by Bengal Hotdog

Created on: November 06, 2009   Last Updated: December 23, 2009

Keeping members involved with their fitness commitments is a very tricky and constant challenge faced by all gyms and fitness centers. One of the major reasons people cancel their fitness club memberships is because they are "moving out of town," which is code for: They don't feel there is anything for them at the gym and feel somewhat out of place. They don't know what they're doing, or don't feel that they have time to learn.

A simple solution to this problem is to try implementing a yoga class. Yoga is a fantastic way to boost your member retention, customer satisfaction, and even increase your product sales. For those members who say they are time strapped, a 20- to 30-minute "lunch-break" yoga classes can offer them a quick and effective way to re-connect with their fitness goals.

Why Is Yoga So Popular?

Yoga's focus on relaxation as well as health and fitness make it a great workout for people of all walks of life, young and old. All you really need is a mat or other soft surface, and comfortable clothes. Many people have found that participating in yoga has helped them limber up their bodies as well as relieve tension or aches in problem areas. Pregnant women have taken to maternity yoga classes to help relax their minds and bodies in preparation for childbirth.

Some of the Benefits of Yoga Classes

When people are informed about both the short- and long-term benefits of yoga classes, they will usually be willing to give them a try at least once. If classes are not included in your membership rates, it would be a good idea to offer one or two free classes to interested members. Many people, especially women, find yoga to be addictive and extremely rewarding, which means their participation in these classes will greatly increase the chances that they will retain their membership at your facility for months or even years to come.

When implementing your new yoga classes, you should be sure to advertise the following points:

The stretching and deep breathing during a yoga session increases blood flow throughout the body, delivering valuable oxygen to all of the body's tissues. Long-term yoga practice will greatly improve posture and muscular endurance. Surprisingly, yoga will make you sweat! Sweating is an excellent way to detoxify your body, especially your skin. Yoga focuses on the mind-body connection, which encourages relaxation of both the mind and the muscles. Of course, yoga will also help to greatly improve your flexibility.

Yoga Products Can Increase

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