When clients first step into your fitness studio, the check-in area sets the tone for their entire experience. It’s the first impression they get of your facility – and it’s crucial to make it as welcoming and comfortable as possible. It starts with your staff being readily available for check-in, providing new members with a tour of the studio, and introducing them to the necessary staff members that will be assisting with their workout – but it doesn’t stop there. While check-in is the first stop, you need to consider the entire lobby and the locker rooms as well to create an overall welcoming atmosphere.
ClubReady Concierge Services can free up your staff’s time from lead conversion to provide them with the necessary available time needed to care for the studio and its members.
Check-In Area Aesthetics
It all starts with the aesthetics – “the first look” of your studio. It’s important to create an environment where your customer feels welcomed into the studio and is not overwhelmed or unsure of where to go.
Consider the following when planning a lobby and check-in space:
- Color: Consider using bright, lively colors that create a sense of motivation. A branded accent wall is also a great way to build brand identity.
- Desk: Streamlining your desk setup can facilitate a smooth entry/check-in process and help build comfortability for your customers and members.
- Seating: Try to provide comfortable and stylish seating that allows your customers and members to relax pre and post workout. A simple space with tables and chairs allows them to answer some quick emails or finish their protein shake before moving along to the rest of their day.
- Lighting: Providing natural light is ideal, but if that’s not possible, ensure that the space is well lit.
- Plants: You read that right! Plants always make a space feel inviting and open.
Personal Touches for a Memorable Experience
Adding personal touches significantly enhances the client experience. Not only can personal touches upgrade the lobby/check-in area, but you can also place them within the locker rooms as well.
Consider the following:
- Mints: Placing a bowl of mints on the counter provides your members with the sense that you want them to leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated from their workout.
- Feminine Products: Having easily accessible feminine products in the restrooms makes your members and customers feel seen and cared for, especially if they forgot something they desperately need!
- Cologne/Perfume: These products provide that small extra step in making sure your members and customers feel good when they leave. They may be heading to work or a business meeting following their workout, and by providing cologne/perfume it can give them an extra boost of confidence.
- Other Items to consider are mouthwash, throw away toothbrushes/floss, hair ties, bobby pins, cotton swabs, makeup removing wipes, etc.
This photo is a great example from Iron Tribe of how to add personal touches to build a memorable experience. Our ClubReady team left the studio visit with fresh breath ready to take on the rest of their day!
The Final Touch
While these things are important, creating a welcoming space for your guests is more than lighting and looks. The feel of a space often directly stems from the people inhabiting it. If your front-desk staff are busy chasing down leads (which Concierge could be handling for you), they’ll be more distracted than present, and your guests will notice. Take tedious tasks off the table and leave room for your team to fully engage with your guests – attentive staff can make any space welcoming.
By focusing on all these details, you can create check-in, lobby, and locker room spaces that not only adhere to your brand’s guidelines but also embody a warm and inviting ambiance. This thoughtful approach can set the stage for a memorable and enjoyable fitness experience from the moment your clients walk through the door to when they head home.
Learn how Concierge can free up your staff’s time, so they can be present for your members.