Aussie Mike's Top 10 Boxing Books !!

 Boxing and the colorful characters involved both in and out of the ring have inspired some of the world’s best writers and journalist to share their craft.  While I can’t claim to have read every boxing book published I do have a very extensive collection including biographies of nearly every heavyweight champion from John L Sullivan to the present day.

So with this in mind let’s take a look at Aussie Mike’s 10 BOXING BOOKS   

10. Facing Ali by Stephen Brunt (2003)

    15 different fighters who fought Ali recall their experience facing the Greatest.  Much has been written about Ali’s battles with major foes like Frazier, Foreman and Norton  but we seldom hear from lesser known opponents wo while not as formidable as that trio, were still top ranked heavyweights in their day.  In separate chapters we hear from British Boxers Henry Cooper and Joe Bugner, Germany’s Karl Mildenberger,   Belgium’s Jean-Pierre Coopman and many others.  All of whom will forever be remembered because of their contests against Ali, hence the importance of their recollections.

9)   In this corner By Dave Anderson (1991)

     A selection of interviews with some of the world’s best boxing trainers including Angelo Dundee trainer of Muhammad Ali, Ray Arcel (Roberto Duran), Eddie Futch(Joe Frazier, Kevin Rooney (MikeTyson) Good Petronelli  (Marvelous Marvin Hagler) and a host of other trainers of champions including  George Foreman , Tommy Hitman Hearns and Ken Norton .  Training techniques, fight tactics, and behind the scenes tales of boxer’s individual quirks and idiosyncrasy’s make this book a must read for fans and students of the game.

8)  Home before Dark by Ruth Park and Rafe Champion (1995)

  The story of one of Australia’s, most revered sporting icons, Les Darcy Australia’s first world Boxing champion told through the eyes of people who boxed him, lived and grew up with him. A man who was very badly treated by the Australian sporting press during the bitterly divisive World War 1 conscription debate.  A tumultuous time that saw him seek to further his boxing career in the USA only to die prematurely under very suspicious circumstances.  Les Darcy a member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame and true Aussie sporting icon is a life that should not be forgotten with the passing years.

   7)  Undisputed Truth by Mike Tyson (2013)

     This is the unvarnished biography of Iron Mike Tyson, the Baddest Man on the Planet.  This book is not for the feint hearted. Just like his boxing Tyson pulls no punches in describing his youth, boxing career, rape conviction and rebirth as a standup performer and budding marijuana entrepreneur.

6) Muhammad Ali... His life and Times by Thomas Hauser, (1991)

   Published in 1991, this biography of Muhammad Ali is a collection quotation from prominent people in Ali’s life.  Close family and friends major opponents like Joe Frazier and George Foreman, promoters, trainers, all give their perspective on Ali at various points in his life.   I personally enjoy this style of biography because it allows for contemporaneous perspectives from many different parties rather than just the authors viewpoint.

Published in 1991 it does not cover the final 15 years of his life and battles with Parkinson’s disease.  For a more complete recounting of Muhammad Ali’s life I recommend the huge (50lb) pictorial biography “Greatest of All Time: A tribute to Muhammad Ali by Taschen publications 2013 (NB: the huge book also has a considerable price tag of $100 pus, but well worth it even just for the pictures)

5) Dempsey by Jack Dempsey and Barbara Piatelli Dempsey 1977 (out of print)

Written in collaboration with his step-daughter Barbara Piatelli “Dempsey” describes the life and times of the man known in pugilistic circles as the Manassa Mauler.

Dempsey recounts his humble beginnings as a Colorado coal miner whose only way out of poverty was to capitalize on his greatest talent: the ability to punch with devastating power. None of these recollections are colored by introspective self-analysis. Barbara Piatelli Dempsey’s writing allows Jack's words to speak for themselves.

Intertwined within Dempsey's life is a colorful montage of characters and events (both in and out of ring). The Willard fight, the infamous long count, his trial for refusing to enter the army, his days as a movie star and restaurateur, are all told with disarming honesty.

More than a mere blow by blow description of a boxing career, Dempsey tells of the struggles of a simple honest man in difficult times. Through world wars, economic depressions and personal turmoil Jack Dempsey emerges as the archetypical American hero.

What makes the story even more appealing is its warts and all approach. Dempsey's foibles are exposed; his life is no sugar-coated fairy tale. For any sports historian or fanatic, "Dempsey" is essential reading. It is a timeless work which will ensure that the famous catch cry "I can beat any man in the house" will continue to be shouted by those seeking to emulate the fistic feats of the eternal symbol of American male machismo, the one and the only Jack Dempsey 

4) The Harder They Fall by Bud Schulberg (1947)

 Described by USA Today as "The quintessential novel of boxing and corruption” this. Is a fictionalized d account of the career of Primo Carnera a mob controlled Heavyweight Champion in the 1930’s.  Subsequently made into a film starring Humphrey Bogart both book and film provide an accurate description of the nefarious characters boxing attracts and the corruption involved.

3) The Fight by Norman Mailer (1975)

One of Americas most talented writers  Norman Mailer (1923-2007)  reports on the 1974 Foreman v Ali fight aka “The Rumble in the Jungle’ in Kinshasa Zaire.  The definitive account of one of the best heavyweight fights t of the 20th century.

Mailer also appears in the documentary “Once were Kings”   the award winning documentary of the Ali Foreman fight.

2) Unforgiveable Blackness by Geoffrey C ward. (2004)

A brilliant recounting of the life and times of Jack Johnston the first black World Heavyweight champion.  More than a book about boxing it is also a book about Jim Crowe America and the racism present at all levels of society. Johnston rails against this and travels to the other side of the world, Sydney Australia to win the world championship from Canadian Tommy Burns. The Johnston era of the championship, the search for the Great white hope and his ultimate loss to Jess Willard are recounted together with his brushes with the law and peripatetic life after boxing. 

Papa Jack, Jack Johnston and the era of the White Hopes by Randy Roberts (1983) is another book I would highly recommend.  Robert’s recounting of Johnston’s life differs markedly from the popular narrative of Johnston as an early day Muhammad Ali. He depicts Johnston as a substantial historical figure but in essence an ego driven opportunist rather than racial martyr.

1) The Sweet Science by A J Liebling, 1951

  In this true masterpiece of modern journalism Liebling presents 18 separate essays which describe boxing in the 1940’s and 1950’S. Through humor and colorful descriptive prose he recaptures an era in sports that will never be duplicated whether at the fights themselves, the sweaty gyms and raucous taverns where most of the followers convened before and after the event. A great read even for the non-boxing fan.

Honorable mentions to “The Power of One” by Bryce Courtenay , “Shadow Box “by George Plimpton and  “Boxing Day the Fight that changed the World” by Jeff Wells.

So there you have it folks, let me know what you think, hey reading but most importantly

Keep punching!!!

10 ways to Attract and Retain Talented staff !!

Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients." – Sir Richard Branson. " Founder“The Virgin  Group”.

So how do you make your employees 100% proud of the job they are doing as per Sir Richard’s advice.

Attracting potential employees to an employer with one of the most powerful brand names i.e. World Bank certainly helps, but that doesn’t mean you attract the right people.

In the attached photos taken over the span of 12 years you see nearly all the same smiling faces.

Here are some of the most important factors that helped us retain such great talented staff in a low paying industry like the Fitness business.

1. Establish that you are a Hospitality Business and employ accordingly.

During my 32 years in Management I have always been a big believer in ex IHRSA President John McCarthy’s view that “The fitness business is a hospitality business—bottom line.  Until people understand that, they really haven't entered the high road of the business”. (John McCarthy IHRSA President, CBI magazine, Oct 7, 2014)

By creating a community within a Corporation and doing all the things a good hospitality business does, like remembering names and providing a great service and product you will go a long way to creating value.

Of course you have to choose the right staff to work in a hospitality business. How you determine that is a key factor in attracting the right staff. While I am a big believer in higher education, I also looked at an applicant’s resume to see if they had worked in service industries or as a volunteer for a non-profit organization.

I would also schedule the face to face interview during our busiest time and have the potential employee tour the facility with me or my very popular Front desk person Dosseh. By doing this we could see how the applicant reacted to customer interaction and friendly banter. Did they seem shy or introverted, maybe even disinterested? or did they engage and seem enthusiastic with the interactions?  This was a good way to observe body language and gauge if a person really is a true “people person.”

2. Create strong “Brand loyalty” for members and staff

Many books and articles have been written on Brand Loyalty.  Creating Band loyalty starts with simply knowing people’s names, greeting them as they arrive and leave your center.  A smile, and genuine warm hello and goodbye, makes a people feel like they are appreciated.  This builds lasting relationships that at least make people think twice before joining another club.

People like to be recognized. The big mistake many Fitness Centers make is that once members’ sign on they become just another number. Most fitness centers are hopeless at this. Swipe your membership card and that is virtually the last human contact you have. 

The same applies for people working at your fitness center.  If the person who works at your center is treated as a professional is 100% proud of the job they're doing, if you give them the tools to do a good job, they're proud of the brand, if they were looked after, if they're treated well, then will be happy and do their best to make sure members get the best product possible and a nice experience. . If employees are just viewed as another source of Personal Training revenue they will not be fully committed and only provide an “I just do my job and go home “ service.

3. Support training and lifelong education

Creating a culture of lifelong learning and support of educational initiatives will ensure the staff stay current and provide members with the best facilities and services possible. This creates a culture where employees are appreciated, valued and made to feel part of something worthwhile.

At the World Bank Fitness Center we encouraged education, not just in Fitness. We also provided training in hospitality with professional organizations like Ritz Carlton and in personal development with sessions on Public Speaking, Voice Projection. Role plays on customer service and conflict resolution were another very effective educational tool.

4. Create a Mission statement and Service standards with strong staff buy in

 For our team at the World Banks Fitness Center our key values were encapsulated in our CRAP Communication system and our Service goals and Action Plan  for the Best Corporate Fitness Center in the Whole Wide World described in my previous Blogs.

While most businesses go through the requisite exercise of defining key values or composing mission statements, they often become just nicely framed murals hanging on the Managers wall. It is very important to understand the importance of regular and repetitive presentation of these core aspects of the business. This leads to another important aspect of attracting and retaining staff

5. Communicate, Clearly concisely and regularly

In my experience, the single biggest problem staff has with Management is lack of Communication.  As General Manager of the 3 Centers,I would send out an email to all staff we called Mike’s Daily CRAP very early in the day (pre 6 a.m.). This  was a concise email  welcoming staff  to the day and detailing any relevant, operational issues, promotions etc. and tying this in with our CRAP acronym and our Vision to be “the best corporate Fitness Center in the Whole Wide World.(BCFC in the WWW)

6. Fortnightly Fitness Staff Meetings and Annual retreats

 Rather than rely solely on words on a page, our fortnightly team meeting for all Fitness Staff was an opportunity to reinforce our core values and vision in real time. The meeting Agenda would often include “Story Time” where we focused on examples that reinforced our Service Goals and gathered staff’s input on any pending activities.

 7. Always Drink Upstream from the herd     

Will Rogers an American humorist and social commentator penned this quote back in the 1920’s. It applies the old farmer’s wisdom of smart animals and leaders stay apart from the crowd and don’t give in easily to Group Think.

   Drinking upstream where the water is clear and clean is much better than downstream where it may be polluted.

   The fitness industry is rife with misinformation and new trends and fads that are passed off as irrefutable fact.  Likewise in Management there are those all too willing to pass of their views as being the only correct solutions.

Our goal was to have meetings that not only reinforced our Mission but were enjoyable and not boring.  We also tried our best to keep away from the cringe worthy team building activities and enforced frivolity often seen in corporate settings. Our goal was to treat fitness staff as professionals by imparting some new knowledge in an innovative fashion .

