The Fitness Industry - Doing Something That Matters In New Ways
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 
The Fitness and Health Club Industry is changing . New economic models are emerging that create questions for the future of upcoming fitness professionals to be able to make a living. While forecasts indicate increased demand for fitness professionals, turnover rates for personal trainers, group fitness professionals and others in the traditional health club industry are very high. Many of these professionals have a deep commitment to helping others and doing something that matters, but it can be very difficult with the low pay they make.
The good news is that technology and a changing and digital culture are creating ways for people to work in fitness, doing something that matters like improving the health and well being of those around them, in a more sustainable way. One example, and there are many, is my friend and colleague Jared Meacham . He has created a training business model that helps clients by using new technologies. There are many more like him and they are quietly changing the face of the fitness industry and creating a new future of possbilities.
Are you a fitness professional who is evaluating your options and wondering how you can fulfill your passion by helping others in new ways ? In the book Start Something That Matters, Blake Mycoskie tells the story of TOMS, one of the fastest-growing shoe companies in the world, and combines it with lessons learned from such other innovative organizations as method, charity: water, FEED Projects, and TerraCycle. Blake presents the six simple keys for creating or transforming your own life and business, from discovering your core story to being resourceful without resources; from overcoming fear and doubt to incorporating giving into every aspect of your life. No matter what kind of change you’re considering, Start Something That Matters gives you the stories, ideas, and practical tips that can help you get started. Check out the video below.
Making things better starts with changing your mindset; thinking differently. Tell me, Bryan O'Rourke, do you have a story of a fitness professional who is doing things that matter by adopting new methods ? I think this is the tip of the iceburg of change for professionals. What do you think ?
About the author Bryan O’Rourke:
Bryan O’Rourke is a health club industry expert, technologist, financier, shareholder and executive in several fitness and health club business service companies. He is also a partner in The Health Club For Women and Chairman of the Medical Fitness Association’s Education Committee. To learn more contact Bryan here today .
Reader Comments (4)
As usual you're right on target with your assessment of the current state of our industry. While there is a very nice progression taking place on the day-to-day health and fitness club front, to me, the big new and energized area of our industry that is emerging is online through passionate fitness professional personalities that are attracting large followings, creating fitness cultures of significance. These fitness pros are raising the bar by the fact that they even exist. Online, people have nearly unlimited options. If a fitness pro is gaining influence and generating successful business it's because that fitness pro is delivering the things their readers/followers need and desire. This is real work, it's honest work and it's part of the separation that is taking place between highly successful fitness professionals and run-of-the-mill personal trainers. The fitness industry is exciting, dynamic and honest perhaps more now than ever. People have so many options, if they are coming to you, buying your products and services and listening to your message it's because you're taking care of business. Thanks for the mention Bryan, it's an honor!
I make a great living doing what I love as a fitness professional. I use Skype to do nutrition coaching with previous clients in Washington dc and Miami. I also travel o dc and Miami to train previous clients. I have only scratched the surface of my earning potential. I use an iPad to store all my client data ...clipboards are way archaic. I use video analysis with my clients to show them movement patterns and to show them before and after pictures. I also am an Affiliate for multiple fitness, rehab and nutritional products that pays me to recommend these products to my clients. The future of training is out there there is a ton of money to be made yet 95% of our field isn't making it.
Wow - Ive received dozens of comments on this article and greatly appreciate you, Jason, and my friend Jared for posting your views. What is interesting to me is how few in the mainstream health club business really understand how many of you are out there. Truly, I am not trying to create new competition for you but at the same time I guess it proves your point. There is a lot of opportunity and kudos to those who see it.
Streaming technology will add another dimension to the breadth of choices for both the studen and the fitness professional. It will touch a new market that was vastly underserved previously.
I am super excited about the possibilities.