One thing every residential development strives for is happy residents. An essential part of this is ensuring there is a sense of community that residents feel a part of and adds to the feeling that this is their ‘home’. The gym, spa staff and facilities can play a key role in helping to achieve this.
Often, gym and spa facilities are one of the main focus points for residents when it comes to a development. If these are well managed and run smoothly, residents will appreciate and enjoy having access right on their doorstep! A place to meet their neighbours, build friendships and socialise, not just with other residents but also the gym and spa staff, who will break down barriers with a warm welcome and smile. At motive8 we have had plenty of residents build fantastic relationships with long standing staff members that have lasted even after the resident has moved on.
There are a few key areas that are essential for building that community spirit around the gym and spa:
Gym Inductions
An induction is where the resident journey begins and is a great starting point to make every individual feel welcome and part of the community. Moving can be stressful, so we aim to make the induction process as stress-free as possible. They can take this opportunity to ask questions, often about more than just the gym and spa.
Whether they are an experienced gym goer who is just keen to get going, or someone that requires a little more help, inductions can be tailored to suit the resident and their individual requirements.
Gym Events/Challenges
Throughout the year events are organised to bring residents together and have some fun. These can be based around key events like Halloween or Christmas or something more simple, like a gym challenge with prizes at stake for the winners.
Events like these are a fantastic way for residents to get to know staff better and really adds to the atmosphere on site. It is also a great opportunity to focus on families as many events will have elements tailored to children, such as little games or prizes.
Classes
A varied class schedule can add so much to the community as a whole. Busy classes improve the atmosphere in the gym and bring like-minded residents together in a setting where they can really get to know each other and turn neighbours into friends.
Not only are these classes led by our staff on site but there is also the option of virtual classes. Residents who have got to know each other may make this a regular occurrence in addition to the normal class schedule.
Personal Training
Group personal training is a great way to meet new gym-goers and train with like-minded people. In addition, group personal training sessions help mix up fitness plans and the camaraderie between participants helps keep motivation levels high plus it’s a cost-effective way to achieve fitness goals.
Community page
Via the motive8 fitness app, residents also have access to a community page. This is used to post updates, reminders and also to raise awareness throughout the year for subjects like ‘metal health awareness week’. At motive8 we do this through posting tips, blogs and other content which residents can access if they are interested.
Residents can also use the app to ask staff any questions, or speak to each other.
These are just some of the obvious ways in which the gym and spa can be a major contributor to the community within a residential development, but the options don’t stop there. We have had running clubs, coffee mornings, walks in the park, summer fairs and even a staff/resident 5-a-side football night, all adding to the community feel.
Want to learn more about how our expert management teams can help your gym and spa facility?
Our specialist teams are here to help and offer free gym and spa management consultations. Please contact us on 020 8481 9700 or email info@m8group.co.uk.
