In the hectic pace of modern life, gyms and boxes are faced with the challenge of keeping their facilities running around the clock. Off-peak hours may seem like dead time, but they are actually opportunities to innovate and offer services that meet the needs of a wider range of users. In today’s article, we’ll look at five categories of people to target during these hours to optimise the programming of your CF box and maximise its use.
What to do in the off hours? Strategies for optimising the programming of your CF box
1. Group +60 and retired people
People over 60 represent a significant part of the population looking to stay active and healthy. Organising classes specifically for this group can be an effective way to engage them during off-peak hours in your box. Low-impact workouts, gentle yoga or even tailored dance classes can be attractive options.
Keys to offering these classes:
- Teach safe exercise techniques: Make sure your team is trained to work with older people and teach them how to exercise safely, paying particular attention to posture and technique.
- Encourages socialising: For many, the gym is more than a place to exercise, it is a place to socialise and connect with others. It creates a welcoming environment and encourages interaction between group members.
2. People undergoing rehabilitation
For those undergoing rehabilitation from injury or surgery, your box can be a crucial place for physical recovery. Offering tailored and supervised training programmes is key for them.
Keys to offering these classes:
- Work in collaboration with health professionals: Work hand in hand with physiotherapists, doctors and other health professionals to develop personalised exercise programmes that are tailored to the specific needs of each individual.
- Offer low-impact exercise options: It is important to offer a variety of exercise options that are gentle on joints and muscles, such as the use of resistance machines, stretching exercises and yoga.
- Provide emotional support: Rehabilitation can be a long and challenging journey both physically and emotionally. Make sure your team is trained to provide emotional support and motivation to those in the recovery process.
3. Pregnant women and postpartum
Pregnant women and new mothers are often looking for ways to stay active and healthy during pregnancy and after childbirth. Offering specific classes designed for these stages of life can be an excellent way to attract this type of audience. Prenatal yoga classes, pelvic floor strengthening exercises and support groups can be popular options.
Keys to offering these classes:
- Hire certified prenatal and postnatal trainers: Train your team so that they are trained and know how to work with pregnant and postpartum women and can adapt exercises safely.
- Tailored workouts: Teaches pregnant and postpartum women how to modify exercises to suit their individual needs and physical limitations.
- Promote body awareness: It is important to instil in pregnant and postpartum women the importance of body awareness and the mind-body connection during exercise.
4. Shift workers included in the programming of your CF box
All shift workers face a common problem: finding time to exercise. Targeting this type of person during off hours at your box may require flexibility in scheduling classes that is a win-win for both you and your target audience.
Keys to offering these classes:
- Offer virtual options: Virtual classes or online training sessions are a great alternative for shift workers to take at any time that fits into their work schedule.
- Provide flexible class times: Schedule classes early in the morning, late in the afternoon or even in the evening to accommodate varying work schedules.
- Promote forward planning: Encourage shift workers to plan their training sessions in advance to ensure that they find time and do not lose motivation.
5. Express training sessions
For those with busy schedules, express workouts are an attractive option. During off-peak hours, offering high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes or short-duration circuit training can appeal to people looking to maximise their time in the gym. These quick but effective classes can be the perfect solution for those with tight schedules.
Keys to offering these classes:
- Focus on compound exercises: Teach exercises that work multiple muscle groups at once, such as weighted squats, push-ups and burpees, to maximise training efficiency.
- Reduce rest times: Keep rest times between exercises short to keep heart rate elevated and maximise calorie burn.
- Offers personalised training options: Provides short, personalised training that is tailored to each client’s individual needs and goals, thus maximising exercise time.
In conclusion, the low hours of your box do not have to be dead time. By targeting specific groups of people and offering programmes tailored to their needs and preferences, you optimise the scheduling of your CF box and maximise its use.
