“Bryce Berry, managing partner of franchises in Grand Junction and Clifton, Colorado, finds Gold's Cardiocinema a boon for the people who are self-conscious about exercising in public. ‘A lot of women don't want to work out with everybody seeing them. The Cardiocinema is the perfect place to go,’ he said. The Cardiocinema is one of a number of features gyms are using to lure customers in the increasingly competitive fitness industry. Entertainment and technology are particularly popular among health clubs trying to stay relevant to the exercising masses, said Rosemary Lavery, PR manager for the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), a trade association for health and fitness clubs. If patrons aren't watching TVs or movies, they're plugged into their iPods. Another trend is being ‘green-friendly,’ or environmentally responsible in running the club, she said. It appeals both to the bottom line and to socially responsible members. ‘In this economy you want to make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck,’ she said. ‘The awareness of the environment and global warming is definitely something consumers notice and are sensitive to. If they can see it in their health clubs it's a positive.’ Catering to baby boomers and their children - and their grandchildren - is also important. ‘They're certainly a population that has seen a lot of growth (in health clubs) in the past two years,’ Lavery said. And with the increased incidence of overweight children, health clubs also target that market. ‘Childhood obesity is definitely an issue,’ she added.”
http://www.franchisetimes.com/content/story.php?article=01155
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