8. An Open Door Policy

As an employee and member of fitness centers I always thought there was nothing worse than seeing a Manager’s office door closed and blinds drawn.  An open door policy encourages openness and transparency between Management, members and employees. Being available for staff and open and honest in your discussion will foster an environment of trust and respect

9. Rule 11 … A strict no Dickhead or Diva Policy.

    To some this may seem a trifle crude and vulgar. We kept it that way to make it as impactfull as possible. In a dynamic, Fitness Center there is no room for staff who are selfish, lazy and demanding. The service goals which were formulated with heavy staff input give clear guidelines on what constitutes Rule 11 behavior.

 10. Most important Try not to be a Rule 11 yourself by Managing from the heart

Numerous studies show that Employees don’t quite their job they quit their Managers. So try not to be a Rule 11 yourself

Respect is the universal language.  If the actions and decisions you make are from the heart, rather than “I am right mentality”, they may not always be popular but they will be respected.

So there you have it folks , 10 ways to attract and retain staff. Let me know what you think.

world Bank Fitness Staff at Aussie mike’s 50 th in 2017

WORLD BANK fITNESS sTAFF IN 2009 WITH fITNESS mANAGEMENT Magazine AWARD FOR “fIT ON THE TRIP tRAVEL pROGRAM”

Fitness staff at aussie MIKE’S LAST DAY jULY 2017

Aussie Mike's Top 10 most authentic Boxing Movies!!!

Ok folks, here are my top 10 boxing films based on the authenticity of the boxing scenes.

Sure the acting, story, writing etc.is important but my ranking is based on how realistic the boxing scenes are compared to the usual hackneyed, glorified Hollywood depictions where the hero wins and escapes the ring with nary a black eye or broken nose to be seen.

 10. Gentleman Jim (1942)

   A rollicking fictionalized tale based on the life of Gentleman Jim Corbett and his victory over John L Sullivan for the heavyweight Championship in 1892. The fighting scenes accurately depict the predominant boxing styles that were evolving from the traditional bare knuckle era. Much is made of Corbett’s footwork.  Footwork that the star portraying Gentleman Jim, Errol Flynn, alas could not master. All the scenes of Corbett’s fancy feet are shown from the waist down, using the the nimble footwork of the then current Light heavyweight Champion Billy Conn.

9. Rocky1

  Sorry Rocky Fans, big props to Sly Stallone for reigniting the” Fight Film” genre and boxing in general, but the lead with your face boxing style and exaggerated effects of the punches are  a bit hard to reconcile for true fight fans.  There are some great pre-fight training scenes that added a lot to the general perception of how hard boxers train, but even then, hitting huge slabs of meat in a fridge ???… mmm yep well it is Hollywood!

 8.   Rocky Balboa 2006

 A fitting finale to the Rocky series.  Some nice boxing scenes if again a little unrealistic. Nevertheless I was struck by the session where Rocky’s trainer explains that he (Rocky)  has lost his speed and reflexes but still has power and “that is all we are going to train for….Bone crushing, jaw breaking power “.  Some moving motivational scenes between Rocky and his son and Rocky and his new love interest are a nice addition.

 7. The Fighter 2010

      Based on the story of Micky Ward the fight scenes are good portrayal of Ward’s scrappy, all or thing fighting style. Yes Mark Whalberg as Micky Ward leads with his face, but that is largely how Ward fought.

6.  Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962)

     A dark realistic portrayal of a retired punch drunk fighter trying to make his way in life after a particularly bad beating in his final bout. The boxing scenes show the brutality both in and outside the ring.

 5. The Harder they fall (1956)

    Based on Budd Schulberg’s 1947 novel, this is a thinly veiled account of the career of Primo Carnera a mob controlled Heavyweight Champion in the 1930’s.  There are some interesting cameo appearances from ex-heavyweight Champions Jersey Joe Walcott as a trainer and an ageing Max Baer as the hero’s nemesis.   Also notable is the very anti boxing message at the film’s conclusion.

4. Ali, An American Hero (2001)

   Will Smith’s portrayal of Muhammad Ali’s is very faithful to his boxing style, but doesn’t quite capture Ali’s spontaneity and quickness of movement both in and outside the ring. Very accurate depictions of Ali’s major fights with Liston, Frazier and Foreman.

3 .Cinderella Man (2005)

     Russel Crowe’s portrays James Braddock and his climb out of the depression to become a very unlikely Heavyweight champion.   The fights scenes accurately depict the rock em sock em  boxing style of the 1930’s pre Joe Louis championship era. The Close ups of the punches landing and the blood, spit and grit really show the true nature of a boxing contest in its purest, most gruelling, form.

 2.  The Boxer (1997)

    An often overlooked boxing movie where Daniel Day Lewis’ penchant for method acting is clearly displayed.  In terms of pure boxing movement, particularly the infighting sequences where body punching, feinting, blocking and rolling with the punches are displayed you can’t get more realistic.  Apparently in true method acting fashion Daniel Day Lewis trained in boxing for 3 years prior to filming but most telling of all ex used ex World featherweight Champion Barry McGuigan as chief boxing adviser in the filming. It shows.  And by the way the story of an ex IRA member coming back to his community in Belfast after serving 14 years in Jail is pretty compelling as well.

1. Raging Bull (1980)

   A classic of American film making, you can’t go far past Raging Bull as the ultimate boxing movie. The story of Jake LaMotta a former middleweight boxing champion and his struggles both in and out of the ring have been immortalized by the performance of Robert De Niro in the key role.  Jake La Motta himself was very impressed with De Niro’s boxing skills and depiction of his major fights against the likes of Sugar Ray Robinson. 

 There you have it folks for me Its De Niro’s Raging Bull #1 winning by a very close split decision over Daniel Day Lewis, ‘The Boxer” a very close #2.

Let me know what you think!!

Aussie Mike's top 8 books on Management and leadership !

Over the course of my 32 year Management career I have often been asked to recommend books for people both starting out in leadership positions and for current managers needing some motivation or impetus to further their careers.

 Here are my top 8 Management/leadership books.

But first some background

My Management career began in February 1985 when I was appointed Manager of GJ Coles Corporate Fitness Program in Gepps Cross Adelaide, South Australia.  The program revolved around an approximately 2500 sq. ft. facility, with a fully equipped fitness center and a separate Group Exercise/aerobics studio.

 Considered very lavish for its’ time, the center was built in the GJ Coles offices and Distribution Center and catered for approximately  500 office and distribution staff.

Bevan Bradbury, CEO of G.J.Coles pty ltd  was a true visionary in the field of Corporate Fitness. Inspired by programs he had seen in Japan Mr. Bradbury implemented fitness programs in every GJ Coles state headquarters throughout Australia. 

Professionally managed Corporate Fitness programs were very much in their infancy in the mid 80’s. Hence my employment was very unique both in Australia and throughout the world.  

A few weeks into my new position my best mate Gerard Dillon, a very successful and respected financial adviser and Business Management Consultant, visited me from Melbourne. 

After viewing the program in operation for a week, what he said one day in my office still sticks in my mind some 34 years later.

“Mike, this is a very unique job you have here. I think the biggest challenge you will find is loneliness” he said. 

I was taken aback.  As a very garrulous, and yes very naïve, headstrong 28 year young Aussie bloke, the thought of loneliness didn’t enter my mind.

“I don’t mean in terms of your ability to get on with people and get them involved,” he added. “That and your Fitness expertise are the major reasons they hired you.  But what you will find is that this program is so unique and in such a different setting that you are not going to have many people to advise you or bounce ideas off. There might be some good Mangers in Coles, but they have very little idea about Managing fitness programs and the day to day issues you will encounter. This is a whole different type of dynamic to what they see in their retail stores or office environments”

Looking back now after a 32 year career in Management that has taken me around the world, this is the most salient piece of Management advice I ever received. This rang true whether I was G.J.Coles/Coles Myer or at the World Bank in Washington DC.   Over the course of my career very few Corporate Managers understood the different people skills and human interactions involved in a Fitness Center environment.

While I didn’t fully understand Gerard’s advice at the time, I respected him enough to ask “Well how will I go about solving that?” “Well you can establish contacts outside this environment. With similar programs in Community Centers and even other hospitality industries Hotels etc. which have similar service scenarios.,“he explained

He then added the kicker. “You should also read and seek out further education opportunities, not only on Exercise and Fitness but in Management. There are going to be more and more studies and publications about Management as business in Australia and throughout the world becomes more complex and sophisticated. “

 In hindsight, I realize now that Bevan Bradbury wasn’t the only visionary I was fortunate to be associated with.  I was blessed to have a visionary as one of my best mates.

True to Gerard Dillon’s advice the whole Management/Leadership book publishing genre exploded by the late 80’s right up until today. 

                So here are the top 8 books I recommend on Management and leadership with a few notes added for each.

1.       The 7 Habits of Highly successful People by Steven Covey

  As relevant now as when it was first published almost 30 years ago.

   Reading Covey’s 7 Habits was particularly helpful when I first arrived in Washington DC in 1993 and was coming to terms with changing from the layback, somewhat ribald, Australian Culture to a very conservative multi-cultural organization at the World Bank.  I found all 7 habits useful but the most cogent for me was Habit 2 Begin with the end in mind, which is similar to visualization and Habit 3 Put first things first. The 4 Quadrant Eisenhower Matrix has been and still is, the cornerstone of my day to day planning

2.       Good to Great by Jim Collins

 I found this compelling reading mid way through my career at the World Bank Fitness Center.  The sections on Level 5 leadership which espouses humble leaders as opposed to short lived Charismatic leadership and the Hedgehog concept using the analogy of the Hedgehog and fox were particularly useful.

 3.    The Alchemist by Paul Cehlo

        A novel with a richness of language and story telling that sets itself apart from traditional Management tomes.  The underlying message of following your heart and passion despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles is encapsulated underlying messages like the following

‘Every search begins with beginners luck. And every search ends with the victors being severely tested.

When struggling to achieve your goals “The darkest hour of the night comes just before the dawn”

 4. The Tipping Point, how little things can make a big difference by Malcolm Gladwell

  This book is essential reading for anyone in the fitness Industry seeking to market a program, concept or idea to the masses or a select group.   In my subsequent talks to various groups I always referenced the importance of recognizing the people Gladwell refers to as the connectors within a group.

 5.  David and Goliath, Underdogs and misfits and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell

     I found reading this book very helpful during the stressful time when the World Bank was exploring the possibility of outsourcing the Fitness Center to an external vendor.  The title speaks for itself and illustrates the battle I was having convincing the Corporate Flinty eyed  bean counters who didn’t give a tinkers cuss for the wellness benefits a Corporate Fitness Program nor what they consider as the warm and fuzzy notions of teamwork esprit de corps, and customer service.   Using this book as a reference, coupled with valuable connectors we had established within the organization we thwarted the outsourcing process which very rarely happens.

6.  Drive the Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink

   Daniel Pink’s reasoned and MIT researched analysis is a welcome addition to the whole concept of Motivation which I feel has become overly simplistic and based on false notions that we can all become hedonistic Millionaires simply by wishing our lives away. Specifically Pink’s emphasis on purpose and the desire to do something that has meaning and is important exemplified the classic concept of Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs.

7. The 12 Bad Habits that hold Good People Back by James Waldrop and Timothy Butler

    Written by 2 Harvard professors in the MBA program, this book gives very practical examples of where people can err in the workplaces and most importantly, solutions to help diminish and stop these habits.

    The chapters describing behaviors such as “Emotionally Tone-Deaf” and" Lacking a Sense of Boundaries "were particularly helpful.  Rather than just describe the bad behavior the authors give background as to why this may be occurring and practical solutions to stop habits like these destroying the workplace.

