There’s no doubt that the gym community has gained immense popularity over the past few years, being deemed an essential factor in helping people achieve their fitness goals.
Making the most of your workout and maximizing results is not just about what you do in the gym; it’s also about how you interact with the people, give and receive encouragement, and the presence of moral support.
It might initially seem like an intimidating concept, but anyone can build a unique, tight-knit gym community. Here are four ways that you can work to develop and maintain a close-knit community in your gym.
Step 1: Host Gym Events
A primary way to bring both gym members and staff together is to host regular gym events. The event can have a mix of social and fitness elements, as you give people something more than lifting weights.
So you could hold educational events on diet and nutrition or community sports events. You could also bring in a fitness influencer to interact with people, answer questions, and encourage people in general.
To build a tight-knit gym community, you have to provide members with an opportunity to interact with one another. But it’s also important to hire the right staff so they can facilitate that community atmosphere.
For gym events, you can ask gym members to volunteer in various committees in charge of the event. Members who participate or volunteer in local gym events can meet new people and make friends who share their goals.
Step 2: Encourage Group Fitness Classes
Joining the same group fitness class is an easy way to help people relate with one another. Not only do group classes bring gym members together, but it also fosters relationships between your gym staff and members.
In group classes, you can pair members with the same fitness goals together, which results in better member results. Since members are required to be accountable to their group class partners, they are more motivated to achieve their goals.
If their group classes yield results, they are more likely to renew their subscription and become loyal members.
Step 3: Be Innovative
Innovation isn’t exactly a gym marketing strategy, but it can have tremendous effects on how your gym attracts clients. It’s not uncommon for members to leave their local gym for a new one.
This happens because they get bored of the gym environment and require something new and exciting. If your gym has become unexciting to long-term members, you will have difficulty retaining them.
Being innovative as a gym owner is crucial as it increases sales and builds relationships between members. You can have a time during the month when you take members on a mountain hike or organize a boot camp.
The best way members can build connections with others is through shared experiences.
Step 4: Offer Encouragement
Encourage members by providing support when they need it, asking them how they’re feeling after their workouts, or celebrating their achieving their goals. You can also offer little one-on-one coaching for members struggling with their routines.
Giving this kind of support will build a tight-knit gym community because your members will feel like a part of a team.
To Wrap It Up
Building and maintaining a gym community where members feel safe and included is key to growing your gym. Because members have a tight-knit community of gym buddies who push each other to get better results, they’re likely to refer friends and family to your gym.
A tight knit community is critical for member retention and profitability of your small gym. Use these strategies to build a community members can be proud of.
