13 gym improvement ideas to boost the member experience

Boosting the member experience is more than just having new workout machines or lots of classes. It's about thinking of the big picture.

A great gym that keeps its members returning offers more than just the newest machines or extra classes.

To keep members happy and loyal, you must consider every element of their time at your gym. Here are thirteen simple ideas to make your gym even better.

13 best gym improvement ideas

1. Update your gym's layout and design 

An attractive and functional gym layout can significantly enhance your member's overall experience. Ensure ample space for machines, free weights and members to move around comfortably. Ensure your gym is well-lit, clean, and inviting. 

2. Invest in high-quality equipment

While having the latest fitness equipment isn't everything, it certainly helps. Members appreciate when their gym invests in high-quality, advanced machines and equipment. This improves their workout experience and shows you care about their fitness journey. 

3. Provide diverse fitness classes 

Various fitness classes cater to your members' interests and fitness levels. This can include everything from yoga and Pilates, to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and spinning classes. 

4. Prioritize cleanliness 

Maintaining cleanliness in your gym is not just about aesthetics; it's about providing a safe space for your members. Poor hygiene can lead to various health issues, including skin infections, athlete's foot, and even more severe conditions. 

Gyms should regularly clean and disinfect all equipment and provide members with anti-bacterial wipes or sprays before and after workouts. 

5. Incorporate technology

Integrating technology into your gym can significantly enhance the member experience. This can include offering a mobile app for easy class bookings, using gym management software, providing wearable fitness trackers, or installing fitness machines with interactive screens. 

6. Provide excellent customer service 

Members' experience with your staff can significantly influence their perception of your gym. By prioritizing excellent customer service, gyms can retain existing members and create an environment that attracts new ones.

At the heart of any successful gym is its team. Staff should be friendly and must show professionalism at all times. Their knowledge about fitness, equipment, and the gym's services is crucial. 

When members approach them with questions or concerns, they should be equipped to provide accurate and helpful responses. Moreover, every interaction should make members feel both welcome and valued. 

7. Offer personal training services 

Helping members achieve their fitness aspirations through personal training services can significantly enhance their motivation, provide tailored guidance, and foster a more committed relationship with their health journey.

Personal trainers do more than just guide exercises; they craft tailored workout plans aligning with a member's unique needs and goals.

Beyond physical routines, they can also offer invaluable nutritional guidance, ensuring members are fueling their bodies correctly. Perhaps most importantly, a personal trainer is a pillar of motivation, pushing members to persevere, especially when motivation wanes. 

8. Provide healthy food options 

From setting up a juice bar that offers fresh, nutrient-packed beverages to stocking up on pre or post-workout snacks that fuel and replenish, these additions cater to members' nutritional needs.

Offering these options adds a layer of convenience for members who might be rushing from a workout to their following commitment. It reinforces the message of holistic health and well-being.

By matching your gym's food choices with what your members want for their fitness, gyms can be a place that fully supports a healthy way of living.

9. Create a community atmosphere 

Building a community fosters genuine connections among members. Such an environment can be a powerful tool for encouraging member retention.

Organizing social events, initiating fitness challenges, or planning group outings provides members opportunities to bond, share their fitness journeys, and feel a more profound sense of belonging.

When members view the gym as a place to work out and a space where they belong and are valued, they are more likely to stay committed and engaged.

10. Regularly survey members 

Consistent feedback is the cornerstone of improvement. By regularly surveying members about their experiences at the gym, you tap into a goldmine of firsthand insights. This feedback sheds light on the aspects members love and areas needing a tweak or overhaul.

Instead of making assumptions, you get a clear picture of their needs, preferences, and pain points. With this knowledge, gym owners can make informed decisions, ensuring the gym meets and exceeds members' expectations.

11. Outdoor workouts 

Outdoor workout spaces provide a refreshing change of scenery and tap into the holistic benefits of exercising in natural surroundings. By offering outdoor workouts, the gym can cater to those seeking a blend of nature and fitness, setting you apart in a competitive market.

12. Member rewards program 

People love being rewarded, and gym members are no exception. An effective member rewards program can be a significant factor in improving member retention and satisfaction. This can include points for check-ins, birthday rewards, or discounts on gym products and services. 

13. Revamp your locker rooms

While cleanliness and maintenance are the basic expectations for any gym locker room, there's potential to elevate the experience for your members. Think beyond the basics.

Introducing spa-like showers can offer a touch of luxury, while vanity areas provide convenience for those who need to freshen up post-workout.

Stocking up on high-quality essentials ensures members feel pampered and valued.

By transforming your locker rooms into spaces of comfort and luxury, you meet and surpass member expectations, making each visit to your gym memorable.