Posted by on Feb 16, 2017 in Products, Support & Programming | 0 comments

New Birthday Themes: Pokémon, Bubble Guppies, Peppa Pig, and Sofia the First!

Get ready for not one, not two, but FOUR new themes!  We’re excited to announce that birthday themed programming and products are now available for the preschool TV favorites “Peppa Pig,” “Sofia the First,” and “Bubble Guppies.”  And, for those who just can’t stop playing Pokémon, we’ve got you covered.  We’re also releasing a fantastic and fun “Pokémon” birthday theme for older children. You can easily customize the programming for all themes to fit the wants and needs of your families; so, for example, if you have an eight-year-old who wants a Peppa party or you have a two-year-old who wants a Bubble Guppies party, simply refer to the specific younger and older suggestions in the programming. Merchandise for all four new themes can be found on ShopMyGym.com.  Like the other theme packs, these packs include all the necessary party goods conveniently ready to go in one box, including plates, napkins, centerpieces, balloons, and a party favor cup.  The Bubble Guppies theme pack features fun designs and characters from...

Read More

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

YOU Give Braeden Strength

As a driven, determined little three-year-old, Braeden has a natural will to succeed and reach new goals in his life. However, having cerebral palsy and infantile spasms as well as being non-verbal and legally blind, Brady faces difficult challenges on a daily basis. Thanks to your incredible support of the 100% Program in 2016, MGCA was able to purchase a Tumble Form Wedge to help Braeden strive to do his best. The wedge helps build core strength, encourages reaching and bearing weight with his arms to roll over, and allows his self-esteem to grow day after day. — Want to see more stories of children YOU’VE helped? Like our Facebook Page for new updates: www.facebook.com/mygymchallengedamerica — Gyms that are more than halfway to their 100% Goal for 2017:* My Gym Glen Rock, My Gym Katy, My Gym Westfield *Our mission is to have every My Gym contribute $1,000 to our MGCA Kids in 2017. My Gym Heroes 2017: My Gym Alexandria, My Gym Atwater, My Gym Bakersfield, My Gym...

Read More

Posted by on Feb 9, 2017 in Marketing, Products | 0 comments

2017 Marketing Plan – Summer Campaign Materials Are Ready!

Summer marketing materials are ready!  During May, June, and July, all gyms should implement the Summer Marketing Campaign. In addition to the general summer campaign materials, there are also specific Summer Camp materials now ready! Please note that the month of May had the supplemental Sports & Fitness campaign in previous years.  This will no longer be a designated supplemental campaign, however, materials are still available if you wish to run a Sports & Fitness themed event or promotion. To help you execute the themed campaign(s) in your own gym(s), the following are ready for you to access: Marketing Materials Package (Operations Manual > Operations > Marketing Manual > 2017 Marketing > 04-May-July Marketing Materials Package.zip) The May 2017 Marketing Materials package is available as a zip file on the Operations Manual.  Just download one file and you’ll have a completely organized package that includes digital artwork, social media promotional copy and profile pictures, article template, planning checklist, and more – all of your summer marketing! Web Splash Page...

Read More

Posted by on Feb 9, 2017 in Products | 0 comments

ON SALE!! Save up to 25% on My Gym Birthday Party Favors!

For a limited time only, save up to 25% on My Gym birthday party favors. Our gyms continue to have great success with the My Gym Party Favor Pack.  As many of you know, this pack is a huge convenience and a great value for parents, plus it’s a simple way for gyms to earn extra income from their parties while providing a great service for their members. This party favor bag is filled with fun products, including several My Gym branded items and toys.  With a suggested retail price of $3.50+, gyms can earn a nice profit selling these for their parties.  Plus, you’ll get great marketing exposure because every guest will take home a bag filled with My Gym branded products. Here’s the new pricing and discount: Buy 1 to 3 cases & Save 10% (60 packs per case) Regular price: $126/case ($2.10/pack) Sale price: $113.40/case ($1.89/pack) Savings: $12.60/case ($0.21/pack) = 10% Buy 4 or more cases & Save 25% (60 packs per case) Regular price: $126/case...

Read More

Posted by on Feb 8, 2017 in General | 0 comments

Lease Reminder

Owners, please be reminded of the importance to periodically review your lease.  It’s imperative that you know exactly where you are in relation to its expiration.  Most leases are 5 years in duration but could range from 1-10 years.  Leases typically require 120 to 180 days’ written notice to execute an option to extend, if one exists. If you have completed your initial term and are nearing the end of your options, it is time to either renegotiate the lease or start looking for a new space.  This process should start well before the 120-180 day notice period previously mentioned.  If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Tom at...

Read More

Posted by on Feb 6, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Zumbini Update

MGE is always looking for ways to expand our My Gym brand and grow our franchisees’ revenues.  For some time now, MGE has been in discussions with Zumbini exploring the possibility of a partnership to offer Zumbini classes in My Gyms.  We are aware that Zumbini has recently been contacting My Gyms directly with the intention of discussing the addition of their Zumbini class/program into your facilities. Here are some facts and information for you to process and decide if Zumbini might be right for your My Gym. Zumbini was originally created and developed by Zumba.  Zumbini later branched off of Zumba and is now its own entity, although they still maintain a great relationship with Zumba and carry the marketing and branding power of Zumba. Zumbini states that they are “a music, dance, and educational” program for children 0-4 years.  The class contains a mix of all of those ages (like a sibling class). MGE has been in talks with Zumbini for approximately 6 months now, but we...

