Theresa Soppelsa is the Director of Fitness and Well-Being at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.
Theresa Soppelsa on the importance of providing an elevated-fitness experience:
I joined the team here at Congressional Country Club eight years ago and have helped facilitate considerable growth in our programming and participation among our 2,000 fitness club members. In addition to conducting some of our personal training sessions and teaching classes, I am also responsible for such administrative tasks as setting up budgets, creating programming that meets our members’ needs, hiring, training and event coordination. Our staff consists of eight trainers, two massage therapists, a stretch therapist, three Pilates instructors and three front desk agents. Also, our Titleist Performance Coach, Dr. Casey Edwards, performs physical therapy sessions with members who require his services either for golf or just to improve their general quality of life. In addition, we conduct various types of yoga, spin and flexibility classes facilitated by in-house professionals. This extensive staffing and programming help elevate the fitness experience for our members, most of whom are seeking these health and wellness services more now than ever, as physical performance has become an integral part of the golfer’s player development journey. Our diverse programming also includes morning boot camps, boxing classes, full body circuit training, strength classes, regenerative care sessions, tennis performance classes and golf performance classes. Our Pilates Reformer room is a robust part of our fitness facility, and we also have strong participation in our aquatics program, bowling, pickleball and tennis. It’s a strong athletics program with members at many different levels, and it’s up to us to satisfy the needs of each diverse member. That includes a thriving youth fitness program.
Theresa Soppelsa on the business impact of providing an elevated-fitness experience:
With all these options, it’s always beneficial for our fitness professionals to collaborate with our PGA of America Golf Professionals and racquets staff. Together, we analyze the needs of our mutual member clients to strengthen any deficiencies in their physical performance so they can attain their goals on the course or court. We devise programs around what’s in season and promote an interactive team environment, often working side by side with our members. Our fitness facilities include state-of-the-art Technogym equipment in a 10,000 square foot space that also includes sled runs, a multi-purpose room and a dedicated stretch and recovery room. Over the years, we have brought our facilities up to support our extensive programming. I’ve always felt fitness needs to be fun for all ages, motivating members to work harder to achieve their athletic goals and live healthier lifestyles. This is part of the club experience. We start them young and help them progress through the years. We incentivize staff to get the most out of their member clients and continue to promote collaboration for the best member experience.
If you would like to email the author of this Best Practice directly, please email tsoppelsa@ccclub.org.
