Summer holidays are over, and many gyms are feeling the familiar summer slowdown. A lot of members paused their workouts during the warm months, went on vacation, or preferred exercising outdoors. Now is the perfect time to bring your members back to the gym and help them regain motivation after the summer break.
In this article, you’ll find practical tips to successfully re-engage your members after the holidays.
How to Bring Your Members Back to the Gym
1. Welcome Back Campaigns
After a long break, members want to feel welcome. A personal greeting via email, social media, or even a small on-site welcome gesture creates a positive feeling and can motivate members to return. Communicate messages like: “We’re glad you’re back!” or “Start strong and keep going this fall!”
💡 Tip: Craft your message to motivate without creating pressure. Emphasize the joy of training and the sense of community in your gym.
2. Small Actions & Simple Challenges
To bring members back to the gym, support them with attractive offers:
- Special days like “Fit Back After the Holidays”
- Mini challenges (e.g., 10 workouts in 30 days)
- Trial weeks for new class formats
- “Bring a Friend – Invite a friend and train together for free”
This way, re-engaging is not only easier but also more fun for your members.
3. Leverage Indoor & Outdoor Combinations
Many people discovered the joy of outdoor exercise over the summer. Extend this motivation into your gym! Offer hybrid training options (outdoor classes + studio sessions) and show that your gym is flexible. This can also help bring your members back to the gym who aren’t ready to return fully indoors yet.
💡 Tip: Learn how to successfully plan outdoor classes step by step in our Outdoor Guide.
4. Adapt to Your Members’ Needs
A common reason members don’t return after a break is feeling overwhelmed. To bring members back to the gym, support them with:
- Gentle workout plans for restarting
- Short, effective “After Summer” classes
- Consultations with trainers who focus on individual goals for the next season
This lowers the barrier to re-entry, makes the first step enjoyable, and motivates members simultaneously.
5. Bringing Members Back to the Gym & Communicate Actively on Social Media
Use social media to share your offers and regularly motivate your members. Right now, your members need updates to stay informed.
- Share motivational posts (“Start the fall fit and strong!”)
- Show studio vibes with photos and videos
- Use story formats to introduce new classes or challenges
💡 Tip: Check out our Partner Blog for Social Media for Fitness Studios: 11 Top Tips.
Did you know? As an Urban Sports Club partner, you can access our social media templates: professional templates for posts, stories, and class promotion save time and ensure a consistent, professional presence.
6. Strengthen Long-Term Member Engagement
Summer is a yearly challenge. That’s why it’s important to create structures that continue to work in the long run. With the right measures, you can bring members back to the gym and keep them motivated over time. Examples include:
- Automated reactivation emails after longer breaks
- Member programs that reward loyalty
- Regular feedback to identify needs early
- Wellness offerings (e.g., sauna, pool) provide clear value beyond home workouts and encourage post-summer returns
Conclusion: Escape the Summer Slump – Bring Your Members Back to the Gym!
The summer break doesn’t have to be a problem for your gym – it’s a perfect chance to re-motivate members, strengthen your community, and build long-term engagement for winter.
To bring members back to the gym, focus on personal communication and flexible offerings. Combine indoor and outdoor options, leverage social media, and surprise your members with motivating campaigns. This ensures members feel welcomed and start the fall with full energy!
Our goal is to provide you with the best tools and practical solutions for sustainable success in your gym. Explore exciting articles on digital solutions and accessibility in our Partner Blog.
As an Urban Sports Club partner, you benefit from increased visibility for your offerings, additional revenue, and the opportunity to reach new customer groups. Curious how an Urban Sports Club partnership works? Our free e-book shows how a yoga and Pilates studio in Cologne achieved success in a short time. To learn more about our offers and become an Urban Sports Club partner, visit our Partner Website.