This is why the field of fitness has become a modern day money pit...
Coach Dana Cavalea
New York Yankees, High Performance Executive Coach to C-Suite Leaders, Sales Teams, Tech, Private Equity & Venture Capital, Bringing Sports Culture to The World of Business. "I write what you really think."
The reason is simple: It does not work.
But, not because of the reasons you may think.
Fitness has become a hodgepodge of different concepts, color schemes, fee schedules, and musical preferences.
But one reality remains the same. It does not work.
If you study the numbers of gym memberships sold vs. actual user-base, you soon realize the business models are built around a lack of engagement in the big gyms. The smaller, studio type facilities are based on "concept" based fitness, but are still forgetting the main ingredient: the people.
Spending a career in professional sports, the goal was not just about creating a "cool" concept, but rather results. Creating programs that work based on an individuals needs and current condition (and past injury/ pain history).
With that said, although there are more options than ever in the space, the broader question of: Why are American's getting more and more obese and "out of shape" as options and choices expand is the greater question?
Why?
It is the same reason people are failing in the workplace.
It is the same reason depression is on the rise.
It is the same reason people are popping Xanax at a raved pace.
It is the same reason why there is standing room only on the therapists couch...
Reason?
We are forgetting about the psychology of the person...
In all of my years of coaching Professional Athletes, C-Suites, and Companies, I have found a few very clear distinctions..
- People need coaching
- People need daily accountability
- People need a simple, clear, individualized plan.
I call this the C.A.P. Principle..
It is the only way to ensure the best chance for success.
Without coaching, accountability, and a plan, people fall off.
What many of these "owners" of the above gyms and studios don't tell you is their overall retention rate. Often times, it is very, very poor.
Thinking that the majority of people are going to check a class schedule, schedule the class, drive there, engage in the class, and then drive home in today's World is almost delusional without the C.A.P Principle.
If a person is "coached" to do this daily, then checked on, the chances for success go way up. They go up even more if a person has a schedule built for them.
My issue is not with the "types" of facilities out there and options.. (although most hire pretty under-qualified coaches), but rather with the lack of relationship building, integrated counseling, and act of truly engaging in the art of coaching with those who decide to make the "commitment"
Every sports team has a coaching staff.
Why?
To increase accountability, compliance, sustainability and the chances for success.
A great Coach can read players (people) and create shifts on the fly. That is the art of coaching. If you desire success, before engaging in a new "fitness" program, find a coach.
Deploy the C.A.P. Principle...
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Coach Dana Cavalea is the former Director of Strength and Conditioning & Performance for the New York Yankees.
He now spends his time traveling the world speaking and consulting c-suites and their companies, teams, and organizations on how to activate themselves physically and mentally to improve productivity, value, and contribution in the workplace(aka winning).
To speak with Coach Cavalea about activating your workforce, visit his site at www.danacavalea.com where he offers speaking, consulting , and team-building services.