Build Your Gym Culture

Entering a new gym can feel daunting. Everything—from the people and equipment to the music—is unfamiliar.

Even the layout of the locker rooms might seem confusing, and figuring out how to check-in can be tricky.

While longtime gym-goers might find these concerns trivial, they pose genuine challenges for newcomers. This week, I'll discuss gym culture and how you can bring your own style to it.

I'll also introduce an exercise to help ease your way into a new setting.

For gym owners, deciding on the facility's atmosphere is crucial, and it begins even before patrons walk through the doors. Is the parking lot well-maintained?

How does the front landscaping look? Is the name of the gym clearly visible, and is the sign well-lit?

Once inside, the essence of the gym's culture becomes apparent. What scents are in the air?

How loud is the music, and what genre is playing? What color are the staff uniforms?

Do they wear polo shirts or tank tops? Are the front desk staff attentive, and are they standing or sitting?

Having owned a gym, these were all factors I considered when shaping the atmosphere I wanted to offer.

Why? Because the culture directly impacts the member experience, which in turn influences customer loyalty and retention.

My aim was to foster an environment of support, cleanliness, professionalism, and a relaxed vibe. Creating a universal culture is challenging, and I observed that many of my regulars developed their own mini-cultures.

They would use earbuds to listen to their own playlists, dress in layers to adjust to temperature changes, and bring their own water bottles and yoga mats.

The key takeaway for gym-goers is to manage the elements you can control. Your clothing, music, water, and mindset are within your grasp.

These factors can significantly affect whether you stick with one gym or bounce from one to another.

This week's exercise, the BOSU Fulcrum Pushup, is a perfect example of a workout adaptable to most gym environments and beneficial for all fitness levels.

1. Place a BOSU ball on the ground with the ball side facing up.
   
   
2. Get into the "up" position of a pushup, but rest your knees on an exercise mat.
   
   
3. Put your right hand on the center of the BOSU ball and your left hand on the floor.
   
   
4. Perform a standard pushup by lowering your chest and pushing back up.
   
   
5. At the top, switch your hands so that your left hand is now on the BOSU and your right hand is on the floor beside it.
   
   
6. Perform another pushup in this new position.
   
   
7. Continue switching sides until you complete 12 reps. Do two sets in total.

Source: arkansasonline

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.