I hate using the "R" word. It's almost as if the more times you say it, the more power to it you give. By definition, however, our country is in a recession. We've had several quarters of negative growth, the Dow looks like it's been hit with a shrink-ray, consumers are holding tighter to their purse strings, the housing bubble has burst, and jobs are harder to come by. Even though we still have 93-95% employment (that sounds way different than five to seven percent unemployment, doesn't it?), many fitness professionals say that the recession has affected them. I also know many fitness pros that continue to prosper.

We want to hear both sides:

If you've chosen not to participate in the recession, what strategies are you using to keep business ticking along? Have you cut back on your marketing budget or added more to it? Have you taken steps to reduce costs to make yourself more profitable?

If you are feeling an economic pinch, what are you doing to lessen the pain? Do you feel there are unpleasant decisions that the economy has forced on you? If so, what are they? How are you using this to make yourself or your business better?

Remember, PFP is about solutions. We want your opinions, even some gripes if that makes you feel better, but mostly, we want to learn from you. Share your experiences, your lessons learned and your solutions. Together we can create a community that prospers, even in tough economic times.