Giving Back – John Mickelson's Soap Box

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Start 2024 by making a difference, giving back, being part of something bigger than yourself.

Another New Year to celebrate. We are optimistic that 2024 will be a year of renewal and increase and look forward to working with non-profit organizations to make a difference in communities throughout the nation.

Want to share with you a “feel good” story about one of our customers that is making a difference and giving back. The 92nd NY, in New York (https://www.92ny.org/) has a Special Olympics Swim Team. The journey of the 92NY Special Olympics Swim Team is a testament to the unwavering spirit of its members and the incredible community that supports them. What started as a modest initiative has now become a recruitment center for athletes of all ages, from 7-year-old beginners to adults, fostering an environment where each participant can thrive and succeed. I’m in touch with all kinds of fitness facilities and organizations throughout North America where there is a growing movement during these challenging times to make a difference and giving back. This is a grass root / organic movement where its not about “me” but “we”. I am truly touched by the generosity of people and makes me want to spread the word of what ordinary people are doing.

This leads us to share with you content about not only the 92NY but also Marisa and Chris of “The Empower Group” (https://stevensonempowers.com/). I’ve worked with Marisa and Chris on a number of projects and their desire to help people and organizations knows no bounds. We are honored they will be contributing to the Soapbox Newsletter their expertise on a regular basis to help our readers to develop “Strategic Partnerships” that get results. This is their way of giving back.

Should you have something you want to share with our readership, please email us at drt@drtevents.org and lets make something happen.

“The need is great and so are the opportunities to make a difference.” Paul Newman

Shannel and John

The Special Olympics Swim Team at The 92^nd Street Y, New York (92NY), a world-class cultural and community center located in New York City, began with just three passionate athletes, but in a short span, it has transformed into a powerhouse of nearly 20 individuals, creating waves of impact across the entire city. 92NY is proud to make this program accessible for all individuals who want to participate by covering the full cost of entry fees, coaching, pool time, travel, and branded gear for each athlete.

The journey of the 92NY Special Olympics Swim Team is a testament to the unwavering spirit of its members and the incredible community that supports them. What started as a modest initiative has now become a recruitment center for athletes of all ages, from 7-year-old beginners to adults, fostering an environment where each participant can thrive and succeed.

One of the team’s remarkable achievements is its widespread participation in competitions all across the state. The athletes of 92NY have not only embraced the challenges of competition but have also demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship. Their presence in these events is more than just about winning; it’s a celebration of diversity, determination, and sportsmanship.

The impact of the 92NY Special Olympics Swim Team extends far beyond the pool deck.

Families, friends, and the broader community have rallied behind these remarkable athletes, witnessing the transformative power of inclusion and shared passion. The team’s success story has become a source of inspiration for all who believe in the boundless potential of every individual.

Annie O’Malley, seen below, the heartbeat of the 92NY Special Olympics Swim Team, has been a radiant presence since the team began in 2019. From the early days when the team consisted of just three athletes, Annie has been a constant force, attending every workout and meet with an infectious joy that uplifts the entire team. Her unwavering commitment has not only defined the team’s culture but has also played a pivotal role in its success. Annie’s journey is one of personal triumphs, as she started with limited proficiency in some of the competitive strokes. However, her determination and hard work shone brightly in the last meet of 2023 when she fearlessly dove into the pool for the 100IM—a race that challenges athletes with all four competitive strokes. Annie’s triumphant swim not only showcased her personal growth but also symbolized the inclusive and empowering spirit of the 92NY Special Olympics Swim Team.

The 92NY Special Olympics Swim Team stands as a shining example of the positive impact sports can have on individuals and communities. As the team continues to grow and make waves, our need for resources also grows – from ensuring that Annie and her fellow teammates have enough coaching to reach their swim aspirations, to covering the cost of pool time, to providing transport to the increasing number of meets, and more – and we must rely on support from friends like you to ensure the vitality of this team. I hope that you will consider playing a crucial role in the team’s success by making a gift to 92NY today. Your gift will help sustain the 92NY Special Olympics Swim Team, ensuring that Annie, her teammates, and future generations of swimmers will have access to this incredible community – one where everyone, with dedication, support, and a shared sense of purpose, has the opportunity to shine and make a splash.

