What fitness managers recommend

Chiropractic Economics also talked with three fitness center managers, and asked them how they feel a chiropractor should approach them in order to begin a business relationship. The managers we spoke with are:

• Jörg Chabowski, The Working Body, www.workingbody.net;

• Daniela Durante, SHAPE Health and Wellness, www.toronto-fitness-trainer.ca; and

• David Light, LightWorkout Fitness Center, davidlight@lightworkout.com.

The experts came up with several tips for chiropractors to help build their new relationships with fitness-center managers:

KEEP AN OPEN DIALOGUE

Maintaining open lines of communication between your practice and the fitness center manager is crucial. Talk with him or her, discuss old or new techniques, and generally show a high level of interest.

“Personally I think both chiropractors and fitness centers working together can have advantages to the client, as long as they are on the same page,” Light said. “If executed properly, the relationship can be advantageous for both chiropractor and personal trainer (fitness center) to grow their practice or client base.”

A chiropractor can also offer their services to the fitness-center management, showing them firsthand your quality of care and approach to chiropractic medicine.

“One thing a chiropractor can do is offer treatments to the fitness-center management staff, so they can understand the doctor’s treatment approach and philosophy,” Durante said.

Advice from the professionals:

EXPAND your KNOWLEDGE

Research arms you with information that can be transformed into benefits to your patients. People notice someone who always strives to stay ahead of the curve.

“It is important for a chiropractor to keep up with current research,” Durante said. “It is imperative to continually expand your knowledge base and keep on the cutting edge.”

Trying new techniques and always looking ahead rather than behind are important characteristics of a chiropractor who cares about his or her patients. Fitness centers appreciate the fact they have a DC with the ability to offer their members the absolute best and most updated treatment.

Advice from the professionals:

ADOPT A RESEARCH AND PHILOSOPHY APPROACH

Most DCs have a certain approach to chiropractic, and most fitness centers have a certain approach to physical fitness. It is important to research the approach and philosophy of a fitness center before approaching a relationship. Doing that important legwork beforehand will save a lot of wasted time and grief down the road.

“Keep open lines of communication about clients you share with the fitness center,” Chabowski says. “Trading stories about sessions is a great way to experience how the other practitioner works, and what philosophy you both share.”

Durante agrees. “Ensure your approach and philosophy to treatment is similar. Most clients love an integrated approach, and you have to make sure you mesh well as a team.”

Advice from the professionals: