Posted by on Aug 22, 2023 in Technology | 0 comments

MGM Release – Sunday, August 27th at 9 PM ET

A release is scheduled for Sunday, August 27th at 9:00 PM ET. The release will require a server reboot that may cause MGM and the website to go offline for 5-10 minutes. We aim to announce planned downtime with as much notice as possible. Sometimes, however, issues arise between announcement and release that necessitate rescheduling. We will continue to keep you updated as any changes come about. Enhancements and updates scheduled in this release: ⚠️ Action Potentially Required Archiving of Older Email Marketing Images We plan to archive email marketing headers and images that contain older colors and/or masks. Please be sure to check on your scheduled and future email campaigns and update any images that may have been removed. Please contact designer@mygym.com if you experience any issues with broken images.  🔷 Updated Zipwhip/Text Request Script Field The Zipwhip Header and Zipwhip Contact fields in Admin > Website > Settings > Scripts have been renamed to Chat Header and Chat Contact. All gyms on Text Request should have removed their...

Read More

Posted by on Aug 10, 2023 in Technology | 0 comments

Zipwhip Replacement / Transfer to New Platform

As you all know, Zipwhip is shutting down permanently on December 1, 2023, and we tested Twilio Frontline in the gym for several months. During that phase, we concluded that it is not the right product for My Gym. Though Twilio has the MGM integration element, it lacks several other key features that we know gyms will miss coming from Zipwhip. We resumed talks with other potential platforms and chose Text Request for these key reasons: Text Request is one of Zipwhip’s top recommendations and has onboarded thousands of former customers. You will not lose your contacts, templates, or conversation history. You can continue automating Facebook ad responses using Zapier. An SMS chat widget for the website and convenient Chrome browser extension for one-click texting in MGM are available. Integration and automation within MGM (e.g., class confirmations) is an option for the near future. There are currently 14 gyms that have been using the system for several weeks. You are invited to schedule your own gym’s transfer by clicking...

Read More

Posted by on Aug 3, 2023 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Post-Seminar: what’s new and fun in Core Programs!

The Programs and Curriculum Division is excited to let you all know about a few new welcome additions to our programming, which you will see throughout curriculum later this fall. First, we will be rolling out a new Adventure featuring adorable pop-up play tents! Exploring these tents will help My Gym kids work on gross motor skills, sensory integration, and imagination (and they’re a lot of fun, too). 😊 Their first appearance in curriculum is slated for Q4. Each gym should buy a total of 4-5 tents: a mix of store-bought pop-up tents (choose your own – make sure no assembly is required! – or buy from a list of MGE-suggested tents on Amazon), and at least one My Gym branded tent, as seen here: These charming My Gym branded tents are being made by our friends in My Gym China and are en route stateside to ShopMyGym. A subsequent update will go out when they are available for purchase! In addition to the play tents, we will also...

Read More

Posted by on Jul 26, 2023 in Conference | 0 comments

West Coast Training Seminar Recap and Awards

We held our 2nd Training Seminar for 2023 this past month in Pasadena, CA.  It was an awesome event with 195 total people in attendance from all over the United States.  Because of everyone’s passion, dedication, patience, and fabulous ideas, we had an incredible time learning and sharing. Thank you to the Pasadena Team for all the work they did leading up to the Seminar. It was amazing to all be together again after so many years! Over the last 4 years every single My Gymer has played a huge role coming out of the pandemic to touch the lives of children with our wonderful program.  The work that everyone does in their businesses every day will forever make memories for the children in your communities and we thank you all for your hard work and dedication. Award Winners We would like to recognize the award winners from the West Coast Training Seminar. Franchisee of the Year Award The owners who best exemplifies the ideals for which My Gym...

Read More

Posted by on Jul 25, 2023 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Curriculum Contest: Submit Your Puppet Shows!

