By the time summer is in full swing and you’re gearing up for the 4th of July, chances are more of your studio or gym members are taking their workouts outside. It’s hard to compete with gorgeous weather, which is why celebrating Independence Day is a great way to get members back into the studio. It’s also the perfect time to drum up excitement around patriotic holiday promotions to attract new members. Here are five fun promotions to try just in time for the Fourth:
Promote a Pre- or Post Fourth of July Workout
After Thanksgiving and the December holiday season, the 4th of July is all about indulgence—BBQ indulgence that is. It feels like we wouldn’t be doing our Independence Day duty if we didn’t throw some burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings and sausage on the grill. And don’t forget about sides like potato salad or sweet slaw that add up in calories alongside your favorite beer.
And that’s exactly why now’s the time to promote pre- and post-Fourth of July workouts. Choose a day before or after the 4th of July to plan an “explosive” workout for your members. Consider hosting a special Independence Day workout featuring four short classes (20 minutes each) from four different instructors. Try an abbreviated mix of your most popular classes and bill it as four workouts in one class in honor of the Fourth.
You can also mix up the exercises in your existing classes by adding themed variations to each workout. For example, try adding a firecracker or starburst move into a cardio or core workout, or four rounds of exercises like starjumps.
Make a Patriotic Playlist
Have some fun in the days leading up to the 4th by putting together a U.S.-themed playlist for your studio and gym in general. Or make an upbeat patriotic playlist for a high impact class like cycling or GRIT cardio. From John Mellencamp’s R.O.C.K. in the USA to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ American Girl, there’s tons to choose from. Don’t miss Miley Cyrus’s Party in the USA!
Advertise a Fourth of July Promotion
Studio and gym owners always look to grow membership at the beginning of a new year, when many customers resolve to make more time for fitness and self-care. But the summer is also a great time to offer promotions, especially since existing customers may pause their memberships in July and August because of vacations or just wanting to exercise outside.
Consider a 4th of July promotion that gives members 4 free classes when they sign up for a month’s worth. Or advertise a 4th of July explosive workout at no charge (which means one free day of classes on a day like July 3rd). Find ways to get creative with the number four when offering a discount and you’ll likely get more existing and new members into the studio before and after the holiday.
Host a Fourth of July Healthy Cook-Off
Since we’re all about to indulge in barbecue goodness, ask your instructors or members (or both) to share a healthy but still delicious take on their favorite 4th of July BBQ side. Much like the healthy chili cook-offs gyms host before the Super Bowl, this type of contest would feature modified takes on summer classics like a German style potato salad dressed with white vinegar and olive oil instead of mayo.
Promote your 4th of July Healthy Sides Cook-Off via email, social media and with signs throughout your studio. Plan a day for participants to bring in their dishes (and keep in mind that this type of contest will generate interest anytime over the summer—not just for the 4th). Have members sample each and vote for their favorite using secret ballot boxes. Plan to award the winner with a prize they’ll love, like a free class or swag from your studio.
Serve Up Some Red, White and Blue Goodies After Class
Some fitness studios host wine and cheese mixers so consider a holiday-themed mixer, which can be held in the studio for an hour after class. There’s no shortage of festive and colorful DIY 4th of July cocktails. One of the prettiest is a red, white and blue sangria made with dry white wine, triple sec, berry flavored vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh blueberries, strawberries and pineapple chunks.
Or you can keep things simple and alcohol-free by serving up ice-cold water flavored with fresh blueberries and strawberries. Pick up a couple of 3-gallon beverage dispensers to throw the fruit in or try a beverage dispenser with an infuser for your blueberries and strawberries. If you want even more color, try serving all-natural berry lemonade with raspberries and blackberries, which can be substituted for blueberries.
Make your spread even more festive by serving a red, white and blue fruit platter next to your beverage. Try mixing chopped watermelon or strawberries with blueberries and bananas. Or skip the platter idea and spice up some ripe and juicy watermelon. Go savory with some watermelon slices by adding a hint of olive oil, a touch of red pepper flakes and some crumbled feta cheese. It’s festive, healthy and really easy. And if you’re strapped for time and need an easy idea, you can’t go wrong with passing out some classic firecracker popsicles after class. Happy Fourth!