Thank you in advance for playing your role on the team and making a gift in support of 92NY!

Happy New Year!

As we jingle all the way into the New Year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past year and gear up for the exciting possibilities that 2024 holds. In the spirit of the “12 Days of Christmas,” we’ve wrapped up a special gift for you – 12 tips to enhance your personal development and boost your productivity in the coming year. Let’s unwrap the secrets to a more effective and fulfilling 2024!

1. On the First Day of Christmas, Prioritize Your Goals: Identify your most important objectives for the year and create a roadmap to achieve them. Setting clear priorities will keep you focused and motivated.

2. On the Second Day of Christmas, Embrace Mindfulness: Take moments throughout your day to practice mindfulness. Whether it’s deep breathing, meditation, or a quick walk, these breaks will enhance your concentration and overall well-being.

3. On the Third Day of Christmas, Declutter Your Space: A tidy workspace equals a tidy mind. Start the new year with a clean slate by decluttering your physical and digital spaces. An organized environment fosters productivity.

4. On the Fourth Day of Christmas, Learn Something New: Challenge yourself by acquiring a new skill or expanding your knowledge in an area of interest. Lifelong learning enriches your mind and opens doors to new opportunities.

5. On the Fifth Day of Christmas, Establish Healthy Habits: Good habits lay the foundation for success. Whether it’s regular exercise, a balanced diet, or sufficient sleep, prioritize your well-being to perform at your best.

6. On the Sixth Day of Christmas, Master Time Management: Efficiently manage your time by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Utilize techniques such as the Pomodoro method to maintain focus and increase productivity.

7. On the Seventh Day of Christmas, Network and Collaborate: Build meaningful connections with others in your field. Networking and collaboration bring fresh perspectives, valuable insights, and new opportunities.

8. On the Eighth Day of Christmas, Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid burnout by creating a balance that allows you to recharge and tackle challenges with renewed energy.

9. On the Ninth Day of Christmas, Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. A positive mindset empowers you to overcome obstacles and view setbacks as stepping stones to success.

10. On the Tenth Day of Christmas, Reflect Regularly: Take time to reflect on your accomplishments and challenges. Regular self-reflection enhances self-awareness, helping you make informed decisions and adjustments along your journey.

11. On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, Practice Gratitude: Count your blessings and express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life. A grateful mindset fosters resilience and a more optimistic outlook.

12. On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, Visualize Success: Envision your goals coming to fruition. Visualization can be a powerful motivator, inspiring you to take the necessary steps toward realizing your dreams.

Now that January is here and 2024 is underway let’s maximize the gift of personal development. You’re setting the stage for a year of growth and achievement by prioritizing goals, embracing mindfulness, and cultivating positive habits. Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year filled with personal and professional success! As always, please feel free to reach out if we can be of help! We would love to work with you!

The Empower Group

Giving Back, Giving Thanks, Message From John, Success

It’s Christmas WEEK! And There is a lot to be thankful for, so giving away a few “REX Scholarships

By: Eddie Tock

On Monday the 25th we celebrate Christmas in exchanging gifts and give thanks for the many positive relationships and blessings that have come into our lives.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years and may you reflect/cherish all you have been given over the year and look for opportunities to be able to give back to others that are less fortunate.

I have the best job in the world, to be able to travel and meet club owners who truly have a heart to help their members enjoy a better quality of life. Our industry has changed and its not just about “pumping iron” but its also about providing people a venue where they can meet, spend time together and improve their quality of life.

In the coming months, we will be highlighting club owners and their facilities that think outside the box and work with people with special needs. The “Baby Boomers” are requiring different programs to help with their age related challenges. Parkinson disease is becoming much more common place and in our featured article, Brielle Carter has a 62,000 square foot facility (Ability360 Center is located in the heart of Phoenix) that provides exceptional adaptive sports, recreation, aquatic, and fitness programs that promote the independence, health, and overall well-being of people with disabilities and their family members.

Continue reading “It’s Christmas WEEK! And There is a lot to be thankful for, so giving away a few “REX Scholarships” →

Giving Back, Giving Thanks, Message From John

It’s Thanksgiving WEEK! And There is a lot to be thankful for, so giving away a few “REX Scholarships”

By: John Mickelson

This week we celebrate Thanksgiving and give thanks for the many positive relationships and blessings that have come into our lives.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving and may you reflect/cherish all you have been given over the year and look for opportunities to be able to give back to others that are less fortunate.

