What Actually Keeps People Going to the Gym
It’s January, it’s the month people claim they are going to get on the fitness kick before they quickly lose motivation and the new fitness gear never leaves the wardrobe again. We’ve already discussed why people leave the gym. So what really helps people get past January 18th and stick with fitness long-term? Consistency thrives on community, habit-building, and personal support.
Group Classes Build Commitment
Members who attend at least one group class per week are 20% more loyal, and gyms offering classes see over 50% fewer cancellations. Group fitness classes create motivation, social connection, and fun. They also allow for a more soft form of accountability, keeping you focused on a goal without feeling locked in or stressed by it.
We have built a like-minded community of people in our personal training studio that are able to support and guide each other. Regular classes help provide a reason to go to the gym beyond simply fitness and once it becomes natural, it’s much harder to break that cycle.
Early Habit Building Matters Most
If a member doesn’t form a regular routine in the first three months, their risk of dropping out skyrockets. That’s why early support, structure, and coaching make all the difference. It’s not about going the most or charging out of the blocks, it’s about steady progress and keeping regular visits.
During the initial trial, we work hard on establishing a routine built around your needs and that’s feasible with your current commitments. A gym schedule doesn’t need to be 5 days a week, we often start our members with 2 days a week and then work up. If it’s not workable, it won’t work so everything we do needs to be in lock with what’s realistic. It’s not about what works for others; it’s about what will work for you.
Staff Support Boosts Motivation
Even small interactions matter. Just two staff check-ins per month can increase visits and reduce cancellations by a third. People stay consistent when they feel seen, supported, and guided. We maintain regular personal training sessions every week and monthly check-ins. We’re also always walking about the gym floor, offering our guidance or just a friendly smile.
Want to see how we can help you make the most of your fitness journey? Want to make a change that will last? We currently hold 30 Day Love It Or Leave It plans at our personal training studio in Nottingham so try us out for 30 days and see if it’s for you. If it’s not, no worries. There’s no commitments or long-term contracts and you get a personalised training plan to keep.