Calling all groundhogs, skunks, and My Gymers who love them!  Now that our 2023 Training Seminars have concluded, the cat (or new puppet, as the case may be) is out of the bag! Later this year, MGE’s Programming Division will be unveiling TWO different new puppet shows in curriculum. The puppets themselves have already been chosen: one is a soft and lovable groundhog, and the other a spry skunk with a prominent tail. Their respective stories, however, remain to be told… And that’s where YOU come in!  We are currently accepting submissions from gyms who would like to write stories, poems, or songs for these puppet shows. You may choose to submit for either the groundhog or skunk, however, if you’d like to submit for both, we ask that you send in two separate submission forms. That submission form can be found here: https://mygym.formstack.com/forms/puppetprogramming. For those who attended Seminar and already submitted your entry via email, there’s no need to re-submit using the form. However, if you’d like to send a supplemental performance video, you...

Read More

Posted by on Jul 5, 2023 in Technology | 0 comments

MGM Release Date and Other Important Info

The release has been rescheduled for Thursday, July 13th at 9:00 PM ET. The release will require a server reboot that may cause MGM and the website to go offline for 5-10 minutes. We aim to announce planned downtime with as much notice as possible. Sometimes, however, issues arise between announcement and release that necessitate rescheduling. We will continue to keep you updated as any changes come about. Please continue reading below for important new fixes and additions included in this release, as they may apply to your gym. There have been additions since our last update. 1) Issue with delinquent students and cancellationsWe have identified an issue where students who were delinquent upon cancellation but then reversed their cancellation required an extra step by the gym to resume RBS. Their payment schedule was inadvertently overridden to collect no further payments. Removing the override fixes the issue for now, but with this update, RBS will resume automatically. Example: Lily is past due on payments and the gym has set a...

Read More

Posted by on Jul 5, 2023 in Marketing | 0 comments

40th Anniversary: Retro Back-to-School Enrollment Specials

We’re heading into our 3rd official event for our 40th Anniversary celebration! While it may not be a traditional “event” per se, we’ve planned Back-to-School specials to keep it easy and simple for My Gymers!  What better way to kick off the upcoming new school year than with some totally tubular enrollment specials throughout August or September? Get ready to transport your families back to the time when Madonna ruled the charts, Pac-Man was the ultimate gaming hero, and everyone wanted to be part of “The Breakfast Club.” Recommended Enrollment Specials: New members: 1-Week Guest Experience for $29 Returning members: Celebrate 40 years of My Gym and SAVE $40! (with promo code: SCHOOL40) We’ll be providing you with all the retro-themed promotional materials to help you spread the word and get everyone amped up to join your classes. The following marketing materials will be available by July 15:  2 email templates (for new and returning members) Social media graphics  Social media content provided in the SMR  The 80s were...

Read More

Posted by on Jun 27, 2023 in Conference | 0 comments

East Coast Training Seminar Recap and Awards

Our 1st Training Seminar since 2019 was held this month in Dobbs Ferry, NY.  We had a wonderful group of really fun and pumped-up My Gymers whose energies were truly amazing!  It was an awesome event with 180 total participants from all over the United States.  Because of everyone’s passion, dedication, patience, and fabulous ideas, we had an incredible time learning and sharing. Thank you to the Dobbs Ferry/Larchmont Teams for all the work they did leading up to the Seminar.  It was incredible to all be together again after so many years! Every single My Gymer has played a huge role the past four years coming out of the pandemic, as you touched children’s lives with our wonderful program.  We thank you all for your dedication and the hard work you do in your gyms every single day.  You enrich the lives of the children in your communities as you create memories that last a lifetime.  Award Winners We would like to recognize the award winners from the...

Read More

Posted by on Jun 22, 2023 in Technology | 0 comments

Zipwhip Update

If you logged into Zipwhip today, you probably saw this message: Please rest assured that you will not lose texting ability when Zipwhip shuts down. MGE is continuing our partnership with Twilio, the company that purchased Zipwhip, for a seamless transition. We have been working on the MGM integration and testing the new system, and will begin contacting a few gyms next week to make the...

Read More

Posted by on Jun 21, 2023 in Products | 0 comments

Inventory Clearance Sale! Save 20% on Everything at ShopMyGym!

