The Next Four Years

Last night our nation voted to determine who would lead the United States for the next four years. Regardless of whom you voted for, what is your move for the next four years?

We have noticed trends of medical partnerships in the last four years between fitness facilities and physicians. Clubs all across the U.S. have found that partnerships help them differentiate from other clubs that are refusing to forge the partnership.

In a recent discussion with Sabarras George, the executive director of the Michigan Athletic Club (our December 2012 cover), he believes that partnership is the future of our industry. He’s already seen how the relationship that the Michigan Athletic Club has with Sparrow Hospital in East Lansing, Mich. has turned an unprofitable fitness facility into a profitable fitness club with a whole new demographic.

Not that this partnership is possible for every club, but for clubs that strive to harbor these connections, it could be a radical move that makes them stand out among other competing facilities in their area.

Additionally, we’ve seen a lot of discussion concerning health care and partnerships with the fitness industry. For George, he believes that the clubs that are utilized by insurance agencies will be the ones that take the initiative to bridge gaps between medical and fitness, and develop trusting relationships with physicians in their areas.

The benefits of working with the medical facilities and physicians in your area over the next four years, may set you up for further development and a reelection by your members for an additional term. Regardless if insurance companies help forge a bond between the two entities, your club will differentiate itself and receive more memberships by way of physician respect and referral.