Why The Sports and Fitness Industry is Here to Stay | Stories From Our Team
Prior to coming to Upper Hand, I had the opportunity to work in the boutique fitness industry for 7 years. In this time, I was a Senior Cycling Instructor and lead instructor operations for 5 studios in the DC Metropolitan area. I loved this job for so many reasons, the biggest reason being the people. The clients that rode in classes, the staff that worked so hard in the studios, the individuals who auditioned and trained to be instructors… I had the opportunity to meet and connect with so many different types of people on a daily basis.
The Top Fitness Trends to Watch For in the Next Year
Each year, the American College of Sports Medicine releases an annual report of top fitness trends within the ACSM’s Health and Fitness Journal. This research utilizes survey results of over 4,300 health and fitness professionals to determine top fitness trends worldwide. Without a doubt, the pandemic has greatly impacted this year’s results, so let’s take a look at some of the top fitness trends to watch for in the coming months.
How the Arrival of Smart At-Home Fitness Equipment Has Shaped the Landscape of the Fitness Industry
Many smart fitness equipment options are now flanked by large screens that stream live classes with real instructors that can interact with users. This production element gives the illusion that you are present in a live studio class. Leaderboards allow users to see where they stack up compared to other people in the class, replicating that in-class competition that draws people to boutique fitness studios. However, the ability to access this content anywhere and anytime, makes it increasingly desirable for busy people.
Podcast Recap: Integrating Sports Facility Software Into Your Business
Founder and CEO Kevin MacCauley recently sat down with Jason Scott of Athletic Business to discuss the importance of software in sports and fitness businesses, and how tools like Upper Hand can help minimize the tedious administrative work, allowing businesses to focus on creating value for their clients. Kevin highlights how software can optimize your business operations, increase member satisfaction, and inform smarter business decisions, giving your business the upper hand.
4 Ways to Deliver Happiness to Your Customers (Without Spending Money)
It goes without saying that you can’t have a successful business without your customers. Not only are their purchases a source of revenue, but they are also great advocates for your brand. Customer satisfaction is key to building customer loyalty, as well as attracting new customers, so it is imperative that businesses prioritize customer happiness to achieve business success.
How to Navigate Fitness Studio Operations Post COVID-19
It’s now been one year since the pandemic began affecting our communities, causing an unprecedented level of disruption in the health and fitness industry. Throughout the past year, franchise studios and gyms were forced to adapt to a digital world and pivot their offerings to maintain operations and sustain a sense of community amid this time of crisis. The world continues to make strides towards pre-pandemic normalcy, as franchise studios and gyms begin to welcome clients back into their facilities. However, it is now more important than ever for franchises to continue to adapt to support their clients and ensure they are prioritizing their health and well-being.
The Power of the Fitness Community | Stories From Our Team
We hear it all of the time. A strong sense of community is a game-changing, powerful, and sometimes, life-saving thing. It is built into our human DNA to feel a strong sense of support and belonging. The sports and fitness community is no exception. The anecdotes that we take with us from a day at the gym or batting practice, the banging new running playlist a friend shares on Spotify, and of course, that sprint out of the saddle for 10 seconds longer than yesterday in your Peloton class, are the fibers that have stood the test of time, evolution and even a global pandemic.
How Smart Home-Gym Equipment Has Disrupted the Fitness Industry
While at-home fitness equipment has been around for years, a recent boom in smart home-gym technology has disrupted the industry tremendously. With many consumers opting to suspend gym memberships in the midst of COVID-19, smart at-home fitness equipment has helped fill the void of that in-gym experience. However, the dusty old treadmill in the basement just can’t compare to the equipment that is saturating the market today.
Ultimate Ranking of the Best At-Home Fitness Equipment
Over the past year, we have seen explosive growth in the at-home fitness industry, with new pieces of home gym equipment popping up left and right. While we’re likely all familiar with the likes of Peloton, Mirror, or Tonal, there have been so many new entries to the market, especially since the pandemic led a digital transformation of fitness.
The Top Face Masks for Working Out
The CDC recommends face masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Fitness centers and gyms are beginning to reopen with mask mandates in place, which means finding the best workout mask is key to having a comfortable–and successful–workout. But, not all face masks make the cut. When choosing the best face mask to wear to the gym, it’s important not only to consider the functionality and protection the mask provides, but also aspects such as breathability and fit.