ShopMyGym just stocked up on inventory and has a bunch more arriving next week, which means that we need to make room in our warehouse quickly! So, we’re taking a big hit and giving you 20% off all orders of $250 or more between now and Tuesday 6/27 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. New Member Fun Packs (f/k/a Registration Packs), apparel, birthday party favors, promotional products, and more . . . everything is on sale. We have never offered this type of discount, and we might not ever do this again, so take advantage of this opportunity to save big and get the same great products. Click here to start shopping. Use code: SALE20 at...

Read More

Posted by on Jun 16, 2023 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Curriculum Update & Disney Integration

MGE needs to inform everyone that there is an important change with regards to curriculum for next week (“Week 25” – 6/19). Due to a partnership with Disney Music, we need to make a switch in programming. We apologize profusely for the inconvenience to any/all who may have already held their Weekly Meeting in preparation for next week, but all gyms must re-download / refresh ALL curriculum for Week 25. The newly-updated curriculum will present Disney Music themed content. Any gyms who have been previously informed by MGE’s Strategic Partnerships division that they are included in the Disney Music integration MUST perform the Disney themed ingredients throughout. Each ingredient subject to the Disney promotion will be labeled: “Disney Integration.” Gyms that have NOT been contacted to participate in this promotion may simply perform the “non-themed” content throughout the curricula. This integration will last for TWO consecutive weeks: the aforementioned Week 25 (6/19), and Week 26 (6/26).  Again, we are deeply sorry for any confusion and hope that your gyms and teachers will have...

Read More

Posted by on Jun 12, 2023 in Conference, Support & Programming | 0 comments

West Coast Training Seminar Registration Deadline

The West Coast Training Seminar is coming up fast! The deadline to register your team is June 23rd. Please register for the seminar by clicking here. We noticed some people have booked hotels but are not registered for the seminar with MGE. Please register if you are attending so we can plan everything appropriately, including event spaces, our meetings, etc. The original hotel is sold out, please reach out to Angie Foote at afoote@mygym.com, if you need another hotel option. West Coast Training Seminar, July 14th-15thMeetings are held at the Pasadena Convention Center300 E. Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101 The agenda will be sent out in a few weeks.July 14th Start time: 12:30 p.m.July 15th Start time: 8:15 a.m. End time: 5:00 p.m. Please plan to attend the entire seminar. We are looking forward to seeing you...

Read More

Posted by on Jun 6, 2023 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

New MGE Mandates

MGE cares deeply about the services we provide, the quality of our gyms, and the reputation we’ve earned through 40 years of hard work. Our brand enjoys a premium position in the minds and hearts of families everywhere, and it’s not something we ever want to take for granted. To ensure we stay ahead of the competition and retain our top status, the MGE Executive Board has reviewed the mandates that every My Gym franchisee must follow. Our MGE Mandates have long been the backbone of what allows us to be so great. They provide a set of mandatory rules that strengthen each franchisee individually and the franchise as a whole. Consistent compliance with each of our mandates is not optional. It is not uncommon for a franchise to require its franchisees to make extensive upgrades to their locations every few years, with costs ranging from $5,000 to well over $30,000. If you are a longtime My Gym franchisee, you know that MGE has never followed this model or...

Read More

Posted by on Jun 1, 2023 in General | 0 comments

My Gym Closures

We post a notification when a gym is closing so you are all aware of any closures within our franchise body. We need to inform you that, as of June 1, 2023, the Jacksonville, FL gym will no longer be a My Gym. We also want to let you know that the Morrisville, NC My Gym has closed for business as of May 31,...

Read More

Posted by on May 23, 2023 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

MGE Franchise Survey: 2022-2023

MGE needs your help! 😊 We would appreciate it very much if you could please take five minutes out of your busy day to complete a comprehensive survey to help us improve our franchise services. Specifically, we are looking for your feedback on the following: MGE’s support structures and Support Team Programs and curriculum Marketing initiatives, tools, and information Vendor services ShopMyGym.com and the Merchandise Division HR systems and optional staff census MGE strives to provide all franchisees with the best support and tools possible, and your feedback is instrumental in our reaching that goal.  We are dedicated to each franchisee’s ongoing happiness and viability and, as such, are dedicated to our own continual evolvement, both as individuals and across our divisions.  No bit of feedback is too big or too small – all will be used constructively. This survey should be filled out by Owners and/or Directors or Managers, and, if desired, you may remain anonymous. Please click here and be sure to complete the survey by June 5th, 2023. Thank...

