John’s Musings – 2018 is going to be a great year!

By John’s Musings

Happy News Years to everyone! 2018 is beginning to feel like a record year with the amount of orders that are streaming into our order desk. Fitness facilities seem to be packed with new members and I’m optimistic that “fitness” is going to be back in fashion again.

January’s Soapbox will be one of our best ever. Lots of new content furnished by experts new to the Soapbox, its exciting to be meeting all these new people and their desire to help people achieve a better quality of life. If you have a suggestion for a topic to be highlighted, please let me know and we will do everything we can to be accomadating.

Lets start with Petra’s very own “Cleanologist”, Franz Johnson and his video test of hand sanitizers and dealing with the flu

Just about every person I know has been affected by the flu epidemic. Reviewed figures seem to point to a record flu season. The current flu shot only inoculates you to 30% of the flu viruses which means you more susceptible than in past years to get the flue.  As we all know the best way to avoid the flu is “wash your hands” as often as you can! In the first Soapbox article for the January issue, Petra’s “Cleanologist” Franz Johnson speaks to the need to wash your hands and if this isn’t possible, use a hand sanitizer. We have embedded in Franz’s article a video on a test comparison of Petra’s foaming non-alcohol hand sanitizer versus Gojo/Purell’s hand sanitizer. Not only did our foaming hand sanitizer reduce/neutralize/kill more pathogens/bacteria than the Gojo/Purell hand sanitizer but our product is half the cost! I believe your will find Franz’s video not only entertaining but very educational.

Kimberly Berg from Rebel Fit and her cutting edge Parkinson Programs

They say things happen for a reason and in visiting Scott Draper’s Club Northwest in Grants Pass, I was fascinated by their “Rock Steady” program that helps Parkinson patients with their condition. Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year, and this number does not reflect the thousands of cases that go undetected. There is no cure but there are treatments that can greatly reduce the effects. As Scott has done with his facility’s “Rock Steady” program, Kimberly Berg is on the cutting edge of treating Parkinson’s through her Rebel Fit Club she developed and owns. She runs her tailor-designed “Rock Steady” classes and developed state of the art programs like boot camps, drumming and dance. Kimberly helps people “Take Back Their Fight” and the success can’t be denied. Her members and their families regain their lives and the results are amazing. I encourage you to read her content which will enlighten your soul and perhaps encourage you to start your own Parkinson’s program.

Medical Fitness Tour

In February we have the Medical Fitness Tour (Feb 3-4) in Phoenix. The aging population is growing at an unprecedented rate, and those with medical conditions are seeking fitness & allied health professionals with skills to help improve their quality of life and overall health. Education in medical fitness and active aging is more important than ever!

The Medical Fitness Tour is working to educate professionals in these fields, so they can effectively work with these populations. Increased knowledge will not only broaden your toolbox, it will help boost foot traffic through your facility. This event is the first of its kind and I’ll be reporting from the event to bring you all the details. If you are in the Phoenix area, its certainly worth your time to attend.

Free IHRSA Tradeshow Passes

We like to give back to our readership with providing our Soapbox readership with a gift if you want to attend the tradeshow at IHRSA. Working with the folks at IHRSA, we are providing free tradeshow passes to anyone who wishes to attend. Anyone, from the owners to staff can attend the IHRSA tradeshow free of charge. There is no limit to the number of passes that can be obtained by a facility, anyone that wants to go, can use the link provided and take advantage of this special offer. This is another way we “give back” to our readership.

Happiness, Laughter and Friends by Ashley Wylie of Club Northwest

This months “Reflective” article from the folks at Club Northwest focuses on whats really important, Happiness, Laughter and Friends. With constant emails, texts, phone calls and interruptions, do we really think about whats important in our lives? Take a moment, take a deep breath and read Ashley’s article and I wouldn’t be surprised if it doesn’t bring a smile to your face

Augie’s Quest, you need to be there!

Having the honor of being on the Media Advisory Board for Augie’s Quest, we again want to promote Augie’s Quest this year in San Diego. Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS is the challenge the fitness industry once dared to accept, raised a record-breaking $3.5 million last year alone and more than $35 million total since its inception.  This year’s BASH for Augie’s Quest will be in San Diego, CA on March 23, 2018 in conjunction with the IHRSA Tradeshow. Please join me in contributing to this worthy event and help make a difference.

Petra’s Towel Division is “Number 1” in North America

Were you aware that PetrA-1 is the largest “first run” towel provider for the fitness industry in North America? With more warehouses strategically located throughout North America, we typically can have your towel order delivered within 2-3 days. We are “Number 1” in towel selection and “Number 1” in pricing. If you are “not” using PetrA-1 as your towel suppler, chances are you are paying too much. Give us a call and lets discuss how PetrA-1 can provide the exact towels you need at the price that fits your budget. Together, lets improve your membership experience.

We appreciate your reading this latest edition of the Soapbox and should you have any questions, comments or suggestions on future articles, we would enjoy hearing from you. As always, it’s a pleasure and privilege to serve you and your membership.