Continuing with the theme of giving back, on February 2-4^th the “Medical Fitness Tour” will be held at the above mentioned Ability360 Center. Speakers from all over north America will be presenting with the Keynote and Welcome address provided by industry icon Bill McBride. We have included the “Medical Fitness Tour” invite and speaker schedule for your review.

Continue reading “It’s Thanksgiving WEEK! And There is a lot to be thankful for, so giving away a few “REX Scholarships”” →

Giving Back, IHRSA

A Note from Brent Darden

Who would ever have thought the words “go fund me page” and Brent Darden would ever be in the same sentence? Amazing what the right motivation will do.

Knowing that I live in Texas, many people have been reaching out to me with concern related to the ongoing damage from Hurricane Harvey. The following clubs were impacted to varying degrees – temporary club closings, power outages, increased membership cancellations, requests for memberships to be placed on hold, flooding, facility and equipment damages, cancelled programs / classes (affecting staff earning and member spending), inability of staff and members to access the clubs due to bridge and road closings, etc. Of course in time, insurance will hopefully cover many of these business losses.

However, an immediate need is taking care of affected staff members (especially front-line employees) that may not have the resources to cope with this catastrophe.

Clubs impacted include:

Corpus Christie Athletic Club – Lisa Gorsline
Golds Gym Houston – Bryan Murphy
Houstonian – Cher Harris (are establishing their own “Houstonian Employee Assistance Fund” for Houstonian employees)
Memorial Athletic Club – Dave Cardone
Villa Sport – Cypress & Woodlands – Laurie Smith

Continue reading “A Note from Brent Darden” →

Giving Back, Wellness

From the folks at Augie’s Quest; Awareness for ALS

By Jai Smith

Jay Smith with his wife, Missy, and their daughters Loghan and Peyton.

Howdy!

I’m honored to be writing y’all this month for Augie’s Quest. I vividly remember the first time I heard about Augie. It was a morning in late 2013 and I was getting ready for work. From the bathroom I could hear my wife crying. She called for me to come watch the Today Show where they were doing a story on Augie. I thought to myself, “that’s one resilient dude”, and I went on with my day.

Little did I know that just six months later, at the age of 36, I would be diagnosed with the same disease. I was the picture of health (ok besides my affinity for craft beer), ran my own music technology company, married to my high school sweetheart, and had two young daughters whom I adored. Now facing a diagnosis with an eighteen month life expectancy my doctor told me to get my affairs in order, like anyone knows what that even really means?

Almost four years later I sit here typing to you with my eyes, completely paralyzed while my nurse pours my lunch through a tube in my stomach. Even as I type that it sounds surreal. Despite my condition I’m busier than I’ve ever been. I’ve started a second career as a writer, both to raise awareness for ALS through my blog and for the Huffington Post, and as a fiction writer. I’m developing technology to enable people with disabilities more freedom, and raising two incredible kids.

ALS has taken a lot from me, too much to even begin to list. But it’s also given me a lot to live for. I look forward to watching my girls go off to college, to celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary, and to see the day where ALS isn’t a devastating terminal illness. I know that I’ll be around to see that day and I’ll spend every minute leading up to it trying to make the world a better place.

I don’t believe everything happens for a reason, things just happen and how you respond creates meaning. I do know that seeing Augie on TV that day left a profound impact on me. It showed me how perseverance, determination, and hope can prevail over whatever you’re facing. It also showed me that leading by example is the most important thing I could do, and I haven’t looked back since.

-Jay Smith

Giving Back, Giving Thanks

From the folks at Augie’s Quest; A son’s wish for Father’s Day

Dear Friends,

This month I am honored to write you this email on behalf of the Augie’s Quest Leadership Council. I am a husband, a veteran, a father of three small boys, and in April of 2014 I was diagnosed with ALS. I was only 30 years old.

I mentioned in my introduction that I am a veteran because it is extremely relevant in the battle against ALS. Numerous studies have indicated that military veterans are at least two times more likely to develop ALS, than their civilian counterparts. While we still don’t understand the reason for the higher prevalence among service members and veterans, the cost and toll ALS takes — especially among this community — is devastating. For example,

Since 2001, more veterans have been casualties of ALS, diagnosed with the disease, than overall casualties from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.
The cost in ALS care to the U.S. taxpayers reaches nearly $450 million annually. The cost to the children, spouses and friends of those affected by ALS cannot be quantified in dollars and cents.

