e-Letter
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April 2008
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Readers Q&A
Each month in the e-Letter, we feature a question posed by a Fitness Management reader in the new Readers Q&A section on the website.
In the Readers Q&A, you can add your response to questions that have been submitted or post your own question. It's all online: fitnessmanagement.com/readers.
QUESTION: Instructor Compensation
I'm wondering how other fitness centers handle compensation and benefits for class instructors and personal trainers. Do you hire them as employees or independent contractors? What do you feel is fair payment for these positions? Do you offer an annual reimbursement for continuing education or any other benefits?
— Sheila
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In This Issue
Pose Your Question
Do you have a facility management question you would like answered by other fitness professionals? Submit your question to the new FM Readers' Q&A and you may see it in a future e-Letter.
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ANSWERS
There are several variables that can help determine compensation for your staff. Are they employees or contractors? Fair payment can be determined on what the professional brings to your club. For example, it is not a wise business choice to pay your yoga instructor, who has 10 years of experience, $85 per class when she is only bringing in an average of four people per class. ... Look to make your classes cost-effective. Compensate the instructor who has the ability to bring a crowd to the class, and keep them there. As for trainers, the same goes. If a trainer is bringing in significant revenue, then, add in bonuses, a higher percentage of revenue or other added perks. The options are really yours to make. Keep your staff happy, and your costs low.
Toni D'Amario
Program Director, Health Fitness (Purchase, N.Y.)
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More Information
Buyer's Guide
The Fitness Management 2008 Buyer's Guide is now available! Find products, suppliers and brands in one easy-to-use resource.
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I own a personal training gym, and hire my trainers as independent contractors. I find it easier to pay them per session, and not automatically out-of-pocket. I also do not provide insurance or benefits. I pay them $30 per session for a client (who I provide for them), and charge $10 per session if they bring a client into my facility (they keep the rest). I have not had problems with this way of doing things for the more than three years I've had my business.
Joseph Herrera
Owner/Personal Trainer, The Next Level Training (La Habra, Calif.)
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The FM Blog
On the FM Blog, the editors discuss topics such as staffing, programming and customer service. See what fresh twist they give the discussions — and then post your own comments.
From the Apr. 14 posting:
"I'd agree that certification is a win/win for all parties involved, but it's not the only game worth playing. A personal trainer's bedside manner, if you will, is just as big a factor in his or her professional success as the degrees on the wall."
Read more at www.fitnessmanagement.com/blog/.
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Get Quoted
Do you offer interactive entertainment products in your facility, such as integrated cardio consoles, television systems, customized music, etc.? Do these benefit your business? If so, Fitness Management wants to hear about it! Contribute to an upcoming feature in FM by emailing anne@fitnessmanagement.com.
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Upcoming in Fitness Management
In the May Issue:
Invest In Your Staff
Achieve long-term financial, service and program-based goals through training, development and education of staff.
By Edward M. Slover, Ph.D.
Health Insurance for Staff Members
Attract and keep quality staff by providing them with medical insurance.
By Anne B. McDonnell, Senior Editor
The Certification Edge
Staff training and certifications that provide unique class and programming options can give your facility a competitive edge.
By Amy Scanlin, M.S.
Meet the Expert: Pilates Programming
An expert explains the basics of setting up a Pilates Chair class in your facility.
By Daniel Wilson
Research Update: Protein and Body Composition
A new study shows that ingesting protein after a workout increases muscle mass and strength.
By Wayne L. Westcott, Ph.D., CSCS, William F. Martin, Ph.D., Rita La Rosa Loud and Susan Stoddard
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