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Networking, Marketing, and Product Opportunities at IHRSA 2009
The media these days would lead us all to think that business has come to a global full stop. However, if you look at the fitness industry you see that business, despite being harder, is as innovative as ever.If you are a club owner or manager, you are probably spending your days networking, planning aggressive marketing campaigns, and finding those valuable, unique ideas that you can implement in your club today. If any of this sounds familiar, IHRSA 2009 is the event for you.
The largest health and fitness industry event, IHRSA 2009 will give you the chance to network with other club owners and managers around the country and preview the latest and greatest in exercise technology.
To get an idea of what you can expect, take a look at this video of IHRSA 2008 highlights. Also, to see how massive the 2008 event was, check out this time-lapse video of the construction of the trade show floor.
To get the best rates, register by January 15.
12.24.2008: IHRSA Public Policy
NY Governor Proposes Tax on Health Club Fees
A sales tax extension of 4 percent was proposed last week for health club related fees in New York. In an attempt to close the state’s deficit, Governor David Paterson called for the health club tax hike, among others, in his 2009-2010 Executive Budget.For New York health clubs, this means members may soon have to pay an extra 4 percent on their membership fees and dues. Taxing health club membership fees puts further financial barriers on club memberships. In turn, this may discourage citizens from participating in regular physical activity, which is an effective form of preventative care and has many positive health benefits.
In his budget presentation, Paterson points out that one-in-four New Yorkers are obese and that poor diet and exercise habits cause up to 365,000 deaths per year. For these reasons, he is calling for a tax-hike on non-diet sodas, which members of the Paterson administration are referring to as the “obesity tax.”
By defending the obesity tax with public health concerns, while at the same time extending the sales tax to health club memberships, Paterson’s ideas seem to contradict themselves.
The health and fitness industry has a positive effect on the health of citizens and the economy. IHRSA encourages New York health club owners, managers, and members to contact their local state representative and make their voices heard.
Visit our NY legislative information page for more related news.
12.23.2008: IHRSA Public Policy
Reaching Out to Older Members
How to Communicate the Importance of a Well-Balanced Workout
The primary concern that keeps seniors from engaging in a regular exercise routine is the fear of falling or injury. Many seniors think exercising will do more harm than good. This is a barrier that keeps an important demographic from becoming members at your club.The sixth and final issue of the IHRSA Guidelines Report outlines how to incorporate the US Government's Physical Activity Guidelines into your club's operations and encourage seniors to engage in regular physical activity.
If you are searching for ways to effectively communicate the benefits of exercise to senior citizens, we have a solution for you. Find out how to tap the senior-citizen market today!
