MP3-Guided Workouts
By Yuri Elkaim
Tap into the latest fitness technology to increase sales and better serve your members.
It isn’t surprising that the people with the best health are also those with the resources necessary to achieve it. According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), the average American fitness club member had a household income of $82,900 in 2005 and 33% of all fitness club members had household incomes of $100,000 or more. When you consider that personal training is usually the program that generates a club’s greatest revenues and that only a small percentage of people can afford to hire a trainer, there exists a large untapped market within every club.
Imagine being able to provide a training solution to members who can’t afford personal training. Even better, imagine providing your existing personal training clients with a complement to their existing training regimes. That possibility is now a reality with MP3-guided workouts.
Harness the latest fitness technology
About five years ago, the fitness industry began to witness a new movement – the MP3-guided workout revolution. MP3 workouts offer users many of the same benefits of working with a personal trainer but at a more affordable price. Like personal training, a trainer on an MP3 player provides users with expert auditory fitness instruction and motivation.
These “techno” workouts also offer members the convenience, portability, education, accountability and structure necessary to meet their fitness goals. As well, they’re an excellent option for people who travel or want a complement to their existing training regime.
When you consider the popularity of MP3 players, the potential for business is astounding. Since its release in 2001, Apple has sold more than 42 million iPods with 32 million of those sold in 2005 alone. According to 2006 research, 20% percent of Canadians own an iPod or MP3 player and 55% of those in cities use them while they exercise. It’s almost rare these days to see exercisers who are not plugged in.
Set yourself apart
Incorporating MP3-guided workouts into your club may initially be seen as a threat by your personal trainers. However, this apprehension can be minimized. Although this technology offers members another training option, it is by no means destined to replace the real time feedback, presence and “human element” of live trainers.
Considering their low cost ($10 to $20), these workouts are great for when members are not working with a trainer, yet still want the proper structure and motivation to achieve their goals. Because of the vast selection of workouts, they can be also be marketed to members who are strictly into cardio or who don’t feel comfortable working with a trainer.
Offering your members the option of having a trainer on their MP3 players can help you attract more members, set your facility apart from the rest, improve customer satisfaction, develop another revenue stream and allow you to tap into the latest technology in the fitness industry.
Here are the main players in the MP3 workout industry. Check each one to find a fit for your facility and members.
www.totalwellnessconsulting.ca (offers online and retail sales)
www.cardiocoach.com (offers online sales)
www.podfitness.com (offers online sales)
www.itrain.com (offers online sales)
Yuri Elkaim (BPHE, CK) is the owner of Total Wellness Consulting, a leading health, fitness and wellness company offering innovative programs and technologies to help individuals reach their goals of physical and mental wellbeing. He is a personal trainer, certified kinesiologist, former professional soccer player and developer of a groundbreaking lineup of MP3 guided workouts. Contact him at 416-885-9874, or visit www.totalwellnessconsulting.ca.
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