It’s coming: The annual rush to the gym, thanks to millions of new year’s resolutions to get more exercise. You know what else is coming? The slowdown in the months that follow, as more than half of the people who resolve to become gym regulars fail to keep those promises.
 
Usually, we approach the “why don’t people stick with it” issue with strategies for resolution-makers—suggestions like finding a buddy, getting into a habit, or telling more people about fitness goals. And while of course there is a lot that individuals can do to increase their odds of sticking with a plan, it’s also possible that there are things a good gym—or gym-going community—can do to make creating exercise habits easier.
 
How? By making the gym the kind of place that newcomers want to visit regularly, a spot where they’re comfortable and consistently have good experiences. To become that, we need to get inside of the minds of gym newbies, and answer the questions they have, but are often too embarrassed to ask, when they’re starting at the gym.
 
Answering these common newbie questions—on your gym’s website, in your welcome materials, or in the help your gym staff offers gym-goers—just might help January’s new recruits stick around through December.
 
Getting Started

The first experience with the gym is a critical one for new members, because sets the tone for every visit that follows. And things regulars take for granted, like the member culture and atmosphere, can take a few visits to really become clear to a new gym goer. Help new members over these hurdles by laying out some basic information answering questions like:
 
What’s the vibe—is it friendly and welcoming, or more professional/serious (i.e., intimidating)?
 
There (obviously) isn’t a single right answer to this question, but your facility’s response to it should be clear. On your website, and in social and blog posts, include images that represent your members’ range of the fitness levels, provide clear text describing the kinds of members you’re looking for, and explain how you offer unique services for that kind of member.
 
Am I already supposed to know what I’m doing?
 
Most gym newbies are painfully aware of their ignorance, and they don’t want to look stupid (or hurt themselves) when they first come to the gym. So, provide details and learning resources on your website, and in any new-member emails, about how you help beginners find their place and create a routine at the gym.
 
Is the orientation going to make me feel bad about myself?
 
Getting weighed and measured can be rough on people who are still in “before picture” condition. That’s one reason so many people avoid that first trip to the gym. Take the anxiety load off by clearly addressing what orientation will be like in your copy (on scheduling confirmation emails and/or texts). Which parts are optional or introduced later on in the process? Outline your approach, too. Will newbies get support and encouragement, or the tough love of a more drill-sergeant style?
 
Is the orientation going to be a hard-sell?
 
If you’ll use that first consultation to sell products or personal training, let new members know up front so that they won’t feel misled when they walk through their orientation. Some gyms even list their membership prices on their website or provide them over the phone to screen out people who can’t meet that price range.
 
What is everyone talking about?

Fitness is a jargon-laden industry and helping gym members through the thicket of terms and acronyms (e.g., BPI, BFP, HIIT, MHR, PR) will help them tell you what they are trying to accomplish, will eliminate common misconceptions newbies have, and will help you explain what you’re trying to teach them.
 
Are there any unspoken rules/gym etiquette that I should know?

You know all those pet peeves regulars have about gym rudeness? Many would be eliminated if new members were told how they’re expected to behave from the beginning. Orientation on your gym’s logistical culture—info on cleaning equipment (that it’s required, where the towels are), talking during workouts, appropriate length of time for equipment use, how loud music on headphones should be, etc.—can be made clear on the site, in new member materials and in signage around the facilities. Pro tip: Ask gym members what they think newcomers should know, that they don’t seem to.
 
The First Visit

Anything you can do to make the first time in the gym less intimidating—and more productive—will help create the kind of experiences that will naturally encourage return trips.
 
What should I wear?

Sounds trivial, but wardrobe can be a major mental barrier. (That concern can be exacerbated if you’re using stock photography with perfectly styled models on your website or other marketing materials.)  Answering questions about what people generally wear—and including real photos of gym goers in places like your social media posts—can remove that niggling worry from a first gym visit. If there’s anything gym members shouldn’t wear, make that clear as well.
 
What stuff should I bring?

