Posted by on Jan 30, 2019 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Important Changes to Curriculum

In My Gym’s 35-year history, we have always striven to provide excellent content and world-class curriculum that is age-appropriate, fun, and safe.  Over the years, that curriculum has evolved accordingly with the times; we always want to remain current and relevant while retaining the core of what makes us so great. Months ago, we began diving in to research regarding one of our key elements: hanging.  Hanging (or, more appropriately, brachiating) has real, tangible benefits.  It strengthens the upper body and develops grip strength; increases endurance, flexibility, and general coordination; promotes kinesthetic awareness and rhythmic body movement; develops gross and fine motor skills, and helps develop hand-eye coordination and visual perception of distance.  For these reasons (and many more), we include hanging/brachiating in our curriculum. However, research shows that unsupported hanging and brachiating is contraindicated in infants and young toddlers.  The following comes from USA Gymnastics Safety Handbook: “You should not let children hang if they are unable to hold tension in their arms and shoulders.  Children have weak...

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Posted by on Jan 30, 2019 in Products | 0 comments

Free Blitz Bubbles . . . Act Now!

Blitz Bubbles was introduced to My Gym at the end of 2018, and our gyms are loving it!  As mentioned in the December 5th My Gym Update, Blitz Bubbles is a premium bubble solution that produces high-quality bubbles that smell fantastic, and it is the recommended bubble solution for our gyms.  The initial pricing on ShopMyGym did not take into account the cost to ship the bubbles, which the manufacturer, Imperial Toy, absorbed temporarily.  We’ve since had to update the pricing on ShopMyGym to cover the cost of shipping.  The new prices are active on ShopMyGym now.  Even at the new pricing, Blitz Bubbles is a strong value.  Plus, it’s convenient to purchase, since you can order it from ShopMyGym along with My Gym products and have it delivered right to your gym. To help our gyms with the pricing transition, Imperial Toy and MGE have partnered to provide every gym with one free 55 oz. bottle of Blitz Bubbles.  To obtain your free bottle, simply purchase $75 of...

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Posted by on Jan 25, 2019 in Strategic Partners & Sponsors | 0 comments

PJ Masks Partnership – February 2019

“PJ Masks, we’re on our way. Into the night, to save the day!” Get ready, because we are launching a fun new partnership with PJ Masks! February is “SUPER MOVES with the PJ Masks”month at My Gyms across the U.S. and Canada. Our My Gym Kids and teachers are going to have so much fun with PJ Masks superhero skills, challenges, and fun activities. The partnership runs from February 1 – 28, 2019. This partnership includes program integration for Terrific Tots through Whiz Kids. Many of your favorite My Gym adventures, skills, and games have been reimagined for this partnership, including everyone’s favorite, Museum Game, which has been transformed into a PJ Masks Nighttime Adventure game that everyone will love to play (because, in the night, we save the day)! Additionally, the skill stations for February are not only PJ Masks themed; they are also listed on the PJ Masks posters. These posters have been co-branded and co-created specifically for this partnership! MARKETING MATERIALS, PROGRAM INTEGRATION, AND DIRECTIVES Poster...

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Posted by on Jan 22, 2019 in Strategic Partners & Sponsors | 0 comments

Blitz Bubbles Marketing Materials Are On Their Way

Our partners at Imperial Toy are shipping the Blitz Bubbles in-gym marketing materials this week. You will be receiving a poster with hanging hardware and a front door/window cling. Please display these materials in your gym and send in your partnership compliance photos. Send compliance photos to strategicpartners@mygym.com. In the subject line, please include the partnership name and your gym location. For example, “Blitz Bubbles – Buffalo Grove,...

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Posted by on Jan 22, 2019 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

MGCA Save the Date!

We are happy to announce the date of our 2019 My Gym PNO benefitting MGCA! 2018 showed incredible success and commitment from gyms across the country, and we are excited to see what this year brings. WHO: All domestic gymsWHAT: Annual National MGCA PNOWHEN: April 12th and 13thWhile our National MGCA PNO will officially occur that weekend, we realize that not all gyms have the availability to run the event on the two dates presented. Please feel free to choose another date in April to hold your PNO fundraiser in honor of our MGCA kids.  Please mark your calendars and save the date for this exciting event. We will send more details in March....

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Posted by on Jan 22, 2019 in General | 0 comments

Music Licensing Reminder – Friday, January 25th Deadline

The deadline to opt in to the 2019 Music Licensing program is fast approaching!  If you haven’t done so already and you wish to participate in our master agreement, please send an email to accounting@mygym.com NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, JANUARY 25.  We cannot accept anyone after that date. Total cost is $441 per gym.  If you opt in, we will process your payment on February 5th using the account we have on file for royalties.  If you wish to send us a check, please send to 15300 Ventura Blvd, Ste 523, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.  We must receive your check by the end of January. Please contact Aaron Vidal (avidal@mygym.com) at the corporate office if you have any...

