Posted by on Sep 9, 2020 in Marketing, Strategic Partners & Sponsors | 0 comments

Streaming for Starlight Fundraiser

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and our hearts go out to all the families fighting this heart-wrenching battle. Because of COVID-19, hospitals are restricting visitors and closing communal spaces. As a result, hospitalized children are feeling even more isolated and alone. This month, in our ongoing effort to help children in need, we ask My Gymers to help raise money for Starlight Children’s Foundation.  Starlight Children’s Foundation supplies specially-adapted gaming stations, virtual reality headsets, and comfy, colorful hospital gowns to seriously ill children. Starlight works with over 800 hospitals and medical centers across the U.S. Their programs can turn a hospitalized kid’s feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed into a sense of joy through hours of fun.  As part of the Streaming for Starlight fundraiser, we will be streaming a My Gym LIVE class on our corporate Facebook page: www.facebook.com/mygymfun. The class will be held on Monday, September 21, at 4pm ET/1pm PT.  Our fundraising goal is $1,000 – but let’s blow that out of the water. Help us spread the word by sharing the donation link (https://tiltify.com/@mygymfun/starlight) and...

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Posted by on Aug 28, 2020 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

STEAM Learn and Play – all day long!

We’ve included the option and parameters to run Steam Learn and Play as a full-day program.  Please download the newly updated STEAM Learn and Play Directives located in the Operations Manual.  There you’ll find all the information you need to run this fantastic new program in either its original 3-hour format or all day long.   Please contact the MGE Support Team with any questions. ATTACHMENT REFERENCED: Ops Manual > Programs – Core > STEAM Learn and Play > STEAM Learn and Play Program...

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Posted by on Aug 28, 2020 in Marketing | 0 comments

Marketing Amidst COVID-19

This is the most difficult period in our history to reach prospective clients. That said, some My Gyms are increasing sales slowly and consistently. This comprehensive list of marketing avenues and strategies is a collaboration of ideas and actual efforts that have worked to some capacity. During this time, it takes a lot of hard work to reach those clients who are seeking programs like ours. While not impossible, it will take a lot of hustle. We have no doubt that My Gymers have the drive and determination to get it done! Please contact the MGE Support Team with any questions. ATTACHMENT REFERENCED: Ops Manual > COVID-19 Adapted > COVID-19 Marketing and PR > Marketing Amidst...

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Posted by on Aug 28, 2020 in Products | 0 comments

Direct-to-Parent Birthday Party Favor Program Launching Monday 8/31

As you know, we planned on launching a Direct-to-Parent Birthday Party Favor Program earlier this year. As a reminder, this program is set up to send emails to parents when they book parties so they can purchase My Gym party favors from www.mygympartyfavors.com. The transaction is handled by the My Gym Merchandise Division; the favors are shipped directly to the members’ homes, and the gym hosting the party receives 20% of the revenue. The launch of this program was put on hold since gyms have been closed during the Coronavirus crisis. Now that some gyms are operating and hosting parties, even with reduced members and guests present, we are launching this program so that parents who want My Gym party favors can obtain them, and so gyms have an opportunity to earn money from the revenue share. Some gym owners notified us back in February that they wanted to opt-out of this program, since they were selling party favors on their own. Please advise us if your desire to...

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Posted by on Aug 6, 2020 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Updates to Curriculum Center

We’re happy to let you know that we are upgrading our Curriculum Center on MGM! In an effort to improve our programs and provide you all with increased ease of access, we have added a few new items, which are outlined below. STEAM Learn and Play Ever since we announced the addition of the 3-hour “STEAM Learn and Play” program, we’ve had marked interest from people asking to see curriculum for it. Well, the wait is over! We are thrilled to let you know that STEAM Learn and Play curriculum will join the Weekly Curriculum beginning with Week 34 (which corresponds to 8/17).  Before you run this program, please take a moment to read all the notes listed throughout the curriculum. Though it runs very similarly to a themed camp, there are some notable differences (specifically with the inclusion of STEAM) with which you’ll want to familiarize yourself. Also, you will want to access the program ahead of time, as each week of curriculum will include a downloadable supply...

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Posted by on Jul 31, 2020 in General | 0 comments

My Gym Virtual Mixer!

Hello My Gymers!  We missed seeing you all at conference this year.  Nothing can make up for the feeling and power of hundreds of My Gymers in one room, but here we are in a semi-virtual and socially distanced world.  So, please join the MGE Support Team for a casual meet-up on Zoom!  No formal meeting content; we just want to see your faces. When:  August 10th at 12.30 PM PSTWho:  Everyone!  If you are a My Gymer, you’re invited. Where:  Register here https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsceGhqTotE9WQkOzjaUgHg0NGHtktORbz We can’t wait to see you all!  Contact support@mygym.com with any...

