7 Ways to Get Involved in the Community
1. Host an outdoor fitness event
Take advantage of local public spaces and warmer weather to get your members—and the public—outdoors. In Boston, several local health clubs—including IHRSA members like Healthworks—have led fitness classes outdoors as part of the Boston Public Health Commission’s “Summer Fitness Series” initiative to get more people moving during warmer months.
2. Support a local charitable cause
Open your club up to your community and donate the proceeds to a local charity. ACAC in Charlottesville, VA has been successful with a “25 days for $25” model, in which community members pay $25 for 25 days of membership at the club. Under this model club traffic doubled and 33% of participants joined the club following the promotion.
3. Organize a running team for a local 5K
Many cities and towns are home to walks or runs during warmer months. Create a running group and race in a local 5K with team shirts to get your brand out there. Allow non-members to join the team too, with training sessions once or twice a week and access to your club leading up to the race.
4. Exhibit at a health fair
Many corporations are concerned about their employees’ health, as healthier employees are often more productive and incur fewer healthcare costs. Offer to run a table at a company health fair, where you can give health and fitness tests and promote the solutions your club could provide to their employees. Events like this are also a great place to expand special programs for non-members.
5. Offer programs for the community
If you offer weight loss or other specific programs, try marketing them to the community. This can help introduce prospective members to your club before they may be ready to commit.
6. Go on local radio
Showcase your expertise by offering to go on a local radio show and discuss physical activity and health. Talk about the programs at your club, any upcoming community events, and the benefits of physical activity.
7. Get locals into your club
Consider offering one or two classes on the weekend that are open to non-members for a drop-in fee. These classes can add revenue and introduce people to your club who may never have come in before.
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