Walking into a new fitness center can be intimidating. The people, equipment and even the music are all different. The locker rooms seem strangely configured, and the check-in process is a guessing game. These factors might sound silly to someone who has exercised for years, but they represent real barriers for people. This week, I’ll share a little about gym culture and how one can bring their own vibe. Plus, I’ll introduce an exercise that can help one transition into a new environment.
One of the most important decisions for any gym owner is determining their facility culture, and it starts before someone walks in the door. Is the parking lot nicely paved? What does the landscaping look like out front? What’s the name of the place, and is the sign brightly illuminated?
Once people step inside, the culture really begins to wash over them. What does is smell like? How loud is the music and what type of music is playing? What color are the staff uniforms, and are they wearing polo shirts or tank tops? Is the front desk staff available, and are they standing or sitting down?
As a former gym owner, these are all considerations I made when determining the type of culture I wanted to create. Why? Because culture translates directly into the member experience, and the member experience will either drive customer loyalty or create attrition. I wanted to create a culture of support, cleanliness, professionalism and low intensity.
It’s very difficult to create a “one size fits all” culture, and I noticed that many of my regular members would create their own mini-culture. They would bring earbuds to play their own music. They would layer their clothing in case they were chilled or warm. They would bring their own water bottle and sometimes their own yoga mat.
So, the takeaway for the exerciser is to control the controllables. Clothing, music, water and attitude are within one’s control. They can make all the difference between long-term success and gym hopping all around town.
This week’s exercise is a great example of a movement that fits within almost any gym culture and can benefit people of all fitness levels. The BOSU Fulcrum Pushup is easy to learn and even easier to execute.
(For a video demonstration: arkansasonline.com/1118pushup/)
1. Place a BOSU ball with the ball side up on the floor.
2. Position yourself in the “up” phase of a pushup, except place your knees on an exercise mat.
3. Place your right hand on the center of the BOSU ball and your left hand on the floor.
4. From here, perform a normal pushup by lowering the torso and pressing back up.
5. As you reach the top, switch your hand position so that the left hand is now on the BOSU and the right hand is on the floor to the right of the BOSU.
6. Again, perform another pushup here.
7. Continue alternating sides until you’ve performed 12 reps. Two sets total.
In this first of three photos, Wes Wilson, personal trainer with the Little Rock Athletic Club, demonstrates BOSU Fulcrum Pushup for Matt Parrott’s Master Class. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Kimberly Dishongh)
In this second of three photos, Wes Wilson, personal trainer with the Little Rock Athletic Club, demonstrates BOSU Fulcrum Pushup for Matt Parrott’s Master Class. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Kimberly Dishongh)
In this third of three photos, Wes Wilson, personal trainer with the Little Rock Athletic Club, demonstrates BOSU Fulcrum Pushup for Matt Parrott’s Master Class. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Kimberly Dishongh)
Culture is one of those things that seems untouchable, but it’s easy to influence one’s own mini culture with a few key adjustments. Let’s get to work!
Director of business development and population health solutions for Quest Diagnostics, Matt Parrott started this column Jan. 6, 2003, in Little Rock. He loves to hear from readers. Write to him at [email protected]
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