Posted by on Aug 14, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

A Formal Introduction: Welcome Lisa Beasley

Lisa Beasley owned a thriving My Gym for 13 years and served as highly-respected and much-appreciated President of the My Gym Franchisee Advisory Board (FAB) for nearly 4 years. An expert in many facets of operating a My Gym and the ultimate “team player,” Lisa has always had a thirst for knowledge and the passion to help others succeed. When she’s not “talking My Gym,” you can usually find her reading or planning an adventure with her husband, Mike. Lisa received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Wayne State University. She worked for a large chemical company in various engineering and leadership roles until My Gym stole her heart in 2003. She knew immediately that this was where she belonged, and the rest is history. As an operating owner, Lisa earned several Achievement Awards as well as Franchisee of the Year in both 2012 and 2013; and, in July 2016, Lisa received a Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Service to the My Gym Brand. In May...

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Posted by on Aug 11, 2017 in Products | 0 comments

New My Gym Reusable Tote Bag Designs – Save 15% – New Balloon Sticks Too!

For several years, franchisees have been promoting their gyms with My Gym-branded reusable bags.  These “walking billboards” are an affordable way to keep My Gym top of mind with members and to promote your gym around town while parents use the totes to carry belongings, gifts, groceries, and more. ShopMyGym is excited to share that it now has two new designs for this tote (the prior design is no longer available).  The new designs are being used for registration packs, and they’re also available individually.  One style has blue gussets and handles and features Mymo jumping, while the other style has green gussets and handles and features Mymo flexing his muscles.  Both styles have prominent My Gym logos. These versatile, full color, reusable tote bags are functional, fun, affordable, and eye-catching, which makes them ideal for promoting your gym.  Now, since gyms love to purchase these totes in bulk and use them as marketing giveaways, we have discounted the cost to save you 15% when you order by the...

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Posted by on Aug 10, 2017 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

MY GYM GIVES BACK! My Gym Kendall

As you may have seen, many gyms have asked to sponsor specific children for their fundraisers in the last year. This not only puts a face to the impact but inspires members to make larger donations to reach their goal to help each child in need. Earlier this year, My Gym Kendall helped little Luke… Luke is a sweet, fun, and loving 3-year-old who enjoys being in the company of others, especially his family and familiar friends. He loves reading board books and hiking in a stroller, and the smile on his face after an accomplishment is priceless! Luke was born by emergency C-section at 34 weeks, spent 63 days in the NICU, and had 3 surgeries. He has since been diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, has difficulty with motor skills and oral communication, and needs assistance to sit, stand, or walk. My Gym Kendall was so inspired by Luke’s story that they raised enough money to purchase an Upsee for him. Now he can walk around with...

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Posted by on Aug 7, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

2017 Marketing – Fall Campaign Materials Are Ready!

Fall marketing materials are ready!  Now that all gyms are running the Back to School Marketing Campaign, it’s time to start planning for fall.  During October, all gyms should implement the Fall Marketing Campaign, Fit & Fun This FALL! Utilize the online and print materials to plan now for a successful fall season.  Depending on the timing of your Back to School Open House, you may wish to start the Fall Campaign before October. Please note that the supplemental Halloween campaign materials will be available early September.  This will be a fresh new design! NEW for this year, we introduce the After-School Play Day This is an exciting new event to help franchisees build their classes for school-age children while highlighting Ninja Training, All-Star Sports, Cardio Kids, or simply our fantastic Whiz Kids and Champions programming.  This event can be done during the Back to School or the Fall Campaign.  It is your choice.  If you are looking to build up your Whiz Kids and older enrollment, we highly...

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Posted by on Jul 28, 2017 in General | 0 comments

Message from the CEO: New 2017 Franchise 500 Ranking

Dear My Gym Family Members, I can’t tell you how proud I am to learn that My Gym has been named #82 among the top 200 franchises in the world by Entrepreneur Magazine (our highest ranking ever). I want to offer my sincere congratulations to every member of the My Gym team: every owner, director, teacher, business associate and volunteer as well as our incredible MGE team members. We couldn’t have achieved such acknowledgement without the contributions each one of you has made. Special congrats go out to James Liu and all of those involved in his well over 200 facilities in the Far East. I do not underestimate the honor of being recognized by this most reputable publication, or the hard work each of you has put into making My Gym such a respected and successful organization. It is a wonderful tribute to our commitment to always put children first, caring for them as if they were our own family. At the end of the day, this prestigious...

