Running a successful gym ain’t for the faint of heart.
Whether you’re brand-new to the industry, trying to go digital, or are still figuring out how to run a fitness business in the post-pandemic world, you’re constantly juggling priorities, people, and processes. Plus the competition is as stiff as ever.
That’s why effective gym management needs to be at the top of your priority list.
Why? Because 50% of gym members said they would likely cancel their membership if their gym didn’t meet their expectations (IHRSA, 2021).
Take care of this and you’ll create an excellent member experience, which in turn creates happy, loyal members.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, this article is here to help. We’ll walk you through 10 easy steps to operate a thriving, profitable gym. Let’s get started.
Contents
- Focus on the member experience
- Streamline your fitness business operations
- Leverage gym management software
- Invest in quality gym equipment
- Assemble a winning team
- Offer diverse and engaging programming
- Create a strong sense of community
- Invest in marketing your gym business
- Focus on membership retention
- Consistently ask for feedback
10 Easy Steps to Successful Gym Management
Not sure how to manage a gym? Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro looking to level up, we’re serving up 10 tips to get you on the right track, right away.
Step #1: Focus on the member experience
In the fitness industry, your members are the lifeblood of your business.
So, providing an exceptional member experience is crucial for attracting new clients, retaining current ones, and driving long-term success. In fact, one study found that 73% of consumers say customer experience is a major factor in their purchasing decisions.
But the member experience doesn’t just start and end with onboarding! It encompasses all touchpoints a member has with your gym, including:
- Interactions with staff
- Cleanliness and maintenance of facilities
- Quality and variety of equipment
- Ease of booking classes or training sessions
- Communication and engagement (e.g., newsletters, social media)
Take Equinox, a club known for its high-touch customer service. Staff greet members by name, offer personalized workout recommendations, and even provide complimentary eucalyptus towels (aaahhh…).
Small touches like these can make a HUGE difference in how members perceive your gym
Step #2: Streamline your fitness business operations
As your gym grows, staying organized becomes super important.
Whether you’re managing a single location with a handful of staff, or multiple locations with dozens of team members, streamlining your operations is key to success.
But what does “streamlining operations” even mean?
It means saying goodbye to paper files, messy desks, notebooks, and a billion spreadsheets—AKA tedious manual processes that suck up your time and cause you to drop the ball.
Centralizing and digitizing your processes saves you time and money while also creating a better gym management experience for you and your team.
With all-in-one gym management software like ABC Trainerize, you can:
- Eliminate friction with admin tasks like onboarding and staff management
- Easily manage multiple locations and see an overview of all trainer activity
- Share fitness programs across your team for consistency and time-saving
- Put your gym’s best face forward with a custom branded app
Gym management software helps you get back to what matters most—providing an excellent member experience and growing your biz.
Check Out: How to Streamline Fitness Business Operations at Your Gym or Fitness Studio
Step #3: Leverage gym management software
Next, let’s talk about why gym management software is just as important—if not more so—for creating a top-notch member experience.
Picture this, your gym is more than just a place to train. Instead, it offers a 360° approach to your member’s health and wellness that encompasses fitness, nutrition, and habit building.
In turn, your members achieve life-changing results, and they’re eager to tell everyone they know about the great experience they had at your gym.
Sounds pretty great, right?
ABC Trainerize allows you to craft your member experience to make them feel connected, inspired, and eager to come back for more.
Here’s how:
- In-person, hybrid, or virtual training options
- Custom programs and real-time progress tracking
- In-app messaging and voice notes for easy communication
- Payments and scheduling all in one place
In other words, investing in your member experience with ABC Trainerize isn’t just good for your clients—it’s good for your bottom line.
Step #4: Invest in quality gym equipment
Investing in high-quality gym equipment is a key part of providing a great member experience.
When your members have access to well-maintained, modern equipment, they’re more likely to enjoy their workouts, see results, and keep coming back. Plus, quality equipment is less likely to break down or cause injuries, which can be costly for your business.
Here are some tips for buying gym equipment:
- Research and compare equipment from reputable suppliers
- Consider leasing options to reduce upfront costs
- Look for multi-purpose equipment to maximize space
- Invest in equipment that aligns with your gym’s specialties (e.g., Pilates, functional fitness, etc.)
When selecting equipment, also consider your gym’s layout and flow. Proper spacing and thoughtful arrangement can enhance the member experience and ensure safety. Plus, regular maintenance is key to keeping your equipment in tip-top shape and extending its lifespan.
Check Out: Everything to Know About Gym Startup Costs
Step #5: Assemble a winning team
Your team is the face of your gym, and they can make or break the member experience.
Friendly, knowledgeable, and motivated staff create a welcoming atmosphere, provide great service, and keep members coming back.
When hiring staff for your gym, look for:
- Relevant qualifications and certifications
- Positive attitude and strong communication skills
- Passion for health and fitness
- Willingness to learn and grow
- Alignment with your gym’s values and mission
Tip: Invest in ongoing professional development to keep your team motivated and engaged. This can include workshops, conferences, and even certifications. People feel valued when they see opportunities for career growth with your gym!
