Industry Buzz: A Thank You to the Industry

As Tyler announced last week, I’ve been promoted to Editor of Club Solutions Magazine, and I must say, I’m extremely excited. After Tyler’s blog went live, I received multiple calls, e-mails and comments from various people in the industry congratulating me.

However, I’d like to take a moment to instead congratulate each and every individual that makes up the health and fitness industry. Without you, my job wouldn’t exist.

Since I joined Peake Media, Club Solutions’ parent company, in January 2012, I’ve been amazed by the passion the health and fitness industry exhibits. Whether it’s over the phone or in person, everyone I’ve interviewed in the past two and a half years has displayed that they’re doing what they love, from mom-and-pop owners to CEOs of fast-growing franchises. I see this in the members of health clubs too — when members love their facility, it’s hard to keep them quiet about it (and that I am also thankful for).

In addition to that, change is evident in the industry. In just the past couple of days, two major acquisitions have occurred. Equinox announced its plans to acquire both Sports Club/LA and Reebok Sports Club/NY, while The Rush Fitness Complex was acquired by Gold’s Gym International. As always, barely a week goes by without a major headline for us to write about.

As Editor of Club Solutions, I promise to do my best to keep Club Solutions’ readers abreast of not only major acquisitions, but trends, best practices and more. Fortunately, this isn’t too difficult of an endeavor, due to most clubs’ willingness to share business tips with others. In the health and fitness industry, success is most definitely a team effort.

With this in mind, be sure to let me know if there’s anything that I or the magazine as a whole can do better. I’m always open to feedback — negative or otherwise — and would love to hear from you. Again, thanks to each and every person that has made my time in the industry a true delight. It’s been great, and I look forward to the months to come!

Rachel Zabonick is the Editor of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@clubsolutionsmagazine.com. Reach out to her about exciting events or programs your club has implemented, or to share the amazing accomplishments of a member.