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Posted by on Jul 27, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Building Blocks: The Final Chapter

Over the last several years, we’ve made many upgrades to our program and curriculum; and one of those initiatives was in 2012 when we launched the Building Blocks program.  We had high hopes for the program and spent several years refining, improving, and coaching owners and directors on how to best run the program.  Unfortunately, although loved by many, we have seen a continual decline in execution of the Building Blocks program.  This is no one’s fault – there is simply a lot to do to run a great My Gym, and sometimes Building Blocks didn’t make the top of the list. MGE is very proud of how we’ve evolved.  It’s in that spirit of evolution and progress that at this time we feel it best to officially retire the Building Blocks program.  This decision was not made lightly; rather, it was the result of many internal meetings, discussions with our FAB and Programming Team, and conversations with over 50 franchisees.  This is not a failure.  It’s healthy to...

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Posted by on Jul 26, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

A Formal Introduction: Welcome Ally Grist

Ally Grist had distinguished herself as a talented and successful personal trainer in Ohio before moving to California in 2011. As luck would have it (ours and hers), she found My Gym and immediately fell in love! She proved herself to be a gifted and knowledgeable teacher/trainer with an engaging personality and winning sense of humor during her 2-year stint at the Pasadena Formal Training Center where she loved meeting and training so many “amazing new My Gym owners.” In 2013, Ally moved to Colorado Springs to purchase the My Gym there. Adored by the community during the 3 years she owned and operated the gym, Ally more than doubled the enrollment. In 2016, when her Navy Doctor husband was relocated, Ally had to sell her gym and move to North Carolina. Now the devoted mom of a Little Bundle and a Waddler, Ally had to do something about the My Gym-sized hole in her heart since selling her gym. The MGE Support Division is delighted to have her...

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Posted by on Jul 26, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

West Training Seminar

We just spent a wonderful weekend with an amazing group of smart, energetic, and extremely fun My Gymers in the West.  There were 200 people in attendance, and your passion and dedication helped create an awesome event with great memories!  Thank you to My Gym Pasadena for helping us host this event. West Award Winners We would like to recognize the award winners from the West Training Seminar.  Keep up the fantastic work! Franchisee of the Year Award The owners who best exemplify the ideals for which My Gym stands by achieving excellence in the areas of business operations, leadership, customer service, program quality, and enrollment   Ryan and Pamela Theilacker – My Gym Huntington Beach, CA Rebekah Cracraft – My Gym High Desert, CA  *** Canadian Franchisee of the Year Award The owner who best exemplifies the ideals for which My Gym stands by achieving excellence in the areas of business operations, leadership, customer service, program quality, and enrollment   Tanya Ardron – My Gyms Maple Ridge &...

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Posted by on Jul 21, 2017 in Marketing, Products | 0 comments

Promotional Wristbands Now Available!

Looking for a way to get out the word about your Back to School Open House?  We have the answer!  The Back to School season is the perfect time for gyms to drive enrollment up!  This year, we’re going for some POP WITH SOME PROPS!  Heyoooo!  These great visual props will help you and your team drive the message home.  First items are NEW silicone wristbands (kids and adult sizes) imprinted with “Back to School My Gym Rules!”  Next we have some sweet terrycloth sweatbands for the teachers to wear.  WHY???  Because they’re cool!!!  PLUS, it will get parents and kids to ask “Ummm, what’s with the sweatbands?”  The wristbands (child and adult sizes) and the sweatbands are available to order NOW! Ideas for silicone wristbands: Give your camp kids wristbands after their final camp sessions. Many of your camp children may not be enrolled in classes.  The wristbands will serve as a reminder of the great time they had at camp and hopefully give them incentive to ask...

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Posted by on Jul 20, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

#MomentsThatMatter

Our newest campaign is hot off the press!  We are very excited to bring #MomentsThatMatter to our social media marketing efforts as a company and brand, just in time for it to take hold before the back to school season starts. We will be rolling out this campaign over the next week.  It will live on social media and in your gyms as an evergreen campaign for parents to use when they share content (video or photos) of their children having the time of their lives at My Gym.  We also encourage you to use this campaign hashtag as indicated below and in your own creative/unique way to help spread the virality of the movement. The steps involved in launching this campaign are listed below.  We feel these steps are simple and have great value in your online marketing efforts.  Please, if you have any questions or need any assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to support@mygym.com at any time. Next Steps: Today: Please take a few moments to...

