A lot of gym owners want to get “back to normal” and focus on fully reopening their gyms. But it’s not just gym owners…but the members and staff as well.

More gyms have either shut their doors, or changed their entire business to maintain their income and revenue. Although returning to “normal” may seem less likely with each passing day…there is hope on the horizon.

With the latest vaccine announcement from Pfizer, it seems that getting back to normal could happen relatively soon. And when that day comes to return to “business as usual,” will you be ready?

Most gym owners may not be ready, which could pose problems to grow your business.

However, if you have the right plan, you can prevent headaches that may come when you’re ready to fully reopen, and get back to what you love.

How To Be Prepared When Restrictions Are Lifted

Every day, it seems like we are getting closer and closer to the fitness industry getting back to normal–and having less restrictions. And this is great news for most gym or fitness business owners.

But are you ready when it’s time to reopen? Most gym and fitness business owners follow a steady approach—with online workouts keeping you afloat, so you can focus your efforts on implementing safety strategies, new programs to meet client demands, and serving your current clientele–while trying to grow membership and revenue.

If you want to make it easier…then you need a plan in place, one that will take the guesswork out of growing your business when restrictions are gone.  Here’s what we recommend to get you ready for the fitness industry getting back to normal:

Revisit Your Pricing

Although it’s important to maintain your current pricing structure, it may be time to adjust accordingly. For example, if you offer online training, you need to adjust your pricing to reflect the alue this service provides. You should also offer more affordable package plans, implement new front end offers, and encourage autoship memberships to meet your consumer where they currently are. Start thinking how you can make signing up an investment in their health.

Tighten Your Sales and Marketing Processes

The first lockdown resulted in membership and program revenue dropping off. So you got creative with programs and memberships, just to maintain membership and revenue.

Getting the right message to current and potential clients, and marketing your current programs and services may net you more leads that could join with the right sales approach in place. This is a crucial step, and could help your business grow once you reopen.

Keep Your Staff Motivated—And Improve Their Current Skills

The landscape in the fitness industry has changed. Online programs, video libraries, and Zoom workouts have kept businesses from completely shutting down during the lockdown.

When the dust settles, and we’re back to normal, your staff may need to improve both online and in-person services—to deliver the best customer experience possible. It’s important for them to understand the expectations, what their clients want, and the best way to help them reach their goals.

Plan, Plan, Plan

As the fitness industry gets “back to normal,” it’s will be important to invest in strategies to make this transition as smooth as possible. But some gym owners may not be ready for a grand reopening, which could limit their growth and overall success.

If you implement these tips now, you may be ready—which could take your gym, or fitness business, to the next level.

In order to be successful, you need to have a dialed-in plan, with clear, concise steps to fix current issues you’re facing. Once you get going, and these mistakes aren’t corrected, it could slow growth and lead to more sleepless nights.

But once the mistakes are corrected…

And you have your sales, marketing, and lead generation strategies in place…

You could see tremendous growth in your business, now and in the future.

Honestly, there is no better time to start building your success plan. Because face it…being ready for the future should be your #1 priority right now.

If you’re struggling right now…

Even if you don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel…

Things are looking up…and you need to be ready to go when people start resuming their normal lives.

Now, if you don’t feel like you’re as ready as you should be…

Then we’re here to help you. We’ve helped over 26,000 gym and fitness owners take control of their future, and “bulletproof” their businesses.

And so can you.

For a limited time, we’re offering FREE strategy sessions to help you to fix the BIGGEST problem you currently have.

But you need to hurry because all of our available slots are almost gone.

No gimmicks…or pushy sales tactics…and no obligation.

You’ll walk a way with an EXACT plan to fix the BIGGEST problem your gym faces right now.

CLICK HERE to schedule your session (before time runs out)

This time of year brings annual rituals like spring cleaning, pruning limbs and pulling out weeds. They’re necessary chores to get ready for a new season of growth. And this year, we can apply the same idea to our gyms amid the coronavirus crisis.

So, take the time now to review your systems, procedures, programming and personnel. What can you do to make subtle improvements or to try freshening up here and there?

We’re not suggesting a deep overhaul of your business strategy. Stick with your core offering and pricing structure.

Download our free list of resources to protect your business during the COVID-19 crisis.

But, with your staff members’ help, you can probably find plenty of smaller but helpful improvements to make. Here are a few thoughts to get you going.

• We know some gym owners who were able to renegotiate their leases – and even get some more space that they’re now turning into a useful addition.
• Others are applying fresh paint, replacing worn-out carpets and banged-up lockers, and shining glass and fixtures. That all adds up to a spiffy-looking gym, which is important in looking clean and safe, as well.
• Review your team. Who might be able to take on new responsibility? Is there someone you’ve been meaning to release? Now is a good opportunity to make these kinds of changes.
• Class size and offerings: Do you want to focus on training in small groups only? You might not have a lot of choice, depending on reopening guidelines in each state. But coordinate with your online and hybrid offerings, and consider what will be easiest to manage should you have to temporarily close again due to COVID-19.
• Can you find better deals on supplies or services? You might want to stay with your current providers but still be able to renegotiate better terms for yourself.
• Review your programming and equipment. Will each component still be relevant after reopening? Sometimes a good idea from a few years ago no longer holds up, even without a global pandemic. 