Continue reading “From the folks at Augie’s Quest; A son’s wish for Father’s Day” →

Giving Back, MACMA, Success

MACMA Annual Conference & Golf Tournament

What: MACMA Annual Conference & Golf Tournament
Where: Westin Annapolis Hotel & Conference Center
Renditions Golf Course
When: July 12-13 2017
Who: Members and Non-Members invited
Exhibitors Encouraged
Register at www.macmaclubs.org
Early Bird Rates available

Whether you are a Club Owner, General Manager, Fitness or Membership Staff or in the Operations, the MACMA Annual Conference has something for you with breakout Continue reading “MACMA Annual Conference & Golf Tournament” →

Giving Back, Partnership

Ride for a Reason with St. Jude & Lifetime Fitness

CHANHASSEN, Minn., March 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — At a time when children of all ages should be celebrating every day of their young lives, the reality is thousands of children nationwide face the uncertain diagnosis of cancer, as well as sky rocketing youth obesity rates making the life expectancy for kids less than those of today’s adults.

In an effort to identify a cure for childhood cancer and improve children’s nutrition, more than 100 Life Time destinations across the country are hosting the second annual Ride for a Reason event to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Life Time Foundation on Saturday, April 22. Continue reading “Ride for a Reason with St. Jude & Lifetime Fitness” →

Giving Back, IHRSA, Message From John

Mickelson Musings – The Real Superbowl, Chocolate, and Free IHRSA Passes, and more!

IHRSA is almost here. The Superbowl of tradeshows. An opportunity to see old friends and make new ones. I’ll be in the Petra-1 booth (booth 617) looking forward to meeting all of you who stop by. It’s all about the relationships and it’s pleasure and privilege to spend time with you when you take time out of your busy schedule to stop by. We even made it easy to attend by providing free entry into the tradeshow. Click on the graphic below this write-up, fill in the blanks and you will receive confirmation that you are signed-up and ready to go. Just another example of how John Mickelson makes things easy for you.

As most of you know from past issues of the Soapbox, we like to give back. Continue reading “Mickelson Musings – The Real Superbowl, Chocolate, and Free IHRSA Passes, and more!” →

Collaboration, Giving Back, Industry Leaders, Message From John

Happy New year! 2017… It’s all about “We” :)

Let 2017 begin. Everyone starts the new year with lofty goals and inspirations which seem to be based upon self-improvement. We at the Soapbox will try to change this mindset of being about “me” and moving forward into 2017 we want to change the perspective to “We”.

Let’s start 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 (link Below). 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.

Meredith Poppler from IHRSA writes about the lofty but achievable goals of The IHRSA Foundation and the desire to demonstrate the impact health clubs have on helping people effectively improve and manage their health, and then promote those benefits to increase the physically active population and improve wellness across the globe. We encourage you to donate to the IHRSA Foundation and help promote evidence-based programs that encourage healthy lifestyles.

I’ve known Neal Simpson, the Director of The FitLife Club Network for a number of years. Fitlife is an association of independent fitness facilities located in the Pacific Northwest. In this Soapbox edition he talks about the Fitlife regional summer conference and the guest speakers that will be presenting. If you have never experienced attending a regional IHRSA event located in picturesque Bend Oregon, contact Neal for more details.

Bill McBride comes through with another powerful article on Active Wellness, which is the leading health service management company and its passion in building active communities through both fitness and wellness. You will find the article full of ideas and practices that should inspire you to think outside the box and I encourage you to contact Bill to learn more.

Finally, in the spirit of giving back, we are continuing our “Free Consultation Offer – Our Gift to You!” offer through January. Bill McBride, President & Chief Executive Officer, Active Wellness, Active Sports Clubs & BMC3, Bryan O’Rourke, Business, Technology & Wellness Leader. Speaker, Consultant & CEO, Brent Darden, Principal at Brent Darden Consulting, Chairman of the Board for IHRSA, and Chairman of REX Executive Roundtables and Sal Pellegrino, Precor, Inc. have offered to “give back” to the Soapbox readership by offering free consulting services. Theres no catch, no fee, no charge for an initial consulting session. If you want to be on the cutting edge of programs to make your facility more profitable, increase membership and provide a better membership experience, you need to email them and take advantage of this special offer. They will meet or exceed your expectations.

