3 Ways to Boost Fitness Class Participation

Are your class participation numbers dwindling? There are many things you can do to gain new participants and keep people exercising with you, year after year.  The following three tips are easy to implement (and you may already be doing some of them).

Cross-Promote With Other Fitness Instructors

You are part of a team, so don’t be overly competitive with your teammates. Work with other instructors in your facility to get the word out about your services and show participants that you’re working together to bring awareness to different classes. Give members options that they might not have considered. For example, if you teach HIIT, you could mention that your colleague teaches yoga the next morning and that yoga would be a good choice for active recovery after HIIT; information like this gives members an opportunity to stretch and be mindful, and it demonstrates that you have their best interests in mind.

Reward the Regulars in Your Fitness Classes

Aren’t regular attendees the best? Don’t take them for granted. Instead, think about how to reward them. Set aside some money—it doesn’t have to be a large amount—for purchasing or creating small thank-you tokens. I have picked up small gifts or healthy treats at the dollar store. Purchase inexpensive note cards or other thoughtful items. Giving them out at the end of a group fitness session can be quite impactful.

These little gratitude gifts genuinely show your appreciation. They’re a great way to keep relationships strong and continue to build rapport. Also, make a note to listen to what people share in class! Two of my participants got engaged at the same time, and I gave each of them a gift card they weren’t expecting. It made their day!

See also: How to Keep Attendees in Class

Go on a Field Trip

Take an evening off! If raffles aren’t your thing, get your group out for the evening. This doesn’t have to be a big event that takes up a lot of time. I recently got one of my classes together for a themed paint night, where we all attempted to create the same piece of art. I also brought healthy snacks for everyone. The great thing about this activity: During classes, the same groups of people all stand with each other in the same parts of the room. At an outside event like this, participants can get to know everyone else and create new bonds. I have found that those who connect with other participants feel more excited and motivated to come to class.