Innovative programming and new fitness tools can inspire and change the energy of your fitness environment, no matter the facility type.
Campus rec facilities can use some of the same strategies we use at Lock Box to create a seamless integration protocol for new fitness classes and equipment. Change can sometimes be overwhelming as a fitness director, but from a student/member retention and acquisition standpoint, it can be exciting.
Below is a 10-step guide to the questions anyone should answer to implement a new innovative class at your facility:
Fitness Demands: What are the current fitness demands at your facility? What type of workout/programming is missing? How could a new class fill this gap?
Schedule: Where in the current schedule could this class fit? Will you be trading out other classes and replacing with the new class or adding additional class times?
Class Format: What is the ideal class format? What is the goal
of the class?
Equipment Needs: What pieces of equipment/tools will you need to fulfill the class requirements?
Budget: What will the initial startup costs be for the new class? Build out a budget for the new class: Equipment? Paying coaches? Weekly/monthly budget?
Making it Exciting: Reassess why you are implementing the class and be sure you are capitalizing on four things:
- The new and exciting class format.
- The new pieces of equipment in the class.
- The new exercises your instructors will teach and clients will experience.
- Can you attach a goal with participating in class, like training for a Spartan Race?
Training Staff: How much time will it take to train the staff on the new class format? Teaching process? And new equipment and exercises?
Marketing a New Class: How can you promote the new class? Make it an announcement at your other classes. Make a flyer/handout at the front desk. Have your front desk staff talk about the new class to everyone that comes into the gym. Reach out to local publications to announce the new class and schedule.
Feedback: Get feedback from your coaches and members. Is the class format working? Are the members excited to take class? Is the intensity level and intimidation factor appropriate? Is it too high/low?
Adjusting and Adapting: Make the appropriate adjustments to the class that are optimal for implementation and success of the program.
Power Systems Master Coach, PJ Stahl, MA, CSCS is creator of PROJECT STEEL and a Reebok Ambassador. With his background in competing in collegiate level Division I gymnastics paired with his experience coaching professional athletes, he was naturally led to become a fitness performance coach. PJ utilizes over 20 years of experience and over 25 certifications as an elite fitness expert. PJ currently resides in Los Angeles where he owns and trains out of his studio, Lock Box Fitness & Performance Center. For more info, visit power-systems.com.
