I want to congratulate Brian Amador and the Renaissance ClubSport Walnut Creek team on being recognized by Marriott for their outstanding guest satisfaction scores for 2010. Please keep in mind there are 80 Renaissance Hotels world wide that WC and AV are ranked against.

Overall Guest Satisfaction - WC ended the year #5 in the brand
Key Staff Measurements - Staff Service Overall, Responsiveness to Needs and Requests, and Experts in Local Community, they ranked in the top 10.
Rooms Completely Clean - #2 of 80
Everything Worked in the Room - #3 of 80
Healthy Food Options - #1 overall

This is an outstanding accomplishment and one of the reasons Brian was recognized last year by Marriott with their Managerial Excellence Leadership Award. I know Brian will be very quick to say the only way this happens is with an awesome team, and great leadership and commitment throughout the property. We are very proud of you WC.

Deep Thoughts about American Idol

My wife and daughter really like American Idol so I have seen my fair share over the last few years. This year, with the change in judges the show has taken on a completely different tone. In case you haven’t seen it Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are the new judges along with Randy. Simon and the others are gone. Steven and Jennifer have been super supportive, kind, and polite to all the contestants, even the horrible ones. It has been a really nice change.
We were watching last night and they are now at the point where they are working in groups and they are pairing the numbers don. It seems this group of kids is a lot better than they have had in the past and they are also way more creative and interesting. They seem to be having more fun and letting loose. This got me thinking, have the judges created an environment where talent can thrive because they know they won’t be criticized or ridiculed like they have been in the past?
That thought leads me to think about our work environment and all our micro departmental environments. Within your department team are you creating an environment that is supportive and kind, where good work is recognized and positively reinforced? When we have to coach poor performance do we do it without criticism but with care and a genuine desire to help the person improve?
We see this same type of thing in sports teams. Teams that have fun together, are committed to the team goals, and are accountable to one another, achieve far more than the highest salary teams. In sports they call it playing loose.
So on this Friday rainy morning, I ask you to think about the concept as it relates to your department regardless if you are a team captain or a team member. Lets be comfortable giving each other feedback and lets commit to getting better everyday in a fun and supportive environment.

Congratulation Claudia

Claudia Naranjo, who works in our office in collections with Joe, is being sworn in this morning as a United States of America citizen . It is a very proud moment for Claudia and her family, congratulations Claudia. Last one sworn in brings the beer for the 4th of July Bar B Que!

Green and Getting Greener - Yesterday I sat in on a meeting in WC where we got the results on some test thermostats that can be wirelessly controlled remotely from a PC or smart phone, and all the temperature data tracked. The thermostats got an A grade and the test will be expanded to the Group Fit studios. This technology allows the engineering team to troubleshoot AC issues without going into the guests room, monitors AC unit efficiency, and shuts the unit down when a room is not in use. We are looking at a 15-20% energy savings.

If you are a FB fan you know how the ClubSport Ap is developing, I posted that this morning.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/RalphRajs.ClubSport

NIKE THROWDOWN

Some crazy athleticism in this video. Check out the moves on the stability ball.

A Thought for the Week

Master philosopher Jim Rohn said, "There are two major pains in life. One is the pain of discipline, the other is the pain of regret. Discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons when you allow your life to drift unfulfilled."

That is from the book The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield. I hope you have a purpose filled week with no regrets.

Blog Catch-Up

I haven’t posted to my blog in a while because I have been putting up news on my ClubSport Facebook site. I set it up as a fan site so you can see the stuff I post without me seeing your trip to Las Vegas photos on your FB site. All you have to do is find Ralph Rajs – ClubSport on Facebook and become a fan. I currently have 58 fans, my goal is to get to 100 by the end of March. You can go directly to my Facebook site even if you don’t have an account by going to: http://www.facebook.com/#!/RalphRajs.ClubSport
The great things about Facebook are it’s fast, dynamic, and interactive. Fan up and leave me a comment, idea, or suggestion.

We are just 5 weeks into 2011 and things are moving fast and furious. Here is a run down of what we have been working on. The first couple weeks of January all the GM’s, along with their Membership Director, presented their 2011 Strategic plans, each team did a great job. Our emphasis this year, and beyond, is building our family memberships. The strategy plans revolved around everything we need to do to support that goal. You will be hearing quite a bit about family programming as we move through this first quarter.

Another big project we have been working on is the redesign of the Gold membership. We have added quite a few exciting new features to fit the times we are living in today. Members are going to love the new benefits. You will be hearing more details about this, including a new name, in March. There are a couple more things in the works, but it is just a little too early to talk about.

