it is successful in large part depends on the energy of those staffing it. "We hire people who are friendly and safety-conscious," says Riffle. "You can teach skill, but good customer service is a must."Maintenance is often taken care of in-house. And Brewer says that, with most facilities, maintenance is usually handled by in-house staff. "The key issues on belayed walls are rope and belay inspections, documentation of all maintenance and trying to keep the holds clean," he says.Riffle says Countryside YMCA cleans holds and performs daily safety inspections. In addition, he says the climbing wall is annually inspected by an Association for Challenge Course Technology-certified builder. He adds that it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure a well-maintained wall.As climbers grow familiar with a wall, existing routing patterns (i.e., where the holds are placed) can lose their initial challenge. Change keeps people interested. "Route-setting, from a manufacturer's perspective, is never done enough," says Brewer. "This is an area that, as climbing grows to many different types of facilities, could stand much more work and thought."BRC changes its entire route library every two months. This means all holds and tape are on the wall for a maximum of two months. "Our course-setting team manages this process, led by the manager of operations, who uses a bell curve graph to cater to all levels of climber," says Bockelmann.UsageAt the Y, a wide age-range of members uses the climbing wall, from as young as four years old to older adults. "We try not to attract the hard-core climbers, so as not to intimidate our beginner population," says Riffle. "For us, it is a fun way for members to experience this sport in a ... non-intimidating environment."While the safety and convenience of climbing walls, bouldering and climbing machines like TreadWall have broadened the appeal of climbing, it is still far from being an all-inclusive activity. Older adults, obese people and those with disabilities are largely excluded by the nature of the activity. However, it is not difficult to imagine equipment aids that would, for example, support some of the climber's weight or compensate for disabilities. "As far as I am aware of, there are no commercially available devices to assist disabled climbers," says Bockelmann. However, he gives an inspirational example of one of the BRC members, Malcolm Daly, president of climbing gear company Trango, who lost his leg in an accident but climbs several times per week using a custom-made prosthetic limb.A downside is that climbing is still viewed as a specialized activity and, therefore, it is most suited to a facility that can attract a suitably large pool of interested users. In addition, climbers can be a different breed, and may not "gel" with other facility members.Atmosphere, routing, programming and promotion are vital to ensure a vibrant wall. Given its visual impact, a busy wall can createmore interested participants. An inherent problem with even a large climbing wall is that only a small number of people can make use of it at one time. Group classes can help to spread out users over the day and week. Fitness centers canincrease wall usage during non-peak times by offering special access to community groups and schools. Promotional events can also work well, such as climbing races, individually or in teams. Climbing walls offer good opportunities for corporate away-days and associated events, which can also boost usage.Bockelmann says BRC uses local print media for advertising and promotion."Close ties with the local climbing community and the nurturing of our community role are very important to the BRC," he says. "The local community is what supports and promotes the club, and so communicating well with this group is paramount to our growth."Keys to successThe Ralph J. Stolle Countryside YMCA, Lebanon, Ohio, has approximately 195,000 square feet of facilities; climbing is a relatively small component. Named "The Summit Climbing Center," this climbing facility was made by Eldorado Wall Company and features a rocklike texture, along with a TreadWall. Classes are offered as an introduction to rock climbing. In addition, the center offers private lessons taught by American Mountain Guide Association-trained instructors. The Summit is also available for birthday parties and group rentals.

Educating Members About the Benefits of Spa Services

An educational program can increase awareness of the effects that spa treatments can have on members' physical, mental and emotional states. Benefits of massageEducational sessions can be scheduled as quarterly events to inform members about the benefits of massage. A member of your staff who is a certified therapist can present information in a casual and informative format. He or she can set up massage chairs and demonstrate techniques. The speaker should explain that certified and licensed therapists are trained to deliver therapeutic massage. Some mention should be made of the privacy concerns, and explain that clients are always completely draped, and that they should always let a therapist know if they are uncomfortable.Swedish. A classic, full-body relaxer, this treatment uses pressure with long relaxing stokes.Shiatsu. Originating in Japan as a form of physical therapy, Shiatsu alleviates tension, pain and chronic discomforts. It is a gentle but firm manipulation of acupressure. Hot stone. Hot stone massage combines hot stones with massage strokes to relax tired muscles.Neuromuscular. Targeting specific muscle groups, neuromuscular massage is recommended for sciatica and shoulder problems.The benefits of most types of massage can include the following: relaxes the body and calms the nervous system; lowers blood pressure and reduces heart rate; loosens and relieves tight muscles; stretches connective tissues; increases blood and lymph circulation; relieves cramps and muscle spasms; stimulates the release of endorphins; promotes better sleep.Fitness centers that offer esthetic services should schedule skincare events. Your product vendor may be able to conduct complimentary skincare analysis appointments for members. This will help clients understand the specific needs of their skin. In fact, many people misdiagnose their own skin type, and skin type determines the products and care regimen for the best results.Facials can reduce the signs of aging; stimulate blood circulation; provide exfoliation, which makes the skin smoother and brighter; and provide relief from razor burn and ingrown facial hair.