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Posted by on Jan 18, 2019 in General, Marketing | 0 comments

Marketing Fund – Check Issue Notice

Dear Franchisees, We are aware of the issues with the Marketing Fund checks, as our bank has flagged a few of them. Some checks have been returned to the payees; please redeposit.  All other checks should be good at this time.   If you are charged any fees associated with this glitch, please let us know and we will take care of them.  We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you, Accounting...

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Posted by on Jan 14, 2019 in General, Marketing | 0 comments

Marketing Fund Reimbursements

Dear Franchisees, The Marketing Fund reimbursement checks were mailed on Friday, January 11, 2019.  If you do not receive your reimbursement check within one week, please email the Accounting Division at accounting@mygym.com.  If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.  Thank you, Accounting...

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Posted by on Jan 14, 2019 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

MGCA 2018 100% Program Results

2018 was a record-breaking year for My Gym and MGCA. From the incredibly moving support we saw at conference to the ongoing fundraisers and national PNO and Halloween events, we cannot thank you enough. Big things are coming in 2019, and we are excited to keep the momentum going over the next year. Aleah will be in touch with each of you in the coming months. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or ideas! awhaley@mygym.com — Gyms that reached their 100% Goal in 2018:* My Gym Atwater, My Gym Aventura, My Gym Beverly Hills, My Gym Burke, My Gym Cohasset, My Gym Fairfield, My Gym Glen Rock, My Gym Happy Valley, My Gym Huntington Beach, My Gym Jupiter, My Gym Kailua, My Gym Kendall, My Gym Kent, My Gym Larchmont, My Gym La Verne, My Gym Lincoln, My Gym Lionville, My Gym Manhattan Beach, My Gym Mechanicsburg, My Gym New Providence, My Gym Northridge, My Gym Norwell, My Gym Orange, My Gym Palm Desert, My...

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Posted by on Jan 11, 2019 in General | 0 comments

Music Licensing Reminder

Hey there, franchisees!  We’ve already been getting a good response to yesterday’s update regarding music licensing.  As a reminder, the deadline to opt in to our master agreement is Friday, January 25. Please note that, if you opt in, we will be processing your ACH payment on February 5.  If you are paying by check, we need to receive that by the end of January. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron Vidal (avidal@mygym.com) at the corporate...

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Posted by on Jan 11, 2019 in Equipment, Support & Programming | 0 comments

Discontinued Use of Half-Bucket Swings

It is our duty to inform you when we must discontinue an activity or piece of equipment because of safety concerns.  With that said, we will be discontinuing use of the green half-bucket swings (pictured below), effective immediately. This discontinuation is being initiated my MGE – not the Consumer Product Safety Commission.  Because of the possibility that a child may tip over and fall out of the swing above the chain across the front, we have decided to remove the swings from our gyms out of an abundance of caution.  If you currently have these swings in your possession, please discontinue their use. You may continue to use any/all of the following swings in your gym per the corresponding manufacturer’s age/weight guidelines without cause for concern: SWINGVENDORAge RangeRope Deluxe Swing – GreenSwing Set Mall 4yrs-10yrs up to 110 lbs. Full Bucket Swing – GreenSwing Set Mall 18mos-5yrs Roped Deluxe Glider – YellowSwing Set Mall 3yrs-5yrs up to 100 lbs. total Cyclone Swing Seat – GreenSwing Set Mall 4yrs-10yrs up...

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Posted by on Jan 10, 2019 in General | 0 comments

2019 Music Licensing Update

Hello, franchisees!  We were able to determine what the final costs are from BMI and ASCAP for our 2019 contracts.  Total cost is $441 per gym.  If you wish to participate in the program, we ask that you please send an email to accounting@mygym.com no later than Friday, January 25.  It is important that you opt in by this deadline to be included in our master agreement.  We cannot add you after the fact. We will process your payment using the account we have on file for royalties unless you specify otherwise.  If you wish to send us a check, please send to 15300 Ventura Blvd, Ste 523, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. Questions?  Please contact Aaron Vidal (avidal@mygym.com) at the corporate...

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Posted by on Jan 8, 2019 in Marketing | 0 comments

My Gym Partners with American Heart Association

We are pleased to announce that My Gym is partnering with the American Heart Association for the month of February, which is widely recognized as National Heart Month. Aligning with the American Heart Association (AHA) allows us to grow our positive impact on the lives of children and increase brand awareness. Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect in American newborns, affecting approximately 40,000 babies each year. With this partnership, which is endorsed by My Gym Challenged America, My Gym will be recognized as a proud supporter of the American Heart Association’s “Life Is Why We Give” campaign. Each U.S. franchise location will receive 2 posters and 2 window clings for display plus 200 decals (red heart cutouts), arriving later this month. We ask that you display the posters and window clings during the month of February and encourage your customers to make small $1-$5 donations. For their donations, clients will be given two heart decals on which they will write their names, one to display...

