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| A
women's touch and a touch of class. |
| What
preconceptions do you have of Fernwood Women’s
Health Clubs? If they were in any way negative
(which they should not be) I would have
to ask you to readjust your thinking from
here on in. |
| Fernwood
is by far Australia’s largest fitness provider.
Their strong branding, mature systems, leading
edge management tools and experienced support
staff all work together to create a highly
successful business structure.
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| With
54 clubs already established in Australia
and another nine in development Fernwood
is continuing a steady growth to reach their
target of 200 clubs over the next five years
and from what I experienced there is no
doubt they will reach this target with ease.
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| Fernwood
Women’s Health Clubs evolved in 1989
through managing Director and co-founder
Diana Williams. Diana’s vision was to
bring to today’s women, the opportunity
to take charge of their own well being in
a special environment appealing only to
women. Fernwood has been listed in the
prestigious Business Review Weekly’s top
100 fastest growing Australian Companies
six years running, with two of those years
have listed in the top 10.
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| I
visited one of their newer clubs at Sydenham,
about 25km north west of Melbourne. This
is a seriously stylish, professional and
well-equipped gym. There is a lot more to
this club than just a great gym with a bright
open plan. It is an environment where women
can socialise free from the pressures of
work and family, a place where they are
free to be themselves. It was great to see
a gym full of women of all ages, shapes
and sizes genuinely enjoying their workouts.
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Customer
service must be one of the keys to Fernwood’s
success. During my time in the Fitness
Industry I am yet to see a better presented
team of employees. Not only do they look
great but their customer service sets
a standard that all businesses in the
fitness industry should strive to attain.
It is not difficult to see why Fernwood
is such a success. As a gym it lacks nothing
and as a social club it offers everything,
from complimentary tea, coffee, towels,
toiletries and breakfast each morning
for all members.
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| There
are no big egos at this club just a great
bunch of people working together to make
your experience a pleasant one. My most
pleasant surprise was the time I spent talking
with Diana Williams and John Clow, Fernwood’s
Managing Directors. In an industry where
there is no shortage of big egos, especially
behind the scenes, one could be forgiven
for having a similar perception of arguably
the two most influential figures in Australia’s
fitness industry. It was then very refreshing
to find that two likeable, down to earth
people run Australia’s largest health club
chain. Diana and John’s genuine passion
for their business and lack of ego seem
to be two positive traits that have filtered
down through their franchisees and supporting
staff. |
| My
positive perception of this club was only
reinforced after interviewing four of their
members. |
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| Elly
– Taylors Lakes |
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“I started exercising
four years ago after my first child because
I did not want to lose too much fitness
plus training makes me feel good. I started
running two years ago and I am now training
for a half marathon (21km) in October.
“I joined Fernwood
because it‘s clean and the customer service
is great, something I found missing in
other clubs that I had visited.
“I will stay here
because of the great facilities. It is
a very friendly and social club, it is
always clean and they provide a huge variety
in classes.”
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| Sylvia
– Hillside |
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“I’ve been training
for three years now and at gyms for two.
I simply enjoy training because it makes
me feel and look good.” I joined Fernwood
because a friend was here and strongly
recommended it, plus it is close to home.
“I like it here
because it’s not just a gym, it is more
of a lifestyle club that provides a great
social environment I find conducive to
exercise.”
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| Kay
– Sydenham |
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“I always exercised
when I was young but when I got married
I gradually exercised less and less until
I found myself not exercising at all.
“I initially joined
Fernwood because it is close to home and
is an all female environment. I will remain
here because I am feeling fitter to cope
with life in general and I can now chase
my kids around. Also, the club is a great
social environment and I am enjoying exercise
for the first time ever in my life.”
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| Leanne
– Taylors Hill |
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“I knew for a few
months that the club was opening and it
was near home so when it eventually opened
Kay (above) and I joined. I’ve been a
member of various gyms for 15 years and
I love to exercise because it makes me
feel great and helps me reduce stress
and as Kay said this place has a great
social environment.
“I
will stay here because of all the above
reasons and I am losing weight.”
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