The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) recently released IHRSA's 2007 Guide to Membership Retention: Industry Lessons on What and What Not to Do, authored by John McCarthy, IHRSAs former executive director, and sponsored by Technogym, The Wellness Company. Highlights in the report include a thought-provoking introduction by John McCarthy, the latest industry statistics and four real-life case studies of IHRSA clubs with successful retention programs.
 
This publication explains how even a slight improvement in member retention can significantly boost a health clubs profitability, said Jay Ablondi, IHRSAs Vice President of Publishing. Every club can benefit from this guides examination of the characteristics of high-retention clubs as well as the lessons that can be learned from private clubs.
 
Assembled in the report are industry insights and lessons learned regarding membership retention over the last 25 years, which specifies a comprehensive list of tactical measures that can make a difference in decreasing membership attrition. The report also explains the impact of attrition on a clubs bottom line, outlines the characteristics of high-retention clubs and includes case studies of clubs with above-average member retention rates.

Additional information about the 2007 Guide to Membership Retention can be obtained by contacting IHRSA Public Relations at 617.951.0055 or by email at pr@ihrsa.org. The report, as well as additional publications, can be purchased at www.ihrsastore.com in a print or PDF version for $19.95 for IHRSA members and $29.95 for non-members.

The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) is a not-for-profit trade association representing health and fitness facilities, gyms, spas, sports clubs and suppliers worldwide. The associations membership includes over 8,800 clubs in 74 countries, along with over 600 industry suppliers. For more information, please visit www.ihrsa.org.