Fitness industry specialists Stephen Tharrett and James Peterson present an updated edition to the most comprehensive blueprint ever created for developing, leading, managing, and operating a successful health/fitness business. The book is separated into ten distinct sections representing the primary skill sets needed to succeed as a leader and manager in the health/fitness club industry. Each section contains these and other key topics: Introduction to the Health/Fitness Industry (history, beliefs and behaviors, and consumer attitudes) Membership in the Health/Fitness Club Industry (defining the differences between a member and a customer, pricing strategies, branding, marketing, and sales management) Membership Retention in the Health/Fitness Club Industry (value of membership and membership retention, variables known to influence attrition and retention, creating and defining positive club-based experiences, defining and creating a service culture, and programming for health/fitness clubs) The Health/Fitness Club Business (legal business structure, business operating models, getting started, financial models and tools, budgeting, forecasting, driving profitability, buying, leasing, selling, and raising capital) Staffing Issues in the Health/Fitness Club Industry (employees versus independent contractors, compensation, benefits, education and skill competency, organizational alignment and structure, and team building and recruitment) Facilities and Equipment in the Health/Fitness Club Industry (types of facilities, design and construction process and associated costs, cardiovascular, selectorized/variable resistance, free-weight, and purchase or lease equipment) Operational Practicesin the Health/Fitness Club Industry (risk management, AEDs, operating practice, front-desk, child-care, fitness, aquatics,