The following appeared as part of a business plan created by the management of the Take Heart Fitness Center:
“After opening the new swimming pool early last summer, Take Heart saw a 12 percent increase in the use of the center by its members. Therefore, in order to increase membership in Take Heart, we should continue to add new recreational facilities in subsequent years: for example, a multipurpose game room, a tennis court, and a miniature golf course. Being the only center in the area offering this range of activities would give us a competitive advantage in the health and recreation market.”
Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.
I understand the Take Heart Fitness Center management’s logic in proposing the addition of additional recreational facilities. After all, in order to attract more clients, the center needs to offer services that go beyond swimming. However, I believe that this will not be enough to sustain the center’s popularity. The management’s logic assumes that the swimming pool is the only recreational activity currently available at the center, and thus that customers will only take advantage of that service. In fact, there are many recreational activities that do not involve swimming, and customers may gravitate towards these alternatives. For example, the center could purchase a miniature golf course, and this addition could easily double the number of customers using the center’s recreational facilities. Furthermore, the management should also consider offering group exercise classes, which would also bring in additional revenue. These groups could meet once or twice a week, allowing members to exercise together for the enjoyment of a shared activity. The management should also consider offering massages, which would provide a way to relax both body and mind. Perhaps a massage therapist could meet at the center once or twice a week to give members the opportunity to pamper themselves. This modest addition of new services could boost membership and increase Take Heart’s revenue
The management’s logic is based on the assumption that the only recreational facilities currently available are a pool and tennis courts. However, this assumption is incorrect. The fitness center also offers walking routes around the park, which residents use on a regular basis. In addition, the management could also offer classes that teach participants how to use the exercise equipment available. This could expand the customer base considerably. Moreover, the management should also consider offering yoga classes. These classes, which focus on stretching, relaxation, and meditation, are increasingly popular. Additionally, the management could hire instructors who are certified to teach these classes, and this would increase demand for the classes. According to research, the percentage of customers who engage in regular exercise increases when they participate in a yoga group. Therefore, the management should invest in yoga classes
The Take Heart Fitness Center management’s logic is flawed because it assumes that the only way for customers to stay fit is to swim. In fact, there are many alternatives, such as walking and jogging, which customers may enjoy more. The management should therefore consider expanding the range of services it offers. It should also research the trends in exercise among customers in its area, and use this information to determine what types of activities will be most appealing to its clientele
The Take Heart Fitness Center management’s logic is flawed because the management assumes that the only way for customers to stay fit is to swim. In fact, there are many alternatives, such as walking and jogging, which customers may enjoy more. The management should therefore consider expanding the range of services it offers. It should also research the trends in exercise among customers in its area, and use this information to determine what types of activities will be most appealing to its clientele.