How to Increase Fitness Class Attendance by 40%

Posted by Stephen Ugochukwu, Professional Basketball Player on March 29, 2021 — Updated on December 28, 2023

Learn how to increase fitness class attendance through these proven methods. When it comes to ensuring consistent and optimal fitness class attendance, there are many factors that go into making a fitness class successful.

Increasing the attendance of your fitness class can be difficult but very much possible using the right methods. Learn how to track gym member attendance and how to increase fitness class attendance by using the best fitness class scheduling software with robust and professional gym attendance tracking software.

And if you are ready to take your gym business to the next level then this is just another reason Exercise.com’s best gym management software and best personal training management software helps grow your business!

Exercise.com is simply the best. We were using three or four different apps or softwares to do what we can now do all in one with the Exercise.com platform.

Brandon Stroupe

Founder and President, APEC Sports Performance

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How to Get More People to Your Fitness Class

Maximizing your fitness class attendance is crucial to short and long-term success.
Fitness businesses have seen an increased attendance rate of up to 40% from implementing specific strategies.
For most fitness classes and businesses, a versatile software platform is often needed for management and service offerings.

For any fitness class, one of the main components of success is class attendance. Having a growing and consistent attendance rate is key to steady workflow and revenue. Increasing class attendance can be difficult, though, especially when competitors use some of the same methods or fitness routines. However, there are specific tactics known to increase and maintain class attendance regardless, and effectively implementing them into your classes can boost any class’s success. This article will go over some of the best-known methods for enhancing class attendance and sustainability.

How to Maximize the Attendance of Any Fitness Class

You’ve taken the necessary steps needed to create your fitness class, but there is one dilemma that you are struggling with — class attendance. Whether you are just starting your fitness class or have one already with recurring attendees, increasing class attendance or even maintaining attendance is no easy feat. Below, we’ll go over some methods that can maximize attendance and take your fitness class to the next level.

#1 – Streamline Fitness Class Sign-Ups

Streamlining the sign-up and payment process for your class can help bring in more class attendees. With clients being able to pay and sign-up for your classes efficiently, they won’t have to think twice or get frustrated about the process. As there can be many different factors in running a fitness class, such as location, time, duration, and setting, designing a sign-up method for clients may not be easy. A fitness business management software platform is often needed to keep everything organized and efficient and thankfully, Exercise.com can help. Use the best gym booking software for lightning quick fitness class booking online and in-person.

The Exercise.com team understands how flexible and efficient signing up for fitness classes needs to be, which is why many sign-up features are included within the Exercise.com software platform. Clients can sign up for classes online, on mobile, or in-person through gym kiosks and users are also able to customize the sign-up process. For example, users can place limits on when members can start to sign up for classes or how frequently classes can get booked.

By utilizing a platform like Exercise.com, you can ensure an efficient sign-up method is available for clients to use, which can help streamline the process and increase attendance in the log-run.

#2 – Hire the Right Instructors

Hiring qualified instructors for fitness classes can be a defining factor in maximizing class attendance. You could have all of the correct pieces in place for a fitness class, but the quality of the class is what determines a successful outcome. The right instructors can ensure classes are being run correctly and help make any fitness class stand out from the rest. Take Village Gym, a popular UK fitness chain, for example. Attendance rates increased by up 40% in some of their fitness clubs, along with increased member retention and referrals when their focus shifted to hiring the right instructors.

In an article by LesMills, Village Gym Leisure Director Chris Southall reiterated a common struggle for fitness professionals when it comes to fitness classes — being unique from competitors. Although their gyms were known for their group exercise offerings, they still struggled to stand out from other fitness clubs offering similar services. Their focus on hiring the right instructors was the key to driving the attendance of their classes.

In finding adequate instructors, you can either locate the best instructors with great credentials in and around your area or develop a program to ensure that the instructors you bring in will be highly trained. In all, having the right instructors can be an essential component and a key difference-maker in attendance growth.

#3 – Market Your Fitness Class Effectively

For new clients to come to your fitness class, they have to know it exists! Advertising your fitness class effectively can catch the attention of many and drive attendance due to the increased recognition. Aside from marketing physically, online digital marketing has become a mainstay in the marketing industry. The internet has allowed for increased visibility on a global scale, which has resulted in many opportunities for fitness businesses. Taking advantage of the online market to promote your fitness classes can have positive impacts not only on class attendance but also on your business.

#4 – Leverage Virtual Fitness Classes

Digitally marketing your fitness classes is not the only way of utilizing the internet to increase member attendance — offering a virtual option for classes can also. Just how online marketing has become a mainstay in the marketing industry, online workout services have become a key element in the fitness industry.

By offering virtual fitness classes, you allow an abundance of opportunities for attendance, whether if it’s through live-streaming your fitness classes or delivering pre-recorded classes to clients.

For tips on how to effectively live stream your fitness classes, check out our article on how to start a fitness livestreaming business powered by the best fitness livestreaming software.

