An important new article by Tommy Suggs

[Mark Rippetoe]

His first in the fitness industry since 1969. We hope to have him as a continuing contributor.

http://startingstrength.com/articles...on_suggs_1.pdf

[MikeC1]

Rip, this was VERY fascinating. I also would love to keep reading what he has to say in the future.

[karlwright]

Rip,

It seems that you run your gym in the similar fashion to what Tommy did by closely monitoring beginner programs for new members. Did you get this idea from Tommy? In either case its a great way to retain members. Is this an additional charge in WFAC or is it included in membership?

[Mark Rippetoe]

It's included in the membership. I have just always done it this way because I can't stand to watch it done wrong. Tommy didn't have any input.

[karlwright]

The members of WFAC are getting one heck of a bargain then

[Mark Rippetoe]

Maybe you could communicate this to the good people of Wichita Falls.

[tnumrych]

Maybe you could communicate this to the good people of Wichita Falls.

Serious question: So have your efforts here and via your published works have been completely useless as far as driving additional business through your gym's door?

[Mark Rippetoe]

In terms of our gross impact on this market, yes. We still have only about 50 members, down from 200 several years ago. This is largely due to the fact that the general public has no idea about any of this barbell shit, and the fact that there are now 3x as many gyms here to sell these people memberships.

[karlwright]

suprising and a damned shame. I'd sell all the barbell equipment in my garage if i had a place where i could lift with people that have similar goals and intensity. Keep fighting the good fight brother.

[Aslin]

In terms of our gross impact on this market, yes. We still have only about 50 members, down from 200 several years ago. This is largely due to the fact that the general public has no idea about any of this barbell shit, and the fact that there are now 3x as many gyms here to sell these people memberships.

Sucks Rip, rest assured you'd have one more member if I lived in WF