5 Fail Proof Ways to Fit in at a New Gym

Retro Fitness
Published: December 29th, 2016

Retro Fitness, a Leading Low-Cost, High-Value Fitness Franchise, Shares Actionable Tips to Help Increase Your Comfort-Level and Ingrain Yourself in a New Gym Environment

NEW YORK - December 29, 2016 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - While some have a “quick, get in and get out” mentality when it comes to working out in a gym, many consumers will say that being comfortable and feeling a sense of community are important aspects of their workout experience. This can pose a challenge for those seeking to achieve their health and fitness goals in new fitness concepts this January. But, have no fear – Retro Fitness, one of the nation’s leading low-cost, high-value fitness franchises, has outlined five effective strategies for making a new gym begin to feel like a second home.

“There is often a huge intimidation factor that people feel at gyms, especially at the start of a new membership,” said Retro Fitness CEO and founder, Eric Casaburi. “Feeling a sense of belonging is the most important piece for making each trip to the gym a satisfying one. Once you feel like you belong, the better your work ethic will be and the faster you will see results.”

• Feel Out The Gym: Find all the gyms within a certain mile radius that you’d be willing to commute to, and narrow it down to a few that feel like a good fit. Most gyms offer a guest pass to try out their facility before committing to a membership. Be sure to ask which amenities you have access to during your free trial, and make an effort to take advantage of them. Many will give you a tour of the facility and allow you to take a free group fitness class or personal training session.
• Build Rapport: Once you’ve committed to a gym, be sure to introduce yourself to the person working the front desk. If you keep a similar workout schedule, chances are that you will be running into them frequently. Plus, they are often cross-trained to work in a few positions at the gym, such as fitness instructors or personal trainers, so they can be a great resource for you.
• Seek Opportunities to Get to Know Staff and Members: Group fitness classes and small group personal training sessions are a great opportunity to get to know the staff better and meet other members. Introduce yourself to the instructor or personal trainer, and tell them about your health and fitness goals. As you get to know each other better, they will be a great ally in helping you stay on track. While you’re waiting for a class or session to start, try striking up conversations with other members. Ask about the class or gym, or try complimenting their outfit, hairstyle or tattoos.
• Keep in Mind that Others Have Been in Your Shoes: As a new member, nerves might kick in during a group fitness class or an individual training session. Keep in mind that everyone in the room started as a new member at some point, or might currently be in the same boat as you. If you’re new to working out, stick to beginner classes and take a position in the front of the class so you can clearly hear the instructor and closely watch the movements. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help using a machine – the staff is there to help you.
• Get Active on Social Media: Most fitness concepts have their own personal Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts. Like and follow each of them to stay updated on new happenings and interact with some of the familiar faces you’ve come to recognize. Oftentimes, gyms will share member success stories, contests they’re hosting and future events at the gym or around town – all of these are great opportunities to get yourself more ingrained in the gym’s community.

About Retro Fitness

Founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Eric Casaburi, Retro Fitness has evolved from a regional Northeast gym concept into a national fitness system with more than 150 gyms open in 16 states. Under Casaburi’s leadership, Retro Fitness is expanding its footprint with more than 100 gyms in its development pipeline and plans to have 250 gyms open in the next two years in new, major markets, such as Florida, Illinois, California, Maryland, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Each Retro Fitness location is equipped with a full-service fitness center, including 60-100 pieces of equipment supplied by leading manufacturers. The burgeoning franchise has placed in the top 300 of Entrepreneur’s magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500 list for six consecutive years. For more information, please visit www.retrofitness.com, and to learn more about franchise opportunities visit www.retrofranchising.com.

SOURCE Retro Fitness

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Jayne Levy
Fishman Public Relations
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jlevy@fishmanpr.com