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Posted by on Jul 29, 2020 in Technology | 0 comments

MGM Release – Saturday, August 15 at 8 PM ET

⚠️  The release will require a server reboot that may cause MGM and the website to go offline for 5-10 increments between 8:00 PM-9:00 PM ET. Please follow MGE’s posts in the Facebook MGE Community for changes or updates. Though we make every effort to adhere to the schedule, the release date is subject to change.  ❗️ ACTION: Look out for the Action icon. An action may be required or recommended after the release.  Enhancements and updates scheduled in this release (subject to change): 🔷  New Attendance Count on Class ScheduleCurrently, the attendance on the homepage agenda and class schedule reflects the number of active enrollments in the class. With this enhancement, the schedule will display the total number of children attending a specific class. When hovered over, the tooltip will show a breakdown of the attendees. 🔷  New Sell Class Card Packages OnlineWith this enhancement, you will be able to create and sell Class Card packages online. Packages can be sold in any number of sessions and dollar amounts, and they can be limited to one or several...

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Posted by on Jul 28, 2020 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

NEW PROGRAM (Start Planning Now)

Since many children will be attending virtual learning/hybrid/homeschool this fall, the need for a supplementary physical education program for school-age children has risen.  In our commitment to educating the whole child, we have created the My Gym STEAM Learn and Playprogram.  The programincludes fitness programming, social interaction with peers, and sensory and imaginative small group STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities.  The STEAM Learn and Play Program: Is perfect for children 4-10 years of ageConsists of approximately 70% of our everyday physical gym activities and about 30% STEAM elements Requires no additional education or certification to run the program (See directives for more information) To help plan your fall schedule and gauge demand for STEAM Learn and Play, we have also provided you with a fall survey (an article preloaded in MGM) and a survey email template to help gauge the demand for this program.  Here is a timeline of the items needed to run the program. Directives:  Complete (My Gym Operations Manual / Programs – Core / STEAM...

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Posted by on Jul 24, 2020 in Marketing | 0 comments

CEO Message for Positivity Week

Exclusive message from our CEO! Please post this image on Sunday for the final day of Positivity Week. Copy: “Exclusive message from our CEO! Thank you to our My Gym family for being part of our #MGPositivityWeek. You brought smiles to our faces! We hope we did the same for you.” ATTACHMENTS REFERENCED: Marketing Library > Positivity...

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Posted by on Jul 23, 2020 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Become the LIVE Physical Education Program for your schools!

To date, several My Gym franchisees have been successful in attaining substantial agreements with schools to be their virtual PE provider.  Reach out to your local schools ASAP, as they are likely looking for this service now for the 2020-2021 school year.  Some schools pay for private classes (as with a Mobile contract), and some schools simply have their students sign up for LIVE directly with My Gym.  The directives can be found on the Operations Manual here: My Gym Operations Manual\COVID-19 Adapted Operations\COVID-19 Programs and Curriculum, so you can start contacting your schools today to become the preferred physical education program in your community.  ATTACHMENT REFERENCED: Ops Manual > COVID-19 Adapted Operations > COVID-19 Programs and Curriculum > LIVE Physical Education Program...

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Posted by on Jul 21, 2020 in Marketing | 0 comments

Bonus Positivity Week Social Posts

My Gym Positivity Week is HERE, and we have bonus posts for you to add to your social calendar!  “We are extremely proud to announce that My Gym has been named the #1 Children’s Fitness Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine and #29 overall in their 2020 Top Global List of Franchise rankings. Thank you so much for your continued support! #MGPositivityWeek”“Turn your face to the sun and all the shadows will fall behind you.” We love seeing our @MyGymFoundation friend, McCoy, in his Firefly GoTo Seat enjoying his toes in the water and the sunshine on his face! #MGPositivityWeek”  ATTACHMENTS REFERENCED:  Ops Manual > Marketing Sales > Bonus Positivity Week Social PostsMarketing Library > Social Media Photo...

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Posted by on Jul 17, 2020 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Temporarily Running Programs with One Teacher

Because of circumstances created by the Covid-19 pandemic, MGE is temporarily allowing My Gyms to operate programs with one teacher on the floor instead of 2.  This was not a step we took lightly, and this is not a requirement; it’s optional.  Since programs may have very low enrollments right now, we feel this is an appropriate moment in time to allow this temporary exemption.  If you prefer to operate with 2 teachers, please continue to do so.  All materials and systems continue to be centered on 2 teachers in programs. Contact MGE Support with any questions or comments. ATTACHMENT REFERENCED: Ops Manual > Policies and Guidelines > Running Programs with One...

