The importance of continuous learning in an ever-changing industry.
John F. Kennedy once said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
This quote perfectly describes the state of the industry. For the past three years, health club owners and operators have been working endlessly to learn how to help more people live healthier lives. Through COVID-19 shutdowns, economic uncertainty and political challenges, people of the industry have leaned on each other and have prioritized education and continuous learning.
“You are either learning or moving backwards,” said Greg Maurer, the vice president of fitness and education at Workout Anytime. “The industry is in its most rapid state of change during my 40 year career. It’s more critical than ever to continue to learn through multiple channels including events, online research and courses, and through the process of developing continuing education for your team.”
As such, there are various avenues through which you can help your team continue their education.
One way is through credentials and certifications. Maurer said their standard is for all fitness staff to have a nationally accredited certification and/or a four year degree in a related field. Their two primary certification partners are NASM and ISSA.
UFC GYM also uses NASM and ISSA in addition to National Personal Training Institute, NCEP Fitness, National Council on Strength & Fitness, National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association, and ACE.
“These programs — including the Club Solutions Leadership Retreat — have shown applicable details related to daily responsibilities,” said Andrew Hennebelle, the district fitness director of UFC GYM. “Individuals have had early success sharing this knowledge to members in our clubs to help them reach their goals.”
Additionally, Hennebelle said they promote continuing education opportunities through company events and club meetings. They share opportunities for continuing education units (CEUs) and courses, offer internal trainings with certified master trainer staff, share online CEUs, and provide club resources through partnerships with Hyperice and dotFIT.
“It’s important to continue learning because you gain emotional intelligence, soft skills of communication, motivational strategies for large groups and teams, and hard skills like how-tos on exercise science, business planning, etc.,” said Hennebelle.
Kiley Mutschler, a regional manager with Active Wellness, echoed continuous learning is valuable regardless of level or position.
“It may even be more important for leaders to continue to develop himself or herself as the landscape is always changing, as are the people you are leading,” said Mutschler. “Whether it’s working with a mentor, immersing yourself in books, and/or pursuing additional certifications for yourself, continuous learning will not only help you improve, but it will help to improve your team and your business.”
Active Wellness offers in-house education, but it also collaborates with other certifying agencies in the industry to provide continuing education opportunities to their teams. While some certifications are required for the role, Mutschler said she encourages each trainer, instructor, coach, manager, etc. to pursue continuing education opportunities that are in line with their passions and interests.
“In doing so, most of our team members have additional certifications that vary from health coaching to nutrition, and/or medical fitness,” said Mutschler. “This allows each to have a unique ability to add value to our company, members and the programs/services we offer.”
Active Wellness also offers a reimbursable continuing education credit to employees, and managers can attend specific industry events and conferences to help promote and encourage growth. Plus, it’s also part of the individual’s development plan.
“For me personally, in-person events and conferences are my favorite way to learn and engage,” added Mutschler. “They provide deeper connection that allows for sharing ideas, problem solving in real time and practical application. Being that we cannot always send all team members to conferences and in-person certification events, I have also found it beneficial to bring someone from outside of the organization in to lead these continuing education sessions in-person and provide a similar experience.”
Maurer echoed the importance of industry events when it comes to continuous learning.
“My favorite events are IHRSA, the Club Solutions Leadership Retreat and Sibec,” said Maurer. “They all afford the opportunity for formal education, as well as the opportunity to network with industry peers and vendor partners which is so valuable to keep track of where our industry is headed and best practices.”
In addition to attending industry events, Workout Anytime offers a national conference. It’s a three-day immersive event focused on the education of their franchise partners and teams. Last year Maurer said they had over 350 attendees, various industry experts presenting and vendor partners in attendance.
Workout Anytime also regularly conducts complimentary live education events throughout their club network, including:
- A three-day immersive profitable personal training leadership academy.
- A personal trainer sales academy for coaches.
- A three-day immersive new franchise partner training academy.
- And a membership sales training academy.
Lastly, Maurer added they offer online education through their learning management system populated with over 350 courses for fitness professionals including fitness business education.
Overall, there are a plethora of ways for fitness professionals to continue learning. From those just joining the industry or veterans who have been around for decades, continue to learn new skills, gain new certifications and meet with other operators at in-person events. This is what will give you the edge to stay relevant and connected in an ever-changing industry.
“Development and growth opportunities are contributing factors to why an employee stays with a company,” said Mutschler. “In a leadership position, it’s our responsibility to help guide our teams to those opportunities and support their journey with development. Remember, while industry specific certifications are wonderful, do not be afraid to look outside the industry for continuing education opportunities as well.”