 8 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

      Yes I know this classic of American literature is not designed to be a Management or leadership book. However the compelling story told through the eyes of a child is damned good writing and that should be enough recommendation in itself.  Combine the writing with vivid descriptions of the strong yet understated leadership of Scout’s father Atticus Finch in treating people of all cultures and walks of life with respects is a good example for any potential Manager or leader.  Chapter 11 where Atticus is called upon to use his marksman skills is particularly noteworthy and has a strong message I will always remember.

      Honorable mentions to “Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman “, “Kiss Bow and Shake Hands” by Terri Morrison and Wayne A.Conaway and “The Four Hour Work Week” by Tim Farris

So there you have it folks, my top 8 books on Leadership and Management that I have referred to throughout my Management career. I found these all very helpful not only in my career but also in my life. Let me know what you think.

Oh and by the way, books can’t teach you everything. Having a mentor and mate like Gerard Dillon in your life is is even more helpful !

Haka Inspires Parkinson's Warriors at the Virginian !!

In previous Blogs I have written about the innovative exercise programs being used to combat the effects of Parkinson’s disease (PD) for patients at the Virginian Outpatient Rehabilitation in Fairfax Virginia

Programs like “LSVT Move Big (http://www.aussiemikejames.com/new-blog-1-1/2018/3/23/when-thinking-fitness-think-big-.) And Aussie Mike’s Boxing (http://www.aussiemikejames.com/new-blog-1-1/2018/5/21/knocking-out-parkinsons-at-the-virginian.)   Aim to improve the quality of movement, strength and endurance for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

A new addition to the rehab program at the Virginian was a project utilizing the traditional Maori Haka.  The Haka is an ancient war dance used by the Maori’s the Native people of New Zealand.  The Haka is used on the battlefields and also when groups come together to show pride and respect.  The Haka is a fierce display of tribe’s pride, strength and unity.  The movements used include violent foot stamping, facial expressions, tongue protrusions and rhythmic body slapping accompanied by loud chanting. 

The driving force behind this project at the Virginian, Matt McKeon, speech Therapist and Parkinson care team lead for the rehabilitation department, says that “the Haka is being used to symbolize the patients and staff at the Virginian’s mutual respect for each other and unwavering commitment to combat the effects of Parkinson’s disease.”  

I sat down recently with Matt McKeon, to find out how this traditional New Zealand Maori ceremonial war dance is being used to fight Parkinson’s disease

Matt, first things first, why the Haka?

“When I saw the Native Maori Haka being performed I couldn’t help but be inspired by the spirit and energy shown as well as the respect for each other and their tribal elders.  The various large movements the foot stamping, facial expressions and loud, proud use of their voice is the epitome of what we want our Parkinson’s patients to do. More than just doing exercise though the Haka expresses emotions and I thought it would be really inspirational if these people with Parkinson’s could do this well to show the global community this is what Parkinson’s can be . That people with PD can move well, they can show expression and emotion and are more than the sometimes stereotypical image you see of people with PD.  This can only help others with PD to do more.”

Can you give us some more specifics about the Movements used in the Haka ?

“For this project we sought to learn the “Ka Mate Haka” by Te-Rauparaha, chief of the Ngati Tao Rangatira of New Zealand. This Haka in particular embodied a message that permeates the lives of many people, especially those living with progressive neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. "Ka Mate" (Tis death or Will I die?) and "Ka Ora" ( Tis life or Will I live?) is recited in the first 2 lines. It allowed our clients with Parkinson's disease to embrace the battle that rages within and supported their desire to combat the disease with an intensity that many have never experienced all while supporting the function of muscle groups needed for movement, expression, and verbal communication.  

How did your patients with PD view the project and react to learning the Haka which is not easy ?

“They initially struggled to learn the movements but they come back every week with their sheets, ready to practice. But they persisted and knew that the underlying message was to show the mutual respect they have for their fellow patients and the therapists who have chosen to help them in their fight against PD. For those with Parkinson's, the expression to "live" was performed with such purpose that they described the experience as "transformative."

 Matt in the video you refer to Parkinson’s as a Bully.  Can you explain more about that please?

“Well when you see conditions like Parkinson’s it is like a bully.  It comes, doesn’t ask your permission, shoves you on the ground and takes your freedom to move and your voice away. And like a typical bully unless you stand up and fight back it’s not going away.  So by performing the Haka with respect to the Maori traditions in a loud voice, and aggressive stance we hopefully instill a quiet confidence into our patients that whatever life throws at them we can fight against it.”

Did you, the rehab staff and patients gain new insight into the Maori Culture and the Haka?

“Most definitely.  Our goal is to also to be respectful to the native Maori culture. We are putting ourselves out there not to be them or compare ourselves with them but with utmost respect and admiration for the ancient Maori chiefs in their spirit to fight against sometimes seemingly insurmountable odds.

So after weeks of practice under the expert guidance of a native Maori descendant of the Kawati tribe the rehab staff and Parkinson’s patients at the Virginian came together in true warrior spirit to produce the following video to symbolize their fight against Parkinson’s disease.

Kudos to Matt Mckeon and the staff and patients at the Virginian Outpatient Rehabilitation in Fairfax Virginia for their innovative approach in the battle to beat Parkinson’s disease !!

https://youtu.be/TbSA_kt-uqE

Challenging Times Ahead for Corporate Fitness Centers !

With the advent of low cost operators, 24 hour fitness centers, Boutique clubs and the plethora of online fitness options can your work-site Fitness Center survive?

2 C words and an often used F word could be the answer!

Mike James a 40 year Veteran of the Corporate Fitness Industry reports

Corporate Fitness Centers, just like their customers, come in many shapes and sizes. From a small room with a treadmill, maybe a few scattered dumbbells, with showers for joggers and bike riders to the medium sized facility with a wider range of equipment and exercise options, right up to very large operations like at the World Bank with 3 fully equipped Fitness Centers and a 70 class per week Group Exercise Program, Corporate Fitness Centers have become an integral part of the work place.

The 2 key selling points for companies to spend $$ on Corporate Fitness Programs usually focus on producing healthier, fitter employees, leading to 1) increased productivity and 2) decreased absenteeism.    

However today with fiscal tightening these altruistic benefits are quickly forgotten by the omnipresent band of flinty eyed accountants looking to justify each and every square foot of corporate overhead.

Today  with justifying the dollars spent as the main focus the raison’detre for Corporations spending money on in house fitness facilities shifts to 2 C words; cost and convenience.

By providing convenient in house facilities you are saving the member and the company the time and effort it takes to exercise at another facility at a considerably lower monthly membership than at a commercial Fitness Center.

For many years this was true. At the World Bank Fitness Centers from 1993 -2001, over 4800 members had access to state of the art exercise equipment and a 60 class per week Group Exercise Program for the princely sum of $10 per month.  At that time monthly membership dues at similarly equipped Commercial facilities ranged anywhere from $30-$90.00 per month

However times have changed especially in the fitness industry.  Let’s look at how not only Fiscal tightening but also vastly different market conditions have affected Corporate Fitness Centers.

Cost

The monthly subscription for Corporate Fitness Centers has steadily risen since the early 2000’s.  Today Corporate Fitness Centers at places like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Fitness Centers in Washington DC the cost is now $35.00 per month.   This is still great value for money at both facilities.  But with the advent of low cost operators like Planet Fitness at $10.00 per month and round the clock 24 operators like Xsport Fitness and 24 hour fitness offering huge facilities and Group exercise programs at approximately $40-45 per month the cost factor becomes less relevant. Similarly many community centers, and YMCA facilities now have equipment and services that rival commercial operations at low individual and family membership rates

Convenience

It is definitely convenient to have a fully equipped fitness center where you work.  It is even more convenient to have a fitness center where you live. Today’s new condo developments often include Fitness Centers with exercise facilities. Condo Fitness Centers may vary in size and what they offer but most are a far cry from years past when a typical Condo Fitness center was a token effort with maybe a treadmill and stepper in a poorly ventilated room tucked downstairs somewhere near the community wash room. Today many condos, especially in new developments offer regular Group exercise classes, meditation rooms and commercial quality cardio and strength training equipment.

Another huge change in the Fitness Industry has been the growth of boutique Brand clubs, like” 9 round Boxing”,” Club Pilates”, “Barre”, “Soul Cycle” and “Orange Theory”.  No longer does a member have to wait for their once or twice per week boxing, Pilates or Spin class.  With a boutique club they can take the class of their choice almost any day and time of the week.  While the cost of these clubs is not cheap at approximately $70.00 per month, there now appears to be less market resistance to paying dollars for fitness Classes. Many members are now prepared to pay extra $ for this convenience.

There has also been a significant increase in home based exercise options with programs like “Peloton” and “Beachbody” that offer live streaming classes.

All of these factors have diluted the convenience and cost factor that encourage employees to join their onsite fitness Centers. At the World Bank Fitness Centers the total membership is still a very respectable 3300 but a far cry from the days of 4800 members when the cost was $10.00 per month.

So unfortunately this enables Poindexter and his band of flinty eyed bean counters to sharpen their pencils and be even more vigilant in their cost cutting efforts.  And perhaps the Poindexter’s and his crew have a valid point.

 Why should a company spend money on an in-house exercise space if only a handful of employees actually use it?  At the end of the day it’s about” backsides on seats”,” use it or lose it” or any other cliché that is apt in preventing your onsite Corporate Fitness Center from going out of existence.

2 C words and an F bomb can save the day

“The big thing I learned that I kept with me for my entire career is the fitness business is a hospitality business—bottom line. Unless and until people understand that, they really haven't entered the high road of the business. (John McCarthy IHRSA President, CBI magazine, Oct 7, 2014)

By acknowledging that Fitness is a hospitality business Corporate Fitness Centers can enhance the first of the C words.

 Community

By creating a community within a Corporation and doing all the things a good hospitality business does, like remembering names and providing great service and product you will go a long way to creating value in the Corporation which simply is not found in most commercial Fitness operations.

This ties into our second C word

Continuing education

For employees at Corporate Fitness Centers creating a culture of lifelong learning and support of educational initiatives will ensure the staffs stay current and provide members with the best facilities and services possible. This creates a culture where employees are appreciated, valued and made to feel part of something worthwhile. As Sir Richard Branson, founder of the “Virgin group says “If you look after your staff well, they will look after your customers.”

Which leads us to perhaps the most important reason for joining a fitness center it involves an oft used F WORD?

The F word!

And that word is Fun!

How do you create a fun atmosphere?  It starts from the moment a member enters the doors.

By providing a friendly stress free experience members will view the Fitness center as an oasis far removed from the pressures of their work day.

The Future -Be gone Poindexter !!

Yes it is a challenging time for Corporate Fitness Centers.  Today there are definitely cheaper and even more convenient exercise options but by providing a community feel with great camaraderie and a fun experience by continually educating staff to provide topnotch service the Corporate Fitness Center model can still survive and thrive even with Poindexter and his band of flinty eyed bean counters lurking in the shadows!!

Leading Teams with Ritz Carlton Gold Star Communication (Or what I learned from the Ritz Carlton Leadership Center and how we applied it at the World Bank Fitness Centers)

Right from the very start of my career in the Fitness Industry some 40 years ago (Yikes!), I have always been a big believer in former IHRSA President John McCarthy’s view that "The fitness Business is first and foremost a hospitality Business."

 “The big thing I learned that I kept with me for my entire career is the fitness business is a hospitality business—bottom line. Unless and until people understand that, they really haven't entered the high road of the business. (John McCarthy IHRSA President, CBI magazine, Oct 7, 2014)

 Over the course of my professional journey I have had the good fortune to attend Management training at respected companies and Institutions like Disney Corporation, The Ritz Carlton, George Washington and Johns Hopkins Universities and last but certainly not least, the IHRSA Club Industry Management Institute.

