outcome measurements

Cary Wing, EdD – [email protected] Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc

1

Outcome Measurements

Overview: An outcome follows an action and is a

result, or consequence, of that action. In the

fitness industry, outcomes measure the results of

an individual’s participation in exercise or

wellness programs. Tracking outcomes should be

included in every facility’s scope of services to

identify individual and program effectiveness. The

Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2011

identifies outcome measurements as 13th on the

Top 20 list.

Measuring and Tracking Outcomes Can Determine Facility Effectiveness and Business Success

How can facility owners and managers measure

outcomes efficiently and effectively? In this

overview, we will examine the need to integrate

the tools necessary for outcome measurements,

the development challenges, important tips for

success, and expectations to grow business as a

result of a well-designed and implemented data

collection system.

March 2011

2

The Opportunity

Opportunity: A fitness facility wants to provide programs

and services that demonstrate positive results and can

set the facility apart from the competition. Rex

Healthcare’s Healthy Way Program in NC has shown

statistically significant changes in several biometric

measures of participants, demonstrating to members

the positive effects of program involvement and facility

membership.

Developing a defined set of program expectations, and

showing improvement in a member’s overall health

status, can provide marketing opportunities as well as

increase member retention rates.

Tracking Outcomes Can Improve Business Performance and Increase Revenue

Your members want to see positive results as a

consequence of their participation in physical activity

programs. Those positive results might include losing

weight, increasing flexibility/ROM, decreasing blood

pressure, or relieving the symptoms of arthritis.

Positive results yield satisfied members. Satisfied

members renew memberships.

March 2011


3

The Challenges

The Challenges: Collecting data and reporting

results is a challenge. Determining the relevant

metrics to measure should follow industry

guidelines and should be based on the specific

program. Is it important to show improvement in

weight, blood pressure, or aerobic capacity? Does

the activity focus on strength and flexibility? Is

overall emotional and mental improvement the

goal?

Determining Relevant Metrics, or Data, to Collect Is Key to Benchmarking Results

Having the right tools and technology in place to

reduce staff time in collecting, reporting and

analyzing the data is critical in the efficient

management of a facility. Challenges include

uploading data to appropriate software systems,

eliminating the need for users to manually log

exercise sessions, and finding compatible systems

to obtain accurate data.

March 2011


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Important Tips

The Tools: There are three simple guidelines to follow

to determine relevant metrics, or data, to track. These

guidelines should be used regardless of the type, or

format, of the program or activity:

Measure items that are directly related to program

results

Measure items that can be consistently and

accurately obtained over time

Measure items that utilize user-friendly tools

The Challenges of Measuring Outcomes Can Be Diminished If Three Simple Guidelines Are Followed

The most challenging of the three guidelines is utilizing

user-friends tools. The staff time that is required to post

data for participants and compile final reports can be

overwhelming for most facilities. Engage the support of

a company that is not only knowledgeable in all areas

of current interactive technology, but also understands

that finding solutions to every challenge is key to the

success of a business.

March 2011


5

Conclusions

Recap: With the aid of today’s advanced

technology, data collection is simplified. Interactive

technology can reduce staff time in reporting and

analyzing results. Facility programs can then be

restructured as needed. Assessing the benefits of

health and fitness programs can document your

facility’s success in improving the health status of

your members. This is critical in establishing

accountability in the fitness industry. And, critical in

establishing the credibility of your facility in your

community.

With the Right Tools and Technology, Any Facility Can Track and Measure Outcomes and Expand Business

Measuring outcomes is a demonstrated method of

retaining members and provides additional

marketing opportunities for your membership team.

March 2011


6

About Us

About Us: Fitmarc serves hundred of fitness

facilities and thousands of fitness professionals

through the delivery of programs, solutions,

consulting and education. Our team of experts can

deliver real world answers to your facility’s biggest

challenges.

Looking to improve operating results at your fitness facility? We can help.

To Learn More:

Visit our website at www.fitmarc.com

Follow Fitmarc on Twitter

Like Fitmarc on Facebook

Call Fitmarc 800-814-1207

I am here to be your resource and help you

achieve greater success. As the Director of

Business Development for Medical Fitness for

Fitmarc, I have years of experience working in the

medical fitness industry, developing the medical

fitness model, and uniting fitness and healthcare.

Let’s connect so that I can be a resource and

partner for you and your organization.

March 2011


outcome measurements

Health & Medicine