Recently, I was doing a free consultation with a potential gym member (spoiler alert, they signed up with us). During the consultation, we talked about goals, how we'd go about getting them to their goals and why they wanted to check us out. A theme that came up - and it's come up in several consultations as of late - is that people are looking for Community.
This isn't a new concept to me (now), but it's striking to hear it from this point of view. The importance of community truly hit me when I brought my personal training clients to PXM a few years ago. At the time, I was looking for a better gym (cleaner, nicer, the whole 9 yards) and PXM fit the bill. I brought all 30+ of my one on one personal training clients with me and watched the change happen. I'll use Alex & Jerry (not their real names) as an example.
Alex & Jerry had been working with me for a little over a year. Alex & Jerry were doing well - not excelling, but not floundering either. My former gym wasn't their cup of tea, they showed up dutifully but often mentioned they only came because of me. Once we migrated to PXM though, gears shifted and we hit the ground running.
It wasn't just that the gym was nicer (the people friendlier, the staff more welcoming, the equipment better), it was that the atmosphere was completely different. The vibe in the air was more motivating, Alex & Jerry within 1 year (roughly the same amount of time they were with me before). Absolutely turned things around, took their workout sessions more seriously.
Alex & Jerry began to display a heightened commitment to their fitness routines, extending their efforts beyond the confines of the gym. Consequently, they began to realize their objectives, primarily due to the enhanced support network within their new Community.
Now, don't get me wrong, I thought I knew it all, but this opened my eyes. The importance of the Community around us - regardless of personal training or group classes - is vital in our journey to see our best possible selves. The members were open and friendly, the coaches were knowledgeable and warm.
The spirit of the gym floated through the air, bouncing from member to member and invigorated each workout. All of my clients - every single one - benefitted from this change in environment.
I can see why potential members sign up with us, "The Community" is the guard rails on their path to fitness. Sometimes it's nice to remember that I don't know everything, and now it's nice that I get to share that with future members.
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