7 Mistakes That Cause Members to Leave Your Gym
If you find that your gym members are leaving your gym, you need to figure out why and what you can do to prevent it. Here are seven common mistakes that a gym can come across that will cause members to leave:
Not Keeping It Clean
Nothing will cause a member to think twice about remaining at your gym more than cleanliness. If the facility and commercial exercise equipment is not regularly cleaned and maintained, members will take their money elsewhere so they can exercise in a clean environment. Keep in mind that proper ventilation is also necessary. The last thing a member wants during their workout is to breathe in dirty air.
Unhelpful, Absent Staff
Gyms can be intimidating, especially for those who are new to the experience. If your staff is unhelpful or even rude, gym members won’t hesitate to find a new gym where they feel welcomed and the staff is helpful. The same applies to your staffs’ availability. Nothing makes a member feel less important than looking for a staff member for assistance and not being able to find one, especially during peak hours. So make sure your staff is friendly and approachable as well as readily available for member’s questions or concerns.
Not Enough Equipment
No one likes waiting in line. If you don’t have enough fitness equipment to accommodate your gym members, they will look for a gym where they don’t have to wait around. Take stock of how many pieces of equipment you have compared to the number of your members. Then, determine what the most popular piece is by conducting a survey. If you find your gym lacking, invest in new equipment. With enough equipment to go around, members will be able to get through their workout efficiently.
Not Enough Variety
If your facility is not offering a wide variety of fitness equipment or fitness classes, gym members may start to get bored and look elsewhere for a more fulfilling workout experience. Make sure that your equipment is up-to-date and comes in different varieties. The equipment should have the latest in health science and technology so your members can stay current. You should also have a variety of fitness classes for those members who are looking for one-on-one instruction or a group workout. Make sure that they are tailored to your members’ fitness levels. Doing so will make sure everyone is engaged and can find a class that interests them.
Inconvenient Hours of Operation
Gym members like to be able to come and go as their schedules permit, so be sure that your facility offers hours that will address these needs. If they cannot get to your gym when they need to, they will eventually look for another that will fit with their schedule. If it’s financially possible for your gym, consider switching to 24-hours of operation so your gym members can come in when they need to.
Lack of Amenities
Members are beginning to look beyond the simple exercise amenities your club offers and expecting more for their money. Try adding a daycare to accommodate members with children, as well as a sauna or tanning bed. The more you can offer your members, the more they can get done and one place and will likely return.
Disruptive Members
Do you have other gym members who are disruptive to others? No one relishes working out with someone who is loud or hogs the equipment, which can cause some members to leave. To combat disruptive gym members, establish strict policies for all members to adhere to. For example:
- Wipe down equipment after you’ve used it
- Don’t drop weights or allow them to roll away
- Always ask to use a piece of equipment if someone appears to be done with it
These rules are made not only for safety reasons, but to provide a welcoming environment to all members. Make sure you properly train your staff on how to handle a disruptive member appropriately.