We’re half way through January, which means roughly two weeks ago, thousands of individuals across the U.S. pledged to “lose weight” as their New Year’s Resolution. In fact, according to Statista, a comprehensive statistics portal, 17 percent of polled participants said their 2013 New Year’s Resolution was to “lose weight.” And now, those individuals are likely huffing and puffing away within the walls of your gym, striving to make that resolution come to light.
Unfortunately, according to LifeHacker, a popular blog-style website, the resolution “I want to lose weight,” is one that is extremely likely to fail. Eric Ravenscaft, a LifeHacker blogger, states that the “lose weight” resolution “violates two of the top rules for creating effective resolutions. For starters, ‘losing weight’ isn’t very specific. It can be five pounds or fifty. It’s also an admirable goal that actually encompasses a lot of little goals, which can be overwhelming.”
However, all is not lost for your members who’ve made this particular resolution. As a club, you’re in a great position to help these individuals reach their goals. Here are a few things you can do:
1. Offer encouragement: Post inspirational photos on Facebook and Twitter, ones that keep members’ goals at the forefront. In addition, send out monthly e-mails straight to members’ inboxes, reminding them to keep working towards their goals. In addition, don’t forget one of your most powerful weapons – your front desk staff. They’re the first and last representatives of your club that members see. As a result, they’re in a prime position to encourage members towards better health and fitness in the new year.
2. Utilize your personal trainers: As Ravenscraft mentions, the resolution “to lose weight” is extremely broad. How exactly are members going to do so? As prospects continue to join your club, ask them straight out what their reasons for joining are. Are they trying “to lose weight?” If so, recommend they meet with a personal trainer who can help them plan out how exactly they’ll go about doing so. The trainer can then help them map out mini-goals they can work towards, that eventually will lead to their New Year’s Resolution becoming a reality.
3. Offer variety, and make sure members are aware it exists: Oftentimes, members quit a workout routine due to boredom. If you have a bunch of different programs, promote them! Use e-mail blasts to keep existing programs at the forefront of members’ minds. And, don’t stay complacent with your schedule – continually be on the lookout for new programs you could offer. Keep abreast of what other clubs are offering and read industry publications, such as Club Solutions Magazine (shameless plug), for ideas.
How are you encouraging members to stick with their fitness-related resolutions?
Find more statistics at Statista
Rachel Zabonick is the assistant editor for Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached atrachel@clubsolutionsmagazine.com. Reach out to her about exciting events or programs your club has implemented, or to share the amazing accomplishments of a member.
