Using technology to increase member engagement
There’s no denying technology’s importance in a health and fitness environment. It was, in fact, the Internet and streaming services that enabled many clubs to stay afloat when the pandemic forced them to temporarily close their doors. And today, you’d be hard pressed to find a gym-goer who’s not sporting a wearable technology – the biggest trend in fitness right now.
But there’s so much more to technology’s role in health and wellness than digital streaming, heart-rate monitoring, calorie counting and sleep tracking. Now more than ever, technology is being used to interact and build bonds with clients. It’s an essential tool for engaging members – and crucial to the success and survival of fitness centers.
Current technologies present clubs with countless opportunities to engage members inside and outside of their walls, at any time of the day or night. Let’s focus on applications to enhance member engagement in the following areas: the user experience, communications and behind-the-scenes. Keep in mind that many of these solutions apply just as effectively to corporate wellness program engagement.
User Experiences
Technology makes it easy to ramp up the member experience and, by default, member engagement. The concept is rather simple: give users an experience they truly enjoy, and they likely will continue coming back for more.
That starts with personalization. Coaches and trainers today have the ability to tap into data obtained from wearables like smart watches, fitness trackers and heart-rate monitors to create exercise programs, strength-training schedules and even nutrition guidance tailored to the client’s specific needs. Through mobile apps, they can then track client progress and hold them more accountable with regard to workout routines and goals.
Smart fitness equipment also offers similar insights and information – just be sure to educate your members on how to use these machines for maximum benefit and increased engagement.
Additionally, fitness centers have new technologies available to them to create exciting, immersive and community-building experiences for their members. Providing content-on-demand allows members to have a say in what they do and where they “go” for their workout. Virtual reality workouts and gamification are on the rise, opening the door for new adventures and friendly competition among members. Investing in these types of technologies illustrates your commitment to staying current and giving members the best experience possible.
Communications
In any relationship, communication is key to success. And the fitness world is no different. Fortunately, technology has empowered fitness centers to communicate better and more frequently with members. Some avenues for maintaining a dialogue with clients regularly and, consequently, encouraging greater member engagement include:
- Your website. A one-stop shop for your brand and its customers, keep your website up to date and stocked with can’t-miss information to keep users returning to it for class schedules, important announcements and news. Ideally they will end up venturing into new areas of the site they hadn’t originally intended to visit.
- Social media channels. Give your audience (i.e. current and potential club members) entertaining and informative content as well as the opportunity to like, comment and share your posts and videos.
- Texts. Keep members abreast of important happenings (think the unexpected power outage or class cancelation). They’ll appreciate knowing you’re looking out for them.
- Push notifications. Been a while since a member set foot in the gym? Check in to show your concern for their wellbeing and nudge them to get back on track.
- Mobile apps. Keep in touch with your members anytime and anywhere with a mobile app. This technology enables coaches and trainers to communicate directly with clients and provides gym-goers with easy access to everything they need for a personalized fitness journey.
Behind-the-Scenes
Additionally, quite a few technologies can be put to work behind the scenes to bolster member engagement. Today, membership management software goes beyond scheduling, payments and facility maintenance to offer an inside look at member progress and attendance, among other important insights and analysis. Consider using this kind of data to shape your outreach efforts. Whether it’s a pat on the back for how far one has come or words of encouragement offered at the front desk to someone whose extended absence has gone noticed, these types of interactions and exchanges can positively influence member engagement by communicating that your center notices and cares for the individual.
Additionally, mobile apps give fitness center staffers a window into member habits and progress. Anytime you can better understand an individual’s story and use that information to encourage, correct or steer them in a new direction, you’ve increased the likelihood of solidifying your relationship and keeping that member engaged.
Explore Technology Solutions with Aquila
Where could your fitness center or corporate wellness program expand its use of technology to better engage members and participants? Perhaps the answer is a new mobile application or services appointment management system.
Aquila has more than 25 years of experience helping organizations identify, secure and execute technology solutions for their health and wellness needs. From membership and fee collections software to real-time fitness tracking and everything in between, our experts are well-versed in the latest products, trends and applications in the health and wellness industry.
