Welcoming new members to your gym isn’t just another step in their fitness journey - it’s their first impression of your community, coaching, and culture, so their gym onboarding experience can make all the difference. It’s your chance to make them feel like they’ve found their home, where their goals and challenges will be met with support and solutions. That’s why having an intentional onboarding process matters.
While a PT-First model has become a favorite among many gym owners, two other popular methods - straight-to-class and group OnRamp - still hold strong for many gyms. Each approach has its perks and challenges, and understanding them can help you decide which is best for your gym.
Worth noting: According to PushPress data from 2024, which analyzed 1,262 CrossFit gyms, straight-to-class remains the most popular onboarding method, with 56% of gyms adopting this approach.
Welcome to our Onboarding Series! In Part 2, we took a deep dive into the PT-First model and explored why many gyms choose it as their preferred onboarding method. Today, we’re examining two other popular approaches: straight-to-class and group OnRamps. Let’s break down their benefits, potential drawbacks, and how they might fit into your gym’s onboarding strategy.
Straight-to-Class: The Immediate Integration Approach
Straight-to-class is exactly what it sounds like. A new member walks in, signs up, and joins a group class without any personal training or introductory sessions. It’s straightforward, no frills, and lets new members jump right into the action.
Pros
1. Immediate Engagement
One of the best parts about straight-to-class is how quickly it connects new members to your gym’s energy and camaraderie. The group setting lets them feel the buzz of your community from the very first class. They’re sweating alongside your regulars, sharing high-fives, and getting a taste of what your gym culture is all about.
2. Coaching Variety
Another great perk is that new members get to experience different coaching styles right away. Every coach brings their own flavor - some are more technical, some more motivational. Allowing new members to learn from various coaches not only keeps things fresh but also increases the chances of a coaching style resonating with them.
3. Perfect for Experienced Gym Goers
Straight-to-class is particularly well-suited for gym veterans who already know their way around a barbell or kettlebell. These folks are often shopping around, trying to find the gym that’s the best fit for their vibe and goals. Letting them dive straight into your classes shows them exactly what they’re signing up for - your community, coaching style, and programming.
4. Efficiency for Gym Operations
If you’re running a busy gym or working with a small team, straight-to-class can be a lifesaver. It’s less time-intensive than personal training or small-group onboarding, allowing you to bring in multiple new members without stretching your staff too thin. For gyms that are strapped for time and resources, this model provides a way to scale onboarding while still welcoming new members.
5. More Affordable for the Member
Straight-to-class is also easy on the wallet. Instead of requiring an upfront investment in personal training, new members can jump right into a group membership, which is generally much more affordable. For budget-conscious clients, this accessibility can be the nudge they need to commit.
Pro Tip: Want to learn how PushPress Grow can automate your gym onboarding experience and save you time with the power of automation? Book a demo with our team today!
Cons
1. Lack of Individual Attention
While straight-to-class has its advantages, one major drawback is the lack of personalized attention. A group class simply doesn’t provide the time or space for a coach to assess a new member’s fitness level, injury history, or specific goals. Without this foundational knowledge, it’s harder to deliver tailored solutions that help members succeed, and may cause them to be less likely to stick around.
2. Challenges for the Coach
Straight-to-class isn’t just tough on new members - it can be a challenge for coaches, too. Managing a group class is already a balancing act, and adding one or more new members to the mix can throw off the flow. Coaches may find themselves spending extra time with the new folks, leaving seasoned members feeling neglected. This imbalance can affect the experience for everyone.
3. Limited Relationship Building with the Coach
Many people join a gym because they want professional coaching. A trusting relationship is at the heart of this, and it can be difficult to form a real relationship between coach and client in a group environment.
4. Overwhelming for Beginners
For someone completely new to fitness, jumping straight into a group class can feel like being thrown into the deep end of the pool. The fast pace, unfamiliar exercises, and group dynamic might leave them feeling intimidated or out of place. First impressions matter, and a negative one can drive them away before they’ve even given your gym a real chance and lead to an increase in member churn.
5. Reduced Revenue Potential
From a business standpoint, straight-to-class doesn’t maximize revenue potential. Personal training sessions or small-group onboarding programs often come with a higher price tag, reflecting the extra time and attention they require. By skipping these steps, you may be leaving money on the table.
