Clark Hatch
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Clark Hatch is a physical fitness "missionary" who explored Asia, bringing the word on improving health via exercise and nutrition. He has been called "a cross between Marco Polo and Jack LaLanne" by Club Industry Magazine. Starting in 1965, Hatch opened fitness centers in 14 Far East countries, usually the first such facility in each nation, and then expanded into Australia, India, the Middle East and the United States, for a final total of 120. Now retired, he oversees an active organization of 41 centers from Honolulu to Kathmandu. Over the past 45 years[when?] he estimates he has helped some one million men and women along the path to fitness and improved health.
Hatch's formula for success was to partner with five-star hotels as they opened in Asian capitals, install a modern exercise facility, staff it with trained managers and develop two revenue streams: paid memberships from among the local business and diplomatic community and day use by guests of the hotel. This system showed consistent profits as he continued to expand into new territories including Vietnam, Cambodia and Nepal. Currently, [when?] there are 41 active centers in nine Asian countries plus Hawaii and Guam[1]
Books
In 1970, he wrote his first two books: Physical Fitness: A Practical Way, published by Charles Tuttle, and Taikaku Kaizen Training-ho (Training Method to Improve Physique) together with "Mr. Japan" Mitsuo Endo. Hatch's third book, Clark Hatch Fitness Centers Instructors Manual, was first printed in 1974 and, updated periodically, is still in use at all Clark Hatch Fitness Centers. His fourth book, Clark Hatch: Fitness Ambassador to Asia, an illustrated autobiographical account of his 40-year business adventure and success, was published in the U.S. and in China in May, 2010.
Awards
Mayor's Award, Seoul, Korea, 1975, Plaque of Appreciation
Certificate of Merit, Honolulu, Hawaii City Council, March 23, 1978
Governor's Commendation, Honolulu, Hawaii, March 6, 1999
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