Plus, you can offer perks such as free gym memberships, flexible scheduling, and performance bonuses to show your appreciation and keep your staff happy.
Step #6: Offer diverse and engaging programming
Want to keep your members excited about coming to the gym? Offer a variety of training options and classes that cater to different interests and fitness levels.
Sure, classic equipment like treadmills and weight machines are a must-have, but why not spice things up with functional fitness areas, circuit training, or even a dedicated yoga studio?
Here are some popular fitness class types that are sure to keep your members engaged:
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT) for a quick, effective workout
- Yoga and Pilates for flexibility and mind-body connection
- Dance fitness like Zumba or Barre for a fun, high-energy experience
- Strength training and weightlifting to build muscle and boost metabolism
- Indoor cycling and rowing for a low-impact cardio challenge
And don’t forget about the power of virtual training! By offering on-demand fitness programs and resources, you can support your members anytime, anywhere. Not only does this flexibility enhance the member experience, but it also creates additional revenue streams for your business. Talk about a win-win!
Step #7: Create a strong sense of community
Building a strong sense of community at your gym is a game-changer when it comes to member experience and retention.
And, when members feel like they belong and are part of something bigger, they’re more likely to show up, engage, and stick around for the long haul
In fact, a study by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) found that members who participate in group exercise classes visit their club 3 times more often than members who don’t.
Here are some examples of community-building activities your gym could leverage:
- Offering team-based fitness challenges or competitions
- Creating member spotlights or success story features
- Developing welcoming and inclusive policies (like Planet Fitness’ Judgement Free Zone®)
- Hosting social events like open houses or bbqs
Prioritizing community-building means creating a gym experience that keeps members coming back for more than just the workouts!
Check Out: How to Build an LGBTQ-Friendly Gym
Step #8: Invest in marketing your gym business
You could have the best gym in town, but if no one knows about it, you’re missing out on potential members and revenue!
That’s why investing in marketing your gym business is crucial. And in today’s digital age, social media is often a great place to start.
Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow you to build your online presence, to showcase your facilities, share member success stories, and engage with your community—all for little to no cost.
Here are some popular digital channels for your gym to consider:
- Instagram: Share eye-catching photos and videos of your gym, classes, and member transformations. Use relevant hashtags to expand your reach.
- Facebook: Create a business page to share updates, events, and promotions. Engage with your followers and encourage them to leave reviews.
- Google My Business: Claim your listing to appear in local search results. Keep your hours, address, and phone number up to date.
Don’t forget about traditional marketing tactics like:
- Print ads in local newspapers or magazines
- Radio spots on popular stations
- Direct mail campaigns to households in your area
- Referral programs to encourage word-of-mouth marketing
By combining digital and traditional marketing tactics, you can reach a wider audience and attract new members to your gym. Focus on showcasing what sets your gym apart and the unique value you provide to your members.
Check Out: The Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Health Club Marketing Strategy
Step #9: Focus on membership retention
While attracting new members is important, focusing on membership retention is just as crucial for the long-term success of your gym.
Membership retention refers to the percentage of members who remain with your gym over a given period. And here’s the thing: it costs 5 times more to attract a new member than it does to retain an existing one.
When you focus on improving the member experience from a retention standpoint, you’ll see:
- Increased referrals as happy members tell their friends and family about your gym
- Positive online reviews that attract new members
- Loyal advocates who promote your gym in their community
- Consistent revenue from a stable membership base!
In a nutshell, retention means creating a thriving gym community that keeps current members happy AND attracts new ones through positive word-of-mouth.
Check Out: Gym Member Retention Strategies for 2024
Step #10: Consistently ask for feedback
Asking for and receiving feedback from your members on a consistent basis helps you understand their needs, preferences, and pain points.
But collecting feedback is only half the battle. The most important part is actually listening to what your members have to say and demonstrating that you’re making improvements based on their input.
When members feel heard and valued, they’re more likely to stick around and even recommend your gym to others. 💪
Here are some ways your gym can start collecting member feedback:
- In-person conversations and check-ins
- Suggestion boxes placed throughout the gym
- Online surveys sent via email or available on your website
- Social media polls and questions
- Google Reviews (be sure to respond in a thoughtful, professional manner)
By regularly seeking feedback and taking action on it, you’ll show your members that their opinions matter and that you’re committed to providing the best possible gym experience.
Plus, you’ll gain valuable insights that can help you make data-driven decisions to improve your facilities, services, and overall member satisfaction.
Power a Successful Gym Business with ABC Trainerize
Gym management isn’t a cakewalk. But with the right mindset, tools, people, and activities, you’ll be well on your way to running a successful gym business for years to come!
By powering your gym with ABC Trainerize, you can improve your members’ experience while streamlining your fitness business operations at the same time. 🚀
With multi-location management and seamless onboarding, plus custom programming, progress tracking, and more—it’s everything you need to take your gym to the next level.
