ATTENDANCE - IS IT STILL AN IMPORTANT METRIC?

Measuring group exercise attendance is important for a number of reasons. First, it can provide insight into which classes are most popular and which may need to be adjusted or replaced. Measuring attendance can also help fitness centre's to identify patterns of attendance, such as which days and times are most popular for classes. This information can be used to schedule classes at the most convenient times for members and to ensure that there are enough instructors and equipment available.

Manual sign-in sheets are the most basic method of measuring attendance. They involve having a physical sign-in sheet at the front of the class for members to write their names and the date. While this method is simple and easy to implement, it can be time-consuming and may not provide accurate or detailed information.

Electronic check-ins involve using a computer or tablet at the front of the class for members to check in using their membership information. This method can be faster and more accurate than manual sign-in sheets, but it may require additional equipment and staff training.

Membership software is a more advanced method of measuring attendance. It involves using software that is integrated with the fitness centre's membership database to track attendance in real-time. This method can provide detailed and accurate information about attendance, such as the number of members present in each class and their attendance history.

Instructor number-sheets are probably the way most clubs are still measuring attendance. It involves an instructor doing a count of members in the room (that's right, members and not legs). This method is reliable so long as the instructor is honest with their recording of numbers and remembers to do it.

No matter which way you do it, the main thing is to do it!

Attendance is crucial for the success of any fitness center that offers group exercise classes.

Here are a few reasons why:

1. Revenue: Attendance is directly tied to the financial success of a fitness center. A consistently high attendance rate means that more members are paying for classes, which in turn can lead to increased revenue for the center. Conversely, low attendance can mean lower revenue and profitability.

2. Member engagement: Regular attendance at group exercise classes can be a strong indicator of member engagement. Members who consistently attend classes are more likely to be invested in their health and fitness journey, and are more likely to remain members of the fitness center.

3. Staffing and scheduling: Measuring attendance can help fitness centers to schedule classes at the most convenient times for members and to ensure that there are enough instructors and equipment available. This can improve member satisfaction and reduce costs associated with underutilized instructors or classes.

4. Program Evaluation: Tracking attendance can also provide valuable information about which classes are most popular and which may need to be adjusted or replaced. This can help fitness centers to make informed decisions about class offerings and staffing.

5. Retention: Measuring attendance can also help fitness centers to identify members who may be at risk of dropping out. By tracking attendance patterns, fitness centers can reach out to members who are showing signs of disengagement and offer support or incentives to encourage them to continue attending.

Make decisions based on 'fact' not 'feelings'

Here's 4 things you MUST do when implementing a tracking system:

1. You MUST count the numbers in every class

2. You MUST set up a target for every class

3. You MUST analyse the data to make decisions based on 'facts' and not 'feelings'

4. You MUST publish the results to your crew

Want to find out more and get some help with what to do with the data once you've got it? Get in touch at consulting@groupex.com.au