As you already know, member engagement is right up there at the top of the list when it comes to building a successful gym business. Because when your members are happy, they’re more likely to stick around, and that means more success for your business. So, let’s dive into some fun and effective ways to keep your members coming back for more!
15 Ways Gyms Can Increase Member Engagement
#1: Gamify workouts
Who doesn’t love a good game? By adding gamification to your clients’ workouts, their exercise routine becomes way more fun and engaging. Think leaderboards, challenges, and achievements. And remember, you can add gamification to your interactions with clients ABC Trainerize’s Challenges feature.
So, get creative. Brainstorm monthly challenges and help your gym members earn points for every workout they complete. It’s a great way to foster a sense of community, friendly competition, and keep your members coming back for more.
#2: Create a strong rewards program
It’s no secret that (almost) everyone loves a good reward! That’s why setting up a rewards program where members can earn points for attending classes, referring friends, or reaching fitness milestones is a great way to boost member engagement. Not only do reward programs keep members motivated but they also encourage loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.
#3: Create personalized plans
No two members are the same, so why should their fitness plans be? By offering personalized fitness plans tailored to each member’s goals, preferred workout, and fitness level, you can provide a more effective and enjoyable experience. This ultimately increases their overall engagement. Ultimately, personalization shows your members that you care about their individual success.
#4: Set group challenges
There’s nothing quite a group challenge (and a little friendly competition) to bring people together! Organizing group challenges encourages members to work together towards a common goal (which also boosts their engagement). So, whether it’s a team weight loss challenge or something as simple as a step count competition, it’s guaranteed to create a sense of camaraderie and accountability (which leads to better member engagement with you and your programs). Plus, they’re a lot of fun!
#5: Host social events
Since you’re the pro, you know that fitness isn’t just about working out; it’s also about building a community. Hosting social events like member appreciation nights, fitness workshops, or outdoor group workouts can help members connect with each other outside of regular classes. These events can foster a sense of belonging and make your gym feel more like a family, leading to better long-term engagement with you and your services.
Check Out: 10 Easy Steps to Successful Gym Management
#6: Offer your members exclusive content
Everyone loves to feel like they’re getting something special. So, offer your members exclusive content, like premium workout videos, nutrition guides, or access to special classes. This not only adds value to their membership but also gives them a reason to stay subscribed.
#7: Provide consistent communication
Keeping the lines of communication open with your member through regular check-in through Voxer, text, or the ABC Trainerize app, helps remind them of upcoming classes, new programs, or special events. This consistent communication helps keep your fitness business top-of-mind and shows members that you’re invested in their fitness journey. Leading to the desire to engage with you for a longer period of time.
#8: Always seek and act on feedback
Your members’ opinions matter. So be sure to ask for feedback regularly through surveys, suggestion boxes, or casual conversations. More importantly, act on that feedback. Why? Because when members see that their suggestions lead to real changes, they feel valued and more connected to you and your gym—which boosts their lifetime value as a result.
#9: Create a welcoming atmosphere
First impressions matter! So make sure your gym is welcoming from the moment a new member walks through the doors. This includes having friendly and approachable staff, a clean and inviting environment, and a positive, encouraging vibe. A welcoming atmosphere helps new members feel comfortable and part of the community from day one (which ultimately keeps them engaged and coming back for more. .
#10: Implement regular check-ins
Try offering regularly check in with your members to track their progress and offer support. This can be done through in-person meetings, phone calls, or even via the ABC Trainerize app. Regular check-ins show members that you care about their progress and are there to help them succeed.
#11: Create a member referral program
Encourage your existing members to bring in their friends and family by offering a referral program. Members can receive rewards or discounts for each new person they refer. This not only brings in new members but also strengthens your community as people work out with friends and family.
Check Out: How to Drive Revenue Growth for Your Gym ASAP
#12: Celebrate milestones
Don’t forget to recognize and celebrate your members’ achievements. Whether it’s hitting a new personal best, attending a certain number of classes, or reaching a fitness milestone. Celebrating these successes can be as simple as a shout-out in class, a social media post, or a small reward. And, acknowledging milestones keeps members motivated and feeling valued, boosting their overall engagement with you and your programs.
#13: Provide educational workshops
Offer workshops on various topics such as nutrition, injury prevention, or advanced training techniques. These educational sessions provide added value to your members’ memberships and show that you’re invested in their overall well-being, not just their workouts.
#14: Become a social media pro
Stay connected with your members outside of the gym by using social. Share workout tips, success stories, upcoming events, and motivational content to keep your community engaged. Encourage members to share their own progress and tag your gym, creating a sense of belonging and community online. Doing so will help keep them engaged and coming back for more.
#15: Foster a positive culture
Last but not least, create a positive and supportive culture at your gym. Encourage members to support each other, celebrate each other’s successes, and create an environment where everyone feels welcome. A positive culture significantly impacts member retention by making your gym a place people love to be.
Using ABC Trainerize to Increase Gym Member Engagement
At the end of the day, keeping your members engaged and motivated is all about creating a positive and personalized experience. And that’s where ABC Trainerize comes in. From gamifying workouts to creating personalized plans, ABC Trainerize has the tools you need to keep your members happy and coming back for more.
With features like progress tracking, personalized fitness plans, and easy communication, ABC Trainerize helps you create a seamless and engaging experience for your members.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started on boosting your member engagement and building a thriving fitness community – happy training! 💪