Remember we’re talking about nuance here. No major overhauls. Remember why you made the smart decisions you did, and be sure any revisions are important. You have enough on your plate without creating unnecessary work.

Also, download our free resources to provide information and context, and let us know how we can help. We’re always happy to talk.

With states starting to loosen Covid-19 restrictions on businesses, how developed is your plan to reopen your gym?

A major component of that plan must be communications – and as you’re developing the rollout, remember who you need to speak with before going public:

Your team.

Download our free list of resources to protect your business during the COVID-19 crisis.

That’s right. Before you announce your plans to your members or community, you need to meet with your employees first. 

Don’t assume they’ll do what they’re told, or that they’re as thrilled as you might be to reopen. They might have fears or other issues you need to address before going public.

You should also talk to your business coach or mentor. If you don’t have one, click on our resources document here to talk with one of ours. A Fitness Revolution coach can help you prepare for these conversations – why they’re important, and how to keep them productive. 

Why You Need Their Input

Savvy business leaders already know to communicate clearly and regularly with their employees, pandemic or not. You see it from the well-managed Fortune 500 companies as well as the best-run small businesses. 

Your employees have valuable insights and thoughts to share. Granted, they might also have thoughts that aren’t so valuable or insightful – just like everyone else. And that’s OK.

• You can’t manage a smooth reopening without their buy-in and support.
• You’ll learn valuable insight about your staff, business and customers.
• You’ll build rapport and respect by showing that you listen as well as dictate.
• Your team will appear united with clients, prospects and the community, which will increase your success with clients and prospects.

Two Main Reasons They Might Balk

If some team members say have misgivings about coming back, ask them why and listen.

First, is it possible some of them just don’t want to work? Maybe they’re enjoying the “time off,” happily drawing unemployment, and don’t have their head in the business. You might have some individual personnel issues. And this is the best way to spot them, rather than having to react later.

Second, others truly might be uncomfortable about coming back, mingling with other people, touching items that others have touched, etc. Address their concerns if possible. It could make your gym a better environment for clients, as well. 

Tell your team what you’re doing to protect their health and safety. Develop consistent messaging and deliver it in all channels. Remember it’s on to communicate with each of them, and to be sure they understand what you’re doing and what steps you will take in the future.

You Might Have to Let Go of Some

If unemployment benefits are part of the conversation, remind everyone that you offer more than a paycheck, maybe even healthcare benefits at some gyms. 

You might have to make decisions about individuals. Can someone manage administrative work or virtual workouts from home? Can you divvy up in-house time so no one feels singled out?

You might need to let some people go. Again, better to know now so you can be proactive about it.

For those who have received PPP or have applied, remember that you need to maintain the number of your full-time equivalent positions – not the same people in them.

This is a difficult time for everyone. Ultimately, you’re the one to decide what’s right for your business. We’re here to help, with free resources to provide information and context – along with the invaluable relationships gym owners develop with our coaches. We’re always happy to talk.

Everyone’s wondering when they can reopen their gyms. While we can’t give a certain date, we can tell you that right now is the time to plan for it.

It’s a confusing period, and the situation will keep changing in the weeks and months ahead. Reopening gyms is in Phase 1 of the federal reopening guidelines announced recently by President Trump. It will be up to individual governors when to allow states to reopen. And it will be up to each business owner after that.

Check out our free guide to reopening your gym after COVID-19.

This post will help you create your own reopening plan, along with an ongoing operating plan, as we keep adjusting. It’s time to ask questions, do research, make best-guess decisions – and remember that not everything will go according to plan. That’s OK — you’re creating a guide, not a pillar.

Here are questions to consider:

• What do I need to be thinking about right now? 
• What do I need to be doing right now?
• How will reopening affect my service delivery, revenue and expenses?
• Will my pre-pandemic business model be sustainable in the new market?

We recommend following these planning steps:

• Review your current business plan/strategy
• Determine what adjustments you need to make to operate right now
• Talk to your Fitness Revolution Success Coach™ (if you don’t have one, talk to one of our FR Success Coaches here)
• Firm up your plan and act swiftly and decisively (while assessing and adjusting weekly)

Here are some topics to guide your thinking.

• Services: What adjustments should you make? Consider class size, physical space, and social distancing. Will you continue online training? Do you have outdoor options?
• Plans: Do you have them in case someone tests positive or you’re ordered to close again?
• Money: What’s your plan for clients coming back from freezes? Will you need separate pricing and marketing for in-person vs. virtual training? Update your budget to account for additional cleaning. Create processes for tracking PPP or other government funds.
• Communications: Include staff, clients, prospects, vendors, neighbors, etc. Use every channel. Repeat consistent messaging. Tell them about service changes, new rules, safety procedures, and anything they’ll need to feel confident about returning.
• Safety: How do you keep your gym clean and everyone safe? Intensify your cleaning procedures to include door handles, light switches, water fountains, etc. Update supply lists. Consider outside help. Post signs so staff and members know what you’re doing.

By planning now and continually reviewing, you’ll serve your clients better today and on the other side of this. You’ll be better prepared to bring on new clients, as well, and to keep your staff united – and everyone safe.

Check out the free guide we’ve put together to prepare your business.