May 1st was BHC’s 24th Anniversary! BHC’s unique hybrid staff job

May 3, 2022

Dear Members,

May 1st marked our 24th Anniversary. It was not that long ago that I gave us less than a 50/50 chance of being able to reach any more anniversaries. Now we are steadily coming back stronger than ever!

Ballard Health Club is unique in how the front desk/personal training position is structured. Other health clubs have staff that only work the front desk, and a separate group of individuals that only do personal training. They also have a separate sales department that focuses entirely on acquiring new members.

At BHC, our front desk position typically includes all three functions. Our staff receive a base pay rate for front desk work, and then a higher rate for performing personal training. A staff person’s typical schedule will have them alternate between performing personal training and working the front desk during their shift. Most staff work toward growing the amount of personal training they are providing, and as that increases, reducing the amount of front desk time. As this process evolves, we then hire more individuals for the front desk and continue the cycle. This “hybrid” type of job allows people to have a steady paycheck as they work to advance themselves in personal training. With this method, BHC has been a great place for many people to start their personal training careers.

We have never had a sales department at BHC. We have our front desk staff very simply and plainly present what we offer and allow people to make up their mind about joining the club and/or signing up for personal training without pressure. No pressure is a huge part of our practice model.

I want to thank Jake Burkey, our Facilities Manager, and his Overnight Crew for getting our new pull up system in place in the middle of the gym. We will also be adding a rope pull to the center of the beam. Additionally, we have been working on our deadlift platforms and hope to have them in place soon in Studio Z.

We continue to try and learn what our members want at Ballard Health Club. The more we can meet the needs of our members, the stronger our club becomes. We would like to hear any suggestions from you on what you think would help the club be a better place. We have a simple form for you to let us know at www.ballardhealthclub.com/suggestion

Take care and enjoy getting fit for the summer!

Sincerely,

Pat Gilbrough
Owner, General Manager
pat@ballardhealthclub.com