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Posted by on Jul 18, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Revised Liability Waiver and Social Media Notice

The Liability Waivers included in the VIMA and Birthday Party Waiver are being updated. The verbiage has been simplified, and now there is also a social media notice without an opt-out option. This is, of course, by design. If you have a customer who wants to opt out, allow the client to do so and make a note on the account in MGM. You should also keep a running list of these clients and take great care to NOT share their images on your social channels. On Tuesday, July 25th, the previously used waivers will be updated to the text below. If you have customized your liability waivers in MGM and wish to save your modified versions, please copy and save the text outside of MGM immediately. To view your current waivers, take these steps. While logged in as the Administrator in MGM, go to Admin > Gym > Settings > Legal. Birthday Party Waiver and Social Media Notice Liability Waiver:  In case of an emergency when I cannot...

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Posted by on Jul 18, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

PR Directives Now Available

My Gym PR Directives are now available to help franchisees promote big events or announcements without the help of a PR firm or publicist. This document will guide you through the steps of developing your Press Release, researching media outlets in your area, and then contacting the various outlets with the goal of securing media coverage. The process of obtaining media coverage requires time and detail. We have found that the media outlets are more receptive to a local business owner with a meaningful story and an accurate approach than they are to a PR firm. Previously-used SSA is no longer an MGE vendor available to franchisees. Anyone needing guidance with press strategies are encouraged to reference the PR Directives and contact the Support Division if further assistance is needed. Click here to download the directives. This document can also be found on the Operations Manual here: Marketing Manual / Additional Marketing Materials / Special Events / 01 – Open House and Enrollment...

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Posted by on Jul 17, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

*NEW* Social Media Strategy and Plan – Reserve your space today!

Welcome to the New My Gym Social Media Strategy!   We recognize the unique needs in marketing a small business and the necessity for a comprehensive social media plan that includes Social Media education, a comprehensive strategy for posting, and software to manage and track it all.  We are introducing an entirely new way of managing your Social Media channels that will: Centralize Organic Social Media! We have a great organization and power in numbers that can quickly provide amazing content and also powerful metrics. Save you valuable time! We are taking the guesswork out of organic social.  Follow the plan and you will be running the best strategy to grow your business. Help lighten the Social Media workload! MGE will be seamlessly posting for you directly to your Facebook and Instagram with content that is proven, engaging, and relative to your audience. Give you access to the best-in-class social media management software – Sprout Social! Enables you to reschedule and manage all your Social Media content Gives you...

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Posted by on Jul 14, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

Texting Your Members?  Fill out our survey to give us your opinion!

Texting applications allow for total, direct, and convenient consumer and business communication – anywhere, anytime, and on any device. As a result, businesses increase productivity, lower costs, and provide more satisfying customer experiences, ultimately giving them the competitive advantage. We are currently in the process of researching a few different texting applications that would allow you to reach your members more seamlessly. These programs provide direct SMS texting and website text widgets, among other things. The SMS text functions would allow you to contact your customers individually (about scheduling a make-up, a birthday party reminder, etc.) or to send out a blast to multiple people (announcements about closures, etc.). This would also allow easy access for members, or future members, to text you with questions while browsing your site. Click here to fill out the survey to let us know if this is something in which you are...

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Posted by on Jul 14, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Trampoline Safety Talking Points

With the recent discussion about children and trampoline injuries, here is MGE’s stance on children using trampolines in our My Gym facilities.  Please share them with your staff and any concerned My Gym parents. It appears that the main reason the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is strongly against trampoline use by children is the high volume of documented injuries from trampoline use specifically from home trampolines (the large backyard variations) and indoor trampoline parks.  1,2   The AAP goes on to say, if trampolines are still going to be used, follow the below safety guidelines. Please review with your staff the AAP-recommended trampoline safety precautions below: Adult supervision at all times Only one jumper on the trampoline at a time No somersaults performed Adequate protective padding on the trampoline that is in good condition and appropriately placed Check all equipment often. Repair or replace damaged protective padding, the net enclosure, or any other parts that are impaired. (We also have our My Gym rule of no adults allowed on the My...

