Do you remember the ad, “Three temperatures, one detergent” for a product that made the homemaker’s life easier because it could wash more than one type of clothes? Today, more than ever, it’s important to have club offerings that fit more than one fitness level and more than one member’s needs.
Factoring-in space, budgets, and class schedules can make your decision to purchase new equipment a difficult one, so remember to keep it simple. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself when purchasing new equipment:
– Is the equipment compatible with my client base?
– Will it motivate members to workout?
– Will it revitalize class programs?
– Does it combine cardio with strength training?
A product that can transition from the workout floor to the group exercise room is a good one to consider as you can teach members how to use the product during class, and they will feel comfortable using it on their own. Additionally, a product that travels well will transition well into your retail offerings. There are many good products on the market that can make your class offerings great. So, look for a product that functions to provide a stand-alone workout, as well as works to re-energize an existing class.
Also, members’ needs vary – from the de-conditioned to the extremely fit, and from the quick, “in-and-out” member to the fulltime workout person. Time is important to everyone; so, deliver a product that captures the “functional fitness” element. For example, can you increase heart rate while maximizing strength training in 15 minutes? Some products can, and your customers will want to use them.
Invite product manufacturers to your club, so they better understand your set-up, and then invite your members to test products. Engaging customers by inviting them to be a part of your club solution fosters a greater sense of community within your club. A greater sense of community lends itself to greater individual commitment – which is imperative to your club’s bottom line.
Finding a multi-functional product in a functional fitness world will re-energize your club offerings and increase your revenue opportunities!
Wendy Jaffe is a Freelance Writer who lives in San Francisco. She can be contacted at 415.571.8177, or by email at wljaffe@comcast.net.
