Two of my favorite Google searches right now are, “Nailed it, Pinterest fails, images” and “life hacks.”
I love life hacks because these are tricks I would normally never come up with, but other people do! And they post them on the Internet for all of us to learn from. I came across an article yesterday explaining how you can double a waffle iron as an omelet maker — a useful shortcut, I suppose.
With this in mind, I decided to create life hacks for group fitness solutions.
Three Life Hack Solutions to Group Fitness (Nailed it!)
1. Schedule for your members’ needs, versus your instructors’ availability.
I talk to many group fitness directors and one thing I consistently hear is, “My instructor is not available at that time.” All too often group fitness schedules are created around instructors’ availability instead of your members’ scheduling needs. Take a look at your schedule and ask yourself if it reflects an accurate picture of when your members come in to workout, or is it more tailored to your instructors’ desired time slots? Keep in mind that your group fitness schedule is a business all in itself, so manage it as one.
2. Create consistency with your schedule.
Consistently offer the same class format multiple times a week in prime time spots on your schedule. If you have a cycling class every morning at 6:00 a.m., it gives members the option to create a routine around that class at that time. If that same class is at a different time every morning, the chances of members creating a routine becomes less likely. Schedule classes often enough and consistently enough to facilitate routines for members, allowing them the opportunity to generate results.
3. Keep it simple: offer classes that are fun and addicting.
Yes, I said “addicting!” In your prime time slots, schedule popular classes: barbell classes, high intensity cardio, your newest nationally branded offering. Members are looking for results, so schedule classes that get the best results in the best time slots and prepare to pack the room. The classes that bring the largest audiences are often the classes that generate results, and results create members’ addiction to class.
Next time you sit down to evaluate your group fitness schedule, contrast it with these three simple life hacks. Does your schedule reflect your members’ preferences, versus instructors’ availability? Do you offer a good consistency and are you offering fun and simple classes?
Evaluating these three points can paint a radically revealing truth about your current group fitness schedule.
Happy schedule building!
Lindsey Rainwater is an experienced consultant and coach to the fitness and wellness industry. She specializes in business development and leadership. Currently she is working with the Fitmarc Team helping club owners all over the south central region of the United States propel their business forward via group exercise solutions. For more information about Lindsey, follow her @lindseyrainh2o.
