COVID-19 Reopening Series (1 of 3) – The Gym Member Experience

These past couple of months have been unlike any other for fitness gyms across the world. And even as things begin to “normalize,” we know that things won’t really get back to the way they were before for quite some time.

As we move forward in this new world, creativity and flexibility will be the factors that separate success from disappointment. Things will likely change again–but the more we learn about how to roll with the punches, the better off we’ll be.

There are no bad ideas right now. Also, no idea is a guaranteed winner. Our job is to make educated decisions, see how they are working, and then iterate and improve. 

With that in mind, we’ve created a three part blogs series with a few ideas for moving forward post COVID-19. This first post is all about the gym member experience. Parts two and three will dive into facility management and business operations.

Here are some ideas to make the gym experience meaningful in the post COVID-19 world:

At-Home Workouts

No doubt this has already been something you’re trying to implement with your clients. Whatever this looks like for your gym, three things are crucial: your clients need motivation, instruction, and accountability. Think of ways that you can set them up for success. 

If they are motivated to take action on their own, they will likely see results (and continue to pay you). See if you can implement challenge programs, group goals/rewards, or other motivational techniques to make it fun to workout at home. 

When a client is comfortable doing a specific set of exercises, and they know what programming works for their situation (including equipment they have available and timing considerations), they will complete more workouts. Make sure they have the right equipment, know how to use it, and that you are there to answer questions and make corrections. 

Accountability is key to consistently working out at home. Hold your clients accountable through constant communication (via text, video calls, etc). If they hear from you often, they will feel like they are getting the value they signed up for (even if it’s not in the physical gym space).

Always make sure that their experience (no matter where it is) includes your expertise. After all, you are the expert in motivation, technical programming, and accountability/discipline. These will be the differentiating factors to what they could simply do on their own at home — and it makes all the difference for their success. 

In-Gym Workouts (Trainers at Home)

Many programs require equipment that just can’t be replicated in homes, and many clients may not have the space (or the patience) to try an at-home workout plan. For those situations, there could be an opportunity to provide clients a way to safely exercise in your gym, while still maintaining social distancing guidelines.

The client could potentially carry around a tablet (or even their own phone) that acts as their gateway to a trainer who is watching from home or another secluded part of the gym, such as a closed-door office. The client can set up a little tripod or stand to allow their trainer to see what they’re doing, make corrections, and offer coaching. 

There are many benefits to a system like this, and could allow for a lot of flexibility during the reopening transition times. Think of creative ways to schedule your clients to minimize occupants in your gym at any given time.

Gym Equipment Rentals

Another option for allowing home workouts is to provide some of your equipment for your clients to take home. Delivering certain equipment to use during a week’s or month’s worth of programming may be just the thing your clients need to stay motivated to workout at home.

Your gym equipment will continue to get use (rather than sit gathering dust in your gym) and your clients will be making progress. There are ways that this equipment sharing could blossom into an entirely separate industry of its own.

There are some limitations, obviously, to space and portability of certain equipment. Take a stroll around your gym and see what equipment you could rent out to make your client’s lives easier. 

Outdoor Group Workouts

With summer coming right up, now might be a good time to focus on outdoor group training that allows for social distancing guidelines. Many clients love the camaraderie and motivation that comes from small groups. Unfortunately, that may not be possible for the near future. 

Moving outside allows us to potentially still work with groups and maximize our efficiency. Get creative and find places that allow group training outdoors. You might even bring equipment to a park or outdoor space and offer mobile sessions for your clients. 

This could be a great way to allow for supplemental group work outside of the home workouts you provide for your clients. They get to have fun, they get some time to interact with others, and they feel like a part of a team. And they get to be out in the beautiful sunshine!

Be sure to check local regulations before setting up a class or group program at public parks or outdoor facilities. 

Just the Start

There are many more things you will think of to keep revenues flowing and keep your clients happy. The key is to think of ways you can enhance the client experience. Let us know what ideas you have implemented, or things you want to try.

You can get even more ideas on our Post COVID-19 Reopening Page, including webinars and other tools. 

Get creative. Have fun! Be hopeful. 

This is not a time to panic, it’s a time to shine bright. Your clients need you more than ever!

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