Publications

Presented by Fiona Bull, MBE, Ph.D., Msc., Program Lead, Global Physical Activity, Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization and Walter MacDonald, Director of Fitness Operations, Shenzhen Catic Wellness

In many ways, the coronavirus pandemic is a great unifier; perhaps for the first time, health clubs around the world are facing the same epic challenge. While the specifics of each club’s situation may vary, there are global learnings to be shared.

This webinar will feature two speakers who will each bring an international perspective you can apply to your club’s recovery strategy.

First, the World Health Organization’s Fiona Bull will address the virus’ global impact on physical activity and explain how health clubs can play a crucial role in helping to keep the world moving. You’ll learn how to incorporate WHO initiatives and become a champion for physical activity in your community during the pandemic.

Next, Walter MacDonald, fitness operation director at CW Group, will dive into tactical advice gained while operating clubs in Shenzhen, China. He will discuss planning for reopening, supporting members and staff, and looking after your own mental health. You’ll walk away with key advice from a club that encountered the crisis earlier than other regions.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply international learnings to your club’s reopening strategy
• Learn from another club that has been through closures and reopenings
• Generate ideas to keep staff and members active and engaged
• Plan to clearly communicate with members to strengthen future retention
• Learn strategies to look after your own mental health

Presenter Profiles:

Walter MacDonald has been working in mainland China since 2001. Originally from Scotland, he has been in the fitness and wellness business for 35 years, designing, setting up, and operating hotel resort facilities including Hyatt International, private club chains, and workplace wellness sites in Shanghai. Walter is now based in Shenzhen, China.

Fiona Bull, MBE, Ph.D., Msc., is head of the Physical Activity Unit in the Department of Health Promotion at the World Health Organization (WHO), whose headquarters are based in Geneva, Switzerland. She leads WHO work on the global promotion of physical activity and the development of the recent Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 – More active people for a healthier world. The unit undertakes global advocacy on physical activity in all its forms. Technical areas of work include developing global policy, guidelines, implementation resources, international partnerships and collaborations, capacity building and research.

Prior to joining WHO, Dr. Bull was Professor of Public Health and Director of the Centre for Built Environment and Health at the University of Western Australia. Dr. Bull’s experience includes over 25 years of academic teaching and research on physical activity, disease prevention and health promotion with a strong focus on using the best available evidence to inform and improve practice and policy. She has worked in Australia, the U.K., and in the U.S., Past President of ISPAH, has co-authored over 200 scientific publications and reports, and was awarded a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to public health. She is a keen swimmer, sailor, hiker, and dog walker.