3 Things Your Gym Needs to Adopt in 2019

The end of the year is always a time for a change, and this is especially true when it comes to businesses of all shapes and sizes. Because gyms are, at the end of the day, businesses (although without the suit and ties), they too might need a bit of sprucing up as we head into 2019. While there are some things that are always at the top of a gym owners list, such as increasing new members and retention, there are some big-picture items that can help owners and managers focus strategy and hone in on what’s really important.

Here are three critical things your gym needs to adopt in 2019:

1. A better member onboarding process

Today’s customers are much savvier than groups in years past. They are accustomed to instant gratification and immediate satisfaction. Instead of waiting in line at Starbucks, they can order on their phone and walk right in past the masses. It’s this level of convenience that members now expect from their gyms and health spas. One of the easiest places to deliver convenience on this level is during the onboarding process.

Too often, a new member joins a gym, goes to a few classes, receives a confusing email about billing, forgets about the gym for a while, and then all of a sudden is still paying for a membership 5 years down the road even though they’ve been twice. In 2019, break out of this rut by delivering a better member onboarding process. Deliver immediate value to your new customers to make them want to come back time after time. Set up an easy-to-understand billing process that doesn’t take a degree in rocket science to figure out. And, make sure your staff is on-hand at any time to answer any questions that might come up.    

2. More outside-of-class social events

Gyms are community gathering places, and the growth of specialty workout facilities has made this sense of belonging even more critical. People want to combine their physical exercise with a social activity that they can share with their friends and followers. So, next time you’re hosting a spin class, schedule a post-ride happy hour. Or, if you’re gym is more machine and personal work-out focused, set up a breakfast smoothie buffet for your members. That way, they still have a chance to connect one-on-one in a social setting without interrupting their workout.

3. A tech-first approach to growth

Growth with always be a goal of any business, and 2019 is poised to be a competitive one in the gym industry. To make sure your team is ready to compete and win, it’s time to adopt a tech-first approach to growth and expansion. Instead of relying on gut feeling or tradition, turn to the data for answers. Figure out the best marketing channels and invest your marketing budget there. Build a clear picture of member utilization and add more classes or machines that see the most traffic. Create a strong social media presence to take your mission online. All it takes is a few strategic steps to ensure your brand is strong and ready to compete in the new gym landscape of 2019 and beyond.