As I outlined in a recent post, no time is better than now to take a proactive role in how you are managing your members’ overall engagement. In the coming weeks I will spotlight a dimension of wellness by sharing tactics and implementation strategies with the simple goal of inspiring everyone to live well.

Generally speaking, everything in moderation is better than indulging in too much of just one thing. However, when it comes to physical activity, this dimension of wellness is essential for all demographics regardless of age, since maintaining mobility and functionality is a key component for living a healthy lifestyle.

You might think that your business is already built around providing an environment that focuses on the “physical” with state-of-the-art equipment, group programming, personal training opportunities, and amenities galore. Consider integrating some of these unconventional suggestions so you can stay connected to your members and their families outside the walls of your facility.

1. Step up your content marketing for FREE.

Increase your market share by supporting robust motivational resources and tips through broadcasting your commitment to help Americans live healthy.

It’s recommended that adults get 30 minutes of physical activity a day, and children get 60 minutes of exercise a day, for at least five days a week. This may sound easy enough; however, less than 20% of Americans actually heed this information. As a result, adult obesity has doubled since the 1970’s. 

The #0to60 campaign offers valuable content celebrating 60 years of working to help Americans move more, eat healthier, and live stronger. It also shares the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN) and Foundation’s mission to inspire a healthier lifestyle for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. In partnership with the Foundation, the Council has developed an innovative new #0to60 App and mobile-ready website full of tips and information on how all Americans can accelerate their journey and integrate regular physical activity and good nutrition into their everyday lives.

There is no downside to staying in touch with your members through social media outlets and providing reliable tips and resources to your community at large.

2. Reevaluate your member services department.  

Be a trailblazer and re-tool your membership/sales department. Start with a re-hiring event for your loyal team members and make it fun with a lot of interaction. Creating a party atmosphere in the spirit of team recognition awards provides you a perfect opportunity to introduce team members to new titles that identify key expectations. Who can say no to the Director of Fun vs. a Director of Sales? Adopt practices from other industries and doors will open when your Director of Life Enhancement attends local community events.

Additionally, reinforcing your mission along with being transparent to your whole team about your quarterly and annual goals will also go a long way, especially for those department champions that are goal-oriented.

3. Embrace wellness and play opportunities vs. fitness classes.

Being physically active also means staying connected and engaged in life events outside the four walls of your facility. Offering non-member opportunities to learn about the benefits of wellness is a great way to attract new members.

The PCFSN reported half of American adults have a chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. And only half of American adults move enough to reduce their risk of diabetes and heart disease. This means shorter lives, greater disability, and higher health care costs. Lack of physical activity hurts all of us.

Seeking opportunities such as the #StepItUpUSA Challenge or offering a ‘Change the Way You Age’ workshop series could benefit your members as well as non- members. I will share more ideas on topics to cover in a ‘Change the Way You Age’ series in subsequent posts. Read How to Boost Intellectual Engagement here.