According to an IHRSA Member Retention Report, 60% of gym members credit social motivation as the reason they attend their club.
In today's fast-paced world, people are looking for ways to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. This is especially true in the fitness industry, where people come together to achieve their health and fitness goals. Gym owners who prioritize community building can create a sense of belonging among their members, which can lead to increased loyalty and retention. In this article, we will explore the importance of community building in the fitness industry and how gym owners can use software to help build a strong community.
What is Community Building?
Community building is the process of creating a sense of belonging among a group of people. In the fitness industry, community building can involve creating a supportive environment where members can connect with each other, share their experiences, and motivate each other to achieve their goals. "Member-to-member connection is the foundation for good retention" states health club consultant Laurie Cingle.
Community building can take many forms, including social events, group workouts, and online forums.
"Member-to-member connection is the foundation for good retention"
Laurie Cingle, Health Club Consultant.
Benefits of Community Building for Gym Owners
Community building can have many benefits for gym owners. First, it can lead to increased member retention. When members feel a sense of belonging and connection to the gym and its community, they are more likely to stay committed to their fitness goals and continue to come back to the gym. Second, community building can lead to increased word-of-mouth referrals. When members feel a sense of pride in their gym and its community, they are more likely to recommend the gym to their friends and family. Third, community building can lead to increased revenue. When members feel a strong connection to the gym and its community, they are more likely to purchase additional services and products offered by the gym.
How Gym Software Can Help Build Community
Gym software can be a powerful tool for gym owners looking to build a strong community. Many gym software platforms offer features such as online forums, social media integration, and communication tools that can help gym owners connect with their members and build a sense of community. Gym software can also be used to manage events and competitions, which can help bring members together and foster a sense of camaraderie.
"In our experience here at Brawn, gym software underpins the efforts of time-constrained gym owners who are expected to be all things, to all people. Having a solid technology backbone that takes away the hassle of continual community engagement, dramatically impacts retention" states Sohail Rashid, CEO of Brawn.
Examples of Successful Community Building in the Fitness Industry
There are many examples of successful community building in the fitness industry. CrossFit or, more recently, Hyrox, for example, has built a strong community around its brand, with members coming together to participate in competitions and support each other in their fitness journeys. SoulCycle has also built a strong community around its brand, with members connecting with each other both in and out of the studio.
The Future of Strength Training and the Role of Community
The future of strength training is likely to be focused on community building. As more and more people prioritize their health and fitness, they will be looking for ways to connect with others who share their goals and values. Gym owners who can create a strong sense of community among their members will be well-positioned to thrive in this changing landscape.
"In our experience, gym software underpins the efforts of time-constrained gym owners who are expected to be all things, to all people. Having a solid technology backbone that takes away the hassle of continual community engagement, dramatically impacts retention"
Sohail Rashid, CEO Brawn.
Tips for Gym Owners to Build a Strong Community
There are several tips that gym owners can follow to build a strong community.
- Focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where all members feel valued and supported.
- Organise regular (and repeatable) events and competitions that bring members together and foster a sense of camaraderie - the element of fun and competition should never be underestimated.
- Use various gym software solutions to communicate with members and build a sense of community online - while freeing up your time doing the things that matter.
Challenges of Community Building and How to Overcome Them
There are also challenges to community building that gym owners may face. One challenge is creating a sense of community among members who may have different goals and fitness levels. Gym owners can overcome this challenge by offering a variety of classes and programs that appeal to different types of members. Another challenge is managing conflicts and disagreements among members (something that is a sad situation but inevitable). Gym owners can overcome this challenge by creating clear guidelines for behavior and communication and intervening when necessary to resolve conflicts.
Conclusion: The Power of Connection for Gym Owners and Their Clients
In conclusion, community building is a powerful tool for gym owners looking to build a strong connection with their members. By creating a sense of belonging and connection among members, gym owners can increase member retention, generate word-of-mouth referrals, and increase revenue. With the help of gym software, gym owners can create a strong sense of community both online and offline. Try Brawn in your gym with our 30-day free trial and take the first step towards building a strong and supportive community among your members.
Links for extra reading:
https://hub.ihrsa.org/member-retention-report
