The fitness industry is dynamic, fast paced and ever changing. Add to this the fact that our clients are often going through a physical and mental transformations and the emotional support that is required is substantial. When you bring all these factors together you have one the most unique and challenging businesses around.

Most people get into fitness management and ownership because they have a tremendous passion for fitness, this is great but does not mean you will succeed and definitely does not make you a great manager.

This may also explain why the fitness industry has such a high failure rate, only restaurants are higher. Why is this? Well similarly to how a great chef does not make a great restaurateur; a really fit and passionate person does not make a great fitness manager or owner. However unlike a restaurant where you have people that have no interest in running restaurant that are successful in fitness you cannot be just business person.

A great fitness manager has to have two key elements; a passion for health and fitness and good business sense. The ones that have these traits are worth their weight in gold and if you have one you should hold on to them.

Here are 10 things a great fitness manager will have in 5 that are related to their fitness passion and 5 related to their business knowledge:

Fitness Passion:

• An in-depth understanding of exercises
• Knowledge of different types of equipment
• Openness to new concepts and fitness programs
• Motivational to members
• Able to lead staff by example

Business Knowledge:

• Understands budgets and sticks to them
• Business planning for new and existing programs
• Able to do cost analysis; you need to make a profit
• Systems oriented software, accounting and daily business process
• Advertising, marketing and sales experience to keep things moving

If you have a manager that exemplifies these traits then your business is on the road to success. If you are an owner and you feel you lack in any of these areas please hire right away and fill the gaps that you are missing.

If you are able to have all ten points covered in your business then you are ahead of lots of your competitors and well on your way to having success in your business.