Read More

Posted by on May 22, 2023 in Products | 0 comments

Available now: New Premium My Gym Foundation T-Shirts

Show your support for the My Gym Foundation with our new premium T-shirt! The phrase, “There’s Power in Kindness,” reminds and informs everyone of the positive impact we can all have on others by simply being kind. Details: 4.2 oz., 50% polyester, 25% ringspun cotton, 25% rayon Tri-blend tee – super soft, comfortable, and stretchy Make an impact in your community with this shirt. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Foundation to help children in need. Promote kindness and inclusion everywhere you go! These premium shirts are listed in our Featured Products and Adult Apparel sections on ShopMyGym.com. Order...

Read More

Posted by on May 22, 2023 in Equipment | 0 comments

Trampoline Update

Since the discontinuation of the 6’6” trampoline by 1800 Trampoline, we have been in search for a high-quality replacement. While residential versions with safety nets met our immediate needs, they lacked the long-term durability we require. We are extremely excited to announce our partnership with the premier trampoline company, Acon. The Acon Air 6ft is an exceptionally heavy-duty trampoline for its size. It has a 6’ diameter and sits 18” from the floor. The maximum weight limit for the trampoline is 220 pounds. It comes with a black, powder-coated steel frame, a 1.2” thick spring pad, jumping mat, springs, and spring tool. You can view more information here. The Acon Air 6ft can be purchased for $199 delivered within the US. To place an order, email equipment@mygym.com and provide the shipping address. You will then be sent a link to pay for your purchase. Other things to note: The Acon Air 6ft comes with an olive-green frame pad. While the pad functions perfectly, it doesn’t match our color scheme....

Read More

Posted by on May 22, 2023 in General | 0 comments

Grand Opening in Plano, TX

We are thrilled to announce our recent Grand Opening in Texas. Tony and Sherry Smith opened their doors in Plano on Monday, May 15th. They have assembled a fantastic staff who are busy wowing the community with their classes and facilities. Warm wishes and congratulations can be sent to...

Read More

Posted by on May 17, 2023 in Technology | 0 comments

MGM Release – Sunday, May 21st at 9 PM ET

A release is scheduled for Sunday, May 21st at 9:00 PM ET. The release will require a server reboot that may cause MGM and the website to go offline for 5-10 minutes. We aim to announce planned downtime with as much notice as possible. Sometimes, however, issues arise between announcement and release that necessitate rescheduling. We will continue to keep you updated as any changes come about. Enhancements and updates scheduled in this release: 🔷 Future Update New Maximum Values for Various Settings In mid-June, we will be instituting limits on many MGM hourly and capacity settings. These are primarily located within MGM under Admin > Website > Settings under the respective drop-down menus (full list located at the end of this update). Instead of having an infinite number of hours and weeks, these values will be capped according to MGE’s recommended best practices going forward. The Operations Team is happy to walk you through the recommended settings and the philosophy behind them, and the MGE Tech Team is always...

Read More

Posted by on May 1, 2023 in Conference | 0 comments

East Coast Training Seminar Registration Deadline

The East Coast Training Seminar is coming up fast! The deadline to register your team is May 12th. Please register for the seminar by clicking here.  We noticed some people have booked hotels but are not registered for the seminar with MGE.  Please register if you are attending so we can plan everything appropriately, including event spaces, our meetings, etc. East Training Seminar, June 9–10Meetings are held at the Westchester Manor.140 Saw Mill River Road, Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706 The agenda will be sent out in a few weeks.June 9th Start time: 12:30 p.m.June 10th Start time: 8:30 a.m.  End time: 5:00 p.m.  Please plan to attend the entire seminar.  We are looking forward to seeing you...

