Summer has finally reached the majority of the United States and temperatures have reached a point where some places are receiving heat advisories from weather.com. Although, it might make the time you spend outside slightly unpleasant, it can potentially give you a way to target new and existing members.
Clubs of all sizes can benefit from the intense heat outside. With heat advisories in affect, even the most avid runner will struggle to add miles outdoors. Even small attempts to exercise, going for a walk or playing golf can be strenuous and potentially life threatening.
For many of your members, entering the club on a beautiful sunny day is taboo. However, as the temperature rises outside, they have to start worrying about their health. Have you attempted to coach your members on heat stroke?
According to MedicineNet.com, people most susceptible to heat stroke are infants, the elderly, athletes and individuals that work outside. Typically, your club will engage two of the individuals in the list.
Many times athletes want to exercise outdoors whenever possible. And, even though they may be in top physical condition, heat stroke can always bring them down. You shouldn’t tell your athletic members not to exercise outdoors. However, some signage throughout your club or a post on your Facebook Page could potentially change their thought and bring them into the club — not only giving you business, but also saving their lives.
Your seniors are probably your hardest to inform, but most important. You can’t rely on their doctors to inform your elderly members about staying out of the sun. Try and start early in the year. Your senior members will listen to you for health and fitness advice. They will notice signage in your lobby and throughout your club.
You may not be able to reach them through social networking, so it’s imperative that you reach them inside your club. Use your personal trainers and other employees inside the club to speak with members about heat stroke and its affects.
Informing members on the dangers of high temperatures will subsequently pull them into your club. Remind them that it’s safer to exercise in the club than outside when there is a heat advisory. Also, purchase bottled water and give it to members as they leave your facility. Remember, you’re not just their club when they are in your facility; you are their club all the time. They will need water in the heat, make sure it comes from you.
Here is some quick information on heat stroke from MedicineNet.com:
• Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated.
• The most important measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming dehydrated and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather.
• Infants, the elderly, athletes and outdoor workers are the groups at the greatest risk for heat stroke.
• Signs and symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps and aches and dizziness. High body temperature, the absence of sweating with hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid
pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure and coma.
Tyler Montgomery is the Editor of Club Solutions Magazine. Contact him at tyler@clubsolutionsmagazine.com
