A fitness manager is in charge of a fitness center’s or health facility’s health and exercise programs. The fitness manager may perform the same duties as a general manager or supervisor in some locations. The main responsibilities of this person are to manage the day-to-day operations and supervise the employees. The majority of people who work in this position have a background in physical education, sports management, or business administration.
One of the responsibilities of a fitness manager is to hire and train gym personnel. The manager is usually in charge of posting job openings and conducting interviews with candidates. After the employee is hired, this professional will assist the employee with tax and benefit paperwork. Employees in this position are frequently assisted with schedules, and they may be terminated if necessary. Other times, this person may be called upon to settle disputes among coworkers.
Many gyms rely heavily on the fitness manager to market the facility and attract new customers. This employee may be required to create or provide input on marketing materials such as fliers and brochures on occasion. Throughout the month, the manager may come up with ideas for discounts and specials and track the data to see if the process generated additional revenue.
Customer service is also an important aspect of a fitness manager’s job. This person usually greets people as they enter the building or walks around to see if the clients require any assistance. It is the responsibility of this person to ensure that clients have a positive experience at the facility and that they return. Managers are usually in charge of assisting customers with billing issues, following up on customer complaints, and listening to suggestions for the center. Many managers are available to answer questions about the classes and provide information about the gym’s optional services.
Another responsibility of a fitness manager is to ensure that the facility’s machines and other equipment are available and in good working order. This person can ensure that the workout machines are cleaned on a daily basis and that the weights are returned to their proper locations. Because some facilities allow large groups to hold meetings there, the manager may also be in charge of booking rooms and collecting deposits.
The majority of managers have prior experience in other areas of physical fitness and may teach one or two classes. This employee could lead several cardio classes or even teach swimming at a facility with a pool. Other managers might provide specialized services like personal training or nutrition.