Gym Onboarding Guide: Checklist, Ideas, + More

Learn how to onboard new gym members, get gym onboarding strategies, a new gym member onboarding checklist, explore creative gym onboarding ideas, and more.

To onboard gym members for maximum gym member retention, you need a well-structured and engaging new gym member onboarding process that sets the tone for their entire gym membership experience.

At Exercise.com, we understand the importance of effective gym member onboarding in building lasting relationships and increasing retention rates. By leveraging our comprehensive gym management software, you can streamline the onboarding process and provide a seamless experience for new members, ultimately driving long-term loyalty and success.

With the best personal training software, the best software for fitness influencers, the best online fitness coaching software, and the best gym management software, Exercise.com offers exactly what gym owners need to power their gym website’s booking flow, class scheduling, gym payments, and their entire gym business.

When it comes to onboarding gym members, the first impression is crucial. To ensure maximum retention, it’s essential to make new members feel welcomed and valued from the moment they step foot into your facility. With Exercise.com’s gym management software, you can customize the onboarding process to align with your brand identity and values, creating a personalized experience that resonates with members and can increase gym profitability.

Create fitness assessments and required waivers for new gym members.

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You can manage, message, and market to your new gym members and create customized new gym member welcome sequences via email, SMS, and in-app notifications.

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Step #1 – Personalized Welcome

To kick off the onboarding process, greet new members with a personalized welcome message or orientation session. This allows you to introduce them to your facility, staff, and amenities, making them feel comfortable and confident in their decision to join. Exercise.com’s gym management software enables you to automate welcome messages and schedule orientation sessions, ensuring a consistent and professional onboarding experience for every new member.

• Send personalized welcome emails or messages to new members.
• Schedule orientation sessions to familiarize new members with your facility.
• Provide a guided tour of your gym, highlighting key features and amenities.
• Introduce new members to your staff and fellow members, fostering a sense of community.

Step #2 – Goal Setting

Once new members are familiar with your facility, it’s important to help them set realistic and achievable fitness goals. By understanding their objectives and motivations, you can tailor their experience to meet their individual needs and preferences. Exercise.com’s gym management software includes tools for tracking member goals and progress, allowing you to monitor their success and provide ongoing support and encouragement.

• Schedule goal-setting sessions with new members to discuss their fitness objectives.
• Use Exercise.com’s goal tracking feature to monitor member progress and achievements.
• Provide personalized workout plans and recommendations based on individual goals.
• Offer regular check-ins and assessments to measure progress and adjust goals as needed.

Step #3 – Education and Support

In addition to setting goals, it’s essential to educate new members on proper exercise techniques, equipment usage, and safety protocols. By empowering them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, you can increase their confidence and motivation to stay committed to their fitness journey. Exercise.com’s gym management software includes resources for creating and sharing educational content, such as exercise tutorials, nutrition tips, and wellness resources.

• Offer educational workshops or seminars on topics such as nutrition, injury prevention, and stress management.
• Provide access to Exercise.com’s library of workout videos and tutorials for guidance on proper exercise form and technique.
• Assign certified trainers or coaches to new members for personalized guidance and support.
• Foster a supportive community atmosphere where members can connect, share experiences, and encourage each other.

Step #4 – Ongoing Engagement

To maintain member retention, it’s crucial to keep new members engaged and motivated throughout their fitness journey. By offering a variety of classes, programs, and events, you can provide opportunities for members to stay active, connected, and inspired. Exercise.com’s gym management software includes features for scheduling and promoting classes, tracking attendance, and managing member communications, making it easy to keep members engaged and informed.

• Create a diverse class schedule with options for all fitness levels and interests.
• Host special events, challenges, and workshops to keep members engaged and motivated.
• Utilize Exercise.com’s communication tools to keep members informed about upcoming events, promotions, and updates.
• Encourage member feedback and suggestions for improving the overall member experience.

By following these steps and leveraging Exercise.com’s gym management software, you can onboard gym members for maximum retention and set them up for long-term success. With our comprehensive platform, you can streamline the onboarding process, personalize the member experience, and foster a supportive community atmosphere that keeps members coming back for more. Ready to elevate your gym’s onboarding process? Book a demo with Exercise.com today!

Creative Gym Onboarding Ideas

Welcoming new members to your gym with a thoughtful and engaging new gym member onboarding process is key to setting them up for success and fostering long-term retention. This list offers 25 creative gym onboarding ideas to help you create a memorable experience for your members from day one.

