Children’s Fitness Programs can help your Fitness Center stay Healthy

         

      Research has shown that obesity in the U.S. is on the rise, and children have not been spared. As with adults, lack of exercise and poor nutrition are the primary culprits. It’s safe to say that, based on the media’s recent coverage of the research findings, your members are aware of the problem and its possible long-term effects.

      Parents are confounded and frustrated that’s schools can no longer afford to offer comprehensive physical fitness programs, and that their own scheduling demands give them little opportunity to help. By developing programs that support parents’ efforts to keep their children healthy, you club’s fitness center will not only meet members’ needs, but will create opportunities for further club success. For example, revenue generation from children’s programs can be quite substantial, and member retention will benefit, as parents are reluctant to leave a club that is successfully meeting their children’s needs.

Blueprint for success

      To ensure the success of children’s programs at your facility, keep the following in mind:

•                   Time of day is critical. Because of issues with differing school hours, after-school activities and commuting time, survey interested members about the best time to start your children’s program.

•                   Have parents pay in advance. Paying in advance (with no refunds) guarantees financial support for the program. There can be a “drop-in” rate, but it should be higher than the pre-sale amount.

•                   Offer short-term programs. Special short-term programs should be developed to accommodate school breaks. These should be distinctly separate from your regular, ongoing programs (which should last no more than 4 weeks). The shorter sessions can serve as a feeder to your ongoing classes, and offer an additional revenue source.

•                   Develop programs for junior golf and tennis. Offer classes for younger golf and tennis players. If you already have such programs, then cross promotion and database sharing should be implemented with your other youth programs to enhance your marketing efforts.

•                   Use a variety of resources. For the children’s sessions, incorporate the weight room, cardio area, pool and deck areas, group exercise rooms, etc., so that children get a wide variety of experience. It also insures that not all of your resources are tied up. Off-site activities may also be considered, but may need additional insurance coverage.

•                   Give away T-shirts. Participants should be given t-shirts or other items that identify them as participants of the program. This is an inexpensive way to advertise your program. Additionally, the program should be given a “fun” name with which children can identify.

•                   Cater to every age. There should be programs for children of all ages: Three year olds to teenagers. By addressing the needs of all age groups, you send an important message that all of your members’ children are important to the club.

            Now that you are armed with a blueprint, get started! You already have the most important resources needed to succeed: equipment, trained employees and a ready market. Many people have succeeded with less!          

 

Written by Mike Gargano