The New Year is an exciting time for fresh starts and new goals for both fitness studio owners and potential new clients. As people flood into gyms and studios eager to make a change, launching a 30-day challenge is a perfect way to tap into that enthusiasm. These challenges not only help clients hold themselves accountable but also foster a sense of community and boost class attendance. Here's how to design a fun and effective New Year's challenge that keeps everyone motivated all month long.
Start by deciding what the challenge will focus on. Choose a goal that not only reflects your studio's values but also resonates with your clients' fitness ambitions.
- "Attend X Classes in 30 Days" – This encourages consistency and helps clients make fitness a priority.
- "Strength and Stretch: Incorporate Strength Training and Yoga Twice a Week" – Allows participants to enjoy the best of both worlds and diversify their workouts.
- "Commit to Core: Complete 10 Core-Focused Workouts This Month" – Focuses on building strength in an essential area.
My favorite is a "Choose Your Goal" challenge where clients can self-select an attendance target that supports their lifestyle and goals.
Make sure the challenge is tough enough to be stimulating but achievable for most of your clients. Setting the right level of challenge keeps people engaged. Remember to offer a special challenge package (like a 30-day unlimited pass) for anyone who doesn't have an appropriate package. I've found that clients who upgrade to unlimited options during a challenge often want to keep their unlimited package after the challenge ends.
A little extra motivation goes a long way. Consider offering a meaningful reward that won't break the bank.
-Grand Prize Winner- Free month or class package (You only have to give away one!)
- Studio-branded merchandise like water bottles or tanks – Everyone loves to wear their team's colors.
-Water bottle stickers – Decorate those Stanleys with challenge stickers (you can get them on Etsy for less than $0.50 ea!)
- Raffle for a Bigger Prize – Consider options like a wellness package or a personal training session.
- Partner Prizes – ask your local business partners to donate gift certificates or prizes to create a big bundle
-Group Party or Class- everyone who plays the challenge gets to come to the final party to mix with their new friends.
Keep it simple. Make sure that everyone knows what they need to do to succeed. Track progress with a visible challenge board in the studio. Set up a board where participants can check off classes or workouts with stickers or colored markers. This visual representation can boost motivation and create a sense of FOMO for members who haven't signed up yet.
If you're using challenge cards or bingo cards, here's a pro tip – Keep the cards in the studio by taping them to the wall, mirror, or lockers (I learned this the hard way when everyone lost theirs). It gives a tangible sense of accomplishment as they fill it out, creates a sense of community when everyone sees the wall of cards and prevents the crumbled mess in the bottom of those gym bags.
- Social Media Teasers – Share sneak peeks about what's coming. Post the challenge board, tease the name, or show you working on the creation in your stories.
- Email Announcements – Send out more emails than you'd think (at least three, but aim for five) that lay out the challenge details, goals, testimonials from future challenge transformations, and any special events related to the challenge.
- Count Down – Use a countdown timer in your studio or on your website to build anticipation. Just seeing the timer can get people excited.
- Post the board and the rules early and ask people to sign up when they come in for class weeks before the actual start date.
One of the best parts of a New Year's challenge is how it brings people together and builds enthusiasm. The studio should buzz during challenge month! Use this opportunity to foster camaraderie among your clients.
- Kickoff Event – Host a fun group workout to kick off the challenge. This helps break the ice and builds energy.
- Weekly Progress Updates – Share highlights on social media, celebrating milestones and friendly competition to keep everyone engaged.
- Mid-Challenge Meetup – Organize a casual gathering or check-in class midway through the month to keep motivation high and help participants share tips and stories.
-End of Challenge Party – I like to host a special advanced class with a potluck or mini-mixer afterward to hand out prizes and celebrate everyone's achievements.
A well-planned 30-day New Year's challenge is such a fun way to harness the new season's energy. Not only will your current clients feel inspired and motivated, but it's a fast track for new clients to put down roots and quickly see commitment pay off, too.
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