All of these training programs passed on valuable information, but it was the Ritz Carlton training that obviously provided me with the greatest learning in terms of the Hospitality-Fitness Industry connection. (The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC is an American company that operates the luxury hotel chain known as The Ritz-Carlton. The company has 91 luxury hotels and resorts in 30 countries and territories. The Ritz Carlton leadership center provides leadership and customer service training to organizations throughout the world.)

 "While most businesses go through the requisite exercise of defining key values or composing mission statements, few leaders understand the importance of regular and repetitive presentation of these core aspects of their business. (The New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company" by Joseph Michelli.)

 For our team at the World Banks Fitness Center ours key values were encapsulated in our CRAP Communication system and our Service goals and Action Plan  for the Best Corporate Fitness Center in the Whole Wide World described in my previous Blogs.

 There are 2 main ways the Ritz Carlton goes about reinforcing and keeping the Core values in the forefront of their employee’s minds. 

1.    Credo Cards.

The Credo Card is a pocket card that bears the title “Gold Standards” and lists the details and core values of their mission. The card is a mandatory part of Ritz Carlton uniform and is referred to on a daily basis.

At the WBFC we tackled this with enthusiasm and came up with a small pocket card that described the key aspects of CRAP acronym and a list of our 11 Service Goals. Unfortunately we found that this was not practical for us.

In a dynamic Corporate Fitness Center where Fitness Staff teach classes conduct training sessions, and Occupational health programs at 3 facilities the constant changing in and out of clothes resulted in cards constantly being lost or misplaced.

2.    The  Lineup

This refers to a mandatory meeting that takes place at the beginning of a shift where staffs from all levels of the organization attend. At this 10 minute meeting a staff member speaks on everyday examples where the Gold Standards have been applied. Through the use of positive storytelling, the core values of the company are shared and hopefully serve as motivation for the day ahead.

Again with 3 locations and conflicting work shifts a daily lineup for all staff was a difficult process to implement at the WBFC. However we did come up with a digital version of the daily lineup that proved very effective in reinforcing our Core Values and in keeping all staff informed on what was happening at our 3 centers.

 Mike’s Daily CRAP

As General Manager of the 3 Centers very early in the day (pre 6 a.m.) I would send out an email to all staff we called Mike’s Daily CRAP. This  was a concise email  welcoming staff  to the day and detailing any relevant, operational issues, promotions etc. and tying this in with our CRAP acronym and concluding with our Vision to be “the best corporate Fitness Center in the Whole Wide World.(BCFC in the WWW)

In my experience, the single biggest problem staff has with Management is lack of Communication.  Mike’s daily CRAP email went a long way to solving this. However it wasn’t perfect. In our digital age with staff receiving emails all day long how do you ensure they read this email?

This is where Management has to be very forthright and assertive. As Manager I emphasized that Communication is a 2 way street and reading this email was a mandatory part of the staff’s daily duties. I was very clear that I did not appreciate staff asking me questions that I had already addressed in my morning CRAP. 

Why didn’t you read the morning CRAP? was my direct reply to these types of questions.

Staff have to be made accountable.  Again, effective Communication is a 2 way street. It is never enough to simply write an email and expect Communication issues to be resolved.

World Bank Fitness Center Volunteers Instructors

The World Bank Fitness Center is a very unique environment. The most unique aspect of the program is our Volunteer Group exercise program where staff from within the WB employees teach classes. (NB: Described in my previous article)

With over 30 Volunteers teaching 1 or 2 Group exercise classes per week, they are very important part of the WBFC team.  As Volunteer instructors have full time careers within the World Bank Group we found that there was no need for a daily email to add to their already overflowing email inbox and stressful workloads.

 An update every 2 weeks titled “Here’s what’s happening at the Best Corporate Fitness Center in the Whole Wide World “provided details on operational issues, and reinforced core values and our vision. This served as a great way to foster team spirit and involvement.

It is worth noting here that given their Volunteer status I would be far more accommodating when they asked questions which had already been covered in the update. The Management relationship and expectations with Volunteers who all have full time jobs, has to be different than for full time fitness staff. 

Keeping Volunteers informed and feeling part of the Fitness Center team was the major goal of this fortnightly update. Bottom line the Volunteers need to be thanked and appreciated for providing their time and expertise.

Fortnightly Fitness Staff Meetings

 Rather than rely solely on words on a page, our fortnightly team meeting for all Fitness Staff was an opportunity to reinforce our core values and vision in real time. The meeting Agenda would often include “Story Time” where we focused on examples that reinforced our Service Goals.

 Another method we used was to have staff dip their hands into a bucket which had post it notes numbered 1 through 11. Once the staff member had their number we used a Pecha Kucha* format to present the rule.  In the space of 2 minutes staff  had to explain the importance of the specific rule and give a practical example of a team member who had recently been a great role model of this rule in action.

 Fitness is a hospitality Business

Ritz Carlton Leadership training was great for the WBFC and clearly established the Fitness / hospitality business connection. While we did not apply Ritz Carlton methods verbatim, the emphasis on team building and reinforcing Core Values, Mission and Vison was invaluable.

The daily CRAP, Staff meetings and annual retreats fostered team work and enhanced Communication. The major point I took away is that to have an effective Vison and Mission is more than words on a poster that gets posted on a wall somewhere never to be noticed again.  It takes leadership, consistent work and effective messaging via regular communication to ensure all staff are engaged and feel that they are a valuable team member.

 In my next Blog I will discuss how this helps enhance our member’s experience.

 Please comment and let me know what you think!!

Sticking to an exercise program, the Psychology of stick-to-itiveness

         Rain, hail, sleet or snow, every Tuesday and Thursday morning Arben Gjino teaches a Spin class at the International Finance Corporation Fitness Center.  A fitness specialist with the World Bank Fitness Centers, Arben’s teaching skills and very affable personality help  motivate his many clients  to get out of bed and start their day with an hour of sweat, strain and Spin, Spin, Spin. Some of these members have attended his class regularly for the past 15 years.

         Julie Perng, a member of the World Bank’s behavioral Sciences team, has been a regular devotee of these classes for the past 12 months. Julie recently made a number of observations on why Arben is so effective in her Blog

“Using behavioral sciences to teach fitness: A (sometimes unwilling) student’s perspective”

http://blogs.worldbank.org/publicsphere/using-behavioral-sciences-teach-fitness-sometimes-unwilling-student-s-perspective

        “What helps Arben – and his students – is the utilization of concepts from psychology. In particular, he uses concepts such as being non-discriminatory, salient nudges, making the classes fun and personal, and role-modeling. As a member of the World Bank’s behavioral sciences team, which applies psychology to international development projects, I especially appreciate the use of these techniques being used on – and for – me.”

         However, as the old saying goes “Arben Gjino’s don’t just grow on trees.” In an attempt to explore the use of Psychological concepts for the average person who may not have an Arben to motivate them Julie Perng asked me the following 2 part question

       How can people use psychological concepts or behavioral tools on themselves if they don’t have a fitness class or person like Arben pushing them to?

1)    Start an exercise program
2)    Have the best workout they can once they have  started and continue on with their fitness journey

1) Starting an Exercise Program

       With or without a strong leader like Arben one of the best tools to enhance exercise adherence is "visualization"

       By taking the time to picture in your mind what you want to achieve i.e. greater health, increased Fitness, losing weight etc., you can increase your chances of adopting the habits and actions that will achieve your vision.

        You can take this technique to another level, by physically drawing or sketching what you want to achieve and even exploring your feelings of joy and satisfaction when your vision is completed.  Visualization techniques have been used successfully by athletes and sportsmen for many years.  

        Sports people explored this technique long before psychologists gave it the term “visualization”.   In boxing, Rock Marciano undefeated World Heavyweight Champion from 1952-56 was known to spend time directly before his bout in a deep sleep where he would dream about his victory and how it would feel at the end of a contest.  Similarly Muhammad Ali, who dreamed from an early age of becoming the Greatest, often sketched moments where he visualized himself defeating his opponent. 

      Obviously we are not all as athletically gifted as Ali or as tough and relentless as Rocky Marciano. Our vision has to be realistic. However many studies have shown that people who regularly write down and visualize their goals are far more like to achieve success. So, for the beginning exerciser if you keep your vision firmly implanted in your mind and revisit it often, chances are you will achieve your goals.

       This is not just a vague passing pipe dream that we all experience from time to time.   Lots of hurdles incurred in daily life can disrupt your vision, so it takes some determination and stick-to-itiveness.

        By devoting the time to this technique and exploring all of its steps you are committing your conscious and subconscious mind to a specific course of action.

2)     How can people have the best workout they can once they’ve started and continue their fitness journey?

        In the absence of an Arben this can be a very tough task.  Not everyone has the focus or drive to push themselves when the instinct for self-preservation, aka the little person inside your head, tells you to "take it easy."  

        After a 40 year career in the fitness Industry, it has been my experience that the most successful clients have been the ones who combine a focus on self-improvement goals with a driving force or goal, outside of themselves.

         Finding a more altruistic purpose or something outside of yourself can be a very effective technique.   Making declarative statements like, "I am doing this so I can enjoy more time with my family" or “I owe it to significant other and children to be at my best fitness so that I can be an active contributing presence in their lives" helps establish regular exercise as an essential part of your life.

         Self-education is another very important contributor to quality work outs. However, there is a caveat.  Not all so called education is beneficial.

       Today with the overbearing, and many times over reaching effect of social media, there is a plethora of "fake news" in terms of exercise and fitness.  Seeking out reliable, informed opinion and not succumbing to the latest internet fads is an important factor in long term success. 

          Mentoring from knowledgeable professionals like Arben Gjino at the World Bank Fitness Centers and  researching reliable sources like ACE (American Council on Exercise) or the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)  and of course www.aussiemikejames.com  will help you attain the best workout and a continuation of your fitness journey.

When thinking Fitness - Think Big !!!

     I believe it was noted Fitness Industry consultant Thomas Plummer who said words to the effect of “Fitness Professionals of the baby boom generation were great at training people to run faster, jump higher and lift heavier weights and maybe add a six pack waistline here and there. This type of training regime made you faster, slimmer, more athletic and stronger, all while not being able to scratch your back or tie yours shoe laces without calling for assistance. 

     Admittedly this is a very broad description that some of our regular Yoga enthusiasts would totally refute. Plummer’s main point was that today’s personal trainers are being taught to incorporate more functional movements in their training  that makes for a much more balanced approach to Physical Fitness.

    These thoughts ran through my mind as I recently observed my colleague Maria Malca take 20 members of the "LSVT Move Big" class at The Virginian residences in Fairfax, Virginia.  As described in my previous Blogs I have been working closely with Maria by providing Boxing based exercise classes to people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) many of whom have been Maria’s regular clients in her Move big Classes

    Based on the LSVT BIG therapy program, Move BIG is a Parkinson- Specific class to improve quality of movement, walking, strength and endurance. The format also includes postural and stretching exercises. It is based on the principle that the brain can learn and change (neuroplasticity). It has been formulated from an existing program to help with speech for people with PD called the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT).

The Big Class

    Held in a large assembly room with nary a dumbbell, barbell, dynaband or fitness prop in sight Maria began the session by leading the group through some Basic walking that used different gait patterns, forward and backward steps, and figure 8 patterns between chairs. Vocal inhibition and memory can also be affected by PD, so Maria engaged the participant’s brain and voices by having them yell out the names of Airports in the United States while they walked in a circle. 

