As I stated in the January issue, now is the time to “differentiate your club” from your competition. Most clubs and gyms have similar cardio and strength equipment. I’ll even bet that their 10 lb. dumbbell weighs the same as your 10 lb. dumbbells.
So, what’s it going to take to make your club unique and different? Have you ever thought about un-weighting? As a health club professional, you’re probably asking, “What exactly is un-weighting?”
“Un-weighting” is a system that suspends a portion of an exerciser’s weight over a treadmill as well as over many other forms of cardio equipment. Un-weighting allows the trainer to minimize the effects of gravity which allows for proper muscle firing, warm-up and circulation. It overrides the neuromuscular system allowing clients to attempt activities that they would not be able maximize otherwise. Minimizing the effects of gravity also allows for bio-mechanical and gait changes to happen at an accelerated rate. The ability to “lighten the load” of body weight will lessen the pounding on your clients’ joints. This is especially important with older adults; overweight clients, and athletes.
When your club has a system that allows clients to do Forward Jump-Ons, Retros and 360’s, this will enhance their training results. This technology cannot be duplicated, and it offers your clients the ability to run in 360-degree planes safely. That will certainly differentiate your club from the competition, and it will make your training staff a unique group of professionals. In addition, with a unique training system like this in your club, and with a successful marketing plan, you’re very likely to receive more referrals from the chiropractors and physical therapists in your community.
To differentiate your club from the competition, try something new and different such as un-weighting.
Roger Sargent is a recommended consultant of the National Fitness Business Alliance. He can be contacted at 509.366.2953, or by email at rdsarg@aol.com.
