The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

The Fitness Business Management online program is an innovative certificate program (with an Optional Field Internship course) designed to teach students how to manage a Personal Training Program and/or a Health-Fitness Department as a Strategic Business Unit (S.B.U.) in both commercial and non-commercial based health and fitness facilities in the United States and/or internationally. The program was developed to establish an industry standard in fitness management education for allied health and fitness professionals, personal trainers, fitness managers, and entrepreneurs that wish to establish a successful business model and fitness operation. Fitness Business Management prepares students to implement successful business systems in the following settings: private and commercial health clubs, medically-based fitness facilities, community wellness centers, personal training studios, physical therapy clinics, YMCA’s, JCC’s, college/university centers, recreational settings, and corporate fitness centers. A competitive advantage offered in the program is the optional field internship which enables students to practice fitness management concepts in a health and fitness setting. This program is offered in partnership with IDEA Health & Fitness Association and Health Club Managers, Inc. IDEA has provided content/curriculum in the program; in addition, students receive a complimentary 6-month membership to the digital edition of IDEA Fitness Journal. Health Club Managers, a Health Club Staff/Management Training company, is providing graduating certificate students a preferred discount on their services.

This certificate program includes:
● Examination of the planning process for starting a new venture
● Review common approaches to develop a strategic business plan for specific types of health and fitness-related facilities
● An introduction to financial and managerial accounting concepts
● Exploration of how successful marketing and branding guides a company’s business strategy
● Examination of the organization and administration of for profit and not-for-profit health/fitness facilities
● Optional Field Internship Course: Students that enter the program may complete an optional internship course that is 6 weeks/60 hours in length
● On-going guidance, instruction, and interaction from instructors that hold either a Master’s, MBA, or Ph.D. degree in business administration, finance, exercise physiology, kinesiology, or an exercise science-related degree.
● The program is offered in partnership with IDEA Health & Fitness Association and Health Club Managers, Inc. IDEA has provided content/curriculum in the program; in addition, students receive a complimentary 6-month membership to the digital edition of IDEA Fitness Journal.

Health Club Managers, a Health Club Staff/Management Training company, is providing graduating certificate students a preferred discount on their services.

Course Objectives

By completing Fitness Business Management, students will:
● Identify the skill-sets and competencies that the fitness manager needs in order to be a successful entrepreneur, owner, or department head.
● Understand the financial status necessary to be a successful business entity in the fitness industry
● Learn business concepts including purchasing, contractual agreements, risk management and negligence, technology issues, and other fiscal concerns
● Identify how branding influences, discovers, and creates a demand for fitness services and products
● Understand customer relationship management methods
● Understand sales techniques in fitness
● Explore the profession as a potential career choice with the optional field internship experience.
● Prepare to work as a fitness manager or business owner in the health and fitness industry

I. Business Development and Entrepreneurship in Fitness
a. Understand Business Fundamentals
b. Learn about being a Fitness Manager
c. Understand Key Manager Skill Sets
d. Understand Sales and Marketing

II. Financial Principles and Business Concepts
a. Learn about the Major Types of Financial Statements
b. Understand Budgetary and Forecast Spreadsheets
c. Learn how to Apply Financial and Accounting Principles to Start a Fitness Business
d. Learn the Basics of the Federal Tax System

III. Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service Management (CSM)
a. Understand consumer buying behaviors in the Fitness Industry
b. Understand Customer Centric Focus
c. Learn how to Transform Customer Satisfaction to Customer Loyalty
d. Learn why Customers Buy and don’t Buy a Particular Club Service

IV. Fitness Management and Business Administration
a. Understand the role of the Human Resources Department
b. Understand the Job Description of a Fitness Professional
c. Understand Staff Development
d. Learn how Staff Development, Business Development, and Customer Service Management work together

V. Elective Course: Optional Field Internship in Fitness Business Management
a. Intern for a total of 6 weeks/60 hours with professionals in the fitness and health industry for a practical experience working with members at fitness facilities and health centers
b. Network and interact with professionals in the health and fitness industry
c. Develop a professional goal statement and review career opportunities
d. Improve your ability to obtain employment and/or operate your own health and fitness facility