     Following this was a series of seated exercise working through different body planes. As Maria's clients moved, forward, upward, sideways from seated to standing etc. they were encouraged to follow her cues in a series vocal exercises with forced exhalation.  Maria encouraged each participant to speak loudly, and confidently.  Facial stretches were also included to help engage the facial muscles which can suffer from palsy with the onset of PD. Basic stretches and relaxation concluded the 50 minute session

Boxing for PD

     As I watched Marie and her clients, my thoughts turned to my boxing class and how I could incorporate the same principles in my teaching. Boxing training, minus the lumps and bumps of contact, is becoming a very popular activity for our PD population.  If taught properly the many punch combinations, Jab, cross, hook and uppercuts when combined with total body movement like ducking weaving and slipping punches can be used very effectively to seek the same type of total body movement. 

     In the following video one of boxing’s premier trainers Freddie Roach who himself has PD mentions that the hand eye coordination he developed through pad work has been instrumental in his delaying the progression of his PD symptoms.

     While currently my class is based primarily on pad work and all its many variations. I look forward to working on a newly installed speedbag with the folks in the coming weeks. It is definitely a skill that can be taught to beginners as the following video shows

Some Final Thoughts

After viewing the LSVT Big Session at the Virginian I came away with 3 main impressions.

1.    A skilled leader like Maria Malca is essential.  It should be noted that while Maria has been taught the LSVT Big format she also has over 30 years of experience as a Group exercise instructor at the World Bank Fitness Centers. So not only is Maria knowledgeable, she also knows how to engage and lead groups of people  with the right combination of assertiveness while still making it fun for her clients.

2.    The exercises are very effective in working all aspects of fitness like  strength, muscle endurance, aerobic and flexibility while also including specific drills that encourage use of the voice, balance, gait and memory to address specific concerns for this population

3.    Finally over the years I have seen Degrees in my chosen field of Physical education adopt all types of pseudo-scientific nomenclature.  

       Back in 1983 when I received my degree,it was given the grandiose title of Bachelor of Applied Science (Phys Ed) Since then I have seen other names given to basically the same degree ranging from  Bachelors of Kinesiology, Exercise Sciences, Health and Physical Education, Sports and Exercise Science, Biomechanics , Exercise Physiology etc. etc.  

      However, I also remember that the very first degree available in my hometown of Melbourne Australia was at the Melbourne University in 1937.  It was call a Diploma in “Human Movement Studies”

     Human Movement is the oldest and the definitely the best title.  At its essence exercise is not just about running faster, lifting more and showing off a 6 pack. Exercise is about Human Movement in all its variations, for all sectors of the population.

      Like Maria Malca and her wonderful clients at the Virginian, when we think about our Fitness regimes, we should think BIG and incorporate all types of Human Movement into our program!

Boxing Training for Parkinson's... my thoughts and impressions!

      Over my 40 year career in the Fitness industry I have seen boxing training evolve from the stereotypical bastions of hyper aggressive masculinity practiced in sweaty, acrid, back yard gyms full of blokes with black eyes, busted lips and bad intentions, to today where there is usually some form of boxing activity in most corporate and commercial fitness centers throughout the world.  In my native Australia I was fortunate to be involved at the very start of this evolution, with my coach and great friend, former Aussie Olympic boxing representative Des Duguid, who pioneered the concept in the late 1980’s.

      Since 1990, I have taught the boxing skills I learned under Des Duguid, to people from all walks of life, from sedentary office workers, weekend warriors, and skilled sportsmen, to talented pugilists at the Australian Boxing Academy.  But it is only recently that I have become involved in teaching boxing to folks with Parkinson’s disease at the Virginian residences in Fairfax, Virginia

      So far I have taught one 4 week Pilot program and we are now at the halfway mark of our first 8 week Boxing program. 

      Here are my thought and impressions.

First Impressions

      It has definitely been a great learning experience. I continue to learn more about courage, perseverance and the power of a positive attitude in the face of adversity from these folks than any other group I have taught. Rather than sit back and feel sorry for themselves these people are taking positive steps to address the various physical issues they face.

Teaching the skills

           With limited space and equipment, much of the work involves using Focus mitts which enable participants to punch into pads worn on my hands. Depending on the progression of an individual’s symptoms some of the skills may take a little longer to teach and perhaps never be quite mastered.

            Fortunately Des Duguid’s was a great teacher of human movement.  He taught me patience and the ability to break down complex skills simply and effectively

           Like with most groups I teach it is important to keep in mind that we are not teaching prospective pro boxers or world champions here. While correct technique is always the goal, the movement and benefit of exercise should be our primary focus rather than 100% picture-perfect technique.

          Instruction has to be clear and concise, with skills progressing from basic to more complex as the participants become more adept and confident.  I generally try not to teach more than a 3 punch combination to beginners.  This is particularly important for folks with Parkinson’s, as many have issues with neuromuscular coordination and muscle rigidity.

        Many experience difficulties discerning between left and right hand. That is quite normal for all populations learning boxing skills, so positive reinforcement should be used to encourage and correct where necessary. The person shouldn’t be admonished and made to feel like a Klutz.

       We all have learning curves. I experience these same difficulties when I try to dance, so I certainly can relate!!! (NB: In my defense my wife says that I am a great dancer.. for a bloke with 2 left feet!!)

        Working within abilities and limits of an individual’s movement is essential. Actually physically moving the person’s arms through the movement pattern, whether it is a jab, cross, hook or uppercut, can help some who are having a difficult time mastering the movements.

Breathe in Breathe out

        Breath holding is another common issue you find in all populations. People tend to hold their breath and exhibit tension when they exert against a resistance or when punching. Breathing freely and indeed forcefully exhaling when punching, should be encouraged to avoid complications like the Valsalva maneuver. This is especially important for Parkinson where breathing and shortness of breath can be one of the side effects.

 Vast improvements in Hand eye coordination and Punch Power

            Hand eye skills come quickly for some and not so quickly for others. However it is the one area I have seen to be the most visible improvement for nearly all participants.  By incorporating challenging group activities like random reflex test with the pads and foam noodles, reaction time and hand eye coordination can be greatly enhanced.

              The strength and power of the punches also improves markedly. I always emphasize drawing the power of punches using the whole body chain,  from feet to hand not just flailing from the arms. The power individuals develop is enough to make me sure I am cautious when using the focus mitts. I don’t want to cop a punch and become like one of the black eyes and busted lips brigade!

Footwork, ducking and weaving

          Footwork takes a longer time to master as freezing of the gait is a common symptom of Parkinson.  I have found that given our space restrictions limited forward and backward movement is the best method right now. My general impression is that the gross motor movement patterns involved in punching, are easier to achieve than the fine movement patterns required in regular boxing footwork, which can be quite complex.

           However movement skills like ducking and weaving can easily be taught.  With all populations I encourage participants to keep their eyes up and feel the movement. Again this ability will vary between individuals but opening their minds into thinking about these movements leads to increases in the neuromuscular firing required.

             Even soft blocking and parrying of punches can be taught at low intensity to add some realism into the sessions.  With all groups I emphasize that while these classes doesn't necessarily teach you to be a boxer, we should also realize  that in real boxing people actually hit you back. So it doesn’t hurt to learn some defensive skills.

It’s got to be Fun

              I have been a longtime proponent of former International Health Racquetball and Squash Association (IHRSA) president John McCarthy’s view that the Fitness Business is primarily a Hospitality business. Providing a great service with a people focus by remembering names and building relationships is definitely the most important skill you can have for success in the Fitness profession, especially when teaching group exercise classes.

              Most importantly it has to be Fun!!  Injecting humor along the way goes a long way to build teamwork and esprit de corps.

           Finally the irony isn’t lost on me that some of boxing greatest champions including Muhammad Ali suffered from Parkinson’s.  Today the skills that Ali perfected are now being used to combat the effects of Parkinson’s

           Did the effects of boxing cause Ali and other boxers Parkinson’s? While there is no definitive proof, there appears to be increasing agreement in the medical community  that repeated punches to the head is likely a big factor that can cause Parkinson’s. 

            Sadly my coach and Ali’s fellow 1960 Olympian, Des Duguid eventually suffered from Parkinson’s before passing away in 2008.  But I take solace from knowing that my mate, coach and mentor Des is posthumously sitting up there smiling like the proverbial Cheshire cat. No doubt he is regaling folks at the pearly gates, in typical colorful Aussie Vernacular, about how very proud he is that the skills he taught are being put to such good use helping people deal with Parkinson’s disease. 

          The mental image I have of Dessies beaming smile mirrored by my happy class members is the biggest reward I can possibly ask for.

Visualization the essential link to achieve your goals !

 ‘Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something deep inside them- a desire, a vison. They have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill”  Muhammad Ali.

              Before the advent of the “Sports Psychologist” and the eponymous Mind –Body connection programs promoted in to today’s fitness and wellness programs, former World Heavyweight Champions Rock Marciano and Muhammad Ali were using visualization techniques to achieve their ultimate goals.   While most of us don’t aspire to climb into the ring to emulate the fistic deeds of these 2 revered pugilists, we still have goals we would like to accomplish for our own personal fitness program, career or family life.  Visualization techniques can help us achieve these goals

              By taking the time to draw a picture in your mind of what you want to achieve i.e. greater health, increased Fitness losing weight etc., you can help increase your chances of adopting the habits and actions that will achieve your vision.  This is not just a vague passing day dream, like winning the lottery, which we all experience from time to time.  By devoting the time to this technique and exploring all of its steps you are committing your conscious and subconscious mind to a course of action

What is involved?

          Having a clear picture in your mind of what you want to achieve is the starting point.  Start by making a specific goal, whether it is increasing your fitness, giving a killer work presentation etc., Imagine how you will feel when you accomplish your goal, all the plaudits and positive feelings, thought and emotions you will experience.  Twenty minutes before every fight  Rocky Marciano undefeated world Heavyweight champion (1952– 55)   would take the time to enter into a deep sleep and dream of how his upcoming fight would unfold and  and end with his hand raised in victory.  His 49-0 record is testament to the success of his methods.

            You can take this technique to another level, by drawing or sketching what you want to achieve including your feelings of joy satisfaction when your vision is completed.  .I have attached a drawing Muhammad Ali used to inspire his road to becoming" the Greatest". He made this sketch as a 15 year old. 

           Obviously we are not all as athletically gifted as Ali or Rocky Marciano so a vision has to be realistic but if you keep your vision firmly implanted in your mind and revisit it chances are you will achieve your goal.Again this is not just a vague passing pipe dream.  Lots of hurdles incurred in daily life can disrupt your vision, so it takes some determination and stick-to-itiveness’. Revisiting your vision your sketches as Ali did helps   affirm ad recommit your conscious and subconscious mind to a course of action.

           By devoting the time to  Visualization  and exploring all of its steps you are committing your conscious and subconscious mind to a  specific course of action this will help lead you on the path to fulfilling your  goals and aspirations.

          So  folks, as always keep punching but start by visualizing where your punches need to land !!

What avoidable mistakes do club operators sometimes make when remodelling a Fitness Center?

November 2017 edition of Club Business International Magazine! 

When remodeling, club owners and managers get so excited about filling any empty space with new equipment they forget two major requirements:

• Storage space -- Storage rooms should be situated adjacent to the center's studio and equipment areas. These should be large enough to accommodate spare parts and equipment that needs to be repaired or taken off the floor. Storage space should also be allocated for restroom, shower and cleaning supplies.

• Clearance and access -- An overemphasis on equipment can result in a lack of clearance space, which may create safety issues during high-usage periods. This can interfere with traffic flow through the facility and inadvertently eliminate some of the clear-access pathways required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Avoiding these mishaps requires planning, planning and more planning.