As you might have noticed, we are making changes in the Soapbox’s format and we encourage you to drop us an email and let us know how you are doing. We are here to serve you so we look forward to your suggestions and comments.

It’s a pleasure and privilege to serve you and look forward to seeing you at IHRSA.

free-ihrsa

Giving Back, Industry Leaders

Free Consultation Offer – Our Gift to You!

In December the SoapBox begun a campaign to give back to our readers. A complimentary “one on one” consultation session (60 minute session) with Bill, Brent, Bryan, Sal, Lindsey or Brandi. If you have a desire to talk with Sal about industry trends, we will arrange a free session with him. If you are interested in a discussion in retaining members or any other topic with Brent, we can make it happen. How about social media questions and concerns, Brandi and/or Bryan can provide “one on one” expertise and finally, Lindsey loves helping people, facilities and organizations enjoy transformational change and Bill McBride is able to work with you on strategy, sales & marketing or organizational structure. You can choose one, two, three or all six members to discuss your club’s questions or concerns. All provided to you at no charge. We are not talking about a webinar, we are talking about each of the individuals mentioned above talking directly to you, your management staff or administrative staff, its up to you who you include in the “one on one” 60 minute conference call.

Bill McBride, President & Chief Executive Officer, Active Wellness, Active Sports Clubs & BMC3

Bill is a health club industry veteran with over 25 years of experience leading and managing all aspects of commercial health clubs, medical fitness centers, residential, community, multi-tenant and corporate fitness sites. He co-founded Active Sports Clubs and Active Wellness, LLC and owns a health club consultancy – BMC3. Bill has served as Chairman of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) Board of Directors, President of the Mid-Atlantic Club Management Association (MACMA) and served on the Industry Advisory Board for the American Council of Exercise (ACE). He is actively engaged as an author on industry education, serves on several Advisory Boards and speaks regularly on industry topics throughout the world.
@billmcbride65

Bryan O’Rourke, Business, Technology & Wellness Leader. Speaker, Consultant & CEO

Bryan O’Rourke is an experienced CEO, strategist, deal maker and adviser who helps organizations and professionals realize their full potential and solve their biggest challenges. With a track record of building teams and growing global brands, his network of associates and partners have served organizations large and small. As the current President of the Fitness Industry Technology Council, he is working to create interoperability standards in the fitness space. He is considered a leading expert on technology, consumer and business trends and his views have been published in periodicals like the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Inc. Magazine, CBI and many others.
@Bryankorourke

Brent Darden, Principal at Brent Darden Consulting, Chairman of the Board for IHRSA, and Chairman of REX Executive Roundtables

The club industry has labeled Brent Darden a “Texas Talent” and “Industry Treasure” – “part preacher, part teacher, and part reacher”. For over three decades, the former IHRSA Board of Directors Chairman has amassed a wealth of knowledge about the industry and continues to share his experiences around the world through speaking and consulting. His messages have reached audiences across nine continents and been translated into seven different languages. In addition to his consulting practice, Brent also Chairs several industry REX Roundtables. Website: brentdarden.com

Sal Pellegrino, Precor, Inc.

Sal Pellegrino is an experienced presenter at many industry events, Gold’s Gym Convention, Club Industry, IHRSA, World Gym convention, Medical Fitness Association and the JCC Association. Sal is a wealth of industry knowledge and has a keen eye for creative industry trends. His experience ranges from owning two fitness centers for seven years and thirty years of vendor experience with a number of large fitness equipment and service companies (StairMaster, Precor, Star Trac and Les Mills). During these many years of experience he focused on large national and regional chains where he observed many new trends, creative programs and facility design elements. He lives in Raleigh, NC with his wife and daughter and is known to play a pretty good guitar. Recently, Sal has accepted a position with ABC Financial as the SVP of Client Management.
@Sal_Pellegrino

