Lately, gyms have been opening up that have a license to serve alcohol?

Hello Joanne,
I have worked in two large privately owned Health Clubs in the same city that sold alcohol and served free Margaritas and Chips-n-Salsa every Friday night to memebers.
"Drink responsibly" however, mixing alcohol with a class...shows no "class".

Wow; sponsors, beware! I have heard of gyms that offer alcohol at a special event, but not one that uses it as an incentive to take a class. I'm sure the owners have a small niche (perhaps with the college-going crowd), and the social aspect may be appealing to some, but I would not recommend this business strategy. I mean, in what world do 'tequila' and 'tighten' belong in the same sentence? I'm usually trying to convince my clients to limit their alcohol intake because of all the empty calories. I think I'll leave the "Cardio and Cocktails" to the cast members of the Jersey Shore.

That's a new one and I am not a fan of the concept of drinking alcohol while exercising. I agree with Stephen -it is counter-productive. Alcohol in moderation is fine, but drinking during or right after exercise is not the making of a balanced body. There is no way I would teach those classes.

What will they think of next? No, this is not a place that I would want to be associated with. As Stephen put it so well: there is a time and place for drinking alcohol, and it is not after an exercise class.

I think it's odd, not a good combination when promoting "healthy lifestyles"

I completely agree with the others and would never offer alcohol as part of the exercise session. I wouldn't offer alcohol at a fitness facility at all. However, using the same concept but with non-alcoholic, healthy beverages (could have fun with the names such as "proteini") is something to consider.

That is interesting business concept - which I would like to see how it works out. I was at a fitness conference last year that McDonalds had a booth at.

Amazing.

Fuel the Movement,
JM

I'm always surprised by what people will promise or sell to make a buck! So sad!

Unbelievable what marketing ideas people create, AND that the public will buy into. This seems totally counter to the whole concept of health when the fitness professional is PROMOTING drinking alcohol. Hmmm, in addition to the message that this is sending, I'm also wondering about the whole liability issue.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com

Maybe some client's would like to "socialize" with a BUD and a buddy after working out. I would MUCH prefer my clients drinking a protein smoothie.

I don't get why anyone don't get it. What's the difference if you hit the gym and then hit the pub/club/restaurant/bar afterwards -- there or down the street? With the combo, one is not likely to forgo the gym, yet still be able to socialize with like-minded people after. There's no message other than making it a convenient, social outing: workout and then hangout. Sounds like a good time and a creative business idea. Why compartmentalize the goodness of life with a militant undertone? (For the records, I don't work or own one of these alcohol-licensed gyms, but I get the concept.)

Just because it's a "creative business idea", it doesn't make it right. Participants can socialize after class with a protein smoothie. If our clients are trying to lose weight, why set them up to fill their bodies with empty calories after working out? Why not just put a McDonald's in? Yes, some will go to the bar or restaurant after they work out but it's our job to encourage and educate them to make the right choices, not to make it more convenient to make the wrong choices!

I actually remember a club (years ago) that was locate in the city where I lived. It was called Charlie Club and they offered classes and a 'juice/alcohol' bar. It didn't last.

My opinion, as a professional I believe this concept is irresponsible. Seriously alcohol and exercise don't mix (no pun intended). It's empty calories and certainly doesn't promote a healthy lifestyle.

/dislike

This sounds incredibly counter productive. It reinforces a "earned it" mentality. Health is gained over living well, and this sounds like people would get conditioned to getting something special after a workout.

Good after a Friday or Saturday kick, but not Sunday through Thursday.

Might as well offer pizza and beer.

I was stunned to hear about Planet Fitness pizza night and tootsie roll jar. I would not use this business strategy at my gym either. An organic juice bar, YES, bloody mary's, NO Way!

NO. It's not that I have an aversion to alcohol. Many of us have a drink every once in a while. But its place is not in the place where you work out, in my opinion.

Take care.

This looks more like a social event than working out and promoting healthy lifestyle. I know a gym where I live, that offers pizza and cupcakes a couple days out of the month. And the sad thing is that the people, who need to lose the weight more than others, are the ones who take a slice or a cupcake (or two). Not to mention the staff are also guilty of eating the pizza and cupcakes. It makes me wonder...