As more members return to regular workouts, we’re seeing a need to focus more than ever on wellness programs for gyms. Members are no longer satisfied with gyms that are one-dimensional. Over the past two years, they’ve learned that health is more than just physical, and they want a gym membership that supports their efforts to pursue whole-person wellness.

What is wellness?

The Global Wellness Institute defines it as an active pursuit of healthier lifestyle choices. The institute goes on to list seven dimensions of wellness:

• Physical (including nutrition, recovery, and sleep)
• Mental (engagement with the world and challenges that test problem-solving abilities)
• Emotional (recognition and expression of feelings, for ourselves and others)
• Spiritual (existential meaning or higher purpose)
• Social (community connection or engagement that is meaningful and fulfilling)
• Environmental (developing and encouraging lifestyle choices that support sustainable living and environmental stewardship)

How can a gym support member wellness?

Let’s break down wellness programs for gyms by the dimensions of wellness they support. The programs or facility highlights listed are ones Aquila facilities managers have tested and found to be the most popular and effective.

Physical

• Nutrition classes or one-on-one consults
• Meal prep classes (in-person or virtual)
• Recipe sharing challenges or meals
• Foam rolling or stretching classes
• Sleep hygiene pointers to improve sleep quality

Mental

• Workout challenges that test grit and mindset
• Journaling tips and pointers
• One-on-one wellness strategy sessions with fitness professionals

Emotional

• Recognition of milestones and personal challenges, overcome
• Trainers asking for feedback during and after workouts
• Members being called by name and applauded for their efforts

Spiritual

• Introductory yoga classes or sunrise yoga
• Guided meditation classes

Social

• Member recognition and referral programs
• Small-group training
• Member challenges and leaderboards

Environmental

• WELL v2 gym design elements
• Responsible “bring your own towel” programs
• Water bottle fillers in the fitness center
• Outdoor workouts or “grounding” exercises

Put wellness into practice at your gym

Fitness center programming that supports members’ active pursuit of positive lifestyle changes can be engaging and community-building. To implement a wellness program structure at your gym, consider a quick consulting call with the experts at Aquila. Contact us at info@aquilaltd.com to learn more about our fitness center management and wellness consulting services. Aquila has more than 25 years’ experience managing fitness centers and increasing member engagement, and we’ll help you determine which services are best to serve your gym and population.