Imagine this: After months of seeing ads for your gym on Facebook and following you on social media, Sharon finally finds the courage to book an introductory session. But as she pulls into the parking lot, a wave of fear washes over her. For a moment, she considers turning around and going home. Then she remembers her commitment to meet with a coach. Taking a deep breath, Sharon steps out of her car and walks through your gym’s doors. What happens next will determine whether she becomes one of your loyal gym members or continues searching for a place where she feels she belongs.
Now let’s examine how two very different approaches to Sharon’s first day could play out.
Option 1:
Sharon walks into the 5,000-square-foot facility, expecting to be greeted. But she’s not. The only people she sees are two coaches throwing around heavy barbells and doing muscle-ups. Sharon feels completely out of sorts. She’s not sure where to go or who to talk to, so she just stands awkwardly near the door. Her fears start bubbling over until, finally, a coach emerges and greets her with a casual, “What’s up?” By this point, Sharon is feeling more like an interruption than a valued guest.
Option 2:
Sharon steps into the gym and is immediately greeted with a warm smile by a coach who says, “You must be Sharon. I’m Emily.” Emily walks Sharon to a quiet area, assuring her that today’s session is just a conversation to explore her goals, expectations, and concerns. Emily explains they’ll figure out together if the gym is a good fit, creating an environment of trust and care.
The Difference:
Option 2 offers Sharon the supportive and welcoming experience she needs to feel at ease, empowering her to place her trust in your gym to help her achieve her goals. This is the power of a thoughtful first-day experience.
Welcome to our Gym Onboarding Series! Today, we’re exploring why a your new gym members first day matters so much — not just for them, but for the long-term success of your business. Let’s dive in.
Pro Tip: Schedule a call with our team to learn how PushPress Grow can help automate and improve your gym’s new member experience!
Why First Impressions Matter for New Gym Members
A person’s first day at your gym isn’t just another day — it’s a defining moment in their fitness journey. How you welcome them, make them feel, and address their concerns sets the tone for their entire experience. A warm, thoughtful introduction can build trust and confidence, making them more likely to commit to a membership. Conversely, a lackluster welcome can leave them feeling unsupported and unsure, sending them straight to your competitors.
To ensure every prospect has the best possible start, you need a structured, intentional approach. Let’s dive into three common methods that gym owners use to create impactful first-day experiences for their new gym members.
The No Sweat Intro: Personalized and Pressure-Free
A No Sweat Intro is a one-on-one consultation designed to ease prospects into your gym’s community without the pressure of a workout. Instead of diving into physical activity, the focus is on conversation — learning about their fitness history, goals, concerns, and what they hope to achieve.
This method excels in creating a personalized experience. By taking the time to connect, you can address individual needs, build rapport, and position your gym as the solution to their specific problems. For someone who feels intimidated by group settings or unsure about their fitness journey, a No Sweat Intro can be the perfect way to break down barriers.
However, this approach can be time-intensive, especially for gyms with high lead volumes or limited staff. It’s also less engaging for prospects who are already confident in their fitness abilities and want to jump straight into a class.
Trial Classes: Immersing New Gym Members in Your Community
Trial classes are a popular option for giving prospects a firsthand look at what it’s like to be part of your gym’s community. From the energy of a group workout to the camaraderie among members, trial classes showcase your gym’s culture in action.
This approach works well for people who thrive in social settings or have prior gym experience. It allows them to engage with your members and coaches, experience your programming, and envision themselves as part of the group.
On the flip side, trial classes can be overwhelming for beginners. If someone struggles with basic movements or feels lost in a fast-paced environment, it can reinforce their fears rather than alleviate them. Coaches may also find it challenging to balance the needs of an inexperienced prospect with those of regular members, potentially compromising the experience for everyone.
Bring-a-Friend Days: Leveraging Familiarity
Bring-a-Friend Days create a welcoming environment by encouraging gym members to invite friends or family to join them for a workout. This method leverages existing relationships to help prospects feel more comfortable and supported.
The presence of a familiar face can make all the difference for someone nervous about trying a new gym. These events also highlight your gym’s community vibe, giving prospects a glimpse into the connections they could build if they join.
That said, the group setting of a Bring-a-Friend Day can make it difficult to provide individualized attention. Without personal follow-up, prospects might leave without fully understanding the value your gym offers.
Keys to an Unforgettable First Day
No matter which method you choose, a few key practices can enhance the experience and improve your conversion rates:
- Schedule Appointments or Registrations: Whether it’s a No Sweat Intro, trial class, or Bring-a-Friend Day, having prospects book in advance increases their accountability and allows you to prepare for their visit.
- Address Their Unique Needs: Take the time to understand their goals and concerns. Showing them how your gym can solve their specific problems demonstrates value and builds trust.
- Follow Up Thoughtfully: Just because someone doesn’t sign up immediately doesn’t mean they’re not interested. Use tools like PushPress Grow to automate follow-ups, send personalized messages, and keep the conversation going. A simple text asking how their experience was can leave a lasting impression.
The Big Picture: First Impressions Are Everything
Think of a prospect’s first day as a first date. It’s your chance to make a strong impression and show them why your gym is the right fit for their needs. While each approach — No Sweat Intro, trial class, or Bring-a-Friend Day — has its benefits and challenges, the goal is always the same: to create a supportive, welcoming environment that encourages them to take the next step in their fitness journey.
By putting thought and care into their first day, you’re not just gaining a member—you’re creating an advocate for your gym. Pair your efforts with tools like PushPress Grow to streamline your processes, nurture leads, and ensure every prospect feels valued.
Because when someone like Sharon walks through your doors, they deserve nothing less than your best.
