CBI August 2020

Frank Lawrence, the CEO of the Little Rock Athletic Centers, one of the first club companies in the country to reopen, is getting back to business.

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“In the wake of sheltering in place, the desire for good health and human contact has never been stronger or more obvious. That's where our biggest opportunity lies.”

Frank Lawrence, CEO

Little Rock Athletic Centers

Feature

  • Welcome Back! On May 4, when Gov. Asa Hutchinson permitted Arkansas health clubs to reopen, the Little Rock Athletic Centers (LRAC)—and CEO Frank Lawrence—were ready. The state’s reopening requirements, though “constrictive,” were comfortable, given the fact that they were modeled on ones LRAC had drafted.
  • The IHRSA Global 25: Part 2: 2018 was a year of “serious” growth, and 2019 was marked by “measured” progress, but COVID-19 signals a significant slowdown.
  • The New 'Omnichannel' Club: The world has changed and virtual cloud-based exercise is transfiguring the landscape to the advantage of clubs and their members.
  • A Franchise Fights Back: By working together, 9Round and its franchisees have not only protected the brand, but also made it possible for it to keep expanding.

News & Know How

  • News: The “new face” of fitness; Crunch moves forward; IHRSA on Capitol Hill; Gold’s Gym prepares for tomorrow; REX Phillips retires; CBI’s Question of the Month; 24 Hour Fitness restructures; the Terminator wasn’t pleased; and more.
  • First Person: Thi Le, the lead research analyst at IBISWorld, discusses the industry’s future prospects.
  • On the Move: A new host for the Fitness Business Podcast; GoodLife “appreciates” healthcare workers; F45 Training introduces Challenge Meals.

IHRSA Report

  • Temperature Check: Clubs need to check their own temperature, suggests IHRSA Chairperson Jason Reinhardt in this month’s First Rep.
  • Best Practices: John Atwood and Beth Wald provide five valuable COVID-19 business-survival tips.
  • Reopened Clubs Can Play Their Part: The Get Active for All Pledge promotes inclusive programs for people of all ages and abilities, writes IHRSA's Alexandra Black Larcom in this month’s Grow, Promote, Protect.
  • The 'Next' Crisis: “Never let a good crisis go to waste,” counsels Joe Moore, president and CEO of IHRSA, in this month's Last Rep.