Breaking down the barriers to ‘gymtimidation’

I was reading with interest a recent article inHealth Club Management highlighting that 1 in 3 brits suffer from gymtimidation and fear feeling out of place in the gym. In a generation where obesity is on the rise, NHS England state 67% of men and 60% of women are classified as overweight or obese we as leaders in the fitness industry need to help break down these barriers.

While data and software can’t directly address this problem, we can use insights and technology to help remove some of these obstacles and improve engagement with potential customers and existing members for better retention. How?

Understand trends in your gym

Analyse data to understand the quiet times in the gym and dedicate marketing resources and campaigns to this specific topic.

Make it easy to join

Offer the ability to join online, make the process simple and easy to follow.

Engage with your users

Communicate with users on what to expect on their first visit, where to go and what to bring. Automate emails and messages of motivation and advice to ensure they keep returning.

Be informative

Detail comprehensive class descriptions, time, and intensity so users can understand what classes best suit their needs.

Activity programming

Organise group activities or event social events for new joiners where they could get support from likeminded individuals

Staff interaction

Allocate time and responsibility to staff to connect and interact with new joiners, help to make them feel part of the club. Record conversations and personal interests/goals to be able to build a better rapport.

Build advocates

Encourage reviews and testimonials, actively encourage others to communicate about their positive experiences and be real-life advocates.

First Sports software is a singular software solution that can manage your whole gym efficiently. From a membership management module enabling you to track and communicate with members to a events and bookings module detailing class availability and booking online – and much much more!

Speak to a member of our team if you’d like to know more about how First Sports software can help you to attract new gym members.

Request a demo today.