H
ow would you like to hear a testimonial like this from one of your members?
“The program gave me an exceptional opportunity to ask questions and learn
more about nutrition,” explains Kris A. “At my stage in life, I can’t just eat less or
exercise more to lose weight. I needed to change my eating behaviors. This gave
me the chance to try foods I wouldn’t have, otherwise, and to recalibrate my food selections
to turn them into ‘fuel.’ Before the program, eating was a ‘hobby!’”
Kris A. is a member of The Women’s Club, in Chantilly, Virginia, where she took part in
The Secrets of Weight Loss, an eight-week nutrition and wellness program for which she
paid $299. Her exuberant words reflect how effective the program was in helping her
address some issues that were quite important to her. And she’s very grateful.
Susan P., another participant, is just as pleased. “I found the class to be more than what
I’d expected—it far exceeded my expectations. The support from the other members
was fantastic, as was shopping at a local grocery store and learning about vitamins… and
the list just goes on. It was a true, total package of customer service!”
Such is the value of well-planned, well-executed nutrition and wellness programs, club owners
attest. Such offerings can provide a rare opportunity to help members and nonmembers uncover
the internal desires motivating them to change, and, then, coach them toward successfully
achieving their objectives, while, at the same time, providing exceptional, high-touch service.
In addition, satisfied, appreciative participants are the best “ambassadors” a club can possibly
have, spreading the word among other members, their families, their doctors, and in
the community at large. That works to position a club and strengthens its competitive edge.
“Having a strong nutrition and wellness program is really how I differentiate my club in the marketplace,”
says Florence Auld, the owner of The Women’s Club…
Auld had been searching for the right person to help her create just the right program, and found that
individual in Dr. Lucky Bennett, who holds a doctorate in naturopathic medicine; has advanced training in
women’s studies that focused on women and medicine; and a background in exercise, ballet, and modern
dance.
“The members who’ve taken our program are amazed by Dr. Bennett and what she knows about women’s
health,” Auld adds.
During the program, Bennett encourages participants to take a serious look at the type of food they have at
home, and to keep food and exercise logs. She recommends that they do 30-60 minutes of cardio five times
a week and strength training three times a week. She discusses stress, sleep, hormones, and other issues;
takes the group on grocery-shopping outings; explains how to keep exercise fun; covers eating habits and
eating out at restaurants; and gives advice on how to stay the course and what to do if they “fall off the
wagon” or hit a plateau.
From the article: The Nutrition and Wellness Play, by Patricia Amend
CBI Magazine, October 2010 issue