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Posted by on Jul 16, 2020 in Marketing | 0 comments

Help Your Clients Feel Safe

If you haven’t done so already, we suggest recording a video or hosting a Facebook Live featuring you or a team member doing a walk-through of the gym, reassuring the families in your community, and educating them as to all of the safety and cleaning protocols you have in place. Follow these new “Gym Walk-Through Social Media Video” directives closely, as this is an important message you are sending. ATTACHMENT REFERENCED: Ops Manual > COVID-19 Adapted Operations > COVID-19 Marketing and PR > Gym Walk-Through Social Media...

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Posted by on Jul 15, 2020 in Marketing | 0 comments

My Gym Positivity Week

They say there is strength in numbers… With that in mind, we invite all My Gym locations to join us for #MGPositivityWeek during the week of July 20th – 26th. As a united group, we will shine our positive light throughout the social media world. What is Positivity Week and Why Are We Doing It?:It’s safe to say that our world has flipped upside down. Don’t be disheartened; there is hope. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do! Keep going, keep thriving, and keep pushing. As insecurity and uncertainty continue to be an ever-present theme across our personal social newsfeeds, our hope is to bring a smile to someone’s face as they scroll and see one of our #MGPositivityWeek images or messages. Who:You!We are stronger together. Plan your social calendar to include #MGPositivityWeek during the mentioned dates. What:A week-long social campaign that will include a variety of positive messages and content. When and Where:#MGPositivityWeek will take place July 20th – 26th on our Facebook and Instagram business pages....

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Posted by on Jul 13, 2020 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

States/Counties Reclosing

Hello, States and counties have started to taper back or pause their reopening plans. While in some states and counties specifically bars/restaurants have been ordered to close, other states have ordered wider shutdowns. Today, Governor Newsom shut down many business in California, so we are providing the below guidance to CA gyms with the possibility it may apply to other states following suit. Guidance for CA My Gyms: The orders for businesses to close included industries related to ours but, as with reopening directives, not exactly ours. We spent some time watching the press conference, reading the government orders, and trying to find the information that applies to us. It’s clear that spaces with high numbers of people as well as those with equipment unable to be cleaned regularly are required to close. Gyms/Fitness Centers and “Family Entertainment Centers” are included in the orders. Those businesses are related to ours but have very different actual operations from a My Gym. Generally, we have found the following applies to CA...

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Posted by on Jul 11, 2020 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Notifying Parents of Exposure to Coronavirus

Have you received news that your staff member(s), or any client in the gym tested positive for COVID-19 (or were potentially exposed to the coronavirus)? If so, you may find yourself slipping into fight/flight mode; making quick decisions to close the gym, call every parent, tell everyone on social media, etc. But don’t panic! Stop. Breathe. MGE Support not only has your back; we have a plan and tools available for you to use in the event coronavirus rears its ugly head in your gym. Step one: call your local health department and follow any/all recommendations. Step two: revisit the “Confirmed Positive COVID-19 Test” document found in the COVID-19 Adapted Operations > HR folder on the Operations Manual. Step three: review “Notifying Parents of Exposure to Coronavirus,” located in the COVID-19 Adapted Operations > Policies and Procedures folder on the Operations Manual. Finally, call upon MGE Support for additional guidance – you can reach us at support@mygym.com, or via the LiveChat feature. ATTACHMENTS REFERENCED: Ops Manual > COVID-19 Adapted OperationsCOVID-19...

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Posted by on Jul 9, 2020 in Marketing | 0 comments

Opening? Don’t Miss These Steps!

Opening soon?  Don’t miss these simple, but very important steps when preparing to reopen: Update your Google Business page:  Login to your Google Business account, update your location status to “open,” and also update your business hours.  Otherwise, potential clients will see a very prominent, red “TEMPORARILY CLOSED” message in their search results.  For instructions, search Google: “update my Google Business page hours.” Utilize Instagram Story HIGHLIGHTS:  So you’ve created a fun Instagram Story announcing your opening, cleaning procedures, etc. Awesome! The problem is, it’ll automatically disappear in 24 hours. To make it more prominent, add it as a “Highlight,” so your future visitors will be able to view it in perpetuity. For instructions, search Google: “making an Instagram Story highlight.” Update your Facebook Cover Image/Video:  Upload a new Facebook Cover Photo to your page that sends the right message for your mode of operating. For example, the Moments That Matter video might not present an accurate depiction of your operations if your teachers and parents are wearing masks...

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Posted by on Jul 8, 2020 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Interviewing, Hiring, and Training during COVID-19

Interviewing During this time, we recommend that you still follow the standard interview process which includes conducting an interview over the phone.  However, we have added a supplemental section to the “on the floor” audition portion of the interview process. Please review the official document, titled “On Floor Audition,” here: Ops Manual > COVID-19 Adapted Operations > COVID-19 Training.  Training We have added a tab at the bottom of the Individual Training Plan and Evaluation with post-closure training information. The tab is called “COVID Level 1 & 2 Training Plan.” It is intended to be a guide for training a new team member while operating in Level 1 or Level 2 of the Reemergence Plan. The focus of training in either of these phases will be primarily on digital learning; studying, completing the Online Training Courses, watching class videos, etc. In the gym, we recommend the trainee participate in mock classes.  Once your gym reopens and/or is operating in Level 3, you should follow the normal Individual Training Plan and...

