In the gym industry, we would like our customers to give up their bad habits and replace them with health-promoting good habits. Let’s talk about habits. A habit is a learned pattern that we tend to repeat. Some times we try to give up a habit, while other times we try to create new habits. And what qualities do your very best members really have. Those who don’t give up but train regularly and stay for a long time. What behaviors do they deliver. Here are some habits that make a great member.
Training regularity
It is crystal clear that the best habit is – visiting the gym regularly. Remember – it’s the regularity you want to achieve. It can be 1 time per week, 3 times per week or maybe 5 times per week. There is no right or wrong here, but regularity is what you should strive for. Therefore, ask for the member’s goals – if we look at it realistically based on everything that is going on in your life – how many times per week do you want to visit us to feel very satisfied. Then it’s your job to help them achieve this goal – over and over again.
Face-to-face interactions
Yes of course it is, some members come (and leave) your gym with their headphones on. Some others are just a little shy (which may be a bad habit you want to break). But everyone should receive personal attention at least once, preferably several, times they visit your gym. The more interactions, the longer they stay as an active customer. That someone both sees and confirms me – gives a wonderful sense of self. Of course, in as many ways as possible, the staff must create an opportunity to interact face to face with the customer. But keep in mind that positive contacts between different members are at least as important.
One of the staff’s most important tasks is therefore to introduce different members to each other. A small push from your side can create many good and lasting contacts. A good member has the habit of both wanting to talk to staff and other members.
Regular program evaluations
This is the most important interaction for your best members, and it should always be a positive experience. When it’s time for a new program in the gym there is a golden opportunity to reevaluate goals, celebrate results, discuss exercises, find motivation for new eating habits, take care of any complaints, etc. At the end of each program evaluation, you must never forget to make an appointment for the next time the training program is to be adjusted. It should not be in 4-6 weeks but when your member wants the next program to be formed. If you can create a habit where the member really looks forward to working towards their goals and regularly evaluating their program – then you have a customer who stays for a long time.