Increasingly gym owners are waking up to how digital displays can be used to create a better experience for their clients. As well as make the gym a safer place. With the added benefit that they can be used to make members aware of more of what is on offer, something that can greatly improve any gym ´s bottom line. Here are some examples of how they are being set up and used in fitness and training centres.
TV screens
Gyms have always done their best to keep their clients entertained while they work out. Including providing TVs for them to watch. Most gyms still do this, but typically the screens have got bigger and in some, it is now possible for people to hear what is going on, even when the TV is muted. Either because the gym has set up some sort of system or because they now allow the use of listening apps like this one.
To stream content
Gyms are also now streaming more content to keep clients entertained. In some areas, streaming live sporting events has helped to attract people in what would otherwise be a quiet time.
Increasingly, they are creating their own content. Even setting up channels that they can use to help their clients meet their fitness goals and make a better profit. You can read about it here.
To share important information with clients
Nobody wants to hang around waiting to ask a member of staff what time a class starts or when a room is likely to become free. Gyms know this so they are starting to use strategically placed display screens to share this type of information with clients.
Many gyms also use them to share local information. For example, the weather forecast, pollen count, and traffic reports. The fact that most gym members either live or work locally means that many of them appreciate this.
Automating processes using touch screens
Before the coronavirus crisis, many gyms were starting to set up touch screens at the entrance. Providing them with the opportunity to book classes, rooms, and personal trainers or check their availability. This reduced queues at reception. In many gyms, the number of bookings rose. After working out people are more fired up, which means that they are more likely to feel inspired to take things to the next level and take the step of booking a new class.
Control the flow of clients at busy times
At certain times of the day, many gyms have to restrict the amount of time people spend on machines. Some have chosen to do this by using small display screens that are set up with a sensor.
When someone arrives at a machine and starts to use it their presence is picked up and a countdown is shown on the screen. Making it easy for them, staff and anyone who is waiting to use the machine to see how long it will be before the equipment is free again. This hands-off, yet clear approach to making sure everyone gets a fair amount of time on a machine greatly reduces the risk of arguments.
To inspire clients
Working out is hard work, so clients appreciate any help they can get to push them through their workout routines. Music can be a very powerful motivator during workouts, which is why many gyms tend to make use of good-quality equipment like a Cloudbox (https://cloudcovermusic.com/equipment/) or similar others for continuous genre-based streaming. Additionally, gyms have begun using televisions as well, to provide inspirational videos, upbeat music, and on-screen training tips and sessions to motivate the average gym-goer.
Advertising events and offers
Naturally, gym owners want their clients to take as many classes as possible. For many bar and shop sales form an important part of their business model. Without them, some would not remain profitable enough to be able to stay open.
So, marketing to clients without putting them off is essential. Visual display screens allow gyms to do exactly that. The ads can be created by the owner, which means that they can be tailored to fit in with the tastes and sensitivities of their typical gym users.
For brand building
For any business, branding is important. The stronger your brand is, the easier it is to attract and retain clients. There are lots of ways for gyms to use their display screens to give their brand a boost. Simply consistently using company colours, fonts, straplines and language all help. As does sharing details of how they go the extra mile to look after their gym users and play a positive role in the community. For example, by running fundraiser events.
As digital menus
Bars, cafes, and restaurants that use digital menus typically see sales rise. This is also the case for gyms that use them. They also make it far easier to keep the menu up to date. With the added benefit that most customers like them.
It is clear that digital signs for gyms are here to stay. In all likelihood, gym clients will see even more of them being deployed. The fitness industry is constantly finding more ways to use technology to make the training experience better for its clients. More use of digital screens is sure to play a role in their doing that.
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