Amenity Living Newsletter - April 2009

APRIL 2009 • NEWSLETTER
LET US BE YOUR POOL GUY! Provide a pool and they will be happy. Provide outstanding pool services and they will be ecstatic!! That is why after 20 years of daily, weekly and monthly pool chemistry management and minor filtration corrections, NFC has now expanded its broad array of amenity services to include the opening of the pool/whirlpool and deck area seasonally staff and run the operation during the season, and perform a closing of the pool as well. The expanded Pool Division, under the direction of Silvio Cano, offers new opportunities for NFC and clients alike. In the past, especially in the New York City area, clients' options for reasonably priced pool repair/maintenance have been severely limited. Combine our lower prices with knowledge of each pool operation and you have a winning combination! If problems do occur, it makes trouble shooting less stressful and as the day to day operators of the pools, Jacuzzis and grottos, we are more easily able to provide quick inexpensive resolutions to any problems which may arise. Other services provided by our expanded Pool Division include; cabana towel services,poolside massages, lifeguard staffing, acid washing, power washing of pools, decks and furniture, and many more maintenance services. Let us be your Pool Guy and for 1 low monthly fee, we will make your life easier and enhance your entire fitness and amenity operation! In our next issue of Amenity Living your Pool Guy will deal with safety and hygiene issues and make certain that you are in compliance with all rules and regulations to insure the well being of your facility and all who use it. Jean Marie Potter GOING GLOBAL. WATCH US GROW! We are delighted to announce that NFC has been selected as one of three fitness management firms to bid on a major development in Dubai.Yes, Dubai! The project, which consists of higher end luxury (isn't everything in Dubai higher end luxury?} dwellings and buildings. is planned to include the start up of 19 spas and Fitness Centers in the area. Right up our alley of expertise! We have also been contacted to consult with the beautiful upscale "Las Lagos" gated community in Puerto Rico. The facility, slated to open next month is offering just 50 Charter private memberships to the "outside" community as a once in a lifetime opportunity to become a part of this outstanding amenity. Watch for our further expansion beyond USA borders as our reputation spreads and demand for the unique programs and amenities we provide continues to grow.		BABES, BOOMERS & BEYOND: THE "BEYONDS": WHO THEY ARE, HOW TO KEEP THEM HAPPY In the last two issues of Amenity Living we featured the Babes (l8-48 ) and the Boomers (49-60). Now we turn our attention to one of the most significant and lively segments of those who pursue physical fitness...the "Beyonds". Referred to by IHRSA (International Health & Racquet Sports Association) as 'The Eisenhower Generation", these 60 plus year olds exercise not only to address specific health concerns (cited by 43% of them) but to feel better about themselves as well. This energetic group enjoys activities that address multiple needs, such as balancing combined with stretching and toning. Unlike younger clients who are adverse to paying for "extras", the Beyonds view them as having value and welcome personal training, pilates classes, core resistance instruction and senior boot camp, to mention a few. Of course, care must be taken to insure that all such activities are age appropriate and well supervised. Few gripe about the additional cost! Among spa services welcomed by the Beyonds: massages to relieve aching joints ,improve circulation , and lubricate dry skin...hot plunges which alleviate arthritis and back problems, exfoiliations and those wonderful beneficial and relaxing facials. A word of warning: Seniors, unlike younger clients, do NOT enjoy group spa services. They consider them to be private matters and want to partake on an individualized basis. No group massages sometimes even with both sexes participating, here!!! Our Beyonds are highly social however and once their physical needs have been addressed they enthusiastically embrace activities that offer opportunities to mix and mingle with their peers. Cooking classes, for example, are not only fun, but are educational as well. Provide them with diabetic and low salt recipes or ideas for delicious diet meals . And if you can handle standing room only , try providing classes to teach computer skills (won't their grandkids be proud of them?) Wii Bowling party nights or the ever popular wine tasting events. Above all, never underestimate those over sixties. Cater to them and provide innovative programs and amenities for them and you'll never cease to be amazed by their enthusiasm and their gratitude to you! EQUIPMENT OBSOLETE? IS IT TIME TO BUY? OBSOLETE - "No longer active or in use; of a kind or a style no longer current, worn out, regarded as out of date whether currently in use or not". (Source: Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged). Does the work out shoe fit? Then it might be time to review the equipment in your fitness facility, bearing in mind how quickly fitness has evolved over the last thirty years. Let's take a look. The first real push at modern fitness can be attributed to Arthur Jones and Nautilus machines in the late 70's and early 80's. That was followed by a variety of fads, machines and programs designed to provide effective and enticing ways for fitness buffs to get into shape. The fitness world has changed dynamically over the last 3 decades, and continues to change as we learn more about the mind, body connection. Here is a retrospective: Leading the way were leg warmers, high impact aerobics and treadmills. On their heels and keeping fitness enthusiasts on their toes, came low impact aerobics, spandex, step classes, the "no pain, no gain" theory and Stairmasters. Introduced and very popular in the 90's were spinning classes, casual cotton gear, elliptical trainers and yoga. More recently the fitness focus has been on pilates, core conditioning and the mind/body connection. So what's next, what to do and when should equipment be replaced? When considering investing in new equipment, bear in mind that depending on usage, cardio equipment generally has a life span of 3 to5 years; weight machines, 5 to 7 years., with little changing in their basic design. Bells and whistles like entertainment systems, the "stainless" look imitating the new kitchen appliances, new colors in equipment padding (and earth tone equipment has replaced turquoise and mauve) all serve to give newer models modern, updated appeal. Be smart. Redesign your open spaces to accommodate classes for kids, aerobics and yoga. Circuit machines are mostly :out" but a few well selected pieces are expected by clients and therefore an evil necessity. Giving a cutting edge in residential fitness centers are pilates reformers which encourage one-on-one interaction with staff members. Many expensive machines can be replaced by core conditioning items: Resista balls, Kettle bells, dumb bells, resistance bands, medicine balls and Bosu's are all low in cost and very popular. And forget the Stairmasters! They are truly obsolete and easily replaced with better, more efficient equipment now available. Consumers no longer expect to see them in health clubs any more than they expect to see Jack La Lanne leading a class in leg warmers! Need help in replacing obsolete equipment? We're here for you so get in touch!
The NFC Advantage
When considering an Amenity management company to service your residents, follow these simple rules: 1. Depth of Resources- Smaller companies lack resources and recruiting power for quality employees, thus leaving their clients stuck with a weaker product. NFC has over 500 employees trained to serve and grow within our organization. 2. Responsiveness- Unfortunately, things go wrong sometimes. Its not always in that something happened, but rather what and how fast is it corrected. With our 1-6 ratio of supervisors to properties, our supervisors have the ability to make decisions instantly for the good of the clients we serve. Less red tape and constant communication means situations get fixed instantly. 3. Creativity- We understand that not all programming is going to excite every resident. However, through unmatched creativity the plan is to offer as much as possible so that everyone's needs are matched. This is the true sense of community building. To learn more of how NFC is forging into 2009 inquire at tkyme@newfitnessconcepts.com
Welcome New Clients
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