Encouraging and Managing Conflict

If you choose to avoid all conflict, you run the risk of overlooking key issues. Here's how to manage conflict at your facility.Relationship conflict occurs when style, background or values are under attack. Leaders should steer team members away from this kind of conflict.Task conflict, on the other hand, includes differences of opinion about the task at hand and how it should be completed. Research has found that moderate levels of task conflict are associated with superior performance, a more thorough and creative discussion of decisions, and a better understanding of the issues. If you choose to avoid all conflict, you run the risk of overlooking key issues, having only a one-sided understanding of issues or making overall poor choices.Fostering constructive conflict* Invite dissenters, with the goal of leading toward creative solutions, not hard feelings. Do you view employees with different views as troublemakers or innovators? Seeing them in a positive light will lead to constructive conflict.* Establish norms of supporting conflict and creativity. Be clear up front that conflict is for thinking, not for winning arguments. Also, make it clear that disagreements cannot result in explosions. Being critical of ideas is OK; being critical of people is not. Mutual respect must be maintained.After adopting the above principles, consider the following tools for putting moderate conflict into practice, and managing it well.Give two subgroups the same task. Give two groups the same issue to work on, which will almost certainly result in multiple perspectives on the issue, and offer a good basis for healthy conflict.Appoint a devil's advocate. Appoint a staff member to provide dissent. This member should present any alternatives they can think of, and will help get the ball rolling. Research has found that groups that have a devil's advocate develop and consider more alternative solutions to a problem and select a higher quality recommendation. Assign a different devil's advocate at each meeting; otherwise, the group may learn to ignore the devil's advocate's input.Consider minority viewpoints to gain a balanced perspective. Even when a minority viewpoint is wrong, research has shown that it still improves the decision outcome. It forces the group to think of alternatives, better justify the chosen action and find creative ways to alter the final decision to meet a broader set of criteria.Russo, J.E., and P.J.H. Schoemaker. Winning Decisions: Getting It Right the First Time. Doubleday: New York, N.Y.,2002.

Understanding the Dietary Supplement Industry

Do dietary supplements work? What should you tell your clients? How can you keep up with it all? Dietary supplement regulation in the U.S.Whenever you read about supplement regulation, you will see references to DSHEA. Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994. This act allows manufacturers to market products as "dietary supplements" rather than as drugs. To qualify as a "dietary supplement," the product must contain one or more of the following substances: "a vitamin; a mineral; an herb or other botanical; an amino acid; a dietary substance for use by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake (e.g., enzymes or tissues from organs or glands), or a concentrate, metabolite, constituent or extract" of the above. 2The DSHEA does not mandate that dietary supplements be effective. If a product is shown to be ineffective, the FDA need not require that the product be removed. However, if many complaints are received, action may be taken by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which may investigate fraudulent advertising.What's a fitness professional to do?REFERENCES2. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. "Overview of dietary supplements." www.cfsan. fda.gov/~dms/dsoview.html, Jan. 3, 2001.You can report a product that you believe is being advertised falsely by contacting the FTC online at www.ftc.gov. Click on "File a Complaint Online."

Burn, Baby, Burn; Ponying Up to Rehab; A Fitness Gallery

Innovative programming ideas aimed at motivating members to exercise with all featured programs submitted by readers.Have you ever seen what 1pound of fat looks like? Or, better yet, ever wondered how many calories it actually takes to "burn off" that pound of fat? Members at Personal Fitness got a lesson in just how many calories it takes during the fitness center's 35,000 Calorie Cardio Challenge, which ran from January to May 2005. According to Director of Personal Fitness Dennis Dewane, the challenge was great because of the education factor: "35,000 calories is equal to 10 pounds of fat. Clients realized that a little cardio each week alone would not help them lose those extra pounds gained during the winter."Participants registered for the event and indicated who their motivator (one of the trainers) was. They were then divided into three age groups: 34 and under, 35 to 54 and 55-plus. The challenge began with each participant tracking their progress toward "burning" 35,000 calories. All cardio work had to be performed in the gym, and participants had to use a minimum of five different cardio pieces with a minimum of 500 calories expended on each. A 3-by-4-foot bulletin board with a calorie graph hung in the cardio area, and each person had a flag next to their name to track their progress. Ponying Up to Rehab Georgetown Healthcare Cardio Rehab, Georgetown, TexasFifteen of the 25 Georgetown Healthcare Cardiac Rehab phase III members signed up for the program. Each week, they filled out an exercise log, and staff tallied their miles and moved their horses along the trail. "Phase III participants typically work out for 45 minutes and split their time between the treadmill, Air Dyne bike, NuStep and light weights," explains Nicole Chase. "Participants design their own program, but [they] can consult with our staff at any time if they want to change their workout." A Fitness Gallery Fitness Express Manhattan, New York, N.Y.Clement explains that when she opened her women-only fitness center in October 2004, she looked at similar facilities and decided to just "do it myself." She spent six months renovating the space, and, opting for no mirrors, had large white walls to cover. So, she asked an artist friend, whose paintings she currently has on her walls at home, if he would allow her to decorate her facility with his artwork. The artwork is colorful and large, and is mostly of women, which is appropriate for a women-only facility. In turn, she would sell his artwork to clients, if interested.

Popular Facility for All

Don't let the hospital image fool you. The Wellness Center at Meadowmont offers a relaxing and functional environment.And these members include all types, such as older adults, athletes, children and those in cardiac rehab. "The diversity of membership makes our facility challenging, but rewarding, to manage. [It] demands that we provide a wide range of programs and resources, which results in a more comprehensive and compelling mix of programming for all of our members," says Yankee. "All of our members are better off because of the diversity of our membership."Because of its continued success in all areas, The Wellness Center needed to manage its member numbers. To do this, it created its Rolling Enrollment Program, which is, essentially, a waiting list. Yankee explains: "When we reached a usage level that seemed to be our maximum, we implemented a program to manage the number of members. Since our retention rate and positive word-of-mouth are so strong, we created this program to enroll members, but provide them with a start date that is weeks, or months, in the future, depending on in- and out-flows of members. We match this against the ideal number of members for the specific timeframe (higher in the summer, lower in January), and use this system to keep bringing in new members while keeping the facility from becoming overcrowded." So far, this program has been a big success. Prospective members still join, even with a wait as long as three months.

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AB Show 2025 in San Diego

AB Show is a solution-focused event for athletics, fitness, recreation and military professionals.

Nov. 5-8, 2025