1. Personalized Welcome Kits: Create personalized welcome kits for new members that include branded merchandise, gym essentials, and a welcome note from the staff.
2. Orientation Sessions: Schedule orientation sessions to familiarize new members with your facility, equipment, and amenities.
3. Buddy System: Pair new members with a gym buddy or mentor who can show them around, introduce them to other members, and provide support and encouragement.
4. Welcome Email Series: Send a series of welcome emails to new members that provide valuable information about your gym, membership benefits, and upcoming events.
5. Welcome Video: Create a welcome video that introduces new members to your staff, facility, and community culture.
6. Goal Setting Workshops: Host goal-setting workshops to help new members define their fitness goals and develop a plan to achieve them.
7. Nutrition Seminars: Offer nutrition seminars or workshops to educate new members on healthy eating habits and nutrition strategies.
8. Fitness Challenges: Organize fitness challenges or competitions to help new members stay motivated and engaged.
9. New Member Socials: Host social events or mixers specifically for new members to help them connect with each other and build relationships.
10. Fitness Assessments: Conduct fitness assessments for new members to evaluate their current fitness level and track their progress over time.
11. Personal Training Sessions: Offer complimentary personal training sessions for new members to introduce them to your training programs and services.
12. Member Spotlights: Feature new members in your gym newsletter or on social media to celebrate their achievements and welcome them to the community.
13. Online Member Portal: Provide access to an online member portal where new members can access resources, track their progress, and connect with other members.
14. Member Referral Program: Encourage existing members to refer new members by offering incentives such as free months of membership or gift cards.
15. Fitness Workshops: Host workshops or clinics on topics such as strength training, cardio workouts, or flexibility training to help new members learn new skills and techniques.
16. Wellness Events: Organize wellness events or seminars on topics such as stress management, mindfulness, or sleep hygiene.
17. Virtual Tours: Offer virtual tours of your facility for new members who may not be able to visit in person.
18. Welcome Reception: Host a welcome reception or open house event where new members can meet the staff, tour the facility, and enjoy refreshments.
19. Community Partnerships: Partner with local businesses or organizations to offer exclusive discounts or promotions to new members.
20. Member Appreciation Days: Host member appreciation days or events to thank your existing members for their loyalty and support.
21. Member Success Stories: Share success stories and testimonials from existing members to inspire and motivate new members.
22. Mobile App Integration: Integrate your gym’s mobile app with your onboarding process to provide new members with easy access to important information and resources.
23. Fitness Challenges: Create fun and engaging fitness challenges for new members to participate in, such as a step challenge or a plank challenge.
24. Wellness Assessments: Offer wellness assessments or screenings to help new members identify areas for improvement and set wellness goals.
25. Continuous Support: Provide ongoing support and encouragement to new members throughout their fitness journey, including regular check-ins, progress tracking, and personalized guidance.

By implementing these creative gym onboarding ideas, you can create a welcoming and supportive environment for new members and increase their likelihood of long-term success and retention. With Exercise.com’s gym management software, you can streamline the onboarding process and provide a seamless experience for your members from day one. Ready to elevate your gym’s onboarding process? Book a demo with Exercise.com today!

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Different Types of Gym Onboarding Strategies

Implementing effective onboarding strategies tailored to your specific gym business model is essential for welcoming new members and setting them up for success. This list outlines different types of gym onboarding strategies designed to cater to various gym business models and membership structures.

Traditional Gym Onboarding

• Offer personalized welcome tours for new members to familiarize them with your facility layout, equipment, and amenities.
• Provide complimentary fitness assessments and goal-setting sessions to help new members define their fitness objectives.
• Offer a variety of group fitness classes and orientation sessions to introduce new members to your class offerings and encourage participation.

Boutique Studio Onboarding

• Create a boutique experience by offering exclusive welcome events or classes for new members to showcase your studio’s unique atmosphere and training style.
• Provide personalized consultations with certified instructors or trainers to discuss new members’ fitness goals and recommend classes or programs that align with their interests.
• Offer trial memberships or class packages for new members to sample your studio’s classes and services before committing to a full membership.

Online Fitness Platform Onboarding

• Provide new members with access to a comprehensive online portal or app where they can access workouts, track their progress, and connect with other members.
• Offer virtual onboarding sessions or webinars to guide new members through navigating your online platform and maximizing its features.
• Provide ongoing support and encouragement through virtual coaching, community forums, and interactive challenges to keep new members engaged and motivated.

Hybrid Gym Onboarding

• Combine in-person and online onboarding strategies to provide a seamless experience for new members, regardless of their preferred training format.
• Offer hybrid membership options that allow members to access both in-person classes and online workouts, providing flexibility and convenience.
• Provide virtual personal training sessions or consultations for new members who may prefer a more personalized approach to their fitness journey.

Corporate Gym Onboarding

• Partner with local businesses to offer corporate wellness programs and on-site fitness services for employees.
• Provide customized onboarding materials and resources for corporate clients, such as employee wellness packets or lunch-and-learn sessions on health and fitness topics.
• Offer special promotions or discounts for corporate members to incentivize participation and encourage long-term engagement.

By implementing these tailored onboarding strategies based on your specific gym business model, you can create a welcoming and supportive environment for new members and increase their likelihood of long-term success and retention. With Exercise.com’s gym management software, you can streamline the onboarding process and provide a seamless experience for your members from day one, regardless of your gym business model.

New Gym Member Onboarding Checklist

Welcoming new gym members with a comprehensive onboarding process is essential for setting them up for success and fostering long-term retention. Use this checklist to ensure that every new member receives a warm welcome and all the information they need to thrive in your gym.

