6 Ways to Create Successful Youth Fitness Programs for Your Studio

Many studio owners might find that there are common times that their studios are vacant. Whether you offer one-on-one training, small group training, or even have classes, chances are there are times that there is no workout happening. Often these times can be late mornings or afternoons when most people have gone to work. The space does not have to remain vacant and there are ways this unused space and can be monetized!

1. A safe place for new moms to bring their babies while they workout.

As a relatively new mom myself, I know first-hand that moms of newborns are itching for a good (but of course safe) workout. Most gyms that do have day care do not let infants under the age of 3 months into the child care. For many moms, this means they are not able to get a workout in at the gym. If you have an open space, you can offer small group training or private training for new moms in a safe environment where they can bring their babies. Some moms may feel more comfortable with a female trainer in case they need to nurse.

2. Workshops or Mini Series: Schedules can often be tricky when it comes to kids.

They are often overscheduled, have short attention spans and can be afraid to try new activities they are unfamiliar with. Parents might be apprehensive about committing to a long term program however a short term one is perfect! By offering a mini-series or workshop of classes you can gage interest in a specific type of offering and fill some vacant studio time.

3. Build Programs On Demand.

If you work with adults you may have already had a request to do something with one of the kids, but maybe you weren’t sure you had the ability to offer something. Chances are, if one kid wants something at a specific time/day, then there is another that does as well. The perfect way to do this is to match them up with other kids. You can reach out to your current client base or even ask that parent if they have a friend that might be interested in joining the session. For the more timid kid, 1-2 kids is perfect. Not only does it offer a cheaper price for parents, it also offers the peer support that often makes the program even more successful.

4. Get The Right Coach / Trainer / Instructor.

Not all are created equal. A trainer can have a tremendous amount of experience but not be well suited to work with students. To really effectively work with students, trainers need to be able to connect with students. Students, especially middle school and high school ones want more than just a trainer or a good workout. They want mentors and a sort of big brother/big sister. Finding the connection with the student is so important for a successful experience.

5. Offer Seasonal Programs.

Many parents are looking for activities to plug their kids into, especially during holiday times. Many kids will get out of school a day or two before a holiday starts. This can be the perfect opportunity to offer a seasonal program that might run for a few days or even a week depending on the holiday.

6. Offer Themed Classes or Programs That Kids Are Already Into.

Do your members kids like The Ninjas Turtles? Are they intrigued by super heroes? Do they love Pokemon? Or maybe some girls love Taylor Swift? You can offer themed workouts with awesome music. Encourage kids to dress up, pretend to be their favorite character as they workout. The options are endless.

In Conclusion

The above ideas are just a few that will hopefully inspire you to think outside of the box a little bit. As a studio owner, you are probably already wearing so many hats and juggling so many things. I would encourage you to find a quiet time and spot where you can focus at least 2 hours on brainstorming which of these might be most appropriate for you to test drive at your studio.

About the Author

Entrepreneur and personal trainer Karen Gilbert serves on the Association of Fitness Studio’s Advisory Council, is a supporter of SUCCEED! the AFS Business Convention & Expo, is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of Student Fitness Experts, a nationwide fitness company headquartered in Los Angeles, CA. Student Fitness Experts is a revolutionary fitness company that creates dynamic programs for students, home school fitness and nutrition, and workshops for organizations such as the Girl Scouts. SFE has created its own certification that trains and certifies coaches to most effectively mentor and help students with their fitness goals.

Karen received her MBA in Entrepreneurial Studies from the University of Southern California, and has taught the NASM curriculum to aspiring personal trainers. Karen is a master trainer for NAFC, a BOSU ambassador and teaches pre/post natal fitness to other new moms.

She is the recipient of the first IHRSA Emerging Female Leader Award. In 2007, IHRSA named her one of the 25 most influential young leaders in the fitness industry.