In case you were wondering, things are going great at The Studio in Danville. We are getting closer and closer to filling up and there is great feedback on the GE only club concept.

Our 2010 award winners have been announced. The Sales Person of the Year was Heather Smith from Pleasanton, and she was a huge contributor to the ClubSport Pleasanton sales team winning Sales Team of the Year.
ClubSport Oregon won the Profit Center Management Award and the Associate Survey Award.
Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo won the Member Survey award for having the best average score for 2010. Congratulations to our winners.

The new “Method Studio”, where we do Pilates Reformer, is complete in Fremont. This is the space that used to be the Pro Shop. Katie Tringali, LSI Creative Director has put together a great art package that can be repeated in all Method Studio’s going forward. Here are the pictures to prove it.

3 Days Left

You only have 3 days left to get yourself eligible to win one of two TRX Pro Packs, a workout kit from SPRI, a backpack full of stuff from Precor, 2 PT sessions with the trainer of your choice, or a 30 day supply of twice daily multi vitamins.
Go to Facebook
Find Ralph Rajs - ClubSport
Become a Fan
It's that stinkin easy.
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Finishing 2010 - We fought through a difficult economic year and I want to thank everyone for their hard work in 2010. There have been great accomplishments and undying determination in each and every property this year, and I am very proud of what you all have accomplished. We knew this year was going to be a challenge but as we close 2010 we are stronger for it.
I am looking forward to the challenges 2011 has in store for us because I know we will take them on with enthusiasm, grit, and an expectation of success. Have a safe, joyful, and healthy New Year's weekend.

Associate Recognition

There is a lot going on as we close out this year, before I do a quick update I wanted to give a shout out to the associates who were positively referenced in the November Member Survey. Thank you to all of you for making a difference in the lives of our members...

Sara and Kristen AV Master Swim

Bill Daniels, Kandee Shuken, Pedro Brenardy, and Ann Alfinio - Personal Trainers at WC

Mason, Service Desk attendant Green Valley

Lisa at Activities Desk in Oregon

Catherine and Cherie - GF Instructors in Fremont

Chris Cabellero - Facility Director Fremont

Charlie, Jenny, Cindy, Charolette, and Paris - Group Fit Pleasanton

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The new Hoist line of selctorized machines was delivered to ClubSport Oregon today. Jason reported the buzz to be very positive, the members are excited. Tomorrow the trainers will be going through the equipment in-service with Adam the Hoist Rep.

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The Pleasanton Fitness face lift is just about complete. Today the Stepmills arrived so all of the 73 new cardio pieces are in. The stretch space has a new floor, the new ab room is now open (formerly The Edge Studio), the new Edge Studio had a new floor installed and got a fresh coat of paint, and the cycle studio also got a fresh coat of paint and new art for the wall. All this and more happened in 10 days.

I again want to thank Heather and her team for doing an outstanding job managing this project. Heather asked me to pass on her appreciation to a few people who really went above and beyond; Dina Weir stopped by the night of the move back into cardio and ended up staying until 3am. She brought her son Stanley who also stayed and he also contributed big time. Dina was also super visible on the floor helping members and answering questions throughout the various moves. A big thanks to Ahmad for his fine work, this was a big project for a freshman Wellness Director but Ahmad made it happen. Thank you to the cycle instructors who made the temporary cycle studio work for the few days we were in there, your great attitude really helped.

Heather and I want to express a very special thank you to Nancy Rodrigues who did all the purchasing and negotiating on the equipment, coordinated delivery schedules, and made arrangements for the PLS and ORG old equipment to go to Green Valley - all while doing her regular duties. Nancy was an unbelievable help through this project and we really appreciate the time time and effort.

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Two new pieces we have in Pleasanton - Jacob's Ladder your recognize from Biggest Loser and the unit on the right is a piece from Keiser which is great for building leg power for any sport.

Facebook Drawing

The prize bag for the associate drawing is filling up and it’s getting exciting. Here is a review of the program: In the first week in January I will do a drawing of all the ClubSport associates who are following me on Twitter or have fanned me on the new Facebook site, Ralph Rajs - ClubSport.
In the prize bag there is a backpack from Precor filled with cool Precor items. I have a training tools package coming from SPRI, they are the people we get our bands and bars from. I have something coming from LifeFitness, I don’t know what yet so we will all be surprised. Also in the bag are 2 PT sessions with the trainer of your choice (travel not included), and a 30 day supply of DFH daily vitamins.
Here is where it gets really exciting, I am psyched to announce there are now 2 TRX Pro Packs in the drawing. Our Rep Krag was nice enough to match the purchase of one unit with the donation of a second. The Pro Pack retails for $189. Krag will be in the PLS club tomorrow so if you see him be sure and mention something to him.
Please help spread the word to your staff about the drawing, I can think of quite a few front line associates who like a shot at winning a TRX.