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Posted by on Jul 2, 2020 in Technology | 0 comments

Updates Needed for Transaction Emails

In the last three months, we’ve gone from “normal” to LIVE, from LIVE to modified in-gym messaging, and, finally, we’ve even added self-screening language. To simplify the process of updating your transactional emails as you reopen, we’ve compiled the recommended wording for each template into one document. Typically, MGE updates the email templates across all gyms automatically (unless previously customized by the gym). Since policies vary from gym to gym, it would be best to adapt and update your own templates as needed. As always, make sure to read carefully and remove anything that is not applicable to your location(s) (e.g., “masks are required”). At this time we recommend updating the following transactional emails in MGM: Party ConfirmationParty ReminderClass ConfirmationClass Card ConfirmationClass Guest ConfirmationClass Makeup ConfirmationClass Unlimited ConfirmationClass Drop In ConfirmationClass EnrollmentSignin Register For any questions on how to make adjustments in MGM, please don’t hesitate to reach out to tech@mygym.com.  ATTACHMENT REFERENCED: Ops Manual > Administration > Transactional Email...

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Posted by on Jun 24, 2020 in Technology | 0 comments

MGM Release – Friday, July 3 at 8 PM ET

⚠️ The release will require a server reboot that may cause MGM and the website to go offline for 5-10 increments between 8:00 PM-9:00 PM ET. Please follow Mae Perez’s posts in the Facebook MGE Community for changes or updates. Though we make every effort to adhere to the schedule, the release date is subject to change. ❗️ ACTION: Look out for the Action icon. An action may be required by the gym after the release. Enhancements and updates scheduled in this release (subject to change): 🔷  New Liability Waiver in Client Interface ProfileCurrently, most customers have the option to e-sign the liability waiver in the client interface prior to visiting the gym. With this enhancement, we have closed the gap and will now allow all customers with a claimed family account to e-sign the liability waiver online. NEW IN THIS RELEASE Private Play Parties: Customers attending a Private Play Party will use the NEW View/E-Sign Liability Waiver link on the Profile tab.NEW IN THIS RELEASE Birthday Parties: The...

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Posted by on Jun 22, 2020 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Adding Private Events to Outdoor Offerings

In late May, we released a guide to running Outdoor Events as an addendum to the Reemergence Plan. As more and more gyms begin to reemerge, MGE has heard several success stories from franchisees who have had good luck booking private events for families and their close, trusted friends. As such, we have updated the Outdoor Events guide to add additional advice for booking private events at clients’ homes, as well.  Should you have any questions, or need advice regarding private events, please contact support@mygym.com. ATTACHMENT REFERENCED: Ops Manual > COVID-19 Adapted Operations > COVID-19 Programs and Curriculum > Outdoor...

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Posted by on Jun 22, 2020 in General | 0 comments

Positive Case of COVID-19 in a My Gym

Hello, This information is not intended to scare anyone; rather, it is to help prepare you should you have a case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, reported in your gym.  With the permission of the franchisee, we share their experience with you.  What happened: A My Gym team member (we will call her “Sue”) recently tested positive for COVID-19 after working a shift in a My Gym.  The actual location of the gym and the team member’s name will not be disclosed, due to medical privacy issues, and because all parties wish to remain anonymous.  Below are the details we can share. Tuesday:  Sue came to the gym, checked her temperature, and was cleared to work – she had no signs of illness.  She worked camp with three other teachers and a small group of kids.  The four teachers all wore masks while working with the children, but didn’t wear them during pre/post-shift reviews. Wednesday:  Sue felt a little sick, with cold-like symptoms.  She decided to get...

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Posted by on Jun 19, 2020 in General | 0 comments

Juneteenth Message from MGE Team

Juneteenth is celebration of freedom; from slavery, yes, but also from oppression and systemic racism. Today we are taking the time to reflect on the racial injustice and inequality that persists in our country, despite the Emancipation Proclamation being signed some 158 years ago. My Gym is more than a great, fun place to take our community’s children. It is a place wherein we, as teachers, model love, tolerance, empathy, understanding, good citizenship, and social responsibility. For many, it’s the very first place where life lessons are learned; where values are instilled.  We as My Gymers are change makers, and today is about focusing on what changes we’d like to see in the world, in our communities, in our gyms and in ourselves. Today is about demonstrating that we understand the need for racial and social justice and we understand the impact that we can have as leaders in our community. And, to that end, MGE is taking part by participating in the NAACP’s virtual Town Hall, in an effort to...

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