Lindsey Rainwater, http://www.lindseyrainh2o.com/

Also known as Lindsey Rainh2o is a sought after Business Consultant & Leadership Coach, Writer and Presenter. Lindsey loves helping people and organizations enjoy transformational change. Her enthusiasm for leadership, conscious living, and wellness amplified by technology drives the majority of her writing. Lindsey’s intuitive and intentional form of communication facilitates unimaginable shifts in the unconscious mind resulting in powerful written, verbal and presentation skills. As a well thought of consultant and coach to the professionals supporting the fitness industry, she is known for her work in business development, business strategy, digital marketing, content creation and change management.
@LindseyRainH2O

Brandi J. Bergeron, Moon Mission Media

Brandi is talented Marketing Consultant, Branding Strategist and Content Creator with her finger firmly on the pulse of digital and social media’s leading edge. With 20+ years of marketing experience under her belt, Brandi loves nothing more than helping clients to thrive in both traditional marketing and the constantly changing seas of digital and social media. Her secret weapon is a knack for combining powerful relationships with strategic expertise that bridges the Wellness, Fitness and Technology industries.
@brandijude

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Giving Back, Giving Thanks, Industry Leaders

December 2016 SoapBox

Merry Christmas!

Our gift to you: free expert consulting with IHRSA icons! No “catch”, just our way of giving back to our readership.

December 2016

Dear Soapbox Readers, What a year 2016 has been! With the December Soapbox, we conclude our last 2016 issue by giving back. With the help of IHRSA industry icons, Bill McBride, Brent Darden, Bryan O’Rourke, Sal Pellegrino and now our new editions to the Soapbox family, Lindsey Rainwater and Brandi Bergeron, our Soapbox newsletter has grown beyond our expectations and is bringing valuable information to our ever expanding readership.

We have truly been blessed in so many ways.

As we look forward to the December holidays, the season for giving and “giving thanks”….We are going to do something that has never been done before, at least I’m not aware of. We are going to give back to our readers. We are going to offer our readers a complimentary “one on one” consultation session (60 minute session) with Bill, Brent, Bryan, Sal, Lindsey or Brandi. If you have a desire to talk with Sal about industry trends, we will arrange a free session with him. If you are interested in a discussion in retaining members or any other topic with Brent, we can make it happen. How about social media questions and concerns, Brandi and/or Bryan can provide “one on one” expertise and finally, Lindsey loves helping people, facilities and organizations enjoy transformational change and Bill McBride is able to work with you on strategy, sales & marketing or organizational structure. You can choose one, two, three or all six members to discuss your club’s questions or concerns. All provided to you at no charge. We are not talking about a webinar, we are talking about each of the individuals mentioned above talking directly to you, your management staff or administrative staff, its up to you who you include in the “one on one” 60 minute conference call.

I mentioned to several club managers our “Season To Give Back” program and was always asked, “whats the catch?” The beauty of the above offer is, there is no catch! Each of the content contributors have a heart to give back to our readers and help each of you provide an improved membership experience, be a stronger presence in your community and lets not forget, more profitable…Its that simple.

If you are interested in participating in our “Season To Give Back” program, contact me and we will take care of the rest. Its that easy. We also invite you to share this special offer with other club owners and managers. This offer is good through January 2016. We want everyone to succeed, and can’t think of a better way to facilitate this goal than with the help of Bill McBride, Brent Darden, Bryan O’Rourke, Brandi Bergeron, Lindsey Rainwater and Sal Pellegrino.

Its our hope the “Season To Give Back” program will bring you some holiday cheer and we welcome your participation, your questions, comments and suggestions. May you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

– John Mickelson

Email John here for a free consulting offer good through January 2017.

Bill McBride profile

Bill McBride, President & Chief Executive Officer, Active Wellness, Active Sports Clubs & BMC3

Bryan O'Rourke Profile

Bryan O’Rourke, Business, Technology & Wellness Leader. Speaker, Consultant & CEO

Brent Dardin Profile

Brent Darden, Principal at Brent Darden Consulting, Chairman of the Board for IHRSA, and Chairman of REX Executive Roundtables