Regular team meetings should be held, from the outset, with architects, engineers and other stakeholders to address these matters to avoid the need for "fixes" or possible problems later on. Accurate estimates of peak traffic flow throughout the club and compliance with all ADA standards are essential.

One final note: Prior to opening day for your remodeled facility, make sure that there are towel hooks and soap for every shower, and toilet paper for every stall. You can have the most perfectly designed facility in the world, but a lack of these items will be the first thing members notice! 

November 2017 edition of Club Business International Magazine! 

Who is the Bloke sitting next to Des Duguid, Boxacise Pioneer?

          Most of you will recognize the fellow on the right of this picture as the one and only Muhammad Ali ‘The Greatest"who passed away on June 3, 2016 from the effects of Parkinson’s disease. 

         The fellow on his left is another one of those charming, irascible characters that comes into your life and leaves an indelible impression.  His name is Des Duguid, a former Amateur Boxer who represented Australia in the light welterweight division of the 1960’s Olympics.

        It was during these 1960 Olympics Des met his life-long friend Muhammad Ali who  began his journey on the way to becoming “ The Greatest” by winning the gold medal in the Light-Heavyweight division, representing the USA. (Photo taken in 2000 at the Sydney Olympics, marking 40 years since they first met.)

          Duguid bowed out after the quarter finals after suffering a little known controversial training injury while sparring a team mate. More on that later. Duguid himself would also succumb to the effects of Parkinson’s disease 9  years earlier than Ali on May 16th 2007.

           To say Des Duguid left an impression on me and many other people who crossed his path would be an understatement. Let me share some memories of a  simply sensational  Aussie bloke, who while not as as widely known as Ali still  lead a very colorful life that touched a lot of people

              It is 1988, on a sultry Melbourne Summer afternoon.  As Manager of the Coles Myer Fitness Centers, I am sitting in my office when life takes one of those ironic twists we call fate.  I am woken from my slumber (be nice!) by a phone call and the startled voice of my assistant Manager Cathie.

            “Mike, there’s a guy here named Des who wants to talk to you about something called boxacise,” 

         One could never be too sure who would just pop into see me in my role at Coles Myer. It was often a smart talking salesperson trying to sell the latest Fitness gadget or program.   I often turned these types of cold callers away, but once I heard it had to do with Boxing, as a lifelong fan of the sport I had to say yes, and I’m so glad I did.

      Five minutes later I was greeted warmly by a short (five feet seven inches) dapper, well-spoken gentleman in his mid 50’s.  Boxing usually conjures up stereotypical images of slow talking, slow walking, and less than eloquent individuals with violent dispositions. The “old pug," (as former pugilists were known), was former Australian Olympic representative, Des Duiguid.  The traditional boxing lexicon of dese, dems and dose, were not part of the Des Duiguid vocabulary.  A slightly flat nose and thickening under the eyebrows were the only visible trademarks of his boxing career. 

      As a lifelong boxing fan I knew something about Duguid’s boxing history, but still had to be convinced about his concept of selling boxing training to the general public.   But like so many people who came in contact with him he used his wit, guile and charm to make me agree to a 6 week trial period.  If I was unkind  I would use the slightly more coarse cliché oft used by Boxing Promoter Don King  to describe Dugi’s personality as being  full of "wit, grit and bullsh#t"

         Who would know that this 6 week trial period would result in a  very close friendship until he passed away in 2007?  During these six weeks, Duiguid began teaching me the finer points of boxing.  I soon realized that my previous boxing knowledge was very basic.  I learned more about footwork, balance, and use of the boxing apparatus like the speedball, floor to ceiling ball and punching bag.

        It was here I began to notice Duguid’s unique teaching style and ability to break down a complex skill into teachable movement patterns.  To this day I always  say thane ven after a 40 career in Physical education and being taught by some highly qualified teachers and later some top notch Group Exercise teachers that Des  Duguid was definitely the best movement coach I have ever worked with. 

         Des charmed everyone not only with his wit, grit and whatever else, but also with his vast knowledge, earned the hard way via 130 amateur contests. Boxacise proved very popular at Coles Myer and at other fitness centers throughout Australia. 

      Duiguid was now 62 years of age.  He needed help teaching at the many Fitness Centers wishing to offer boxacise.  With my confidence growing, I began to help with the instruction. Now, almost 30 years later, my career has taken me to the World Bank Fitness Center in Washington DC. My teaching boxacise has been one of the key reasons I have met and engaged with so many people. 

    While there are many variations of boxacise most fitness clubs follow an aerobics class format, combining some boxing moves with aerobic routines.  Because I have some boxing background, and absolutely no music sense, my classes have a far more intense boxing flavor.  The aim of boxacise is to provide the fitness benefits of boxing.  These benefits include superior levels of aerobic fitness, strength, muscular endurance and hand eye coordination without (hopefully), the lumps and bumps of real boxing.  

      Lumps and bumps that Des Duguid earned the hard way during his boxing career. Indeed following boxing’s finest traditions, Des has his own “I wuz robbed” story.  While preparing for his light welterweight quarter final bout, Duiguid was sent into spar with team mate, Australian Light heavyweight representative, Tony Madigan. 

“The selectors wanted someone fast so Madigan could sharpen up for his next fight with the sensational Cassius Clay,” he recalls.

“I was giving Madigan all sorts of trouble, boxing his ears off.  Being thirty pounds lighter, I was too quick for him,” Duguid continued.  “I was also a cheeky bugger and decided to give him some trash talk.  You’re no good, Clay will kill you, you big girl, I said.”

        Towards the end of the second round, the heavier Madigan decided Duiguid had said far too much.  “I started repeating my insults, got up to ‘you’re no...’  Next thing I know, I was lying down with a crowd around me,” he said, his eyes gazing upwards, feigning unconsciousness.

       Duiguid was also minus two front teeth, with a broken nose, and severely depleted hopes for his own fight the next day.  Duiguid fought his quarter final in a daze.  He fought well, but lost on a split decision to his South African opponent.

         Duiguid is not bitter.  “I got to meet Cassius Clay. At least he gave Madigan what he deserved a couple of days later,” he said with a half-smile, half grimace.

        Looking back at the 1960 Olympics, Duiguid feels that he didn’t dream hard enough.  “It was such a struggle to get selected.  I thought I had achieved everything and didn’t concentrate enough on my boxing.  I really think I could have won a medal,” he said his face now a furrowed brow of lost opportunities.  “Sparring with Madigan probably didn’t help either,” he quipped.

          Yes while boxacise participants can punch speed balls and heavy bags with no fear of being hit back, it definitely hasn’t been a case of “minus the lumps and bumps” for Des Duiguid.  He suffered a stroke in 1992.  “It was touch and go for a while” he said.  “I remember lying in hospital thinking that I was going to die.  I wasn’t scared, because it’s been a great life, and I’ve got plenty to be thankful for.  But when I thought of my two daughters and how much I love them,” he said with eyes now more than a little misty, “I knew I couldn’t throw in the towel just yet

        Apart from a slight paralysis in the left arm, his recovery was remarkable.  Within four weeks of the stroke, Duiguid was back teaching five boxacise classes per day.  Doctors attribute Duguid’s recovery to his years of devotion to physical fitness.  Brain scans showed no evidence of brain damage from 16 years of boxing. 

        As for Duguid’s relationship with Muhamad Ali ?  They met in the Olympic village and became firm friends.  Duguid was proud to say that he really thought that Ali was the most beautiful human being he had ever seen.  "His grace of movement and amazing body gave him reflexes and balance that nobody could train for" he said. 

       True to the ‘politically incorrect’ style fellow Aussie larrikins of his era shared Des went on to say “Mike I have been a heterosexual all of my life and by that time had a wife and a couple kids but when I saw Cassius Clay in in the flesh I couldn’t believe how beautiful he was. When he was in the showers and I skin his lustrous skin I couldn’t stop staring. I started to think I'd swapped teams" he said

    Seizing on this moment to give Des a bit of old fashioned stirring I asked “Gee Des the way you describe him are you sure you’re not gay mate” … to which he replied “No Mike over the years when I look across at blokes like you I realize that I made the right choice and couldn’t possibly be homosexual” Once again Des had ducked and weave and given me a verbal clip under the chin for my stirring.

     Over the years we became very good friends and shared some of life’s trials and tribulations as he went through a painful divorce and problems with his son who suffered who had mental health problems. All along the way Des never lost his sense of humor and affinity for people from all walks of life.

        From Victorian Police cadets to Pentridge prisoners  there many funny stories, perhaps for  another time.   Des also taught groups with profound learning disabilities and it was here that I saw his skills and human abilities shine. The look of joy on previous sullen faces when Des walked into the room  to teach  these folks how to skip or hit the speedball was a true testament to the strength of his humanity and friendly spirit.

  Now some 30 years later after having taught boxacise in Australia athe USA I have embarked on new adventure. I am teaching boxing skills to folks afflicted Parkinson’s disease. 

     It is a great learning adventure and one that gives me great  pride to think that my old coach  Des who eventually would himself suffer from Parkinson's would be looking down with a smile , knowing that his spirit lives on in his students,  albeit definitely with not as much skill but probably just as much "wit, grit and Bulls!t",

      Why did the relationship between des and Muhammad Ali last for  so long even though they lived on oppose sides of the world ?

    I can only think that on reflection, it has been my experience, that without conscious effort, the great spirits on this earth somehow seek each other out and burn brightly in each other’s company.
      As my old Latin teacher Mr. Defindini  used to say: “omne capeax movet urna nomen.” **          ** Every name is shaken in death’s mighty urn.

        So Des, wherever you are up there mate ..Keep punching!!  Gone 10 years but not forgotten.

Cheers, where everybody doesn't know your name ???

Developing Brand loyalty, 2009 v 2017, does the Cheers concept still apply ?

I wrote the following article on “Developing Brand Loyalty” for Fitness Business Canada Magazine back in 2009.

Since that time we have had 2 new major forces enter the Fitness Industry in North America. The low cost operator ie:Planet Fitness  plus the advent of the Boutique fitness Center modelwith Brands like Soul Cycle, 9 Round boxing, and Barre.   

Does the “Cheers Concept” espoused in the following article still or today in 2017 is it all about cost and convenience?  Let me know what you think Trendsetters !

With the advent of huge 24 hour, 7 day a week fitness facilities   throughout Europe, the United States and soon Canada how does the small owner operator compete?

Developing Brand Loyalty with your members could be the answer.

What is Brand Loyalty? How do you develop it, and more importantly, keep it?

Mike James reports from Washington DC

Metropolitan Washington Dc comprises the suburbs in the District of Columbia itself and the bordering states of Virginia and Maryland. The area is well serviced by a variety of Fitness Clubs from the small operators to larger chains serving fast developing urban communities lured by the city lifestyle and a way to escape one of the worse daily traffic commutes in the United States.

Where I live in Alexandria Virginia is typical example, with a dozen clubs within a 10 minute drive. Many of these clubs have been operating for over 20 years. In 2007 one of the older established privately owned clubs closed.

Two years later in June of 2009 it was replaced by a brand new facility. This new club has taken has added an adjacent 50,000 sq ft which was formerly restaurant retail and office space.  Xsport Fitness out of a Chicago now operates an 80,000 sq ft facility with brand new equipment, basketball court and swimming pool.  It is open 24 hours a day 7 days per week, 365 day a year. Membership IS only $40 per month.
 

Many of the local clubs are really hurting because they just can't compete in terms of price, accessibility, and range of equipment.  The average membership of nearby Alexandria clubs is approximately $65 per month with a range between 40- $90 per month.  .  Local clubs are reporting drops in membership of over 30 % in the 5 months since Sport Fitness opened
 

                  However there are still people have decided to stay in their previous clubs.  What makes these people stay even when a nearby club is offering bigger, newer and more extensive facilities with significantly lower membership rates?