Group OnRamp: A Beginner-Friendly Introduction
The group OnRamp model found its stride in CrossFit gyms between 2012 and 2014, during a period of explosive growth in the industry. With Reebok’s partnership in 2011 putting CrossFit on the global stage, gym owners were suddenly flooded with newcomers eager to join the movement. To manage this surge, many gyms turned to the group OnRamp as a solution—a structured, beginner-focused program designed to introduce clients to the basics of CrossFit.
Typically, group OnRamps span three to 12 sessions over two to six weeks, giving new members the time and space to learn foundational movements and techniques. The goal is to prepare them for the demands of regular group classes while building confidence and competence in a supportive environment.
Pros for Using Group OnRamp
1. Structured Learning Environment
Group OnRamp provides a clear roadmap for new members. Instead of diving into the deep end, they’re guided step-by-step through foundational movements and techniques. This structure ensures they’re not just learning how to move safely but also building confidence in their abilities. For many beginners, this structured approach creates a sense of accomplishment, setting the stage for long-term success.
2. Community Building
OnRamp classes are a natural breeding ground for camaraderie. New members bond over shared experiences, forming connections with people who are also at the start of their fitness journey. These relationships often become the backbone of gym communities, driving accountability and motivation.
3. More Individualized Attention
While not as personalized as one-on-one sessions, OnRamp classes still allow for more focused coaching than straight-to-class. Coaches can take the time to ensure everyone understands the basics, offering corrections and guidance in a smaller, slower-paced environment.
4. Reduced Intimidation
For beginners, starting in an OnRamp class can feel much less daunting than jumping into a regular class. Knowing they’re surrounded by others who are also learning helps ease anxiety and builds confidence.
5. Affordable
Group OnRamps strike a balance between cost and value. While they’re typically priced slightly higher than a standard monthly membership, they remain far more affordable than PT-First. This makes them an accessible option for clients who want guidance without the higher price tag of one-on-one training.
6. Good for a Small Coaching Team
For gyms with limited staff, group OnRamps offer an efficient solution. Instead of dedicating time to personal training for each new gym member, coaches can onboard multiple clients simultaneously. This approach helps small teams manage their time effectively while still providing a structured and supportive experience for new members.
Cons for Using Group Onramp
1. Limited Personalization
Similar to straight-to-class, it can be difficult to provide enough personalized attention to each person in the group, especially if there is a huge discrepancy between fitness levels. As a result, the coach usually ends up giving the most attention to the person or people who are struggling the most with their movement patterns, while more experienced people in the group might be overlooked.
2. Scheduling and Pacing Challenges
While OnRamp classes provide structure, they also require a significant time commitment. Participants need to commit to a fixed schedule for several weeks, which can be tough for those with busy lives. Additionally, the pace of the program may not suit everyone - some may feel it’s too fast, while others wish it would move quicker.
3. Relationship Challenges
Like straight-to-class, group OnRamp makes it difficult to build strong, trusting relationships between coaches and new members. In a group setting, the coach’s attention is divided among multiple participants, leaving little room for the personal connection that fosters loyalty and long-term retention.
5. Potential for Overwhelm
For fitness beginners, the group setting and the variety of movements introduced in an OnRamp program can feel overwhelming. Without enough support or clarity, some clients may feel lost, which could discourage them from continuing their fitness journey.
6. Financial Considerations
Group OnRamp programs often sit in the middle ground financially - they’re more affordable than personal training but more expensive than straight-to-class. While this can appeal to some clients, it may not fully capture the revenue potential of onboarding for your gym.
Final Thoughts: Tailoring Onboarding to Your Gym
When it comes to onboarding, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Straight-to-class offers simplicity and immediacy, making it a great fit for experienced gym-goers and busy gym owners. group OnRamp, on the other hand, provides structure and support that’s perfect for beginners.
The best approach might be a hybrid model that combines elements of both. This way, you can meet the needs of different members while maintaining the operational efficiency of your gym. Whatever model you choose, the key is to ensure every new member feels supported, confident, and excited about their journey with your gym.
As we’ve explored in this series, your new gym members first 90 days are critical. A thoughtful gym onboarding process doesn’t just retain members - it builds a thriving, engaged community that sets your gym apart.
