To pay more at the gym TO workout or NOT workout?…that is the question
I have recently read an article about 2 Harvard grads starting a company called Gym-Pact. The concept is to charge motivational fees only. Thus, if you stick to your weekly workout schedule, you will not be charged. If you fail to or leave the “pact” / program for reasons other than injury or illness, then a larger fee will be assessed.
What do you think of this?
Would this be a good program/membership for gyms or personal trainers to promote at the beginning of the year?
What would be the downfalls?
Any suggested pricing?
For the full article go to:
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2011/01/24/gym_pact_bases_fees_o…
I haven’t read the article but I don’t think it would be successful.
Here is why.
Real estate–way to costly to invest into people who are resistant to change. The population who really need the gym most tend to be of low-socioeconomic status. People who engage in regular physical activity tend to be educated and a higher socioeconomic status.
The motivating factor for becoming a member would be external. If an individual doesn’t have a good reason to adopt a healthy lifestyle and be committed to being healthy, then they will quit. It is all about changing behavior and you can’t do it through bribery which is what I think this is in a nutshell.
Hello Lawrence,
Interesting…I have used money as a motivator in the past (from $100 to a full refund of ten sessions) if specific mutual goals were attained, and have had little or no success.
I personally would not have this business concept as the basis of income for a health club.
The “injury or illness” factor could be abused.
On the other hand, this concept would work well on a individual PT/client relationship sponsored/marketed through the facility.
“Dollar for pounds or inches” in the form of membership dues, retail dollars in the facility or gift cards from local merchants would be another type of incentive.
Sincerely,
Michael
Interesting
I have mixed thoughts about it
I think money is a motivator for most people, however I guess this is a motivator with money
My biggest question would be who’s to decide if it’s a real medical excuse and how do you determine fitness success? If a person shows up for their “weekly workout” but does a minimal amount of work, who’s cheating whom?
I think another way of doing it would be to have a volume package offered.