Top ways to boost fitness center engagement

Many employers are requiring staff to return to the office several days a week. In fact, 75% of Fortune 100 companies operate on hybrid work schedules and 21% of these companies require three office visits per week.(1)

As employees go back to the office, most expect to return to a well-managed on-site fitness center, with 36% of workers naming an on-site fitness center as a top expectation when returning to work.(2)

If designed and managed properly, your fitness center can become an important and vital part of your on-site amenity package. A well-managed on-site fitness center can generate more revenue per square foot through various strategies that maximize utilization, engagement and value for tenants and their eligible populations. Here’s how:

1. Membership fees
Implementing a competitive membership fee structure for members or offering tiered membership plans with additional perks can generate consistent revenue streams for the on-site fitness center.

2. Additional services
Offering additional services such as personal training, specialized group fitness classes, recreational activities and leagues, special events and massage therapy can create revenue beyond basic membership fees.

3. Scheduled special events
Hosting corporate events, team-building activities, or wellness retreats at the fitness center can boost revenue from event fees.

4. Product sales
Selling fitness apparel, accessories or branded merchandise at the fitness center can create additional revenue.

5. Space rental
Renting out unused or underutilized space within the fitness center for meetings, seminars, or events can generate revenue from external organizations or departments within the company.

6. Digital offerings
Offering digital fitness programs, virtual classes, or online training sessions can expand the reach of the fitness center beyond its physical location, attracting remote or off-site employees.
 
Innovative programs increase participation
HealthFitness offers innovative strategies and programs to boost engagement and maximize fitness center utilization. Here’s how:

Individualized programming, including:

• Free equipment orientation with a trainer for members and employees
• Individualized workout plans created by a trainer
• Baseline assessments and goal setting sessions

Specialty classes, including:

• Outdoor classes like rooftop Yoga
• Classes with refreshments and food
• Raffle incentives and giveaways, such as t-shirts and water bottles, for event and class participation
• Instagram-friendly classes where participants take photos or videos of their workouts for social media

 Specialty events, including:

• Open house featuring classes, educational seminars, free lunch and raffles for prizes
• Tailgate party and chili cook-off with friendly competition among team members
• Fun run 5Ks with group runs on the corporate campus
• Team-building classes foster fun, exercise-based connections

 Monthly challenges, including:

• Check-in challenge with prizes for frequent check-ins
• Group exercise challenge with prizes for most classes taken

Learn more
Connect with us to learn how HealthFitness can manage the end-to-end operations of your on-site fitness center and maximize your investment. 

1. BuildRemote
2. JLL workforce survey