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A leading automotive manufacturer partners with HealthFitness to manage its 45,000-square-foot corporate fitness center and engage the company’s 8,000+ employees — as well as their families — in health and wellness.


HealthFitness Manager Amy leads a 25-member team that connects and empowers employees to improve their quality of life at work and at home — not only in fitness, but also their overall health and wellness. The company’s goal is to provide an effective way for its workers and their families to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors, resulting in improved productivity and enriched lives.

During the last two years with the challenges of the pandemic, utilization of the fitness center decreased, and the fitness center lost 25 percent of its membership. After the fitness center reopened, the team focused on steady growth in order to return to pre-pandemic levels.

HealthFitness Manager Amy says that members are looking for connections and her team is using innovative ways to create community at the fitness center. Here’s how:

Buddy sessions
One new way the HealthFitness team connects members is through buddy sessions, where two people (often spouses, or two co-working friends) train together and have similar fitness goals. “Buddy sessions are popular because the members share the cost of training and get to spend time together,” Amy says. “Members still receive an individual approach to fitness, but because they are working out with a co-worker or a family member, they get a social connection and accountability partner at the same time.”

Pop-up group exercise
To create enthusiasm and increase engagement, the HealthFitness team offers group fitness classes in new formats that are not on the regular group exercise schedule. They announce the pop-up classes two days before the class to gauge interest and generate excitement — and often bring in a new instructor to create a buzz. “Our pop-up classes have done really well,” Amy says. “We’ve learned that our members sometimes need last-minute classes to motivate them to join. It adds something different to their fitness routine and they appreciate it.”

Fitness buddies
Another way to connect members and hold them accountable is through fitness buddies, where members can pick their own buddy or be assigned a buddy. They receive a monthly calendar with a goal of completing two activities (wellness and fitness) each day for as many days of the month that they can. If they reach 18+ days, the buddies are recognized and rewarded. “The daily activities are not difficult,” she says. “It’s more about creating awareness and a holistic approach to fitness and wellness.”

Outdoor fitness
Another way the HealthFitness team boosts community is to connect outside the four walls of the fitness center. For example, the fitness center was closed on Thanksgiving, but members gathered outdoors to do a 5K together with the HealthFitness team. “Members brought their dogs, we took photos, it was a fantastic event,” Amy says. “Even when the fitness center is closed, we are interacting and creating a supportive environment — and the company appreciates our efforts.”

Community sharing wall
It’s often the simple ideas that make a big impact. For example, with the community sharing wall, members write their success stories and health and fitness goals. “Members often respond to each other, so it acts like a conversation wall of support and gratitude,” Amy says. “They enjoy cheering for each other and our staff adds encouraging notes, too.”

A place for support
Amy’s team knows that members need support in their fitness journey. “Our fitness center is welcoming — we celebrate everyone’s milestones and support each step they take in their fitness journey” she says. “There’s an understanding and respect that we all go through seasons where results may not be as great, and yet we still provide that support — and that’s what keeps our members coming back to the fitness center.”

She notes that some members don’t receive the same support at home, so the HealthFitness team creates as many opportunities as possible to be their on-site cheerleaders to inspire them on their path to health and wellness.

Real results
This team’s focus on creating connections has resulted in a steady increase of revenue and fitness center utilization. Since January 2022, the total number of fitness center visits increased 167 percent, personal training sessions increased 142 percent, and group exercise participation increased 40 percent.

“While we aren’t fully back to where we were in 2019, we are nearly there,” Amy says. “We feel confident we will reach our goals — and even exceed them.”

Learn more
Discover how to help employees create connections at your corporate fitness center. Connect with us for a no-obligation meeting today.