People join fitness gyms to get in shape. They also want to feel that they have a community to connect with and receive external motivation to keep pushing themselves towards their goals.
Ensure that your facility has the right equipment and layout to cater for everyone. This includes a variety of cardiovascular machines like treadmills and stationary bikes as well as plenty of weight training tools. Read on Alta Climbing Gilbert for more information.
The clanging of weights, thuds of sneakers against treadmills, and shouts of encouragement from other workout participants are the sounds that most people associate with a fitness gym. Gyms aren’t just for working out; they provide a community where people connect over their shared interest in health and wellness.
For Millennials, it’s not just about getting a good workout; it’s about connecting with other like-minded individuals. As a result, many gyms have started to look and function more like lifestyle centers than fitness facilities. Some even feature lounge areas and cafes where members can hang out before or after their workout.
Providing a wide range of workout equipment is also important to attract and retain customers. Most gyms offer cardio machines like treadmills and elliptical machines, strength training equipment like weights and stationary bikes, and often have open spaces for exercises like yoga or Pilates. Other amenities may include towel service, water fountains, and saunas.
People who attend group exercise classes may spend the majority of their time at a gym in the same room, so they are likely to get to know other members over the course of multiple sessions. These connections can be very beneficial for a member’s motivation, as they can provide an external source of accountability when it comes to their workouts. In addition, studies show that exercising with a friend increases the likelihood of sticking to an exercise regimen.
In fact, a study conducted by Latent View found that when compared to other gyms, those who participated in a group exercise class program spent 21% more at the gym. Therefore, if you want to increase membership, consider creating unique experiences that set your gym apart from others.
Dedicated Space
Many people want to work out before or after their workday, so having an on-site fitness facility can be a huge benefit for their overall health and productivity. Providing access to workout facilities can foster collaboration, relationship-building and a sense of community within your employees’ offices, which is an excellent way to support the synergy between health and work.
A gym’s space and layout can have a major impact on whether or not it meets its customers’ expectations. Providing dedicated areas for cardio machines, functional training, and group classes can help improve the user experience. Achieving proper ergonomics in the gym layout is also critical for creating a comfortable environment, where people feel supported and empowered to push themselves.
The gym space itself should be well-ventilated and equipped with a variety of equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes as well as a selection of strength training machines. Including open spaces for activities like yoga or group fitness classes is also a great way to attract new users and keep existing ones happy.
In terms of layout, a commercial gym floor plan design should optimize space by creating separate zones for different types of training, with clear pathways to prevent confusion. It’s also important to make sure all parts of the gym are easily accessible for people with disabilities, so incorporating plenty of open-concept hallways and pathways can be helpful. Organizing equipment by weight increments can also help reduce strain on muscles while lifting and carrying pieces of machinery. It’s also a good idea to place heavier items at waist height or lower to reduce back strain. Proper storage spaces for equipment are also crucial to avoid cluttering the gym.
Equipment
A gym should have a variety of workout equipment to provide members with different fitness experiences. Some of these pieces may be available at home, but many are not, especially specialized equipment like rowing machines and Pilates reformers. The right equipment can increase strength, improve cardio endurance, and help achieve targeted fitness goals.
A fitness equipment supplier, such as Johnson Fitness & Wellness, can offer new or used equipment to meet member expectations. Their team will guide you through the entire process of choosing the best equipment based on space, budget, and fitness goals. They will also take the time to train employees on how to properly use the equipment and help you set up your gym for success.
Depending on the type of equipment, you can expect to pay a few thousand dollars or more for an entire gym setup. However, you can get a good deal by purchasing secondhand or used equipment. This is a great option for gyms that are trying to stick to a tighter budget or for those who want to minimize maintenance costs and reduce upfront expenses.
In addition to standard weightlifting and cardiovascular equipment, a good gym should have suspension trainers, or TRX trainers, which offer a demanding full-body workout. These portable and adaptable straps allow users to suspend their body weight, requiring them to work harder than they would with regular exercises like push-ups and squats. In fact, some people even consider these workouts to be more challenging than a typical bodyweight exercise! Besides suspension trainers, your gym should have other basic equipment like dumbbells, benches, and barbells.
Personal Trainers
If your gym offers a comprehensive team of trainers, you can expect to attract many more members. These experts can help you set realistic fitness goals and create a workout regimen that aligns with your needs. They can also provide motivation and accountability to keep you on track. Whether you’re struggling with muscle fatigue or hitting an exercise plateau, your trainer will push you to continue working hard until you’ve reached your target.
The personal attention that a trainer provides can make all the difference in keeping your motivation high during your workouts. Personal trainers can also guide your form and technique to prevent injuries. They can recommend proper rest periods, as well as appropriate equipment for your unique needs. They’re also good at creating a systematized training session that makes the most of your time. This includes setting precise guidelines for each machine and ensuring that your workout doesn’t extend beyond its allotted time.
Gyms that offer specialized services and programs, such as boot camps and barre classes, can appeal to a unique niche of customers. These workouts can be highly challenging and involve a combination of cardio and strength training exercises. Boot camp gyms cater to different ability levels and create a dynamic group environment that challenges participants mentally and physically.
Whether you want to join a gym that offers a full schedule of group fitness classes or open your own fitness studio, the right business model can help you thrive. With EZFacility, you can use our all-in-one software solution to manage your gym’s operations, including online booking, point of sale, and automated billing. Start your business with a free trial today!
Group Fitness Classes
Fitness gyms often offer group workout options to provide variety and support a sense of community. From high-intensity interval training to calming yoga sessions, there is something for everyone. This can be especially important for beginners who may feel intimidated to experiment with new workouts or exercises on their own. Group classes help them build confidence and get familiar with equipment and exercises.
Group fitness classes are led by certified instructors and are designed to promote healthy lifestyle habits. Depending on the type of class, participants can burn anywhere from 200 to 400 calories per session.
To optimize their gym experience, many members enjoy attending a class that is aligned with their goals and interests. For example, some users might prefer the calorie-burning Kickbox Cardio class where they kick and punch to boost their cardiovascular endurance. Others might enjoy the sculpting and strengthening of muscles in the Mat Pilates class.
In addition to offering a wide range of group workout options, fitness centers should analyze their peak hours and schedule classes accordingly. This can help them maximize attendance and drive more business.
It is also recommended that gyms post the group fitness class schedule on their website or social pages. This helps potential customers to find classes at a time that is convenient for them. For small, boutique studios, software like Punchpass can help with a quick and simple way to create online class schedules. Whether you want to dance your way into shape or sculpt the body you have always wanted, there is a group fitness class out there that’s right for you. Group classes combine a strong community vibe with expert instruction, intense workouts and friendly competition.