Group training is a significant trend in the fitness industry, and it’s not going to slow down any time soon. And for a good reason: group training offers accountability, community, and better results for people who take advantage of it.
If you don’t currently offer group fitness classes in your facility, you might wonder if it’s worth the investment.
We’re here to tell you that the answer is an unequivocal yes! In this blog, we’ll discuss the perks of offering group fitness classes at your facility and explore how doing so can help you grow your business.
Let’s dive in.
What is Group Fitness?
Group training usually involves about 10-15 participants working with a professional trainer or instructor.
Group fitness classes have pre-set programming (decided ahead of time by the instructor) and typically focus on one fitness genre, such as core, cardio, or strength training.
Group fitness provides the benefits of personal training without the hefty price tag or exclusivity. Facilities that offer group fitness typically do so in conjunction with other fitness options, such as personal training.
7 Reasons to Offer Group Fitness Classes at Your Facility
Group fitness classes are more than a marketing tool for your gym – they’re also great for your customers! Here are just a few of the reasons to start offering group training ASAP:
1. Group fitness allows members to become part of a community
Getting fit can be a solitary experience, and some people feel lost and isolated. After all – the gym can be an overwhelming place.
Members wonder which equipment to use, how long to work out, and what they need to do to get results. Others find it challenging to maintain motivation on their own.
Fortunately, group training provides a solution to all those problems.
Group fitness classes provide a community of people working toward a common goal. Whether it’s a sweaty HIIT class or a group spin class, working out together helps people push through the challenge and crush their goals.
Last but certainly not least, group fitness may improve your members’ quality of life. According to a small study published in the Journal of American Osteopathic Association, people who participate in group exercise classes enjoy more health benefits than those who work out solo.
2. Group classes make professional training more accessible
While investing in a personal trainer is a reach for some people, group training is an excellent alternative. Like personal training, group fitness provides access to professional fitness instruction without the same price tag.
Members who don’t want to shell out for personal training can still attend group fitness classes and work with a trainer they respect and admire.
3. Group classes offer motivation
Of all the people who start an exercise program, drop out within the first six months. While there are many reasons for this, lack of motivation is a big one. Fortunately, group classes help address that pain point.
Since many group fitness classes require participants to sign up (and possibly pay) beforehand, they provide an extra layer of motivation for any gym-goer who may be struggling to don their workout clothes and get sweaty. The result? More people committing to a workout program at your gym and a bigger bottom line for you.
4. Group classes provide a convenient way for members to explore something new
Maybe someone’s always wanted to try yoga or cycling or been curious about a boot camp-style workout. Whatever the case may be, group fitness provides an accessible way for people to explore new fitness methods.
Certain group classes, like cycling and aerobics, are built to encourage a social, high-energy atmosphere, which breaks down barriers to exploration and makes exercise fun for your members.
5. Group classes can increase your member retention rates
Members are the core of your business. You want to serve them and help them reach their goals. You also want to retain them and keep them loyal to your gym. Luckily for you, group classes can help you increase your member retention.
Because group training increases commitment level and motivation, it can help hold members accountable and help them invest in their fitness journey. Additionally, the sense of community offered by group classes can help your members feel more engaged with your gym and form relationships that will last a lifetime.
6. Group classes provide better results for members
Thanks to the structured, reliable nature of a group fitness routine, members who take advantage of them may see better, faster results.
Members push themselves harder during group workouts and may be motivated to achieve more when working out with others. Additionally, the accountability offered in group fitness may help people lose weight, build muscle, or meet their other fitness goals.
7. Group classes provide diverse fitness experiences
Finally, group classes provide variety for your members. The diverse class schedule associated with group fitness adds interest to your gym’s programming. It allows your members to change up their workouts, try new things, prevent boredom, and bond with other members. You’ll quickly gain a reputation for unique and exciting class options, and people will want to keep coming back for more.
The Case for Group Fitness
There you have it – group fitness is excellent for your members AND your bottom line. In addition to providing motivation, accountability, and community for your members, adding group fitness classes to your facility helps keep your programming fresh, promotes member retention, and may result in larger member spend within your facility.
So, what are you waiting for? Time to ramp up your group fitness programming!
