Each year is the same. The New Year comes and the gym is packed with new and returning members. Machines and classes are filled to capacity. It’s hard to stay on top of cleaning, weights don’t always get re-racked and there is increased risk of injury or malfunction.
There is no way to avoid it, but Shawn Stewart, the general manager at Gainesville Health and Fitness in Gainesville, Florida, provided a few strategies that could help reduce the stress of managing a busy gym.
Don’t fret if machines are occupied or if certain classes are full. Instead, use that opportunity to introduce members to different aspects of your club.
“We use this as an opportunity to educate and introduce members to other classes or equipment that they have never tried,” explained Stewart. “During our on-boarding for new members, we show them classes that may not have the attendance that our busy ones do, but have the same benefits that the member is looking for.”
Consider hiring a few extra staff and make sure they are properly trained.
“We begin preparing for the January surge in November, beginning with hiring, training, staffing, etc.,” said Stewart. “Having a full complement of the right staff is critical in handling the January rush. We staff a few extra people until about mid-February.”
Stay on top of cleaning and maintenance.
Make sure your club is stocked with cleaning supplies, paper towels and everything you need to make sure the club stays spotless.
“We do a major supplies inventory to make sure we don’t run out of anything with a major increase in traffic,” says Stewart. “We will increase our orders by 10 to 20 percent in January depending on the product.”
Take the time to introduce new members to the club with a comprehensive on-boarding program.
Many people starting a fitness regimen in the New Year are newcomers to the gym. They may not understand the proper way to use equipment or what classes are best to help them achieve their fitness goals. Help them out by introducing them to all the services offered at your club.
“With so many people beginning an exercise program for the first time in years or ever, it is important to have everyone exercising the right way, at their level,” said Stewart. “Our on-boarding utilizes the Face2Face program, which offers every new member five appointment-based sessions, which include an initial assessment, two workout sessions, a session on healthy eating tips and a results review. This takes place over the course of their first four to six weeks of membership.”
Encourage your members to join early; don’t wait until the first of the year.
At Gainesville Health and Fitness, if new members join in December their dues will not begin until January.
“A lot of people begin thinking about joining a gym in December, but usually wait until January,” explained Stewart. “As a new member, joining a gym in January can be intimidating with larger crowds and longer wait times. By getting started in December, they can begin in a more comfortable atmosphere and have more staff available to show them around and get them started.”
By Emily Harbourne
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
