As 2012 approaches, I'm reflecting on the thousands of leaders in the fitness, health club and wellness industry I've engaged with during the past several years.  From CEO’s of global brands, to trainers, health club owners, suppliers and educators in the U.S. and across the globe.  The industry is going through a lot of change and trying to challenge common views is hard because many don’t think there are big problems, nor do they believe wholesale change is upon them. I don’t agree (to understand why watch this). It is my belief that the global health and fitness industry is going through a period of great disruption. For those who agree the future will entail tremendous change, the most common questions raised during our conversations are: “How do we respond? How do we deal with it? What should we do?” These are good questions and they deserve answers.

Good answers are hard to share because there are a variety of implications for each business, person or institution. As a result I’ve prepared this brief outline of what I believe each and every participant should contemplate about what must be done differently when it comes to surviving now and succeeding in the future.  Remember, as much as tremendous change and disruption can create pain for those firmly planted in the present and past, so will it create new opportunities for those with an eye to the future.

Hopefully this content will provide a construct to help those who’ve asked these questions and to create a dialogue about what can be done to make the future brighter for us all. For me that future is one where health, fitness and wellness become more attainable for all people across the globe, thus improving the quality of hundreds of millions of lives. Most importantly, that professionals like you are the ones contributing the most to that future.

Please tell me, Bryan O'Rourke, what you think about the 9 things we should do. I look forward to hearing your point of view.

About the author:

Bryan O’Rourke is a health club industry expert, technologist, financier, and shareholder and executive in several fitness and health club companies. He consults with numerous global brands, serves as a member of the GGFA Think Tank is Chair of the Medical Fitness Association’s Education Committee and a partner in the Flywheel Group. To learn more contact Bryan here today .

Read the original blog entry...