Quality Control in Fitness Clubs

[Guest guest]

> From: excel8888@...

> I don't know if IRSHA has any policy on the qualification of club owners, but

> I do know that ACSM has standards for specific titles, i.e., Fitness

> Director, and the NSCA has standards as well. I am curious what the list's

> thoughts are about the need for specific credentials in running a fitness

> club or gym. I decided to resign from my title at a club because I cannot be

> a part of an organization that cuts corners at the expense of the consumer.

> Anyone care to share their experiences, concerns or thoughts about the need

> for stricter guidelines, or is there too much regulation/goverment in our

> society?

> Debbie Kiefiuk, M.Ed., C.S.C.S.

> Ann Arbor, Michigan USA

IMHO you may have to work -within- the system (naturally, its easier working for

some, than others). I suspect you

can work within the system, and do a good job too. But you have to keep in

mind -perception- are very important.

There are lots of people who just want to give their money away, having already

been brainwashed by society (health food

stores, other trainers, etc). So, how about offering them what you feel is

good advice, but do take their money and

sell them what they want. Because they will give their money to someone, and

it might as well be you. Then... you

can keep people in your court, and have the opportunity to do teach.

Bob McGee

Atlanta

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[Guest guest]

Chip,

You have very valid points. Seems like there is not one organizing body that

can agree, and why should there be. My concern is that of business owners

who try to exploit professionals or do not care about safe fitness

environments. For example, not compensating employees (everyone has been

short in their paychecks - intentionally, including the janitor), and them on

time. Accidents happen in the weight room when unsupervised, and not

training staff on proper training methods can also cause harm to the

consumer. I know you are not that type of director/owner and if you saw what

I have, you would know why turnover is so high.

And, yes, I agree that one doesn't have to necessarily have a 'degree' to be

qualified. I also don't believe one has to constantly obtain certifications

to validate their education. I feel that our education system should provide

the proper education and skills.

At the IDEA conference I am concerned about what Dr. Siff mentioned regarding

gurus with individuals trying to obtain money for items and certifications

(MAT??). It is a concern to me, and as a professional mixed communication

and endorsements can be confusing. Whom do you turn to as the 'authority'

for professionals in this field, and the consumer?

Healthy regards,

Debbie Kiefiuk, M.Ed.

Ann Arbor, MI USA

[Guest guest]

I think one of the worst mistakes a person can make is think that because

they know about fitness, they therefore, know how to run a business in

fitness. This confusion has cost many people their jobs, and their life

savings. That is why we are now starting to offer the EMBA program so that

people in the fitness industry can gain a credential that teaches them how

to run a business.

Without a business credential or the proper training one's odds of success

after 10 years is 4% or 96% failure rate. Those who succeed know about

business. Trial and error is a painful and expensive way to learn. Fitness

professionals should concentrate on fitness and business professionals

should concentrate on business. But if a fitness minded person decides to

open a fitness business, it is wise to learn business skills in great depth

or else avoid opening the business.

Farley MA PsyD

Sunnyvale USA

Farley@...

Quality Control in Fitness Clubs

> > From: excel8888@...

> > I don't know if IRSHA has any policy on the qualification of club

owners, but

> > I do know that ACSM has standards for specific titles, i.e., Fitness

> > Director, and the NSCA has standards as well. I am curious what the

list's

> > thoughts are about the need for specific credentials in running a

fitness

> > club or gym. I decided to resign from my title at a club because I

cannot be

> > a part of an organization that cuts corners at the expense of the

consumer.

> > Anyone care to share their experiences, concerns or thoughts about the

need

> > for stricter guidelines, or is there too much regulation/goverment in

our

> > society?

> > Debbie Kiefiuk, M.Ed., C.S.C.S.

> > Ann Arbor, Michigan USA

>

> IMHO you may have to work -within- the system (naturally, its easier

working for some, than others). I suspect you

> can work within the system, and do a good job too. But you have to keep

in mind -perception- are very important.

> There are lots of people who just want to give their money away, having

already been brainwashed by society (health food

> stores, other trainers, etc). So, how about offering them what you feel

is good advice, but do take their money and

> sell them what they want. Because they will give their money to someone,

and it might as well be you. Then... you

> can keep people in your court, and have the opportunity to do teach.

>

> Bob McGee

> Atlanta

>

>

>

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[Guest guest]

Bob,

Thanks for your suggestions. My real need is to work in an environment with

professionals who can share knowledge, in an environment that provides

quality services. And so I have taken responsibilty for my own career goals

and have an interview next week at a club that 'has their act together'

so-to-speak.

My ex-boss, in my opinion, has quick-fix thinking. No organization. No

plan. He has had employment lawsuits (payroll checks are short changed,

including that of the janitor - and so, it is not an environment that even

cares about employees, yet alone the consumer. He really is in denial about

himself from several aspects. Moral of the story: choose your bosses

wisely. Yes, and maybe seeking out facilities w/ professionals with

credentials (ASCM Dir., NSCA), although I do not sense there are many

organizations that do this.

I like removing myself and focusing on clients individually, as I can provide

quality and I can make things happen. It helps alleviate the 'peripheral'

environment things that I have no control over, that are under the control of

an unorganized system.... very draining to be a part of trying to make

positive change. Thus, you are correct... I remove myself and focus on what

I can do professionally for my clients.

Healthy Regards,

Debbie Kiefiuk, M.Ed.

Ann Arbor, MI USA

[Guest guest]

,

Tell me more about your program. I was considering opening my own private

training studio because I realized I was more focused and organized than the

club owner. Then again, I am exhausted. I lost money from this experience,

but gain a lot of personal experience. I can see why he loses money. One

reason is that his expressed values (i.e., customer-focus, building

relationships) are not in-line with his actions. His other goal was to

increase employee retention. All lip service.

Yes, business experience important, as is quality professional fitness

services. But don't you think that the biggest problems employers have is

lack of a sound business plan, and that requires knowledge from both fitness

and business side. So tell me more about your program. I am curious.

Thanks.

Debbie Kiefiuk, M.Ed.

Ann Arbor, MI USA