Fitness Studio Marketing

Free Music Friday – 3/23

johnmac — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:16:07 +0000

I absolutely have to thank one of my dearest friends, co-instructor and ICI member, Jana, for this week’s Friday Favorite. We both love Jamaica, and a little “Reggae” jive. We were together this week and discussing music. She has been using this fabulous tune from an American Jewish singer/songwriter for a cool down and her classes have been loved it. I do too! Check out Elan Atias and “Step Into the Sunshine” from his “We Are” CD. It is really good stuff. You could also use it as a flat at 85 bpm.

Here it is on Spotify.

The Best Indoor Cycling Shoes

johnmac — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:11:15 +0000

What to Look For

Cycling shoes offer still soles to help transfer your pedal stroke into more power to turn the wheels. Indoor cycling shoes still provide comfort for long sessions while maximum pedal push. Unlike other cycling shoes, indoor shoes have sole materials that do not mark the gym floors but still allow for a cleat for attaching to the pedals, breathability. Because of the controlled conditions these shoes are worn for, indoor cycling shoes tend to be made of thinner materials.

Common Pitfalls

Before purchasing any indoor cycling shoes, find out what model pedals the gym has installed on their bikes. Not all shoes will accept the cleats for all pedals.

Where to Buy

Most sporting goods stores and larger independent bike stores will carry indoor cycling shoes. While they may not have the specific model in stock, most places deal with Shimano for many other items and can usually order a pair in. While these shoes can certainly be purchased online, try them on to obtain the best fit.

Cost

Indoor cycling shoes start at $50 for the low end and increase to around $300.

Comparison Shopping

In cycling shoes, you tend to get what you pay for. If you take Spinning® classes periodically, the $50 pair will be fine. If you Spin® multiple times a week, splurge for a more expensive pair.

Accessories

Do not forget to purchase cleats. Bike shoes do not come with cleats. Bring the manufacturer and model information for your gym’s pedals to get the right ones. Expect to shell out another $15 to $30 for the cleats. Most bike stores will be happy to attach them to your shoes before you leave the store.

Insider Tips

Keep the Allen wrench that comes with the cleats or purchase one that fits. Cleats work loose over time, and this will prevent you from getting a clean release from the pedal. Make it a habit to tighten the cleat before each workout.

008 Fitness Studio Marketing Podcast – Using Healcode widgets for Mind Body Online

johnmac — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:46:08 +0000

Healcode CEO and Founder Steve Goldstein joins me to discuss how the Healcode software (he calls them Widgets) will display your Mind Body Online schedule directly on your Fitness Studio’s website.

We recorded an audio podcast (below) along with this Video demonstration. Steve shows me an interesting use of the Healcode contact form that may help you convert more website visitors into paying customers.

Download audio file (008_FSM_HealCode.mp3)

Introducing CyclingStudio.Org

johnmac — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 23:51:12 +0000

“Our expertise is with Indoor Cycling Instructors and the Business of Indoor Cycling Studios, so why don’t we create a special community for Owners of Indoor Cycling Studios?” That was the question Bill and I were asking ourselves.

It made sense and after searching Google and not finding anything we decided to create CyclingStudio.Org which is a Members Only, online community for and about Spinning® and Indoor Cycling Studios. It’s open it to Owners, Managers and Potential Indoor Cycling Studio Owners. (If you have some other form of studio, you’re welcome as well. It’s just that the content will be specific to Cycling Studios.)

If that sounds like something you could use to improve your Cycling Studio then please check it out CyclingStudio.Org. Membership is free for a limited time and we would love your input at our Studio Owners Forum.

007 Fitness Studio Marketing Podcast – Understanding Mind Body Online with Andres Moran

johnmac — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:17:58 +0000

Mind Body, Inc. Sales and Business Development Manager Andres Moran joined me to explore how Fitness Business owners can benefit from using Mind Body Online to improve the marketing and management of their fitness business. I learned how Mind Body Online seamlessly integrates with other software like Constant Contact, simplifying the management of your client/prospect lists.

Do you have questions about a product or service that you would like to hear discussed? Leave a comment below.

Download audio file (007_FSM_MINDBODY.mp3)

Great Pictures + Content = A great looking site

johnmac — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:43:48 +0000

The new website for JoyRide Indoor Cycling Studio turned out quite well I feel. Lorie Bickford, one of the owners, wanted a site that was fresh and light where her black and red logo colors would stand out. We found a theme that with a few tweaks ended up being just what she wanted…. but not until we added a bunch of pictures and copy.

Content Marketing Ideas

johnmac — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:01:16 +0000

Every year there is a “Turkey Day 5k” in Minneapolis and I bet there is one in your town as well. Why not write a blog post about it and see what happens?

Many people will be searching online to find; the start time and location of the starting line and maybe where the best places to park are. So why not tell them in a post on your site?

My Post title would be: Minneapolis Turkey Day 5k location, start time and best parking places.

The post copy would begin: Minneapolis Turkey Day 5k start time is 9:00am and the Minneapolis Turkey Day 5k starting line location is Lake Harriet band shell. The best places to park are near 44th and Upton. Look for me there (I’ll be near the back) and then bring your finisher ribbon to our Yoga Studio for a free one hour class and stretch. Here is the link to schedule your free class.

Off line marketing at local events are like shooting fish in a barrel with hundreds, if not thousands of fitness enthusiasts all in one place.

Measure the grade of the climbs and post it on a sign, on the side of the road, with your studio’s name on it.
Print up “post it notes” with some special offer. Then find some help and stick them on the rear view mirrors of cars parked near the starting line. “Why the rear view mirror’ you may ask? If you just stick a sheet of paper under the windshield wiper people will see them on their way back to their car and will already have decided to throw away the one you placed on their car, before the get there. Your sticky note won’t be noticed until they are in the car.
Consider becoming a sponsor of the event.

006 Fitness Studio Marketing Podcast â€“ More Observations From The Indoor Cycle Instructor PRO Conference

johnmac — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 20:29:38 +0000

In what I’m calling Part Two, Bill and I discuss the marketing tracks we participated on at the conference.

Download audio file (006_FSM_conference_pt2.mp3)

005 Fitness Studio Marketing Podcast – Observations From The Indoor Cycle Instructor PRO Conference

johnmac — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 17:12:29 +0000

We’re back after hosting the Indoor Cycle Instructor PRO conference in Boston. Sorry for the delay publishing episode # 5.

Bill Pryor and I participated in a number of Fitness Studio Business Sessions and we discuss some of the discussions we have with other studio owners and potential owners about starting a studio and using social media to get found online.

Part 2 is coming next week.

Feel free to contact Bill for a free 30 minute consultation about planning a new fitness business or for ideas about marketing your existing studio.Â bill@fitnessstudiomarketing.com or call him 781-254-3677

Download audio file (005_FSM_ICI_conference.mp3)

Marketing Your Fitness Studio to Outdoor Cyclists

johnmac — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:50:45 +0000

Riding a bicycle outdoors is the #1 fitness activity in America. Many ride just a few times a year and also participate in a local supported ride like the MS 150. These fitness minded individuals are a perfect potential customer for your fitness studio. I posted about my marketing test about this here and a number of people have asked how I measured the % grade of each climb. I created this short how-to video to show you.