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Posted by on Jan 3, 2019 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Space Flight Opening Postponed

Happy holidays, everyone! Please know we continue to do our best in navigating this crisis and the legal matters resulting from the terrible Space Flight accident in Wheaton, IL. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family; we can’t imagine the pain they must endure. We had planned to reopen Space Flight in mid-to-late January, however, after receiving some new information, we have decided to postpone the reopening. This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we sincerely apologize for your having to undo any work done in preparation for the reopening of Space Flight. Unfortunately, how legal matters progress and the timing of each step are not fully within our control, and we’re sorry that we are unable to provide any further details. Thank you for your understanding, and, of course, we will not be billing you for Space Flight mats, as announced in December. We will communicate next steps as soon as we can. If you have any questions, please email support@mygym.com. Thank...

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Posted by on Dec 28, 2018 in Technology, Uncategorized | 0 comments

MGM Enhancements Update

In our update of December 21st, we announced the impending release of MGM Checklists. The estimated release date of the weekend of December 22nd has now been pushed to the week of December 31st. This is because of a new e-sign functionality that has been completed and must be released at the same time. Read below for more details. New E-Sign and Paperless Functions in MGM You will now have the option to collect a signature whenever a payment is taken at the gym (e.g., camp/event registrations, birthday party balances, product sales, etc.).  The signature is optional and can be skipped when submitting payment. The legal copy above the signature can be modified in Admin > Gym > Settings > Legal. We have also added paperless freeze requests and amendments: The MGM Checklists and new e-sign/paperless features will be released together the week of December 31st. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Mae Perez at...

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Posted by on Dec 27, 2018 in Marketing | 0 comments

Marketing Fund Update

Happy Holidays! We’ve been working to reconcile the 2018 Marketing Fund, and we have some great news.  We ended up with a nice sized surplus of $120,000!  Instead of allocating the funds to additional marketing, we have decided to distribute the surplus as a refund of approximately $650 per location.   So, how did this happen? We initially expected to be paying 3 times what we are for our texting platform, Zipwhip.  Yay!We saved a big chunk by not renewing our Sprout Social platform contract.We didn’t spend what we hoped to on paid media (Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, YouTube, display advertising, etc.).  Because of unrelated issues (uncertainty with email platform and a couple of other big changes), we chose to be more conservative in that area in 2018. Your check will be arriving in January.  Email marketing@mygym.com with any questions.  Happy New...

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Posted by on Dec 24, 2018 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Programming Updates

The New Year is coming, and it’s time to celebrate – we’ve made some great improvements to the Little Bundles program!  As we announced at our 2018 International Conference, beginning in January, we will be removing the cumbersome discussion time and handouts from the Little Bundles class, and we’re putting something new in its place: Sensory Experience and Discovery Time. First, the Sensory Experience – This is a group activity that will use weekly parachute games, age-appropriate adventures, and other activities to help with sensory stimulation and integration.  After the Sensory Experience is Discovery Time.  Discovery Time is a time for the babies to engage in tummy time while the adults answer a weekly question pertaining to their babies, themselves, or their lives as new parents.  It’s fun, light, and brief; no more long, drawn-out discussions to fill time.  Rather, the weekly question will allow all families a chance to uncover new resources (e.g., “What’s your favorite place to shop for baby gear?”) and learn more about peers in...

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Posted by on Dec 21, 2018 in Support & Programming, Technology | 0 comments

Coming this week: MGM Checklists

As we announced at conference, to help keep things more streamlined and yourself more organized, you will soon be able to access the daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and annual checklists on the MGM. These checklists will help keep you and your staff more accountable in all of the tasks and to-dos that need to be done in order to operate your gym. Release Date: Weekend of 12/22 +++ Using MGM Checklists MGM Checklists are accessible in the header area of MGM: MGE has provided a set of recommended daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual checklists: Sample AM Pre-Shift checklist: You may save your progress or complete the checklist when done. The dashboard displays the status, last update, current due date, and next due date of each checklist: You may also view the history of each checklist: Lists may be reset by the Admin if needed. Customizing MGM Checklists Customize and create your own checklists in Admin > Gym > Checklists. To customize a system list, click CLONE...

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Posted by on Dec 21, 2018 in Equipment, Support & Programming | 0 comments

Important Information Regarding Space Flight

Happy holidays!  This is your friendly reminder that Space Flights will be reopening in mid-to-late January. You must complete this Mat Order Form If you do not complete the form by 12/31, you will automatically be billed $1,000 for 4 mats, and they will be sent to your location.  Mats will be arriving mid-to-late January. NOTE: The color of the mats is according to the updated color palette released in 2014.  The colors of the mats can be seen in the handbook as well as the demonstration videos (see links below).  Over the last 4 years, gyms have been slowly transitioning to the new design without issue.  This was a company-wide decision (instead of a mandate) to slowly move to the new colors.  Going forward, the primary colors are no longer available.  The Space Flight mats may not be purchased in primary colors from Artistic Coverings or any other mat vendor. Your Space Flight hardware should have arrived by now. If it has not, please email equipment@mygym.com.  Watch this...

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