Read More

Posted by on May 1, 2023 in Marketing | 0 comments

We Need YOUR Help! Seminar Opening Video

*Grabs megaphone* Calling all seminar attendees! Can you believe it? Our much-awaited training seminars are just around the corner! To make the occasion even more memorable, we’re kicking off the festivities with an exciting opening video that features none other than our favorite people — YOU! We’re asking all My Gym locations that are attending the seminar to submit a video (under 20 seconds, please) showcasing your team’s creativity and fun personality. You have THREE video options to choose from, and you have to choose only ONE, so pick wisely! No pressure. IMPORTANT: Record videos horizontally (landscape) and upload them to our Dropbox using THIS LINK.  Don’t forget to include your gym name/city in the video file name. TikTok Challenge: Get creative and a little silly as you showcase yourself and your team via the Full House theme-song trend. (Sample video here)TikTok Dance: (Sample video 1) (Sample video 2) Talk about a serotonin boost! This viral dance trend guarantees to bring a smile to everyone’s face, and we are...

Read More

Posted by on Apr 21, 2023 in Marketing | 0 comments

New Facebook/Meta Ads Tutorials

As you may have experienced, our recommended “hyper-targeting” Meta Ads setup started off with a great cost per lead (CPL) in the $5 – $15 range. From there, the CPL gradually increased and leveled off in the $10 – $20 CPL range for some, while it continued to increase into the $30-$50 CPL range for others. After meeting with a few Meta Ads reps, we believe the changes in Meta Ads over the last year or two have affected “hyper-targeting” type of ad structures. As a result, the algorithm never exits “learning mode,” and the CPL continually increases. This is just a theory, and even Meta Ads reps state that they are not 100% sure this is the issue. However, they recommended trying a more simplified ad setup where we allow the algorithm to control nearly everything. We tested this “simple setup,” and, although some results were mixed (CPL still increased), we did see a few gyms settle into a great CPL. Here’s a screenshot of one gym. This...

Read More

Posted by on Apr 11, 2023 in Technology | 0 comments

MGM Release – Sunday, April 16th at 9 PM ET

A release is scheduled for Sunday, April 16th at 9:00 PM ET. The release will require a server reboot that may cause MGM and the website to go offline for 5-10 minutes. We aim to announce planned downtime with as much notice as possible. Sometimes, however, issues arise between announcement and release that necessitate rescheduling. We will continue to keep you updated as any changes come about. Enhancements and updates scheduled in this release: 🔷 Updated Process for severely delinquent enrollments Delinquent customers who reach their second missed payment will be dropped from certain enrollment stats. For example: March 13th: Sally’s payment is uncollectable. Her child is moved to the Delinquent section of the attendance roster, and her name is added to the Delinquent report in Statistics Overview. She remains part of the Total Paid Enrollments and Daily Enrollments numbers. (This process is already in place.) April 10th: Sally is now past due on both 3/13 and 4/10 payments. She is removed from the Total Paid Enrollments and Daily Enrollments...

Read More

Posted by on Apr 7, 2023 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Coming Soon: NEW Programs and Curriculum!

Drumroll please… Our Core Programs are getting a few HUGE upgrades! Beginning the week of April 17th, you’ll find that there are a few new fancy additions to the Weekly Curriculum: Preschool Gymnastics, Ninja Jr., and the newly revamped Tiny Tykes!   Did you just gasp out loud? We did, too! These changes have been in the work for some time, now, and we are beyond excited to share them with you all. Please read this update in its entirety and review the new information on the Operations Manual before your next Weekly Meeting. Tiny Tykes: 3 mos – 12 mos (or walking) During the pandemic, My Gym pivoted in many areas to remain viable. One such pivot was when the Tiny Tykes class was folded into the Waddlers program, under the Adjusted Age Groups (or “AAG”) era. In 2022, we retired the AAG protocols and segued into the updated age groups running congruently with curriculum today.  Many of our gyms, however, have been unable to recapture the littlest...

Read More