The Studio Ribbon Cutting and more

Last Thursday night was the official ribbon cutting
for The Studio in Danville. Erin Gilmour did a great job with the welcome speech and handling the giant scissors - no one got poked that I know of. The Mayor of the town of Danville, in red plaid, was on hand to make a little speech, wish us well, and help hold the ribbon.
There was a great crowd on hand and wonderful food from Maria Maria's to help celebrate the occasion.
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My Twitter Moving to Facebook - As you know I have been experimenting with Twitter for the last 3 months or so. I have come to the conclusion that Twitter is not very easy for people to use, making it a weak communication tool for us. My goal is to keep you informed what's going on throughout the company and throw in a few other tidbits along the way. I started a new Facebook page where I will be posting the same type of items I have been putting on Twitter but I think it will be much easier for people to get to - most everyone knows FB. The Facebook page is Ralph Rajs-ClubSport. Please hit the link and fan it.
The drawing I am doing for Twitter followers, TRX kit, Precor package, two PT sessions, and more, will be for FB fans as well. So fan up.
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Pleasanton Cardio Move - This has been a huge week at CSP with the new cardio floor going in and 70 new pieces of cardio equipment being installed this Tuesday. Heather, Ahmad, Bill and his engineer team did a great job of setting up a temporary fitness center in the basketball gym Monday night. Special props to Heather who has managed all aspects of this project masterfully - and it hasn't been easy. She worked about 30 hours straight without sleep on the night of move to see that everything was ready for the members in the morning and the workers were ready to go for the day's work.
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Happy Holidays to you and your family, all the best in the new year.

Random Rainy Night Thoughts

Here are a few random thoughts as I work my way through the week...

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In Fremont we are doing a huge lighting retrofit, 204 lights are being replaced with the latest high efficiency bulbs. This change will give us a savings of 375,088 Kilowatt Hours per year. It's equivalent to removing 249 tons of CO2 from the environment or 61 cars from the road. Plus the light is much brighter.

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Every associate in our company should be on some kind of a strength / weight training routine. Two times a week, 30 minutes a session is a great step forward. If you are looking for a New Year's Resolution consider starting a weight routine and two days of walking.

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Get yourself signed up for Twitter, I just got a commitment from Jarrod at Precor and Glenn from SPRI that they are going to send me something for the draw bag.
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I ran the California International Marathon last Sunday in Sacramento which you may already know since Jarod sent something out Monday - totally nice of him. I did qualify for Boston with a time of 3:29. Also running Sunday was Christy Patten, personal trainer in Fremont, and Iliana Osterholt from LSI. Christy also qualified for Boston with a 3:37 in her very first marathon. Iliana ran with a friend helping him out and was not running with any particular time goal but still had a great time. If you were out there let me know so I can give you a shout out.

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Food Drive Update - PLS came in at 1250 pounds of food donated. Fremont is going strong and will be over 1200 pounds plus WC's numbers we are waiting on. We are conservatively looking at 1.5 tons of food donated in the bay area.

Twitter Drawing

Don't forget to get in on the drawing for people who are following me on Twitter. Drawing happens at the end of the month. I will be adding a few more items to the bag this week, stay tuned...

Workout Reflections Feedback

On October 25th I did a blog entry called Workout Reflections. I received quite a few responses and with the authors’ permission I wanted to share them with you. As we close out this year and prepare for a new one I hope the words of wisdom below will inspire you. Thank you to everyone that shared.
Did you mean to send me something and never did? Here is a second chance to help motivate and inspire – you can post your comments directly on the blog. www.ralphsclubsportblog.blogger.com
A quote I love, “Life begins at the end of our comfort zone”.
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I agree with your list, but I have one big overriding principle that I follow and that is: Make it fun! For me, if it is a “work”out, I won’t do it. It has to be a “fun”out! That’s one of the reasons I am such a big fan of Group Fitness. I want to be entertained while I exercise, or I want to do the entertaining. Pam
Pam Ryan l Group Fitness Director FRE
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Hi Ralph:
I just read your email about your workout reflections -- very interesting and true!

