Member Experience

Gym Onboarding Series, Part 4: Creating An Unforgettable First 90 Days

A gym onboarding process that sets your new members up for success in the first 90 days can be a game changer. Here are our tips to make yours world class!

Emily Beers
December 5, 2024
Gym Onboarding Series, Part 4: Creating An Unforgettable First 90 Days
TL;DR
A gym onboarding process that sets your new members up for success in the first 90 days can be a game changer. Here are our tips to make yours world class!

So, you think you’ve nailed your gym onboarding process. It starts with a No Sweat Intro, followed by anywhere from three to 15 personal training sessions based on the new member’s experience, goals, and budget. But what else can you do to make those crucial first 90 days unforgettable?

Welcome to our Onboarding Series! We’ve covered why having a system for onboarding is critical to success, the importance of a strong first day, the PT-First model, and alternatives like straight-to-class and group OnRamps. Now, let’s dive into additional strategies to elevate your onboarding process and ensure your gym’s new members feel confident, supported, and connected right from the start.

Bolstering Your Gym Onboarding Experience

1. Regular Communication: Build Trust Beyond the Gym Walls

For many new members, joining a gym can be overwhelming. They may worry about fitting in, mastering techniques, or staying consistent. These emotions don’t end when they leave the gym - they carry them home.

This is where PushPress Grow’s automated workflows come to the rescue. Workflows allow you to communicate with members between visits, checking in to address concerns, celebrate progress, or even share valuable resources like healthy recipes. This steady stream of support builds trust and confidence, helping members stay engaged with their fitness journey.

Pro Tip: Use Grow’s ready-to-go, 90-day workflow for new gym members and customize them to reflect your unique voice and brand. And if you don’t have PushPress Grow? Book a call with our team to learn how Grow can empower your gym!

2. Online Social Forums: Foster Community From Day One

An engaged community is often the heartbeat of a thriving gym. That’s why having a centralized online social forum, like the Social Feed in the PushPress Members App, can be a game-changer. Think of it as a modern alternative to Facebook groups - but tailored to your members.

From event announcements to playful banter, the Social Feed makes it easy for members to connect, even if they’re hesitant in person. Gym owner Kurt Miller of South Mountain Community Fitness shared that his Social Feed boosted client engagement, even drawing in members who typically stayed on the sidelines.

“We have a 69-year-old member who never had Facebook. Now, he’s tagging left and right,” Miller shared.

By creating an inclusive and engaging digital space, you’ll strengthen bonds within your gym community and make new members feel at home faster.

Gym Onboarding
Create a world class onboarding and member experience with PushPress.

3. Commit to a Committed Club

Accountability is a cornerstone of long-term fitness success. One way to reinforce it is by creating a Committed Club for your gym that recognizes members’ consistency.

For example, set a goal of 12 check-ins per month to qualify. Members who achieve this can earn recognition on a leaderboard, a shoutout in the Social Feed, or even small rewards like custom pins or gym swag.

Gym owner Chris McDermott of Cryptid CrossFit swears by this approach. Since launching his Committed Club, members have shown increased consistency and pride in their achievements.

“We created custom pins for those who hit 14 visits a month. They’ve become great incentives for our members to stay consistent,” McDermott said.

4. Celebrate Milestones: Small Wins, Big Motivation

Acknowledging milestones - like a member’s 10th, 25th, or 50th workout - can make a huge impact on their motivation. These celebrations don’t have to be extravagant; even a shoutout on the Social Feed or a quick class announcement can boost morale and help members feel seen.

5. Track Progress: Show Members Their Wins

One of the biggest factors in member retention is their ability to see tangible progress. However, many members struggle to notice incremental improvements, which can lead to frustration.

That’s where PushPress Train comings in! It’s a seamless progress-tracking platform integrated into the Members App. By tracking workout performance and progress over time, Train allows your members to see measurable improvements, reinforcing their commitment to the process.

6. Host Social Events: Build Bonds Beyond Workouts

A strong gym community isn’t just built during workouts - it’s cultivated through shared experiences. Hosting events like BBQs, holiday parties, or even community sports tournaments can create lasting connections among your members. Send personal invites to new members for any events you’re hosting. A direct invite makes them feel valued and increases the likelihood they’ll attend.

Create regular social events at your gym to drive community and growth.

7. Schedule Regular Gym Member Check-Ins

The first 90 days of your gym onboarding are a prime time to connect with members on a deeper level. Scheduling monthly check-ins allows you to reassess goals, offer additional support, and show members you’re invested in their success. Turn these check-ins into a premium membership perk, offering personalized goal-setting sessions for an added value to your services.

8. Offer Educational Seminars and Workshops

Providing education is a powerful way to enhance your gym’s member experience. Host workshops on topics like nutrition, injury prevention, or mobility. These events not only position your gym as a hub of expertise but also provide opportunities to cross-sell services like personal training or nutrition coaching.

Final Thoughts: Onboarding Is More Than Just a Checklist

The first 90 days are your chance to make a lasting impression and set the tone for a long-term relationship with your members. By implementing strategies like regular communication, progress tracking, and community-building initiatives, you create an environment where members feel supported, valued, and motivated to keep coming back.

Onboarding doesn’t stop with a No Sweat Intro or personal training sessions - it’s an ongoing effort to build trust, connection, and confidence. Investing in these critical early days will lead to stronger member retention, positive word-of-mouth, and a thriving gym community.

Whether it’s utilizing PushPress Grow’s workflows, launching a Committed Club, or leveraging progress tracking with PushPress Train, small changes can create big results. Start refining your onboarding strategy today and watch your gym grow!

Emily Beers

Emily Beers is a health, fitness and nutrition writer. She has also been coaching fitness at MadLab School of Fitness in Vancouver, B.C. since 2009.

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