In a mere 16 months, the Thin and Healthy Total Solutions program at Fitness Unlimited has established itself as the best there is.
Total Solutions is a weight-loss program that includes coaching, weight loss and movement. Fitness Unlimited started its program in October 2011.
The gym’s program was recently named the 2012 Center of the Year. Of the country’s 89 licensed programs, Fitness Unlimited came in first place each month for total pounds lost.
“We led in every category,” said Amy Bond, who runs the program for her brother, Fitness Unlimited owner Austin Thomas. “We have a lot of clubs calling to see what the heck we’re doing.”
Bond’s own story illustrates the key to the program’s success. She started out as a participant in the program and loved it so much that she quit her job to run it.
These days, she recruits coaches from the program and says the staff’s experience on both sides of the program makes all the difference. Membership in Total Solutions is not a requirement to work for Bond, but it helps.
“Everybody in here is on the program. I think it’s more impactful having a coach who knows what you are going through because she’s been there herself,” she said.
The staff’s experience also adds to their productivity. An important element of the program’s success is the staff’s belief in it.
Bond always tells the gyms calling for advice to have a dedicated staff. She said the advice holds true for any business.
“Make sure people on board really believe in what you’re doing and that they’re vested because, if they are, you’ll get more out of them,” she said.
Another difference is the program’s fusion with the existing gym. Total Solutions includes membership in and access to the gym and most of its classes.
Bond said the program has changed the gym’s demographic, attracting people who were not typical members of the gym.
“We’re all a team and we’re all here to reach out to as many people as we can and show them we have a solution for them,” Bond said. “We’re a family oriented team.”