October was an incredibly busy travel month for me. As always, I try to mix in family and friends into my commitments at work. Here are some of the stops:
Chicago
Chicago Tower
My first stop led me to Chicago, where I attended the Club Industry Show for the first time in 20 years.
Daron Allen and Bob Little
Dr. Kevin Steele (also on the AFS Advisory Board) and Val Shah at Myobuddy booth
Myobuddy Booth
CFP Lifetime Achievement Award winner Norm Cates
A special highlight for me was meeting Norman Cates, Publisher of the magazine “Club Insider“. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in the fitness industry – starting in 1976 with his facility in Atlanta, Georgia (Court South).
Next during my stay in Chicago, I visited the clubs Fitness Formula, and Midtown Athletic Club:
Midtown Athletic Club: Field
Midtown Athletic Club: Fight
Midtown Athletic Club is the largest club in the Unites States. An impressive USD 75 Million project, it consists of a 575,000 square feet of fitness facilities, a boutique hotel, a club restaurant, a kid’s club, and a spa.
Midtown Athletic Club: Field
At the end of my visit, I met my longtime tennis pro friend Paul MacDonald who manages a facility north of the windy city.
Paul MacDonald, his daughter, and me.
Toronto
A quick stopover in Toronto followed, where I spent some family time and visited my 91-year old mother Paula.
Hans and Mother Paula
Stockholm
The next trip of my busy October travels took me to Stockholm, where I presented at the MBM Event.
MBM Event Stockholm
MBM Event Stockholm with Bjorn Johansson
As usual, a couple of club visits followed, for example the expanding SATS Fitness and the newly opened Barry’s Boot Camp.
Barry’s Bootcamp Stockholm
One last meeting with Per-Anders Dagborn, and I was off to my next destination.
Per-Anders Dagborn and Hans Muench
Northern Italy
For a bit of downtime, I explored the lakes Laggo Maggiore and Lago de Orta with my partner.
View from Bee to Lago Maggiore
Cafe in Bee
Lago d’Orta
Lago d’Orta Sunset View
Northern Italy truly has his charm, and the sunset view across Lago d’Orta from this little island was mesmerizing.
Halmstad and Gothenburg, Sweden
Back at Sweden, I presented at Eleiko’s 60th Anniversary conference. A portrait in honor of CEO Eric Blomberg was exhibited, and the conference ended with a 50s costume party.
Portrait of Eleiko CEO Eric Blomberg
Eleiko testing machine
Anders Ericsson in 50s gear and Hans
With a little time left after the conference, I visited several clubs to see the newest trends in the scene:
Club visit in Gothenburg: Fysiken
Club visit in Gothenburg: Hagebad
London
Once again, I attended the IHRSA European Congress, met clients, old and new friends, and was interviewed by Maria from Fitness Files in Russia:
Hans and Derek Gallup at the IHRSA European Congress
Henrik Gockel presenting at the IHRSA European Congress
Also, I had a chance to meet my client Marc Neijland in London:
Ricard Canela and Marc Neijland in London
And of course, a trip to London always includes a short visit to the city’s sights:
Westminster Abbey, London
Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
A personal October highlight for me: For the first time, I attended a concert of the legendary Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot. After the concert, my brother Guff and I met Gordon backstage.
Behind the Scenes with Gordon Lightfoot and my brother Guff
Gordon Lightfoot Live
A meeting with fitness blogger Dave Smith and some more time with my brother Guff completed my Canada visit.
My brother Guff and his plane
Amsterdam
The final leg of my travel took me back to my client Virtuagym for several meetings.
Virtuagym Booth
Virtuagym Team
Now, I finally have a moment to recap my travels and am already documenting my November trip, finishing the year strong and full of energy.
Till next time,
Hans.