Gym Reviews: A little more Background

So I got to thinking that some of my readers may not be aware of my intentions for doing gym reviews and health and fitness posts. I figure just in case there is any doubt, I will re-re-itterate my intentions here again.

I'm not a fitness expert. I'm just an average person who happens to really like fitness activities and I strive to live a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity (I go to the gym 5 days a week) and nutritious eating habits (I do indulge in the occasional home baked goods and a handful of chips here and there)

My hope for this blog, my business activities and my daily interactions with people is that I will help to inspire others to take up their own lifestyle change and participate in a healthy lifestyle too. I would love to see everyone make fitness and healthy eating a normal part of their daily lifestyle.

I recently wrote an article for a local Hamilton blog which better illustrates my thoughts. You can read the full article here: Raise The Hammer

I also want to ensure that all owners or managers of any of the gyms or fitness organizations that I am reviewing will contact me regarding anything they see on this blog that might not be completely accurate. As a human, I may have some information on a post that is not as accurate as you may like. I welcome you to contact me with your comments, suggestions or ideas. You can email me at the blog here or you can post your comment and I will read and reply. Also let me know if you have some special events coming up or just want to post a health and fitness related article in my blog.

There are about 60 or so gym and fitness organizations in the main city of Hamilton. I will be focusing on these first then branching out to other sport organizations in the main city and much later reaching out to communities adjacent to Hamilton such as Burlington, Oakville, Winona and Caledonia.

If you have any suggestions, comments, criticisms, ideas or events you want to share, please feel free to do so.

Until next time...........don't sweat the small stuff!

Put Your Toys away Please!

Ah, got your attention eh?

Today I am going to express the benefits of "treat your neighbour as yourself" theory as applied to the fitness club that you are a member of.

Now surely most of this is common sense and most of you already do these things without even really thinking about it, your actions are just a normal reflex.

Cleanliness in your fitness club is probably, above all, the most important element next to excellent customer service, that you can expect to see each and every time you enter your gym. Cleanliness reflects a positive image and supports confidence in the gym organization.

Cleanliness also extends to keeping equipment clean and well maintained at all times.

Basic aspects of a clean gym include:

Clean and sanitized washroom, shower and changeroom facilities

Floors that are clean and free of visible dust and grit

Glass and mirrors are free of finger prints and smudges

Adequate and maintained air circulation and temperature control

Sanitation stations ALWAYS equiped with cleaner and paper towels

Fitness equipment stored neatly off the main floor space

Not only is the gym responsible for the cleanliness of the facilities, but also the members. How is that you say?? Simple. Treat your gym like your home. Respect others who use the facility by putting away the equipment when you are finished using it. I don't know how many countless times I have been in my gym, in the womens studio area and found myself picking up equipment that I didn't use, simply because it was scattered everywhere and in the way. Its really not difficult to replace the mats and free weights back where they belong. This helps the next person find the equipment easily, and keeps the gym safe and clutter free. Which all in turn elevates the appearance of the gym to visitors and promotes a growth in membership. 

So next time you visit the gym, remember to put away your "toys".  You will appreciate others doing the same for you.

Until next time......don't sweat the small stuff!

Customer Service = Lots of Happy Customers

So I've got a really simple mathematical equation for all of you today:

Customer service = Lots of Happy Customers

Sounds really simple eh?

Apparently, it isn't always so simple.  But from my experience, I think that most businesses are catching on to this very basic concept. Customer service used to be seen as a bonus feature, a frill, a perk offered to get customers to try out your product or service. Then, once you got the sale, it was quickly forgotten and customer service became a minor player.

But not anymore.

Customers; the consumer, has become media and marketing savvy. Customers are starting to recognize that they can get the exact same product from several different stores/suppliers/providers. That leaves customers wondering where to decide to spend their money. The one thing that most often sways consumers is CUSTOMER SERVICE. A friendly smile, a helpful suggestion, even something as simple as, " let me hold that shopping bag for you while you check out our merchandise". Customer service isn't JUST about being friendly and approachable, its about starting and building relationships with customers. 

Building relationships starts off with simple greetings, recognition and whenever possible, call the customer by their first name. This makes the customer feel remembered and they are more inclined to return to the store. As the relationship continues customers will often share small details of their personal lives with you such as; "I'm going to watch my sons soccer game tonight". Next time you see them, you can ask how the game was.

Seems simple doesn't it??

It is. And it goes a long way to building a good customer. 

Why do companies/businesses want to "build"  their customers??

Simple. "Building" a good relationship with your customers is the start of a business relationship whereby you provide the service and/or products that your customers want most and in return the customer provides you with their loyalty to your store/service. Its about forming friendships with your customers. People are more likely to do business with  people that they know or are familiar with,  even if it is just a casual acquaintance type relationship (it is still a relationship). 

Relationships require mutual respect to be successful. Giving and receiving mutual respect means that when there are misunderstandings down the road (and there will be, because no one is happy 100% of the time) they will be resolved in a friendly co-operative manner which will benefit both the consumer and the business. 

Still need further proof?? Check out FaceBook. If you have an account there, you will certainly be familiar with the friends listings and the various possible categories within the friends listings. It is impossible to be true friends with everyone you might have listed in your friends listing. BUT; its very likely many of those are acquaintances (a person known to you, but usually not a close friend). There is certainly nothing wrong with having many acquaintances.

The concept of building relationships with your customers is not new. Its a very old way of doing business and dealing with people that is finally coming back into the frontal consciousness of business and consumers. Personally, I think that its the best way to do business, either as a business owner or a consumer. Its about time we went back to having conversations with each other; even if it is just about the weather, or the Blue Jays or the Flyers!!

until next time...don't sweat the small stuff!!