Digital Signage in gyms: promote and inform
Following the 2020 lockdown, home workouts became a widespread trend. It’s just you, your computer, and your music. Minimal subscription costs (sometimes none at all) and no time wasted in traffic. People who choose to go to the gym aren’t just there to exercise—they’re looking for something more. Digital Signage can help your gym offer this added value. Let’s see how.
A successful gym or fitness centre retains its members. If clients renew their memberships year after year, it’s a clear sign that your fitness experience is working.
How do you achieve this? By engaging them.
What motivates someone to hit the gym instead of working out at home? It’s the sense of community in group classes, the professionalism of the staff, and the stimulating environment that home training can’t provide.
Digital Signage plays a pivotal role in creating a cutting-edge fitness experience that encourages members to keep coming back. Here’s how:
- Inform, Educate, and Entertain Clients
- Build a Community Through Social Media
- Promote Events and Offers
- Gamify Workouts
- Promote Safety in the Gym
1. Inform, educate, and entertain clients
When clients are busy working out on the treadmill or elliptical, you can keep them company by informing, educating and entertaining them. Offer suggestions on how to improve their training, nutrition or lifestyle. Or give directions on how to use the different equipment in the centre correctly.
Avoid content that is not relevant to the context. The web is full of sources for inspiration regarding fitness, wellness and proper nutrition. Animated graphics, slides, live feeds, videos, images. You could also supplement the experience on screens with information on the performance of those who work out.
Or you could broadcast informative and training videos, offer timetables and weather forecasts, last-minute alerts or gym safety information.
2. Build a community through Social Media
Social media is integral to daily life. Gym-goers love sharing achievements, results, and workouts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Why not leverage this user-generated content to foster a sense of community among your members?
Showcase a live social media feed on your Digital Signage network that highlights posts about your gym. This creates a shared experience, encourages word-of-mouth promotion, and boosts your gym’s visibility online—all while enhancing member loyalty.
3. Promote events and activities
Use your Digital Signage strategically to promote events and initiatives. For example:
- Highlight loyalty and membership programs using your Digital Signage network.
- Advertise an upcoming half-marathon on screens above the treadmills.
- Dedicate part of the screen to a constant reminder banner for new promotions or updates.
4. Gamify workouts
Digital Signage is perfect for incorporating gamification into workouts. Challenge members with competitions or interactive games during their sessions. This dynamic approach not only enhances engagement but also motivates clients to return to complete objectives or improve their scores. Gamified experiences make the gym more than a workout space—it becomes an exciting destination.
5. Promote safety in the gym
Safety is paramount in fitness centres. Use Digital Signage to demonstrate best practices for using equipment and reducing injury risks. Display short, clear instructional videos on how to properly use machines or follow gym etiquette.
Choosing the right Digital Signage system for Your gym
Once you’ve decided to implement Digital Signage, the next step is selecting the right system. Consider these key factors:
Placement: position monitors and totems strategically to maximize visibility and impact.
Ease of Use: ensure you can easily update and modify content in real-time. This flexibility allows all staff members to manage the system without overburdening any single individual.
Software Updates: opt for a system that supports diverse communication formats and interactivity, with regular updates.
Content Strategy: plan your content carefully. Will it be interactive or static? Informative or tutorial-based? Tailor your strategy to match the demographic profile and habits of your gym members.
Scheduling: create user profiles based on gym attendance times to deliver the right content to the right audience at the right time.
As we’ve seen, a well-designed Digital Signage network fosters the sense of community and connection that keeps members returning. Over time, your gym can cultivate digital ambassadors—members who spread the word about your facility both online and offline, driving new memberships and boosting revenue.
Additionally, Digital Signage allows you to respond quickly to your clients’ evolving communication needs.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re equipped with the insights needed to choose and install a Digital Signage solution for your gym. The market offers a wide range of options, from self-service setups to professional systems with comprehensive software, hardware, and support packages. The next step is yours—explore and make the leap.