elements for women is fast becoming recognized for the curb appeal in our clubs - we enjoy the prestige of being the only upscale fitness brand for women, a very unique market position which is not lost for a minute on me. One of the reasons for our intensive training programs and methodical staff development is to keep the experience inside the clubs consistent with their upscale appearance.

I very much enjoy reading feedback from new members and prospective franchisees who tour through our clubs - it is nice to know that we are creating winning experiences, and setting a new standard. elements uniquely features an internal club design team, ensuring that each club represents the brand well, and is also value-engineered to ensure that our clubs open on budget.

I spend the end of last week in Chicago at the Club Industry Fitness Trade Show. I love attending the major industry events… there is a great energy which exist among the club owners, trainers, vendors, and industry veterans. Although I was not speaking or presenting at this event, I did have a full schedule of meeting with elements franchisees and some great prospective owners. The fitness industry is in a major growth upswing, and the recent economic changes have made lease negotiation and construction at their lowest levels in years… overall an excellent time to get started in business - and from the high turnout it seems as if many investors agree with me.

This fall has been a very busy development period for elements for women, as we are investing into infrastructure that will allow our popular fitness brand to quickly expand into major Latin American markets - considered the next forefront of the industry. (I have to admit that trips to Buenos Aries and Rio sound much more exciting to me than Alberquerque and Kansas… maybe its my italian upbringing!) Club Industry also gave our team the opportunity to meet with potential international development partners and vendors.

elements for women Advisory Board Member Dr. Melina was featured on yet another television appearance speaking about BalanceD Diet, our popular interactive weight loss solution.  For more information on elements Fitness Advisory Board, click here.

Click Here to watch the video

Any reader of this journal knows that I (and elements) are big believers in ongoing training, and continuing education for all staff members - from our Club Directors to part time associates. A well trained staff exudes confidence, and simply performs better. elements for women franchising devotes considerable resources towards ongoing education and enhancements for our clubs.

This week, we began our Fall “Advanced Training Series.”  Sessions are held via web, via conference call-in, and/or workshop. Frequently, a mix of all three methods are used to maximize learning and interaction among participants. As the elements brand grows internationally, it is  really exciting for the entire team to see participation grow. Clubs from all geographic areas call in and get to interact with each other prior and after the sessions.  Our central team also creates post-training workshop exercises to be held at each local elements club. The post-sessions really help each local club take the information and implement it locally, and really pulls each team member from the club in with focus group type conversations, role playing exercises, and research exercises.  This “buy in” helps to facilitate a stronger team atmosphere at all levels. In my opinion, it has been instrumental in creating a community among our global team, and is helping to position elements as the leading fitness and lifestyle brand for women.

 Learn to live fabulously this fall with the newest edition of elements living magazine! In this issue, we reveal our most luxurious weekend retreats and indulge our inner gourmet with a visit from Chef J. We check in with All-Star trainer Ella Storm for top tips on toning thighs and buns, and discover the best way to handle a night out on the town with the Nutrition Twins. Dr. Fab reveals the secret for looking eternally glam with antioxidants, and our resident sexpert Letty Livingston solves your craziest romantic woes. Ready to start living the glamorous life? Fall into it today with elements living!

Today we launched the Fall Issue of elements living, our online magazine and media channel.  We chose the theme “Live Fabulously” well before the economic woes had hit the US, however the editorial team decided to keep the theme, which developed a second meaning during the current market….   “Live Fabulously” became our way of telling our readers that they can still indulge themselves and enjoy a great quality of life, irrespective of financial condition. Health, energy, enjoying a nice meal, a decadent treat, a weekend escape…  all are part of a quality of life, happiness, and a balance which is much deserved.

Long after the short term economic troubles have past, we will still have the smiles and memories from enjoying moments each day. Happy Reading!