Bad habits, like leaving weights scattered around, occupying multiple machines at once, and poor hygiene, are all too common in gyms today. These behaviors not only frustrate your members, but they also harm your gym’s reputation and hurt your bottom line.

Misplaced equipment in a fitness gym

The Impact of Bad Habits on Your Gym

1. Not Racking Weights After Workouts
One of the most common bad habits in any gym is when members leave weights scattered around after their sets. This not only creates an safety hazard but also makes the gym look disorganized. Other members often risk injury when they are left to clean up misplaced equipment.

Negative Impact on Experience:
Members don’t want to spend their gym time picking up after others. It’s a clear sign of disrespect and makes the gym feel disorganized and unprofessional.

Impact on Business:
When members feel they’re constantly cleaning up after others, their perception of the gym and its employees declines. Over time, they're likely to leave once a comparable option becomes available.

2. Hogging Equipment
Another common issue is members taking up multiple machines or pieces of equipment at once, especially during peak hours. This decreases resources and frustrates others who are waiting their turn—especially when employees seemingly do nothing about it.

Impact on Experience:
Waiting for machines or equipment becomes a major inconvenience. It disrupts the flow of workouts, and when people can’t get the equipment they need, they might cut their sessions short or discontinue their memberships entirely.

Impact on Business:
A gym that feels overcrowded or unfair due to members claiming more than their share of equipment can drive potential customers away and hurt your reputation amongst potential new customers. 

3. Not Wiping Down Equipment
Everyone is concerned about hygiene, and this is only exemplified with sweat and germs on every piece of equipment. Sadly, some members neglect to wipe down equipment after use, leaving it dirty for the next person, and thus, contributing to an unhealthy environment.

Impact on Experience:
Gym members want to work out in a clean and hygienic space. If members have to wipe down every piece of equipment before use, it can undermine the experience, prolong their workout, and leave them feeling less motivated to come back.  Additionally, the need to constantly wipe equipment leads to the consumption and waste of more paper. 

Impact on Business:
Maintaining high hygiene standards is essential for member retention. If your gym is known for not keeping equipment clean, your membership and revenue will ultimately decline. 

4. Poor Etiquette and Disrespect for Others
Basic gym etiquette, like talking loudly on the phone or using equipment incorrectly, can create unnecessary disruptions. Members who violate these unspoken rules ruin the vibe of the entire gym, making others feel uncomfortable.

Impact on Experience:
A lack of respect for shared space makes your gym feel less welcoming. It can lead to frustration, which often results in members taking their business elsewhere.

Impact on Business:
Poor behavior can lead to a toxic environment, and when word gets out, it can deter potential members from signing up. Creating a respectful culture is key to fostering a great atmosphere for working out.

The Solution: Clear, Direct, and Bold Signage

While these habits can be frustrating, the solution is often simpler than it seems: clear, direct, and strategically placed signage. A well-designed sign with bold messaging can act as a constant reminder to members about the gym’s expectations, helping to curb bad behavior and encourage respect for the space.

Effective signage can:

  • Reinforce Gym Etiquette: Clearly communicate expectations for cleaning up after oneself, sharing equipment, and treating the space with respect.
  • Promote Cleanliness and Safety: Remind members to wipe down machines, rack weights, and be mindful of hygiene practices.
  • Create a Positive Environment: Encourage consideration for others and foster a more enjoyable gym atmosphere.

Branded Signage Solutions Can Enhance Your Member Experience

By investing in clear, bold, and direct signage, you're not only improving the member experience but also showing that you're committed to maintaining a welcoming, professional environment. This can help increase member retention, improve satisfaction, and enhance your gym’s reputation and ultimately leading to a robust membership.

Outpeel specializes in wayfinding solutions tailored to your unique brand and tone. Contact us today to discuss how our custom signage can support your goals and create a space your members will enjoy.