Barbells, racks, medicine balls: things that every gym has.
A sense of community through collected effort and an all-around resolution to kick butt in and out of the gym: What sets CrossFit apart from any other gym type out there.
Not only will the members of your CrossFit gym already be connected on common ground like diet, lifestyle choices, and learning a new language, using words like “WOD” and “Box”, your gym gives them the best opportunity to have something we are all looking for: to belong.
However, if you’re an up-and-coming CrossFit Gym who is trying to establish your squat legs, you might have some trouble getting that bar off the ground.
To help you raise that bar up high where it belongs (especially in your WOD), strengthening the team-culture of your members and the brand itself through these five tips can help you create an intentional sense of community:
- Get to know the people in your gym—really know them. This goes beyond a trainer-client perspective, only trying to pinpoint and work on their weaknesses. Knowing when they’re having an off-day and reaching out can be that detailed difference that will push them to their next level.
You want to establish a relationship with each person, finding out more about them and sharing more about yourself. This can strengthen that personal connection—but of course, still keep it professional.
- Encourage your clients to know one another. Whether you’re playing exercise-partner matchmaker for new members or adjusting workouts to include partner-based or group exercises, being that middle man for your clients can lead to a budding friendship.
- Host a weekly or monthly get-together. Whether you have space in your gym or in your own home—which is a great way to make your gym members feel like family—getting together outside of a workout can help your members get to know one another.
Especially since most members have similar eating habits, hosting a barbecue, offering a health-conscious meal or organizing a get-together at a paleo-friendly restaurant can all be great settings to connect.
- Create a champion environment. Whether that means recognizing one of your members as an athlete of the day or of the week, initiating a high-five welcome for the beginning of each class or even ringing the obnoxious PR bell once a member does something amazing, their hard work means your hard work is paying off, so each accomplishment is a celebration.
- Involve your gym in local volunteering or co-ed sports groups. Giving your members an opportunity to connect together as a team in something bigger than themselves—or release some steam in a friendly and competitive way, are perfect opportunities to forge a bond in your CrossFit gym.
You don’t want to just offer expertise, experience, and good training. You want to cultivate a passionate culture as a close-knit community. Happy members of your community can also become evangelists for your business, which is a win-win for all.
A great product can also be an evangelist for your CrossFit brand. Affiliate Supplements can turn your CrossFit Gym logo into a unique product label using one of our fully-customizable Label Templates. We can help you create your own premium line of supplements designed exclusively for your members.
Your brand should encompass your success. Your success should boost your brand. Let us help you do that with Affiliate Supplements. Learn more about our products.
Functional Nutritionist based in Denver, Colorado. Certified L3 CrossFit Trainer who loves working with athletes on performance and health goals.
