Planet Fitness^® gyms always strive to have up-to-date cardio and strength equipment for members so they can have a top-notch exercise experience when they visit. Every five to seven years, clubs are required to undergo reequips to ensure members can access the best of the best when it comes to equipment. However, this process requires clubs to close for a period of time, which can be a real bummer for Planet Fitness members.

The extended closure led United PF to get creative and add an element of member appreciation to express gratitude to members for their patience, which is why it launched “Welcome Back!” events into the reequip process.

“We know it can be frustrating to our members to have our club closed for any period of time, which is why we developed a new element to the reequip process – a welcome-back event!” said Jessica Pugh, senior community marketing manager for United PF Partners.

United PF completed 25 reequips from May to October. These events are fun-filled member appreciation days that include swag giveaways for the first 100 members that come into the club. There were also raffle prizes, and all members – regardless of membership type – had access to use the Black Card Spa amenities.

“The events have performed positively for the club and have been a great way to show our members how much we appreciate them!” Pugh said.

Club reequips, though beneficial in the long run, can cause some temporary inconvenience for members when the gym closes for the installation. Finding a fun way to thank members and show appreciation for them, as well as celebrate the shiny new equipment in the clubs, helps remind members how much Planet Fitness values them. It’s a meaningful way to welcome back the loyal members who keep the brand running.