Before the First Visit

• Welcome Email: Send a personalized welcome email to new members with important information about your gym, including hours of operation, location, parking, and contact details.
• Membership Agreement: Ensure that new members have completed and signed all necessary membership agreements and waivers before their first visit.
• Orientation Materials: Prepare welcome kits or orientation packets for new members, including a gym handbook, class schedule, facility map, and membership card (if applicable).

First Visit

• Personalized Greeting: Welcome new members with a warm greeting and introduce them to the front desk staff.
• Facility Tour: Provide a guided tour of your gym, highlighting key features, amenities, equipment, locker rooms, and any safety protocols.
• Equipment Demonstration: Demonstrate how to use basic gym equipment and machines, emphasizing proper form and safety precautions.
• Group Fitness Schedule: Review the group fitness schedule with new members and recommend classes based on their interests and fitness goals.
• Personal Training Consultation: Offer a complimentary consultation with a personal trainer to discuss new members’ fitness goals and recommend personalized training programs or services.
• Goal Setting: Help new members set realistic and achievable fitness goals, and provide resources for tracking progress and staying motivated.

Ongoing Support

• Member Portal Access: Provide new members with access to your gym’s online member portal or app, where they can view class schedules, track workouts, and connect with other members.
• Member Benefits: Review the benefits of membership with new members, including access to amenities, discounts on services, and special promotions or events.
• Follow-Up Communication: Follow up with new members after their first visit to answer any questions, address concerns, and ensure they feel welcome and supported.
• Member Feedback: Encourage new members to provide feedback on their experience and offer suggestions for improvement.

Additional Resources

• Educational Materials: Provide educational resources on fitness and wellness topics, such as exercise tutorials, nutrition guides, and injury prevention tips.
• Community Engagement: Encourage new members to participate in gym events, challenges, and social activities to foster a sense of community and belonging.
• Referral Program: Inform new members about your gym’s referral program and offer incentives for referring friends or family members.

Follow-Up

• 30-Day Check-In: Schedule a follow-up check-in with new members 30 days after their initial visit to assess their progress, address any challenges, and provide additional support or guidance.
• Ongoing Communication: Maintain regular communication with new members through email, social media, or in-person interactions to keep them engaged and motivated.

By following this comprehensive gym onboarding checklist, you can ensure that every new gym member receives a warm welcome, personalized guidance, and ongoing support to help them achieve their fitness goals and thrive in your gym community. With Exercise.com’s gym management software, you can streamline the onboarding process and provide a seamless experience for your members from day one. Ready to elevate your gym’s onboarding process? Book a demo with Exercise.com today!

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How does onboarding in gyms work?

Onboarding in gyms typically involves a series of steps to familiarize new members with the facility, services, and their membership benefits. This process often starts with a tour of the gym, introductions to key staff members like trainers and customer service representatives, and an explanation of gym policies and safety procedures. The goal is to ensure members feel welcomed, informed, and confident in using the gym’s resources effectively.

What is an onboarding session like at large gym chains like Lifetime Fitness, Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, etc?

At large gym chains like Lifetime Fitness, Planet Fitness, and LA Fitness, an onboarding session usually includes a detailed tour of the facilities, an introduction to available classes and programs, and sometimes a complimentary fitness assessment or personal training session. These sessions are designed to help new members get acclimated and comfortable with the gym environment, encouraging them to utilize their membership fully.

What is a gym onboarding fee?

A gym onboarding fee is a one-time charge that new members may pay when joining a gym. This fee often covers administrative costs, access to initial personal training or fitness consultations, and the creation of personalized workout programs. The new gym member onboarding fee can vary widely between gyms and might be waived during promotional periods to attract new members.

How long should a new gym member onboarding period last?

The new gym member onboarding period should last long enough to ensure that members are fully aware of all the facilities, services, and benefits available to them. This period typically ranges from the first visit to about a month, allowing sufficient time for members to attend introductory classes, meet trainers, and become comfortable with the gym environment.

What are some good ways to sell gym addons during gym onboarding?

Good ways to sell gym addons during onboarding include offering special introductory prices on services like personal training or nutrition counseling, bundling services for a discounted rate, and demonstrating the value and benefits of these addons through testimonials or trial sessions. Clearly communicating how these services can help members achieve their fitness goals faster and more effectively can also encourage uptake.

How can I upsell personal training to new gym members?

To upsell personal training to new gym members, focus on the personalized attention and customized workout plans that a personal trainer provides. Offer a free or discounted trial session so they can experience the benefits firsthand. Highlight success stories from other members who have seen significant progress with a personal trainer. Stress the value of expert guidance in safely reaching fitness goals.

How can Exercise.com help make my new gym member onboarding process better?

Exercise.com can enhance the new gym member onboarding process by streamlining administrative tasks and improving member engagement. Its software allows for easy scheduling of onboarding sessions, automated reminders, and tracking of member participation in introductory offers. Personalized workout plans and progress tracking features in the software can also help demonstrate the value of continuing with additional services like personal training. Exercise.com provides a user-friendly platform that makes it easy for new members to sign up for classes, receive tailored fitness content, and communicate with trainers, all of which contribute to a smooth and welcoming onboarding experience.

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