First Lady Michelle Obama has announced the launch of her Let's Move Campaign: America's Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids. The primary goal here is focused on solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation so that children born today will reach adulthood at a healthy weight. Who could argue with that? The challenge however is daunting and making fitness accessible and inclusive for our youth and their parents alike will be key. There are encouraging signs. We are witnessing an explosion in facility development and utilization of University based recreation centers. These students are our future parents and leaders. This month we feature Chico State in our Facility Showcase. We just might be on the way to making progress towards our nation's health within Mrs. Obama's benchmark of a generation. AFP will certainly keep you posted!

Bryan Green, President & CEO

As featured in Hotel Executive Magazine

Armed & Ready: Fitness Trends Affecting Your Business in 2010

By Bryan Green, CEO

The New Year is alive and kicking, and I wanted to provide an overview of the key trends that are going to influence the business of fitness in 2010. While it may seem like the "same old story," the challenges we face due to our current economy will continue to a have a significant impact on all of us. Furthermore, the lifestyles of active-minded Americans continue to be action-packed, making time a luxury that most of us can not afford to waste. These two themes will play prominent roles, influencing the business of fitness and the choices that hospitality-based fitness center owners and managers make throughout the year.

Consumers will be looking to manage their fitness regimens, both at home and on the road, with time and money in mind. Tighter budgets and hectic schedules will undoubtedly force cost-effective and time-efficient workout alternatives to the forefront. A trend toward non-traditional or "alternative" fitness programming will continue. And in terms of demographics, we will see a growing emphasis among aging adults who are consciously increasing activity and exercise, in order to maintain and extend an active healthy lifestyle.

So with that, let's take a deeper dive into the specific fitness trends the hospitality industry needs to be reckoning with in 2010:

Workouts with Cost in Mind
The impact of the economy continues to affect the choices of fitness enthusiasts and health clubs alike. This is being realized within the mainstream health and fitness industry. Health clubs and independent gyms are already altering programming and business models, often times creating fee-based a-la-carte program options to better serve the needs of the cost-conscious member. In hospitality, hotels and resorts need to remain relevant and recognize that travelers believe that the price they pay for their room INCLUDES a great fitness amenity. In larger hotel- or resort-based spas that charge supplemental fees, the exercise experience needs to be worth the price of admission. If you're charging for fitness, you'd better deliver. Coming up short in this area will quickly put you at risk of upsetting your valued guests and creating substantial customer satisfaction and churn issues.

Continue reading this article at afproducts.com...

Bryan Green is President and CEO of Advantage Fitness Products, a company dedicated to the design, supply, and ongoing care of specialized fitness and wellness environments world-wide. For information regarding Advantage Fitness Products visit www.AFProducts.com or call 310-559-9949.

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