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Posted by on Jul 13, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Ninja Training Reminder

It’s the FINAL COUNTDOWN! Mt. Midoriyama (Google it!) is calling… It’s the eye of the MYMO, It’s the thrill of SPACEFLIGHT… Rising up to the challenge of a WARRIOR! If you are planning to add Ninja Training to your fall schedule, now is the time to start marketing, training, and promoting this dynamic new class!  All necessary items for preparation of launching this action-packed program can be found in the Core Programs file folder in the Operations Manual. The first week of curriculum is set to launch the week of August 7th. It will be available to review two weeks in advance, on the same web-based curriculum platform wherein you get your regular core curriculum. One final note: where does a Ninja shop for their groceries? …At the STEALTH food store! ...

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Posted by on Jul 12, 2017 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

UPDATE: Johannah Graduates!

In May, we shared Johanna’s story with you and the impact you had on her life by helping MGCA purchase an iPad for in-home therapy. We recently received an email from Johannah’s mom and thought you would all like to read it for yourselves: “Hi! Just wanted to send you a quick note to let you all know that Johannah graduated from pre-K and is moving to the next classroom. Her occupational and speech therapists have incorporated her iPad in her therapies so Johannah can point out “yes,” “no,” and “more.” Thank you again for your generous gift.” Thank you to everyone who has participated in the 100% Program so far this year. You are making a difference in the lives of these children, and it truly means so much. — Want to see even more stories of children you’ve helped? Like our Facebook Page for updates: www.facebook.com/mygymchallengedamerica — Gyms that have reached their 100% Goal: My Gym Kailua, My Gym Mechanicsburg Gyms that are more than halfway to their...

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Posted by on Jul 5, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Your 30-Second Pitch

Perfecting your 30-second pitch is an important part of the sales process at My Gym. Being able to communicate the key aspects of My Gym in a short period of time is a skill that no employee should be without. The average person’s attention span is only seconds (especially with kids hanging onto him/her)! You need to be prepared to grab and hold people’s attention with what you have to say. This is especially important as you are all getting ready for your Fall Open Houses! When flyering or working community events… “Hey! Have you heard of My Gym? No? Well, My Gym is (insert 30-second pitch). Let me get your information so I can invite you to our exclusive Open House in September.” You quickly and efficiently told them what we are about, plus you got their information! You can, of course, just hand them a flyer, but it’s always better to get that email or phone number into MGM. Check out the “30-Second Pitch” document in the...

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Posted by on Jul 5, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

Marketing Fund Increase (Canada)

Hello, We take every franchisee cost or fee very seriously, and we understand that every dollar is important.  As changes occur in the marketing world, My Gymers have sometimes had the luxury of moving forward at their own pace.  But the marketing space has transformed very rapidly and drastically.  Mass mailers and ads in community print magazines are things of the past.  Traditional forms of marketing have become largely irrelevant, especially to our target audience, young moms.  To be relevant and in front of millennials, we need a very strong, centralized, digital marketing plan – a plan with social media at the forefront, engaging content, and various forms of digital advertising thereafter – an in-house, centralized, and connected system providing real-time analytics across various mediums. It has become necessary to increase the monthly Marketing Fund to be able to meet the needs of franchisees and the ever-changing marketing landscape.  Effective for the month of September 2017, the Franchisee Marketing Fund will be increased to $150 per month for all...

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Posted by on Jul 5, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

Marketing Fund Increase (US)

Hello, We take every franchisee cost or fee very seriously, and we understand that every dollar is important.  As changes occur in the marketing world, My Gymers have sometimes had the luxury of moving forward at their own pace.  But the marketing space has transformed very rapidly and drastically.  Mass mailers and ads in community print magazines are things of the past.  Traditional forms of marketing have become largely irrelevant, especially to our target audience, young moms.  To be relevant and in front of millennials, we need a very strong, centralized, digital marketing plan – a plan with social media at the forefront, engaging content, and various forms of digital advertising thereafter – an in-house, centralized, and connected system, providing real-time analytics across various mediums. It has become necessary to increase the monthly Marketing Fund to be able to meet the needs of franchisees and the ever-changing marketing landscape.  Effective for the month of September 2017, the Franchisee Marketing Fund will be increased to $200 per month (a $50...