Sal Pelligrino Profile

Sal Pellegrino, Precor, Inc.
Sal Pellegrino is an experienced presenter at many industry events, Gold’s Gym Convention, Club Industry, IHRSA, World Gym convention, Medical Fitness Association and the JCC Association. Sal is a wealth of industry knowledge and has a keen eye for creative industry trends. His experience ranges from owning two fitness centers for seven years and thirty years of vendor experience with a number of large fitness equipment and service companies (StairMaster, Precor, Star Trac and Les Mills). During these many years of experience he focused on large national and regional chains where he observed many new trends, creative programs and facility design elements. He lives in Raleigh, NC with his wife and daughter and is known to play a pretty good guitar. Recently, Sal has accepted a position with ABC Financial as the SVP of Client Management.
@Sal_Pellegrino

Lindsey Rainwater, http://www.lindseyrainh2o.com/
Also known as Lindsey Rainh2o is a sought after Business Consultant & Leadership Coach, Writer and Presenter. Lindsey loves helping people and organizations enjoy transformational change. Her enthusiasm for leadership, conscious living, and wellness amplified by technology drives the majority of her writing. Lindsey’s intuitive and intentional form of communication facilitates unimaginable shifts in the unconscious mind resulting in powerful written, verbal and presentation skills. As a well thought of consultant and coach to the professionals supporting the fitness industry, she is known for her work in business development, business strategy, digital marketing, content creation and change management.
@LindseyRainH2O

Brandi J. Bergeron, Moon Mission Media
Brandi is talented Marketing Consultant, Branding Strategist and Content Creator with her finger
firmly on the pulse of digital and social media’s leading edge. With 20+ years of marketing
experience under her belt, Brandi loves nothing more than helping clients to thrive in both
traditional marketing and the constantly changing seas of digital and social media. Her secret
weapon is a knack for combining powerful relationships with strategic expertise that
bridges the Wellness, Fitness and Technology industries.
@brandijude

How Health Clubs Can Prepare For Their New Anticipated Members in January

by Lindsey Rainwater

The end of the year is right around the corner, we were just starting to admire the beautiful changing leaves, and in a mere two weeks or so, a whole new year was upon us, which will likely pass by just as quickly.

With the weather changing and passing days also comes the chaos of trying to fit everything into our days. As Health Club’s our busiest season approaches with the looming cloud of never ending to-do’s, but also the excitement of new members and new goals.

The same tools we enacted to rejuvenate during our quiet time will be the same ones that lead us through not only the hectic ones, but all year round as well: Feeding ourselves well, resting properly and ensuring we get a mental break, too.

I spoke with an industry professional about how she maintains focus and keeps her head in the game during this approaching time of year.

“As a trainer, our job is to train… to train the body how to succeed. People feel more confident when they’re successful,” said Paisley Sowell of Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock, Arizona. “I challenge people to eat healthy, workout hard and get enough sleep. Trainers need to be role models.”

Spend the extra time that you can with family and friends, but make sure you’re still taking advantage of this time to sleep and fuel your body and mind.

Paisley has this down to an art. “During this busy holiday season, I set an example by getting to bed early to give my clients the best training sessions,” she said. “Hysteria is contagious. I believe energy is as well. In order to have energy to share with my reoccurring clients, I need to be well rested, eat healthy and feel good. I plan out my schedule wisely with clients, making sure I get a good night’s sleep, especially for the early bird clients.”

When evaluating your meal choices and holiday goodies (the 80/20 rule), remember to save yourself the sluggishness (and belly-ache) of overindulgence. Paisley shares the wealth so as to not throw herself too far off track. “Clients love to gift me gifts … the kind of sweets you’d die for. I set an example by just tasting and sharing the goodness in order to stay physically fit.”

Lastly, take time to have quiet moments. As impossible as this might sound, turn your phones off or on silent, and be present with whomever you’re with. Bask in solitude and peace. It does the soul good to experience the sound of nothing, difficult but vital.

“Having a newborn at home, I try to keep my work to a minimum at home,” said Paisley. “With the ‘new year, new body’ approaching, more clients tend to want to train. I set up a schedule where I can have some downtime for myself to re-energize for the next client.”

What an excellent example to lead by. Make sure you’re living a life outside of work and making the most of every moment.

What about you? What do you do to keep yourself on-point amidst the new member influx?

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Lindsey Rainwater, also known as Lindsey RainH2O, is a sought-after business consultant, leadership coach, writer and presenter to the fitness and wellness industry. For more information about Rainwater, follow her on Twitter @LindseyRainH2O

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