According to Forbes, consistency is one of the top characteristics of a successful business. Your clients and members are attracted to return time and time again if they receive the same satisfied experience each time they check in. There several areas in which you can audit to ensure that your members receive a consistent, positive experience each time they check in, such as:
- Quality of customer service and training services
- Quality and variety of fitness classes
- Monthly payment processing
- Cleanliness of facility
- Regular equipment replenishment and updates
When it comes to equipment replenishment and updates, quality inspection is important for all training equipment from treadmills to tubing. However, you might be missing one important piece of the puzzle. Maintaining consistency when it comes to equipment isn’t only about quality and safety inspections, it is also critical to your member experience to ensure that you have the right quantity & variety of equipment.
For example, do you have an idea of what the most popular weights are for dumbbells and kettlebells in your fitness classes? The most popular resistance levels for tubing? If you aren’t sure, ask your trainers and instructors to shed some light on the weights or resistance levels are most widely used in classes. Or, if it is permitted in your facility, take a walkthrough the storage area of your fitness studio during some of your most popular classes and take note of the equipment mix that is and isn’t in play.
Another top characteristic of successful business is audience knowledge, which is why it is important to not only make sure that you are providing the right mix of equipment, weights, and quantities, but also take note of what they are doing with the equipment.
For instance, you might have noticed more action on your lifting platforms lately. The classic sport of Olympic lifting is on the rise both for competitive and recreational athletes. In fact, between the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, membership in USA Weightlifting (USAW) more than doubled, from 11,000 to over 26,000. USA Weightlifting certification courses are becoming more widely attended by personal trainers as well as strength and conditioning coaches. Large health clubs such as Lifetime Fitness and Equinox have started adding Olympic lifting equipment and platforms to their facilities.
Adding more barbells and bumper plates to accommodate the Oly lift trend is another way to show members that your club is consistently on the pulse of trends and provides the tools to support.
Next time you complete an equipment inspection or simply just walk through your club at a peak time, don’t just check for equipment that is damaged or needs replaced. Take note of the most popular pieces and weights and HOW the equipment is being used.