Let your new members know what they’re supposed to have in their gym bags. Are towels provided? Do they need to bring their own water bottles? Should they show up in gym clothes on their first visit? Do they need to wear shoes inside that they haven’t worn outside? Feeling prepared will create more comfort.
 
Should I change and shower there?

Similar to the gear question above, these answers are essential for helping gym goers realistically fit their workouts into their schedules. Making these options clear will give new members a chance to establish a routine that will actually work and help create workout habits.
 
Is there a secure place for my stuff while I work out?

Lockers, locks, and keys are another common question regarding the logistics of that first visit. Letting people know how they’ll be storing their gear will ensure that they come prepared.
 
Is there someone I can ask questions when I’m there?

New gym-goers are going to have questions even after their orientation. Who (if anyone) is there to answer those questions? Are there trainers on the floor? Can the person at the front desk help? Creating a sense that help is available will make new gym goers more willing to try new things.
 
Equipment & Classes

Being the new kid in class (or using a piece of gear for the first time in front of people) is just as intimidating for grownups as it was when you were in elementary school. Lay the groundwork so they feel new, but not ignorant. (Also, describing and defining what the gym or classes offer is a key way to help users understand the value of working out with you in particular.)
 
What kind of equipment do you have?

Tell new gym members what they’ll experience at the gym and define the range of types of workouts they can have at your facilities. Describe the equipment and offer opportunities for new members to ask questions even after the first orientation session is over.
 
Why is your equipment so good?

For gym owners, equipment is an investment—one that’s carefully considered based on expertise in what works. But often, gym communications don’t make the value of that equipment clear to new members. Outlining the benefits of your equipment will help new members appreciate the quality of the experience they’re getting, which can help them enjoy their sessions more.
 
Is there anything in particular that beginners should use or try?

Tip new members off to the classes and gear that are going to help them make progress and avoid injury.
 
Where can I find directions on using the equipment?

Providing newcomers all the resources you can on proper use of equipment will help them feel confident (and help them use it the right way). That means offering instructions in as many places as possible—that introductory training session, video and text on your website, social media channels and app (if you have one), signs on equipment and in public spaces, and even through events like open houses, during which you can show people how to use the gear.
 
Is there open gym?

Performance Menu readers know that some gyms offer semi-private or private training, some offer group classes, some let members use the equipment when they’re open, and some offer a combination of these options. New members, however, might not. Outlining exactly who can do what when will help members with scheduling visits—and planning their workouts.
 
Are some classes more beginner-friendly than others?

Class descriptions should help members know if they’re a good fit for their needs and level of equipment. This can work hand-in-hand with intro sessions in which you assess new members and can make tailored recommendations based on their fitness level and their goals
 
Where should I go if I’m new in a class—the front? The back?

When describing classes (and as they begin), give attendees insight on what they can expect—level of difficulty, etc.—and tell first-timers how to identify themselves to instructors so they can get any extra attention they need.
 
Progress

Just as important as getting them in and using the gym regularly is reaffirming that the gym is working for them. Realistic checkpoints that users can aim for, goals that they can hope to achieve, can give reassurance to counteract newbie’s sore muscles and fatigue.
 
How long will it take to see results?

New gym members need to see that they’re making progress, and to understand the timeframe they’re working toward. One way to help reframe the idea of results is establishing a range of changes (e.g., better sleep, weight loss, changes in BMI, muscle tone, more energy). This can give people an enthusiasm that’ll carry them through the first few months in the gym.
 
Am I doing well—or am I behind?

Timeframes give people intermediate steps to aim for along the way, and benchmarks give people additional items they can hold their progress up against. Highlighting signs of success beyond weight loss—think increases in weight lifted or reps, ability to maintain cardio exertion longer—can help members see that they are making progress, and inspire them to keep going.
 
When—and how—should I change my workout?

Two factors can weigh into the decision to change workouts—the need for novelty, and the desire to prevent progress stagnation. Outlining the signs that it’s time to switch things up, and ways members can change what they’re doing, can prevent attrition from boredom and injury.