Running and managing a gym is no small feat, especially when it comes to designing and delivering consistent, high-quality fitness programming. From planning group classes and hiring staff to promoting schedules and managing spaces, gym owners and fitness managers often find themselves overwhelmed. However, incorporating well-structured training programmes into your gym’s offering is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a critical component for long-term success.
Group training plays a pivotal role in boosting member engagement, satisfaction, and retention. According to the Les Mills 2021 Global Fitness Report, 58% of gym members participate in group fitness classes, with 85% of group exercisers reporting that they enjoy their workouts more when done in a group. The communal atmosphere fosters motivation and accountability, turning workouts into social, shared experiences that members look forward to. This sense of belonging is key to reducing churn, as members who build relationships within their fitness community are far less likely to cancel their memberships.
Moreover, group fitness serves as a powerful referral and acquisition tool. Enthusiastic participants often bring friends, family, and colleagues to classes, helping to organically grow your member base. In fact, research shows that group exercisers are 26% more likely to recommend their gym to others compared to those who work out solo. Additionally, having a robust group training program differentiates your gym from competitors, attracting potential members who are seeking more than just access to equipment—they want a vibrant, community-driven fitness experience.
But while the benefits are clear, the execution can be challenging. Ensuring that classes meet the diverse needs of your members, scheduling them at convenient times, hiring and training skilled instructors, and consistently delivering top-quality sessions requires significant time, effort, and resources. In this blog, we delve into the common challenges gym owners face, and how BOX12 offers a turnkey solution to simplify and elevate your group training offerings.
Common Fitness Programming Challenges for Operators
1. Designing Group Fitness Classes to Meet Various Needs
Creating classes that cater to different fitness levels, preferences, and goals requires expertise and time. Poorly designed programs can lead to inconsistent experiences and disengaged members.
2. Setting Up the Class Space
Constantly rearranging equipment and optimising space for various classes can be both time-consuming and inefficient, especially in clubs with limited square footage.
3. Hiring and Training Staff
Recruiting qualified instructors and ensuring they deliver consistent, high-quality workouts is a recurring challenge. Turnover, availability, and inconsistent teaching styles can negatively impact the member experience.
4. Scheduling and Promoting Classes
Coordinating timetables that suit both members and instructors, while promoting these classes effectively, adds another layer of complexity.
The Risks of Poor Group Fitness Programming
Group exercise can be a double-edged sword. While it has the potential to deliver efficient, accessible workouts, poorly designed programs can lead to inefficient and risky training practices. Many classes fall into this trap, offering flashy but ineffective workouts that do little to improve member health.
“Poor fitness programming could lead to injuries, plateaus, and burnout, turning quick results into long-term setbacks. Failing both participants and their original goals.”
Nicola Day, BOX12 Master Trainer
How BOX12 Solves These fitness programming Challenges
Automated, On-Demand Group Training
BOX12 allows operators to create an automated, on-demand group training space within their club. Our club-in-club model is a turnkey solution designed for rolling individual circuits and group workouts. It harnesses our proprietary technology to offer 24/7 access to high-quality training.
No Timetables, No Instructors, No Hassle
BOX12 removes the complexities of class schedules and instructor availability. Our ‘always-on’ technology lets your members work out on their own schedule, providing flexibility and convenience.
With our automated, digital coaching solution, there’s no need to rely on instructors. This reduces staffing costs and scheduling headaches while still providing a structured, high-quality workout for members.
Increased Member Engagement
BOX12 transforms fitness into a hobby through skill-based boxing elements, allowing members to see progress session after session. This engagement keeps members coming back, turning casual visitors into loyal clients.
Guided, Time-Efficient Training for All Members
BOX12 delivers guided training suitable for all fitness levels, offering a full-body strength and cardio workout in just 36 minutes. This efficient format appeals to busy members looking to maximise their gym time.
Proven to Increase Retention, Revenue, and Referrals
BOX12 has been proven to increase member retention by an average of 4.5 months, boost revenue, and drive referrals. This translates to more consistent income and a thriving gym community.
Future-Proof Fitness
As fitness trends evolve, BOX12 remains ahead of the curve. Boxing for fitness is increasingly popular, and with the rise of in-gym on-demand solutions, BOX12’s always-on technology is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of both today’s and tomorrow’s consumers.
Why BOX12 Fitness Programming is Best-In-Class:
BOX12 fitness programming is designed by our sister company—Hatton Boxing—the leading authority in boxing for fitness, and delivers meticulously designed, skill-based workouts that transform fitness from a chore into a rewarding hobby. Backed by exercise science, our structured progressions and predictable routines ensure members of all levels train confidently, safely, and efficiently—maximising results and seeing tangible progress every session.
“Well-structured interval training maximises results, boosts endurance, and keeps workouts efficient—BOX12 pushes limits, teaches new skills, without wasting time.”
Nicola Day, BOX12 Master Trainer
Structure and Predictability: Perfect for members who lack confidence or want to ensure they’re maximising their time.
Skill-Based Progression: The skill-based nature of the workout turns fitness from a chore into a hobby, as members see tangible progress with every session.
Meticulous Design: Each movement seamlessly builds and flows, with boxing rounds building complexity every interval, creating a fun, engaging, and rewarding experience.
Exercise Science Integration: Each functional round is designed to be well-balanced, incorporating cardio for endurance, core work for stability, upper and lower body movements for strength and power.
“The programming is truly world-class. From the warm-up—especially on the boxing side—to how the movements seamlessly build and flow. It’s flawless. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who could consistently deliver this level of quality in person.”
Robert Day, The Office Gym Club
By integrating BOX12 into your gym, you’re not just offering another workout—you’re providing a transformative fitness experience that boosts retention, increases revenue, and builds a thriving gym community. Say goodbye to the stresses of fitness programming and hello to an innovative, future-proof solution that meets the evolving needs of your members and your business.
Contact us today to learn more.
