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Gym vs Health Club: Which is Right for You?


    




In this day and age, the Fitness Fanatics and Weekend Warriors have many different avenues to look at when it comes to personal development or health and wellness. Boutique studios, large corporate gyms and public gyms often provide adequate facilities to train and workout but often little else. The culture is a "means to and end" mentality when getting in and out as quickly as possible is the goal. For many people, this meets their needs and is just fine for their lifestyle.

Private Clubs, on the other hand, offer something gyms often overlook, a sense of community. Private Clubs are about the characters and personalities which make up a community and rely on long term relationships to sustain growth. A second home or family atmosphere is encouraged; pride is taken in their various social opportunities.

Happy family unpacking boxes in their new house.jpeg

Food and beverage is important to the Private Club members as well as having comfortable space to share camaraderie with friends. Having a venue which allows members to combine health and wellness with a social component checks many boxes for many people. Time is very valuable commodity and having a Club to act as a social hub for friends and family is an ideal situation.

Private Clubs come in many forms from the traditional Golf & Country Club, yacht clubs to multi-sport health and wellness clubs. Our goal here at the Ontario Racquet Club is to provide a high-end health and wellness facility which is very family friendly and acts as a social hub for its members. Our club prides itself on a sense of community and is the home to many tennis, squash, wine enthusiasts, travel buffs and other social groups. It is not only a place to be active and fit, but also a place to spend time with family and friends.

Private Clubs are evolving and changing for the better. Once perceived as the "sandboxes of the fat cats", private club can now be affordable and very inclusive. Understanding the constraints put on everyone's time, many Private Clubs are able to be that "one stop shop" serving as a place to entertain the family while at the same time acting as a casual meeting spot.

There are many benefits to belonging to a gym - and for some people it's the right fit. But if you are looking for a facility at can personalize service to suit your needs and the needs of your family, maybe private club is the right choice for you.

Paul Morrell, CCM
Paul's career spans over 23 years in the Private Club Club industry, where everyday his focus is on providing exciting and memorable member experiences. In 2012 Paul proudly achieved his Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation. Paul currently sits on the Toronto Bailliage Conseil ​​​​of the Chaine des Rotisseurs and is an active member of the Canadian Society of Club Managers. A self professed sneaker-head who in his spare time enjoys fine wine, exploring the world of craft beer , playing golf as well as competitive touch football and spending quality time with his family.