ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces students to the health and fitness sport industry segment, which includes not only health and fitness clubs, but also several health-and fitness-related services and spin-off products. Health and fitness clubs and programs can be found in a variety of settings, ranging from commercial chain clubs and corporate fitness clubs to non-profit wellness programs. Within this setting, the chapter examines the managerial challenge of decision making. Sport managers make hundreds of decisions every day, and their actions not only affect individuals, but ultimately shape the organization and influence its ability to fulfill its mission and meet its goals. Commercial clubs make up the clear majority of all health and fitness clubs. Not-for-profit clubs make up the second largest segment and consist of clubs that are owned and operated by non-profit organizations such as churches, educational groups, municipal entities, and the military.
