While there are many private clubs around, their purpose is largely misunderstood. It is meant to be inclusive and provide a better lifestyle instead of keeping people out or discriminating among them as it is essentially and incorrectly perceived.
The purpose of a club is to create a platform to connect with new people and their culture. It helps people engage with others, thereby finding shared interests and exploring and discovering new avenues. It aids broaden their horizons and enrich their lives.
There are several myths associated with a lifestyle club
1) Club membership is expensive and a wasteful expense
-Let’s consider the expenses for enrolling in gyms and other sports, eating out and entertainment. A lifestyle club membership is far less. Also, it offers all facilities under the same roof. Dining options and various coaching facilities like tennis, badminton, taekwondo, karate, etc., are also quite subsidized for members, making it cost-effective. Rentable areas of the club, including banquets, are also offered at a discounted price for members.
-Sports coaching like badminton classes, tennis classes etc., help one understand the sport and explore their interest and comfort in the same as well while providing health benefits. And all this at relatively low costs. Having all sports coaching (indoor and outdoor) under one roof is convenient for all, especially parents. Their children need to travel to only one destination for all their requirements. This destination is safe, tried, tested, and trusted.
2) Clubs are for older people
Lifestyle clubs cater to all age groups: sports and gyms for younger people, swimming pool for all, restaurants and indoor sports for all age groups and open spaces which everyone appreciates, especially in today’s age when open spaces are dwindling. Clubs with lawns are more sought owing to the same reason. It provides the much-required green patch and open space everyone yearns for.
3) Only Club members benefit from the same
Members of lifestyle clubs use their membership to entertain family and friends who can use the facilities by paying a small fee. Via this option, lifestyle clubs can offer their services to non-members, which is enterprising and brings joy and stature to the members. They can flaunt their club facilities to their family and friends, thereby reinforcing their stature and lifestyle, among others. Members also use the facilities to promote their business propositions. The club is used as a meeting place, creating a high profile/premium imagery of themselves in front of their business associates, which can help seal the deal.
4) Clubs are only for boring people who don’t experiment
In addition to its facilities, a lifestyle club also has a host of events lined up regularly – shows, workshops, classes, etc., which members can avail of. It provides a variety of activities and events that members can choose from or experiment with. It’s all under one roof, and they don’t need to hunt for the same anywhere outside. Clubs also celebrate key festivals and annual events, making it a much-preferred destination for all members who don’t need to look outwards to plan with family and friends.
5) Private clubs are only for family people
Lifestyle clubs offer memberships for families, couples, singleton, and corporate memberships serving different purposes. Thus it’s not only limited to families. For example, for couples and singletons, it could be a hub to meet people and socialize and maintain their physical well being; for corporate executives, it might be a stress buster, whereas, for families with kids, it’s like a home away from home with all facilities for all members under one roof.
Lifestyle clubs are helping members balance fun and family by offering more social activities for families, children and guests. The entire family can enjoy a wide range of offerings, including pool-based activities, game nights, themed parties and other family events. Many clubs offer junior sports camps for children to play badminton, tennis, padel, squash or swim. Coffee-shop cafes, youth rooms and spa amenities also make clubs a destination to serve all family members. The services provided by contemporary clubs are much more flexible and are improving. It will continue to mould its offerings as per the needs of its patrons and evolve accordingly.