#5 – Offer Member Incentives

Offering member incentives can help in retaining attendees and acquiring new ones. For instance, you can offer clients the ability to receive a free class or product if they attend a specific number of classes; or better yet, you can get new members by offering current members an incentive when they bring a friend to a class. When utilized correctly, offering member incentives has the ability to motivate clients to come to your fitness class while also allowing ways to get new clients to come as well.

Analyzing the attendance of your fitness classes can let you know what is working and what changes need to be made to improve. There could be certain months or days within the year that attendance fluctuates, and a revised class schedule could lead to a better attendance record. If you have multiple fitness classes, analyzing attendance can reveal which classes are the most successful and which ones may need further attention.

BONUS: Run a Fitness Challenge to Increase Fitness Class Attendance

One of the best ways to increase fitness class attendance is to run a fitness challenge. Get some excitement and motivation started along with a healthy sense of competition.

How do I get more people to my fitness class?

Attracting more people to your fitness class involves effective marketing and delivering engaging sessions. Promote your class on social media, your website, and via email newsletters. Collaborate with local businesses for cross-promotion and consider offering first-class free or discounted deals to attract new participants. Ensure your classes are accessible, with clear scheduling and booking options. Using fitness management software like Exercise.com can streamline this process. Lastly, positive word-of-mouth at the gym can be a powerful tool, so make sure your current clients are satisfied and motivated to recommend your class.

How do you promote a fitness program?

Promoting a fitness program requires a strategic approach. Start by clearly defining the unique selling points of your program, and identify your target audience. Use social media platforms, fitness blogs, newsletters, and your website to advertise your program. Offer enticing introductory offers to encourage sign-ups. Highlight real-life success stories from your clients and share client testimonials. Also, utilize a fitness management software like Exercise.com to demonstrate your program’s professionalism and ease of access.

How do I host an engaging fitness class?

Hosting an engaging fitness class involves planning and creativity. Keep the class dynamic with a mix of different exercises, and make sure to modify them for different fitness levels. Encourage interaction and participation from attendees. Regularly incorporate new trends or challenging exercises to keep interest high. Utilize music to create an energetic atmosphere. Feedback is also important, so always be open to suggestions and constructive criticism. Using a software like Exercise.com can also improve the experience by allowing you to share workout plans and track progress.

How do you make a fitness class fun?

Making a fitness class fun is all about creating an energetic and supportive environment. Use music to uplift the mood and motivate participants. Include a variety of exercises and keep routines fresh to avoid monotony. Incorporate games or friendly competition. Encourage social interaction among members, which can make workouts more enjoyable and motivate attendees to regularly participate. Remember to celebrate the achievements of your class members, fostering a sense of accomplishment and fun.

How do fitness coaches get clients?

Fitness coaches can acquire clients through various methods. Networking, both offline in local fitness communities and online on social media platforms, can be very effective. Offering free workshops or seminars, writing fitness blogs, and sharing client success stories can also attract potential clients. Referrals from satisfied clients can generate new leads. Use a fitness coach software like Exercise.com to manage your clients, track their progress, and provide personalized workout plans, which can impress potential clients.

What makes a great exercise class?

A great exercise class is dynamic, inclusive, fun, and effective. It should have a well-structured format, with a warm-up, a main workout, and a cool-down session. The instructor should be knowledgeable, energetic, and motivating. They should provide clear instructions, safety tips, and modifications for different fitness levels. The class should also offer variety to keep participants engaged and challenged. Using the best gym management software like Exercise.com, where you can track class participants’ progress and modify their workout plans, can also contribute to a great exercise class.

Could you give some tips on how to host an engaging virtual fitness class?

Hosting an engaging virtual fitness class requires careful planning and interaction. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a clear video setup. Make instructions as clear as possible since you’re not physically present to correct the participants. Encourage interaction by asking for feedback or questions. Keep the energy high with upbeat music and motivating commentary. Offer modifications for exercises to cater to different fitness levels. Lastly, using a platform like Exercise.com can help manage your virtual class schedule, participant registration, and progress tracking, adding to the overall experience for your attendees.

Start Increasing Gym Class Attendance

Offering fitness classes can be one of the most rewarding services for any fitness business in which attendance and member retention is crucial to overall success. By following the tips mentioned above, your fitness classes can see an increased attendance rate in no time.

Our overall experience with Exercise.com is a breeze. We love how easy it is to integrate this app with our current workflow while providing great fitness programs for our customers and save us time in the process.

Julie Ledbetter

Owner, Ledbetter Fitness

See how Exercise.com can help boost the attendance of your fitness classes by offering attendance analytics, workout creation, ecommerce, and more. Book a demo today!

References:

Les Mills | This UK chain increased GX attendance 40% by changing just one thing

Stephen Ugochukwu has a BS in Psychology with a minor in Biology. In addition to serving as a team writer for Exercise.com, he also writes content for various clients, particularly in the medical field. He played collegiate basketball at McNeese State University and is currently a professional basketball player in Europe.