When I ask the stayers why? There are a variety of answers but the most consistent is "Oh I am loyal to such and such a club”.  

What makes the Stayers Stay?
 

I recently spoke with 10 of these “stayers” and asked “What inspires your Brand loyalty even when the opposition is newer, bigger, more accessible and much cheaper? 

Convenience, unwillingness to change and fear of high pressure sales tactics are some common sentiments.   Brands that offer reciprocal rights at other locations was a factor for frequent travelers. “I know what to expect from each club whenever I travel and that my favorite piece of Cardio equipment will be there” said.

A strong group exercise program was another factor that kept people from changing their club brand

There appears to be 2 common sentiments among the many “stayers”

Huge facilities can be seen as impersonal and lacking in ambience, warmth and a neighborhood atmosphere.   Joy Romviel a 20 year member of another Alexandria Virginia club said she felt the new club “was like walking into a huge department store with too many bright lights, blaring televisions and loud music”. “Intimidating, A threat to the senses with a distinct lack of ambience”was how John Luna described his experience in merely touring the new facility.

But by far the biggest factor in keeping people at a particular club was the personal relationships. Sophia Waldemichael has been going to the same club for 18 years and has built up relationships with the front desk staff and Management. “They know me on a first name basis and understand what I am looking for in a gym membership” she said.

The Cheers Concept!!

This appears to be the key to competing with larger clubs. Many books and articles have been written on Brand Loyalty.  Creating Band loyalty starts with simply knowing people’s names, greeting them as they arrive and leave your center.  A smile, and genuine warm hello and goodbye, makes a people feel like they are appreciated.  This builds lasting relationships that at least make people think twice before joining another club.

If this seems too simple well maybe it is. The big mistake many clubs make is that once members’ sign on they become just another number.  People like to be recognized.  Many fitness centers are hopeless at this.  Swipe your membership card and that is virtually the last human contact you have.

.Obviously we are taking for granted that you have a clean facility with good equipment, group exercise and strong member friendly and approachable management.  Add to this a place where everybody knows your name and you will create a lasting Brand loyalty that will bring Cheers to both you and your customers.

The Culture Wars- Mind Maps and Sydney Swans to the Rescue!!

The Culture Wars- Mind Maps and Sydney Swans to the Rescue !!

It’s 8 a.m. at the World Bank Fitness Center in Washington DC, 3 blocks away from the White House and 3 Presidents ago in February 2007.

The morning “pre -work workout crowd “are finishing up their exercise routines while I continue my regular “Management by Walking Around “(MBWA) to connect and say hello to our members. I am standing  in the leg training area offering tips and advice  to 4 regulars using the Hip adduction/Adduction, leg extension and leg press equipment.

‘           “Slow down the movement, don’t hold your breath, feel the muscle working” I exhort with a smile in my voice.  I have known these members for over 10 years but they still appreciate the encouragement.

Suddenly Fiona a member for over 20 years says “Mike can I ask you a question?”  “Sure Fiona, what can I help you with” I reply, expecting a question regarding exercise technique.

However Fiona’s question wasn’t about sets and reps.

“Mike why is it always YOU that comes out and says hello and offers us advice? We never see any of the Fitness Staff come out and help us. They just sit in the back office on the phone and Internet.  What are they here for?”

With over 20 years Management experience I was rarely caught off-guard, reticent or lost for words.  I smiled and struggled for a reply.  In those 3-4 seconds, that felt like 10 minutes, something else caught my notice.  While the other 3 members might have been slightly uncomfortable with Fiona’s direct approach, their nervous smiles and nods certainly implied agreement rather than dissent.

“Well I’m always happy to help you Fiona, and rest assured I will encourage my guys to be more proactive. Thanks for letting me know.”  I replied awkwardly.

I then looked over at the back offices. Sure enough Fiona’s commentary, disguised as a question, was totally correct.  One of my guys was sitting staring intently into the computer while the other was on the phone laughing and “yucking it up big time.”  Both seemed totally oblivious to members during one of our busy times.

Fiona’s question could easily be brushed aside as one of those innocuous “typical member complaints.”  I didn’t see it that way.  And while Fiona’s initial comments may have offered some faint praise for my efforts I didn’t take any solace in them.

 I always believed what my old High School English teacher’s favorite sayings .With commentary or criticism “the sting is in the scorpion’s tale” 

In other words, the real message is in the final 1 or 2 sentences.  In this case with “We never see any of the Fitness Staff come out and help us. They just sit in the back office on the phone and Internet” the sting was very, very sharp!

Indeed I had to ask myself a tough question.

With over 20 years of Management experience and considerable training at respected companies and Institutions like Disney Corporation, The Ritz Carlton, George Washington University and the IHRSA Club Industry Management Institute ,how effective have was I  in solving the perennial issue at most Fitness Centers?  Namely getting Fitness Staff out of the back office, off their cell phones and Internet and engaged meaningfully with members.

This type of feedback was not new. I heard these types of comments from members when I started my career in Melbourne Australia way back in 1978.   The millennials so often the scapegoat for society’s ills can’t be blamed for this one.

I had tried nearly every type of approach to solve this problem.  From encouragement to admonishment, to almost draconian micromanagement by locking office doors and not allowing computer access during peak times.  Each worked for a short time until old habits resurfaced.

Another tough question emerged. Was the problem me?  No I don’t think so. I know I’m not perfect, but my experience as both a paying customer at 2 outside commercial clubs and visits too many others throughout North America indicated that if it was me, I had plenty of company.

There was another very important consideration. My staff then and now are all good people. I wasn’t in the habit of employing lazy individuals but the message just didn’t seem to get through. Old habits die hard and the lure of the cell phone and Internet is omnipresent.

            As the old saying goes “If you keep doing the same old thing you will get the same old results”.  To solve this I was going to have to look at a totally different approach.

Great, but what the bloody hell was it!!

Sydney Swans to the Rescue

One organization that had recently come to my attention was the Sydney Swans Football club in the Australian Football league (AFL).  The Sydney Swans, formerly based in Melbourne, had seen only sporadic and limited success since moving to Sydney in 1982. By the late 1990’s they were essentially bankrupt and in danger of losing their license with the AFL.

By the mid 2000’s The Sydney Swans had now gained considerable media attention by totally changing their operation to achieve success on and off the field. Much of this success was attributed to a much vaunted culture change.  The coaches had empowered the players to write their own code of conduct that resulted in what was termed the “Bloods Culture” a play on words of their previous club emblem in the rough and ready portside town of South Melbourne.

   So how did the Sydney Swans make such a drastic change from basket case to revered Sporting club?

The Process ( see the table  above for a step by step guide)

A key part of the process was a facilitated session where the players were asked 2 key Questions

1.     How are you perceived by your opposition and supporters?

2.     How would you like to be perceived by your opposition and supporters?

Using this framework and a Mind Map format I reworded these 2 questions and asked my staff the following 2 questions.

1. Given Fiona’s comments and looking that specific example what words do you think members would use to describe us?

This was a tough session where we had to be brutally honest. Using the mind map format of one word answers branching out form a central idea the following words came up… Lazy, uninterested, arrogant, selfish, and unprofessional and a final clip to jaw for yours truly, poorly managed.

2. The second part of the question then was how would you like to be perceived by our members?

Again using the mind map format words like professional, caring, knowledgeable, helpful, kind, proactive and approachable came up as desirable.

After this session we recognized that there was a big gap in how the members perceived us and how we would like to be perceived. The visual power of a Mind Map on a simple flip chart cannot be underestimated here.  A clear contrast could be seen between the powerful perceptions of how members see us and how we would like to be seen.

Using the Sydney Swans formula the next question to be asked was:

 “What concrete, specific behaviors are we going to adopt to bridge this gap in perception?

            The next part of the process was to have the staff to go away and meet as a group to come up with specific verifiable behaviors that would address this gap in perception.

I stressed at the outset that they weren’t to come back with the standard motivational platitudes you find on the bottom of desk calendars. We needed specific behaviors to follow that would serve as our future Culture.

I purposely wasn’t present at this meeting but from all reports it was another brutal session where some egos may have been damaged but at the same time allowed for honest self-reflection for all team members. The team then came back to me 2 or 3 times with behaviors which I duly sent back as being too general and lacking are specific details on the behaviors required.

Obviously this was no overnight process or quick fix. In the end we came up with 10 written and one unwritten law which would serve as the template for our Service Goals and Action p

Being out on the floor interacting is important for all service industries there are many factors that make for a successful fitness center.  Essentials like punctuality, presentation Team work and Communication were also addressed.

The specific wording addressing to address our issue wasBe on the floor during peak times 6:30- 9am, 11.30 am-2pm, and 5:30-7:30pm. Interact with members and let them know that you are there for them. Of peak hours walk the floor every 20min for at least 10min. See if anyone needs help, tidy the weights, stretching area, move around and say hello to each and every member. Try not to focus on your favorites or fellow instructors!!

Was it Successful?

Yes I’m biased but I would say it was a resounding success. We reflect on the 10 rules in our meetings and staff training sessions. This is not just a bunch of words left hanging on a wall. It is a template for how we operate and the behaviors we follow every day

No it’s not perfect. We are still human beings and we all lose our focus from time to time.  By having all staff sign off on these behaviors they take ownership and know exactly what is required.

 How do we measure its success?

It is difficult to measure the success of this approach in purely statistical terms that would pass the scrutiny of the soulless flinty eyed corporate analysts that dominate our Institutions and corporations these days. 

Sure you can always do a member surveys but I am NOT one of those Managers who worships at the altar of the revered Survey Monkey.  In my view a genuine open door Management policy and active MBWA B will elicit more honest feedback like Fiona’s than any survey. Besides, people are sick to death of surveys these days.

To me and my staff the biggest example of the success of this system occurred in 2014.  The World Bank was undergoing stringent budget cuts during this time and decided to review the possibility of Outsourcing the Management of the Fitness Center.  This would mean that me and my team, many of whom had been with the program for over 15 years would be replaced by an outside consultancy.

Suffice to say the extreme backlash from our members with over 400 written complaints and even a video production singing our praises resulted in the NO OUTSOURCING. When people are willing to go to bat for you not by an anonymous survey but via their personal attributable comments you must be doing something right. 

Was our adoption of the Service Standards and Action Plan the reason for no outsourcing?  Hard to prove definitely but it certainly helped.  Highly unscientific but we certainly think that the behaviors this whole process identified and our striving to follow these results in great service and a very loyal membership

This was a lengthy process that took at least 8-10 weeks. It is no gimmick if you do it seriously but I believe the results speak for themselves. Moreover it proves that if you engage in genuine relationships with members the good bad and indifferent will get back to you. It is up to you to recognize that the Fiona’s of this world are out to help you not harm you.

Don’t shoot the messenger.  Get the message you are sending out to members correct first by adopting a set of behaviors and standards that will enhance and grow your team, your product and you as a Manager!

A future with "No Limits". Jenny Stack Gallaudet University and World Bank Fitness Center alumni!

One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of my 24 year career Managing the World Bank Fitness Centers (WBFC) was working with Jenny Stack, a deaf student from Gallaudet University in Washington DC.

A 3-4 month Internship subsequently turned into a 5 years employment at the WBFC for Jenny, and a veritable treasure trove of nice memories and learning for all of us.

 Here is a brief recap of what occurred one day in February 2004. (NB:This passage is taken directly from my article "Leaning to Communicate" which appeared in Fitness Management Magazine in March 2005).

The phone rang in my office on a typically busy day in February 2004. "Hello, Mr. James. This is the phone relay service calling for a Ms. Jenny Stack. Have YOU used a phone relay service before?"

