New year, new business! How to take advantage of the post-holiday rush

The holidays mean indulging in rich food, an extra glass of champagne or two, and less time for the gym. So when New Year's resolutions come around and waistbandsare feeling quite snug, many people resolve to lose a couple pounds and get healthy. That’s why “Sweaty January” can make up to 75% of a gym’s new memberships for the year! As a fitness business owner, it’s a great opportunity to gain new clients, rekindle relationships with old clients, and grow your business.

How can you take advantage of it? By planning ahead! Schedule a course to start the first week of January to encourage people to start the new year off strong and fresh. How to do it:

Brainstorm What do you want your “challenge” course to be? This can be something like a “3-Month Body Reboot” or “Start The Year Strong: 16 Day Challenge.” Decide on a goal that appeals to your clients.

For example:

• A losing fat and increasing muscle class
• An improving mental health course
• A training program leading up to an event like a marathon
• A Plan to reach new personal records

Whatever you do, make sure it’s in your area of expertise and consistent with something that your clients really want.

Other factors?

• Length Decide a reasonable time frame for the course depending on what type of program you choose
• Size Limit the course to a manageable number of people—you don’t want anyone feeling neglected and getting to the end of the course not having met their goals
• Check-ins Implement consistent check-ins and require clients to track their progress. Whether that be weigh-ins, food diaries, body fat measurements, or PR tracking—when your clients see the great changes, it proves your worth!

You’re already dedicated to improving people’s health, so leverage your expertise to benefit people suffering from the effects of the holidays.