Sometimes all it takes to get a member who’s fallen off the exercise wagon back into your club is a little push. Three years ago, Maria Kochevar, a member of Greenwood Athletic and Tennis Club in Denver, Colorado, had been given a little push in the form of a card.
“I received a card in the mail from the member experience coordinator, reminding me I hadn’t been in the club in a while,” recalled Kochevar.
The reminder couldn’t have been more timely. At that moment Kochevar was on the verge of being pre-diabetic and was struggling with arthritis. She saw the card as an opportunity to get back into health and fitness.
Immediately, Kochevar signed up for personal training and saw some initial success. However, she soon realized personal training wasn’t for her. She did lose some weight but became easily bored. “With personal training, it was very easy,” she said. “I was in competition with myself.”
Seeking out more of a challenge, Kochevar signed up for Greenwood’s small group metabolic circuit class, led by trainer David Nutting. At $30 per class, the program had been designed for maximum toning and weight loss, and it included various modes of strength and metabolic conditioning exercises.
Kochevar quickly grew to love the competitive atmosphere the class offered, compared to one-on-one training. “It was faster paced, and the exercises varied,” said Kochevar. “I love going to workout because I’m being held accountable. There’s one girl in my class that’s at a more advanced level, and I challenge myself to try and keep up with her, which makes it fun.”
According to Nutting, competition is one of the most appealing aspects of small group training, in addition to its lower price point compared to one-on-one. “At the end of the day, small group training helps transform the health and lives of more members at a price point that accommodates almost everyone,” he said. “It helps members with consistency and allows them to work hard in a group. Rather than trying to workout alone, there is a sense of camaraderie.”
The combination of camaraderie, fun and accountability has led Kochevar to lose 20 pounds and 12 inches. In addition, she has seen a noticeable difference with arthritis pain in her knees, increased body composition and overall strength.
Additionally, Kochevar rarely misses sessions with Nutting. “If I don’t go, I feel miserable,” she said. “I love going to workout because I’m being held accountable. In the small group, I feel like I push a little more.”
According to Nutting, Kochevar’s story showcases the power small group training can possess to transform a member’s life. “I am so proud of Maria’s accomplishments as she continues to redefine what she thought she could originally do,” he said. “[Small group training] creates a sense of community within the club and motivates members to continually return to a fun, rewarding workout that emphasizes accountability and results.”
Due to those results, “I will continue to do small group training,” said Kochevar. “It’s something that I have to do, I think for the rest of my life, because it keeps me physically well.”
By Rachel Zabonick
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