I used to run and keep track of workouts, miles, etc. Then life got in the way...
Looking back, I felt the best I ever have when I was focused and kept to a training program.
That said, I have made a commitment to help and partner with another instructor to train and run a half marathon with her next April. One of our members who takes our classes and is a good friend (also seasoned runner - 3x Boston Marathoner, Nike sponsored runner, etc) has agreed to coach and train us.
We are taking it from ground zero and building up our miles each week. Though the goal is a number of months out there, keeping our eye on that goal is itself motivating!
Having a running partner that I committed to (admittedly somewhat hesitatingly), has put us both on the path!
Lastly, we both have told people that we're doing this! Yikes!
Letting others know about your goals and having them rally for you is indeed motivating. Can't back out now!

We'll keep you posted on our (slow and steady) progress!

Thanks for sending your email -- just the right inspiration at the right time!
Sue Geyer – Group Fit Director RCSWC
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Things that keep me consistent with exercise...
1. Sense of accomplishment... I like the feeling of pushing myself and sometimes overcoming physical pain.

2. Training for sport... I wouldn't have fun on the mountain unless I was in solid physical condition.

3. Training for the mind... Consistent workouts equal positive attitude.
Jarod Cogswell ORG
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Ralph, thanks for your list. Mine is a little different and I don’t log a thing. I may start. I do stretch more and more and lift some light weights after I ride in the morning. But I have not yet built in a day to cross train. That is one of my goals for 2011.

1. Create a routine and stick to it. Every evening before my weekday rides I set out my clothes in the laundry room so I can get dressed and not wake up my family. I wake up at 5am, boil water for my coffee and oatmeal, eat and drink, put air in my tires, and layer up. Same routine every day for about a year. A special note however is do - not - let the routine get in your head, if you have to substitute honey nut cheerios for oatmeal because you are out, deal with it. But never run out of coffee.
2. Get a Buddy. During the week I ride with the same Dude: rain, shine, holiday whatever – he counts on me to be on time and ready to ride and I count on him for the same. If you want to wimp out you get the guilt.
3. Have good equipment. Whatever your sport invest in good quality stuff for your exercise. Bikes, shoes, clothes, hats, watches, water bottles, camel backs, gloves, shorts, tools, etc. all help your experience. Don’t let the cold or it being dark stop you - get warm clothing and a bright light.
4. Workout early. I start at 5:30am on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. Get it done and go one with your day, I have too much going on during the day and after work to carve out the time consistently. It took awhile but I found out that mornings work best and I look forward to it, almost every day.
5. Sunday morning social fun workout. I mountain bike rain or shine every Sunday with a larger group of folks for about the last 5 years. We ride local, Marin County, Santa Rosa, Napa all over. We leave early and are back with our families by noon. We always ride for about two hours and have two beers after the ride, I look forward to those 3 or so hours all week.

Kevin Cabral l Sales and Marketing Director WC
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Workouts are a big part of my social life. I look forward to them all day. Thanks, Ralph.
Audrey Rozell Aquatics Director CSO

Hello December

Twitter Drawing - At the close of the month I am going to do a drawing for all the CS and RCS associates who are following me on Twitter. Winning is easy- Go to http://twitter.com/# and register for an account, find me at http://twitter.com/#!/RalphRajs @RalphRajs and hit the follow button.

So far in the prize bag I have a TRX Kit (strap and dvd), 2 PT sessions with any RCS or CS trainer (doesn't include travel), 1 month supply of DFH twice daily vitamins. I have a couple more things I am working on adding so get signed up.

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December Workout Plan- It is hard to believe it's December, the last month of the year - 2010 done. December is such a tough month to workout because of all the things that need to get accomplished, and the cold weather is challenging. One thing we know for sure, is the best way to fight holiday stress is to keep those workouts going, so right here on day 2 of December is the time to plan your workout month. It's much easier to work a plan than to try and figure things out day to day. Set a couple mini goals this month to help keep you on track. You will be much happier with yourself throughout the month if you take a little time everyday to exercise.
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Food Collection Update - Between PLS, FRE, and WC we are very close to our 1 ton of food collected - or 2000 pounds. The food bank people actually weigh the food and tell you the weight. The food drive continues in PLS and FRE this month so we have a good month to have an impact. WC is now doing a toy drive for December, AV has Sox for Jox, and ORG is doing One Warm Coat. As a company we should be very proud of the contributions we are making in our communities. Thank you all for your help.

Make it a month to be proud of.