"No," I said warily, suspecting another telemarketing firm was about to regale me with the latest and greatest money making scheme. But this was no sales ruse

. It was a call from a young student interested in an internship with our corporate fitness center. Jenny Stack explained, via the relay operator, that she was in her final year of physical education studies at Gallaudet University. (Gallaudet is almost exclusively made up of hearing-and sight-impaired students.) She had read about the World Bank Fitness Center, and was interested in broadening her experience in a fitness center environment.

     And so began our journey from a 3 month Internship to a 5 year experience. 

   After she left the WBFC Jenny in 2009 Jenny and I continued to communicate occasionally  via social media but we hadn't spoken at length for many years. I was was interested to here from Jenny to see where life had taken her since 2009 and her memories of working at WBFC.

   We recently spoke with via telephone interpreter.

   The following interview took place on Sunday August 20, 2017 . It is lightly edited for space and conversational flow.

First Things first Jenny .. when did you start and finish your career at the World Bank ?

 I started my Internship in February of 2004 and ended up working part time, 3-4 days per week,until August 2009

Why did you choose the World Bank Fitness Center for your Internship ?

I saw the advertisement for Internships via Google  and thought it would a great way to gain experience with an International organization.  I had never traveled outside of the USA so I thought it would provide opportunities to meet and work with people from many different cultures. I also Googled you and saw that you were from Australia so I thought that would be interesting as well !!

What were your duties at the WBFC ?

 I was a Fitness Specialist. I did all the routine operational tasks like taking new members through program starts, Fitness Assessments and even taught classes like Abs Express. I also assited in various promotions the fitness center had for members. Right from the start I remember you saying that , there will be a "no limits policy' and I would be expected to do everything other staff did. If there were difficulties we would find a way around them. 

How did the WBFC go about accommodating your circumstances in terms of Communicating with non hearing impaired staff and members ?

For the first 5 weeks I had a full time interpreter until I become comfortable with the operation.

 After we stopped using the Full Time interpreter we used hand gestures,  and sometimes written notes to communicate. The  Fitness staff were all very willing to help and got to know a few common greetings like Hello, good morning etc in American Sign Language (ASL)

What were your first impressions ? do you remember your Interview ?

I remember the interview very well.  You were very serious and I was impressed by how much you knew and how well respected you appeared to be with members and other staff.  As the interview proceeded I noticed that you seemed to have a sense of humor, even the interpreter was laughing, so I started to become comfortable very quickly.

 What were your impression of the members?

At first many of the members were unsure on how to approach me.  Some of the cultures seemed to worry that I couldn’t do certain things and didn’t want to impose on me. But over time both the members and I gained more confidence and began to communicate very freely. It really was a great experience for both the members and especially me.

Did the staff make you feel part of the team?

Yes they really did.  Dave, Abner and Gerene were especially helpful .  They were always encouraging me to try different things, take classes, meet new members etc . I was a little shy at first but they really made me feel comfortable and made me get out of my box and grow.  It was great "real world" experience and vastly different from Galaludet where everyone is deaf. This type of "real world" situation can be very intimidating for a deaf person but I cant thank these folks enough for how helpful they were. All the staff were great but I just had more contact with Dave, Abner and Gerene so they stand out for me.

How did you feel about the Fitness Centers Mission Statement :  To be the Best Corporate Fitness Center in the Whole Wide World?

I really  liked that . You encouraged the team to work together  to provide the best service to the members ,to stay positive and keep the facility clean and safe. But your highest priority was interacting with members and I think that really made us focus. Also how to be professional and in uniform and always be punctual. It was all part of the Mission Statement and it really gave us something to strive for.

What did you enjoy most during your time at the WBFC ?

I really enjoyed the retreats in Charlottesville. This gave us a chance to learn from experts and get to know the Volunteers a lot better.  One thing that always sticks in my mind is one evening there was a dance activity and I was surprised that you even participated and even more surprised that you could pick up  the moves so quickly. I didn’t picture you as a dancer lol

Haaaaaaaa well I think your assumption is correct Jenny I'm certainly not a dancer . Are you sure you weren't drinking at the time ?

Yes maybe that's what it was ! lol

Speaking of the Volunteers, their involvement is a very unique aspect of the WBFC  Group Exercise program. What are your memories and impressions of working with the Volunteer staff?

The main memory I have of working with the Volunteers is the teaching skills and expertise of the Volunteer coordinator George Kassouf. Not only was he a great teacher , he was a great resource, who taught me so much about cueing, timing, and exercise technique.

I also really admired the Volunteers for their dedication to the program

Were there any times working at the WBFC was not enjoyable ?  Describe if you would like to share

I didn’t like it when it was very quiet and slow. The Off peak times around 9.30 a.m-10.30 a.m and mid afternoon could be a bit boring.

What was your reaction back in 2014 when you heard that there was a possibility that the Management of the facility could possibly be outsourced ?

I was shocked and wondered “why are they even thinking that. There are over 3000 members and they all seemed very happy and the centers run so well".  I thought sadly, from what I had seen outside, that outsourcing was inevitable . I was presently surprised that the Outsourcing didn’t go ahead.  I was so happy because even though I had been gone over 5 years I still really liked the staff at the WBFC and really appreciated what I learned and still felt proud to have been part of the program

Why did you leave the WBFC ?

The other fitness center I was working  for was treating me very badly and cut back my hours so I had to try to get full time employment.

What are you doing now in terms of employment?

I am working as a claims specialist in Social Security Administration in Baltimore. It is a challenging position and just like with you at the WBFC I am encouraged to develop my skills and try new projects. Like any job it has its good and bad days but overall I quite like it. Even if it isn't the field I studied, the skills I learned at the WBFC have come in handy working at Social Security. I am also doing some part time work with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary which is really challenging.

When you think back on your time at the World Bank Fitness Center,  what are the biggest lesson you learned :

I learned so much it is hard to put in a few words.  You and the rest of the Fitness Staff believed in me and gave me a chance to grow both personally and professionally.  One example is the encouragement you and Dave gave me to participate in Spinning classes. You both really made me test my limits and from that I became more interested in cycling and now participate regularly in road racing events. 

  You all made me a better person and opened me up to other communities outside of Galludet.

Do you have any final thoughts or impressions you would like to share?

When I left the World Bank I couldn't believe I had stepped onto a new career. Working at the WBFC was such a wonderful experience I just wonder where my life would be if I didn't meet you and the rest of the team. Maybe I wouldnt have had the confidence to pursue a different career and accomplished what I have in my life.

If  I hadn't met you and come to the WBFC  I wouldn't be where I am today. You  all believed in me and I want to thank you for that. I also want to add that I received my Masters in Exercise Science in 2008 and that was because you and the rest of the team always had continuing education as a priority and really encouraged me to complete it.

Thanks Jenny, great to catch up with you and see you doing so well in your career and in life !

There you have it folks, work is about more than just earning $ $$$.

It's about the 3 R''s ... Relationships, Relationships , Relationships.

Through mutual respect and understanding,and a willingness to grow beyond our comfort zones we can all achieve  what Jenny Stack so clearly exemplifies,

A future that has "No limits  !!!"

The 8 habits of a Highly Successful Fitness Construction Project !

So you are about to build a new fitness Center or maybe remodel an existing facility.

Your budget has been approved, and architects, construction crew and an interior design team have been assigned to the project.

How do you make sure this project is a success and delivers a fitness center that enhances your program and meets your member’s needs?  What Proactive steps can you take as a Fitness professional to ensure that the project is a success for all stakeholders?

Over my 31 year Career Managing Fitness Centers I have been involved in many different construction projects ranging from smaller facilities ($100,000) to large scale projects with budgets up to $5 million. Culminating with the recent conclusion of a very successful remodel of the Fitness Center at the International Finance Corporation in Washington DC.

Here are what I consider to be the 8 key steps to Managing a successful construction project.

1. A clear vision - As Steven Covey the author of The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People says: “Begin with the end in mind.”   You should have a clear picture of how the center will look right from entering the facility , the reception area, where the equipment willbe placed, how the members move the  daily flow pattern of people and activities that goes into making a thriving, busy Fitness Center.  In designing a fitness center you should have a few primary goals. One of my major goals is to there is free movement through the facility, no bottle necks where people might run into each other or where safety hazards may occur.  This encompasses having clear access to all equipment with clear signage throughout the facility especially for change rooms. Obviously disability access is also very important. All pathways should be wide enough and have enough clearance to meet ADA (American with Disabilities Act) guidelines. The more detailed your vision the better. This will act as a blue print for how you operate from opening day.

      2. Some flexibility with your vision…  Be prepared for some unexpected setbacks that may impact your vison. These could be budget driven so you should try not to have champagne tastes on a beer budget. You may not need the aquarium with tropical goldfish at the front desk after all.   Also Equipment might not fit where you thought it would. What looks great on a pan doesn’t always translate in reality. Take input from people you trust, sometimes they see things you may have missed. You can’t see everything. So listen but ultimately you make the decision.

       3.Assemble a great team and do your part to make it a great team.  Let experts be the experts. The architects,      construction crew, interior designer are there for a reason.  Hopefully they have had prior experience in the design and construction of fitness centers but don’t be shy to interject if a design idea will impact the fitness center operation. Looks and design should not override the membership experience and efficiency of delivery your product to members.

       4. Work hard and be professional. Be close by and be prepared to make some quick decisions Sure you may not be putting on overalls and a tool belt, but is important to be contactable both during and after workand to reply to emailsor calls promptly. Attend all meetings and be prompt and punctual. This can be tricky if you are already busy running 2 centers (as I have on occasion) but you have to manage your time and delegate tasks accordingly so you can give your attention to the project.

        5.On Opening day expect the unexpected – be ready and have some essential on stand-by including soap, toilet paper and towel hooks.  Make sure the hot water is running in the showers.  You will be surprised to see how many of the most elaborate facilities forget about these things.  Trust me I have seen this happen.  A brand new building with the very best equipment, wonderful design but no hot water, toilet paper and place to hang your towel equals a big bowl of ergggh !!! For your members. Make sure the construction team completes all items in their scope of work. There should be no unfinished items no matter how minor.

       6 Communicate with members prior to during and after construction. Emphasize the positive aspects and how it will benefit them.  Let them know if there are any delays.  If possible organizing alternate facilities for members during the time you are closed will help ease the inconvenience. It is also very important to make sure your project team and fitness center staff speak with the same voice.  A good practice is to come up with a list of answers to FAQ so that staff can anticipate what members may ask. There is nothing worse than members receiving different answers to questions like when are you opening? Is there any new equipment? etc.Role playing these scenarios with your staff is a great tool to ensure the One Voice goa.

       7.  After you open accept feedback, the good, the bad and the ugly- but be prepared to bite your tongue.  Some people will find the smallest fault and magnify it to epic proportions. Sometimes this is tough to take especially when you have worked hard on the project but that’s the nature of any service business.  Answer diplomatically, and of course learning to state your case and say No firmly but with a smile in your voice is a skill to cultivate

       8.  Celebrate: You and the team worked hard on this project and it’s very likely you won’t work with this group of individuals again.  So it is important to recognize each person’s contribution and thank them for their efforts.   

Now what, where and when is the next Project?

Mike James Corporate Fitness - Club Business Industry Magazine -Nov 2016

A very nice profile in the November issue of Club Business Industry

Mike James Corporate Fitness - Club Business Industry Magazine -Nov 2016

 http://pubs.ihrsa.org/CBI/November2016/index.html?page=40

Honoring Mary Evans !→

Eat your heart out Jane Fonda... The World Bank Fitness Center honors Mary Evan for her tireless efforts in promoting the benefits of exercise to the World Bank staff ! We salute you Mary Evans a true Pioneer in the world of Corporate Fitness !