Network Magazine Autumn 2017 | Page 3

As in every industry , people are our lifeblood – our members , clients , participants . As a service industry , however , the role we play in keeping our people happy , by creating a place where they want to be , is critical .

Technology , equipment and cool audio-visuals will only get you so far – it ’ s the people skills that make the difference and help your club , studio or training session become that ‘ third place ’ where people want to spend their time when they ’ re not working or at home . As globally respected club operator Bill McBride writes in this issue ’ s Perspective feature , ‘ Without the people component of our fitness equation , nothing else matters .’

The theme recurs throughout this issue . In her Member Profile , Saga Wessman says that ‘ In this industry you need to be a people person and an active listener ’, a point reinforced by this issue ’ s Real World PT , Chris Dounis : ‘ We are as much counsellors as trainers ’ he says ; ‘ It ’ s critical to appreciate the psychological aspects of exercise and companionship if we are to enact long lasting behaviour change .’

In her feature on the power of mentoring for group fitness instructors , Caroline Hynes writes that mentoring , or being mentored by , other instructors ‘ ignites a relationship that will bring awareness to – and enable you to capitalise on – previously hidden strengths .’

Elsewhere , in his Network Community column , Network ’ s CEO , Ryan Hogan , sums up the essence of people power when he writes ; ‘ If people become a part of your community , rather than just a member of your facility , they are more likely to value their experience and to stay with you ’.

The perfect place to enhance your people skills – as well as gain a wealth of new practical skills and theories – is FILEX , the fitness industry convention , which returns to Sydney between 28-30 April . It ’ s hard to overstate just what a remarkable event FILEX is , and what an incredible opportunity it presents to connect with your industry and inspire your next move .

I look forward to seeing many of you there ,

Oliver Kitchingman , Editor editor @ fitnessnetwork . com . au

NETWORK ’ S CORE PURPOSE

‘ To inform , inspire and educate our members to be the best they can be ’

EDITOR Oliver Kitchingman

Your Network Membership provides you with access to 8 CECs or 1 PDP annually at no extra cost .

Network magazine is the official quarterly publication of Australian Fitness Network . It is distributed in March , June , September and December . While every effort is made to ensure accuracy , Australian Fitness Network accepts no responsibility for the correctness of any facts or opinions . All information including prices ( quoted in AUD ) is correct at time of publishing , but may be subject to change . Where CECs are stated , they may only be applicable within Australia . We welcome articles from all industry professionals on the understanding that the author ensures the work they submit is their own . No material in Network magazine may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher . © 2017 All material copyright to Australian Fitness Network . All rights reserved .

ADVERTISING IN NETWORK For information on advertising in Network magazine , or through Network ' s online and social media channels , please email editor @ fitnessnetwork . com . au or call 02 8412 7486 .

Printed by IntoPrint . intoprint . com . au

COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS Unless otherwise specified , all competitions / giveaways contained in this issue commence on 9 March 2017 and conclude on 27 April 2017 . Each competition is a game of skill and chance plays no part in determining the winner . The judge ’ s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into . Winners will be selected by the editor at 47 Hume Street , Crows Nest NSW 2065 and will be notified by email no later than 17 May 2017 . Full terms and conditions can be obtained at fitnessnetwork . com . au / competition-terms-and-conditions

STAFF DIRECTORY To call a member of the Network team , simply insert their extension number ( see below ) to 02 8412 74 __ __ For the fitnessU team , insert the extension number to 02 8579 69 __ __

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Ryan Hogan 23

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Paige Nossiter Membership Coordinator 02 Taylor Bridges Membership Consultant 01

FINANCIAL SERVICES Michelle Hui , Accountant 05

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT Alisha Smith , L & D Manager 11 Bel Fong L & D Coordinator 18

fitnessU EDUCATION Paul Bulatao National VET Manager 17 Kathryn Weihen , Online Trainer 10 Larissa Harcombe Career Advisor 34

NETWORK AUTUMN 2017 | 3