Friday afternoon I’ve experienced a great deal of national pride. The Olympics are under way and we get to celebrate our attempt at a collective dominance in sport over all other countries. That’s right — the most obese nation in the world is fighting to take gold.
The vast majority of our population may be overweight, but we still have those that can bring it on the field, in the weight room, on the court or in the pool. Our very own Michael Phelps made history in the pool last night winning his 19th medal and declaring that this would be his final Olympic games. It must be nice to retire from your first “job” at 27 years old.
Many countries unite to celebrate their countries during the Olympics, but I believe America truly needs these athletes to shine over the next week. Our nation, glued to televisions, needs to see people that are active.
Many fitness clubs, including 24 Hour Fitness, have embraced Team USA and performed studies on how the Olympics encourage people to exercise. In a recent article in Club Solutions Magazine, we published:
As a proud official sponsor of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and Official Fitness Center Sponsor of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, 24 Hour Fitness recently polled more than 400 of its members to learn their opinion toward, and the effects of, the Olympic Games on members’ fitness lifestyle.
According to the poll, the majority of 24 Hour Fitness members are motivated by the Olympic Games (89 percent) and often turn their inspiration into action — giving their fitness routines a boost.
How have you utilized the Olympics in your club? Have you discussed adjusting programming to highlight exercises that Olympic athletes may use?
Additionally, we are about a month away from football season, and before you know it basketball will be knocking on your door. Sports and athletes are a great way to engage members on new workouts. Many times your trainers can find new workouts from popular athletes in Men’s Health Magazine or Women’s Health Magazine. How can you use athletic competition to push your members?
Tyler Montgomery is the Editor of Club Solutions Magazine. Contact him at tyler@clubsolutionsmagazine.com
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
