Thursday, September 13, 2007

The DNA of Group Fitness Schedules

I often get asked how to schedule group fitness classes to maximise numbers and yet provide enough variety . The key is to understand the DNA of programming. Focus on maximising numbers with minimum programs

Myth Number One- Variety does not equal more people
IHRSA Research shows the average member visits the club 1.75 time a week. Assuming they visit the club at a similar period each day the amount of variety across the week should be minimised to ensure they get the workout of choice at least twice a week!

Myth Number Two- Most people cross train.
Most group fitness members who visit twice a week only use one program. Members who use visit the club three or more times are likely to cross train with two or more programs

Myth Number Three - People wont change their time to workout
If the program and instructor are good enough most group members will shift their workout time an hour forward and back. The traditional 40 hour week with strict start and finish times is over. Most workplaces allow for glide time as long as the work is done. For the growing number of self employed working at home glide time is everyday

Putting It All Togther
Given the above Myths use your top programs to create your timetable foundation. These represent the core DNA of your weekly schedule and keep it strong. (See example of a single studio with 8 programs above) At peak time-slots offer the mot popular programs and strong instructors to create loyalty amongst the participants. This will allow you to build attendances beyond peak slots using this instructor/program combination.

Use your top three or four programs (identified from calculating program averages) to thread classes through the week and down each day. Your top two programs will have the most classes and so provide the strongest theme (DNA) for your timetable. Next fill in the empty slots with niche and service programs. This is where you add the variety. Its like painting by numbers!
Applying this basic strategy to each zone (early morning, mid morning, lunchtime and evening) you build very popular 2-3 hour workout zones with managable variety rather than over-packed single time zones and empty shoulder and off peak slots.

The answer lies in the DNA of Group Fitness scheduling. Good luck

1 comment:

Brian said...

Do you need some info on fertility acupuncture los angeles? Then these guys should work for you. Good luck!