Driving your members indoors during the summer months can be a challenge no matter what part of the country you live in. According to Alex Zamudio, the regional group fitness director of VIDA Fitness, this was the case at VIDA’s clubs in Washington, D.C. “Several members brought to our attention that it becomes tedious to workout indoors during the summer,” he said.
As a result, Zamudio came up with a solution. He designed three classes, all of which will be held outdoors this summer on the rooftop of the club’s U Street location.
The classes include “Summer Sunrise,” a power yoga class, “Skyline Ride,” a cycling class, and “VIDA Splash,” an Aqua Zumba class. Each class will hold up to 30 participants and will cost $125 per five classes for both members and non-members.
According to Zamudio, he purposely picked yoga, cycling and Zumba, which are all very different styles, to appeal to a wide range of demographics. Once the classes have completed, participants have the opportunity to linger and enjoy the Penthouse Pool.
“We’re expecting to have great success,” said Zamudio. “It’s a great deal.”
Although “VIDA Splash” and “Summer Sunrise” are completely new classes, VIDA has held successful outdoor cycling classes on the rooftop before. “We are the only fitness facility that offers classes outside [in the area] and people love it,” said Zamudio. “When you get to enjoy the view of D.C., it’s amazing.”
For clubs that don’t have a readily available outdoor location, such as an accessible rooftop or pool, Zamudio suggested trainers and instructors still find a way to take workouts outdoors. “We used to bring people to a nearby park, for example, to break up the routine,” he said. “Organize walks or runs. In D.C., there’s a lot of opportunities for outdoor workouts.”
By doing so, members will see your gym as a summer fitness destination, instead of a place to avoid when the weather is warm.
“During these classes, the time flies, because there’s so much to enjoy outdoors,” said Zamudio.
Rachel Zabonick is the assistant editor for Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@clubsolutionsmagazine.com. Reach out to her about exciting events or programs your club has implemented, or to share the amazing accomplishments of a member.