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Posted by on Jul 3, 2017 in Marketing, Products | 0 comments

A Fun Way to Promote Back to School Enrollment and Your Open House

The Back to School season is the perfect time for gyms to hold an Open House to drive enrollment up!  This year, we’re going for some POP WITH SOME PROPS!  Heyoooo!  These great visual props will help you and your team drive the message home.  First items are NEW silicone wristbands (kids and adult sizes) imprinted with “Back to School My Gym Rules!”  Next we have some sweet terrycloth sweatbands for the teachers to wear.  WHY???  Because they’re cool!!!  PLUS, it will get parents and kids to ask “Ummm, what’s with the sweatbands?”  The wristbands (child and adult sizes) and the wrist sweatbands are available NOW! Ideas for silicone wristbands: Give your camp kids wristbands after their final camp sessions. Many of your camp children may not be enrolled in classes.  The wristbands will serve as a reminder of the great time they had at camp and hopefully give them incentive to ask mom about returning to My Gym. Give the wristbands out at community events, street fairs, etc....

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Posted by on Jul 3, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

Email – Best Practices

How many emails should I send? When should I send them? To whom should I send them? What should be in my emails? The answers to these questions and more are now available on a presentation in the Webinars and Tutorials section. If you struggle with your email marketing, then this is for you! Even if you don’t think you need the help, take a few minutes to watch this presentation. You just might learn something that will make your emails even better!! Make sure to pull this presentation up with whoever does the email marketing in your gym. This “Email Best Practices” presentation is a step toward crafting better emails, having more opens/clicks, and getting more leads or sales! You don’t want to miss it! Click here to download and view the presentation. NOTE: The link above will open to a box.com site with the message We’re sorry, this file format is not supported. You will need to click DOWNLOAD to save the file to your...

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Posted by on Jun 29, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

10 Reasons why you should utilize Facebook Live

If you haven’t heard of Facebook Live, now is the time to get started.  We have created directives to take advantage of Facebook Live for your next enrollment event.  Also, read on for 10 reasons why you should be taking advantage of Facebook Live: It helps your potential customers get to know you in a low commitment (or low barrier to entry) environment. It can lead to higher engagement on your Facebook Page down the line by creating more invested followers. Followers create leads, and leads create enrollments! It will help you generate ideas for future content as you get to know your customer base even better. You can reference this video later, as it stays on your feed after it’s recorded. Later in the year, you can share this Q&A video as a reference for My Gym Memberships and general My Gym Questions. Live Videos receive prioritization on the news feed. (Take that, Facebook Algorithm!) When one Facebook post receives high reach, the following posts also are pushed...

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Posted by on Jun 23, 2017 in Strategic Partners & Sponsors | 0 comments

Gazillion Bubbles: More Samples On the Way!

Surprise! We are excited to announce that each gym in the U.S. and Canada is going to receive ANOTHER shipment containing two more Tornado bubble machines for the gym AND 100 x 8 oz. samples of Gazillion Bubbles to hand out to your customers. Shipments should start going out next week. You can send a thank you shout-out to Gazillion Bubbles by posting a photo of My Gym bubble fun on Facebook and/or Instagram. Be creative. Be sure to include the tags #GazillionBubbleStorm and #GazillionMagic. You can also tag Gazillion Bubbles by using @OfficialGazillion. MGE is also continuing our exclusive wholesale program for My Gym franchise owners to purchase Gazillion Bubbles Solution at greatly reduced rates. 2 Liter solution is still available for order. Because of inventory volumes, you can now purchase 1 Liter solution instead of 4 Liter solution at the same price per ounce.  The 1 Liter solution is much easier to pour, however, please note that it does not contain a wand. SHIPPING IS INCLUDED AND...

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Posted by on Jun 21, 2017 in Products | 0 comments

New Performance Staff T-Shirts in Stock

Fitness apparel is popular for many reasons, including fashion, comfort, and performance. Because of this rise in popularity, ShopMyGym has added a new, more affordable performance T-Shirt to its line.  ShopMyGym has carried the Champion moisture wicking T-Shirt for several years, and it has been quite popular, but we recently sought out a lower cost option to make this type of shirt more cost effective and practical for all gyms to use as a staff T-Shirt.  As many of you know, there are significant differences in quality, comfort, fit, and appearance in all types of apparel, and fitness apparel is no exception.  After evaluating many options and turning many down because of poor quality, appearance, and fit, we concluded that the Gildan 47000 Performance Adult Tech T-Shirt is an amazing value and offers the best quality, comfort, appearance, and fit at an affordable price point.  This shirt’s features include the following: Active fit 4.7 oz., 100% filament polyester jersey knit My Gym silk-screened left chest logo Moisture wicking and...

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