4 Ways to Retain Gym Members in 2024

As New Year Resolutions begin to fade, gym owners seek creative ways to enhance the membership experience and appeal to new health-minded customers. Wise gym owners looking to breathe life into their space are focusing on their existing facility rather than undergoing expensive remodels or expansions.

According to Forbes Health, the average New Year’s Resolution lasts 3.74 months. This explains why you start losing gym members in March and April. The good news is that there are simple gym member retention strategies you can implement to encourage new members to stick around, and appeal to new members at the same time. One solution is as easy as installing high-quality commercial fans for gyms.

How to Retain Gym Members

Whether members move on from their fitness goals, find another fitness facility, or are part of a growing number of Americans who have elected to work out from home, this trend is familiar to many gym owners and managers.

The problem is not a lack of interest in fitness; one in five Americans are members of some sort of fitness program or gym. But the sad truth for gym owners is new customers are likely to abandon their membership within the first year. As Science Direct puts it, “Only 22% of members attend a health and fitness venue after a year of membership.”

So, if you own a gym and are wondering how to increase gym membership retention in 2024, here are four gym membership retention strategies you can work on today!

Encourage Engagement

You may have a state-of-the-art facility with all the best amenities, but members are much more likely to leave if they don’t feel engaged. This is especially true for those who are newly starting their fitness journey.

Offering group classes is one of the best ways to engage members. It incorporates structure into a fitness routine and allows new members to feel they are part of a community. Studies show that “85% of fitness club members visit their facility twice a week to engage in group classes, while 43% visit 4 times a week for the same purpose.”

You also must make sure you have the equipment to accommodate these groups, which leads to our next point... 

Fix Broken Equipment

This one is tricky because gyms receive an influx of new members at the beginning of the year, which means the most popular fitness machines are more likely to experience high use. While overall this is a good problem (you want your members to use the equipment!), it also can be frustrating for those who must wait an extensive amount of time.

First things first; fix broken equipment as soon as possible. It is one thing to have to wait to use a treadmill or an elliptical trainer, but it makes it even worse if members see equipment with “Out of Order” signs taped on, or safety becomes compromised.

When a machine breaks, get it fixed ASAP. Losing members costs far more than hiring a handyman. This is one of the most important gym member retention strategies.

Second, pay attention to what equipment gets the most use, and if any machines tend to be neglected. At peak hours, you may notice that all the treadmills are taken, but there are unused stationary bikes or stair climbers. It may be time to switch out some of the rarely used equipment to get more of what is popular.

Price Membership Appropriately

In the United States, the average monthly cost for a gym membership is $40 to $70 per month. Some gyms advertise prices as low as $10 a month, while high-end facilities can be $200-plus.

The key here is to make sure that the perks of membership are in line with the cost of membership. Those gyms that can pull in over $200 in monthly fees per member? Many of them boast saunas, lounges, personal training, and other amenities. Make sure to be intentional about what you are charging, and that members feel they are getting good value.

Ensure a Comfortable, Welcoming Environment

This is a big one, and it is often overlooked. We go to the gym to get sweaty and feel uncomfortable, right? Well, that may be part of it. But just because the exercises may be strenuous doesn’t mean that the gym environment cannot feel welcoming.

Studies have shown a significant increase in airborne chemicals in areas where people work out. These unpleasant vapors are what lead to that “gym smell” that we all know so well. Gym members pick up on these odors the moment they walk through the door.

Another thing to consider: the International Fitness Association recommends the temperature in most areas of your gym should be between 65-68°F and that the humidity level should be between 40% and 60%. An environment that is too hot or humid is not only uncomfortable for gym-goers, but it can lead directly to heat stroke or over-exhaustion.

So, what can you do? The solution here is surprisingly simple: commercial ceiling fans for gyms. Here are a few different options depending on the size of your facility.

HVLS Industrial Fans for Gyms

Industrial ceiling fans, also known as HVLS (High-Volume, Low-Speed) fans, are the perfect solution if your gym has ceilings that are taller than ten feet. These are big fans for gyms, usually measuring between 7-24 feet in diameter.

Industrial ceiling fans will make your gym feel up to 10°F cooler, and help deal with humidity, moisture, and “gym smell.” They are incredibly quiet, and the cooling effect will help you save on your electric bill year-round. Hunter offers HVLS ceiling fans for gyms that feature an industry-leading Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Commercial Ceiling Fans for Gyms

If your gym has shorter ceilings, we recommend commercial ceiling fans for gyms like the Hunter Trak Wired Fan. Trak Wired fans are the perfect combination of performance and aesthetic appeal. Trak Wired’s intuitive control options allow you to command your entire fan network at the touch of a button.

Air Circulating Fans for Gyms

For a final gym member retention strategy, we recommend the placement of industrial air circulating fans around your fitness space. Air circulating, also known as cage fans, come in a variety of sizes and mounting options. Place Pedestal Fans and Drum Fans throughout your facility to provide a cooling effect in cardio areas. Air circulating fans can be mounted on the wall or ceiling, some can oscillate, and some allow a misting kit accessory.

Get the Air Flowing in Your Gym Today

Are you ready to boost gym member retention by installing commercial fans for gyms? At Hunter Industrial & Commercial, we are here to help! Our fans come with an industry-leading warranty, and our US-based customer service is ready to help you decide which option works best for your space. Contact us today for a FREE QUOTE!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Benefits of Fans for Gyms

Read below to find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about commercial ceiling fans for gyms. Do you want to learn more? Our ceiling fan experts are here to help. Contact us to learn more!