Read More

Posted by on Feb 2, 2017 in Strategic Partners & Sponsors | 0 comments

Azul and My Gym 2017

We are pleased to announce that our strategic/cross marketing partnership with Azul Hotels by Karisma continues to roll on.  Our My Gym brand and program at the Azul resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, and now the Dominican Republic are flourishing, as thousands upon thousands of families experience My Gym each year at their properties.  Additionally, the promotional and preferred partner program will continue in our gyms, which includes the customer vacation discount, quarterly consumer and franchisee contest, and the My Gym owner/employee discount. If you still have existing Azul flyers, please continue to use them, as the MG16 code will remain active. If you need replacement flyers, window stickers, or posters, please email us exactly what you need replaced at strategicpartners@mygym.com. We will have them shipped out to you right away. All newly opened gyms in 2016 and 2017 will get shipments within 2-3 weeks of all materials. Here again are all the details: My Gym Customer Discount My Gym members may now book a vacation with Azul Hotels by...

Read More

Posted by on Feb 2, 2017 in Technology | 0 comments

Coming Soon to MGM: Class Cards

We will be rolling out new Class Card functionality in MGM early next week. This feature will allow gyms to sell class cards in any amount, denomination, and time frame. At this time, class cards are sold only at the gym level so that you retain full control over which classes accept drop-ins. How to Sell and Book Class Cards (beginning week of 2/6) Step 1: In the family account, go to the Class Cards tab and click Purchase Class Card. Step 2: Purchase the class card for your desired amount and time frame. The card will be valid only for classes that fall within the start and end dates. Unused classes will expire at the end of the time frame. (Note: A report of purchased, used, and expiring class cards is available in Reports > Class Cards.) Step 3: Click Schedule Classes to utilize a credit. A Class Card icon will appear in the Actions section of each child on the main family account screen. The scheduler will...

Read More

Posted by on Feb 1, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

Soliciting by Yelp

We recently learned that Yelp sales representatives have been contacting My Gyms across the country.  They’ve stated that they are dedicated My Gym representatives and the purpose of their call is to discuss advertising on Yelp.  Please be advised that MGE does not have a partnership or arrangement with Yelp for their advertising platform.  We were in discussions to develop a program, but we will not be moving forward with Yelp advertising for 2017. At this time, we do not advise that franchisees advertise with Yelp for various reasons: It is an unproven platform. It is easy for My Gym to be found organically (for free without paying) on Yelp through web searches. We are focusing our efforts on other areas of digital advertising (social media, digital/retargeted ads, Google AdWords, etc.) With that said, we do strongly advise that all My Gyms: Claim your Yelp page and create a business profile Populate your Yelp page with the logo, fun photos, and a description of the business Keep your information...

Read More

Posted by on Jan 31, 2017 in Strategic Partners & Sponsors | 0 comments

MGE Sponsor/Strategic Partners & Revenue Sharing – 2017

The MGE Sponsor/Strategic Partner Division is firing on all cylinders in the New Year, and we could not be more excited! Currently, we are hard at work gearing up for our 2017 partnership with Azul and preparing for Phase 2 of our Gazillion Bubbles partnership, which will launch in March. Watch for the updates on both programs coming soon. We are also in negotiations with several other great companies for programs this year. We are casting a wider net than ever to secure relationships with brands that make sense for My Gym in categories such as athletic apparel, healthy foods & snacks, beverages, cleaning, and diapers, among others. NOTE: If you have a close contact with any company you believe would be a good partner for My Gym, we want to know! Please email us at strategicpartners@mygym.com. We will compensate very well for any leads that result in business! Why are these strategic partnerships so important? As per our update last fall, we continue to maintain that any partnership we...

Read More

Posted by on Jan 30, 2017 in Strategic Partners & Sponsors | 0 comments

Honest Company Survey – Your Input Is Needed

We are really excited about our partnership with The Honest Company and are hoping to extend it into 2017 and beyond. We are getting ready to head into renegotiations and would really appreciate your input on this partnership. Your opinions about our sponsors and partners are extremely important to us. Please take a few minutes to respond to this short survey. Even if you did not order any product from The Honest Company, your input is very valuable. Click here to take the survey. Please respond by Monday, February 6, 2017. If you have any questions about this or any other partnerships, please feel free to reach out to...

Read More

Posted by on Jan 26, 2017 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

Fun for Valentine’s Day with MGCA!

Our cutout fundraiser is back! Similar to the very first Shamrock Fundraiser, we have created hearts for you to cut out and hang on the wall. Everyone who makes a donation to MGCA of $2 or more can put his or her name on a heart and watch the “Wall of Love” grow! Please click here for the cutouts and flyer. They can also be found in the Operations Manual in the My Gym Challenged America folder. Questions? Contact Aleah at...

Read More

Posted by on Jan 23, 2017 in Products | 0 comments

New Special Order Fleece Pullovers – Back by Popular Demand

During the holidays, we released a special order for super soft, comfortable and stylish fleeces.  Because we offered a large number of colors and styles, they were sold through special order only.  Several gyms have requested more of these fleeces, so we’re running the special order opportunity again. These fleeces come in men’s and ladies’ styles with a 1/4-zip or hood.  Several fun and appealing colors are available.  These pullovers will be embroidered with a white My Gym logo on the left chest, though some of the images are shown with a silkscreened logo. We plan to carry some of the styles and colors as stock items in the future.  However, for now, they’re available only by special order so we can offer you a greater number of style and color options.  Please note the following dates: Order deadline: Friday 1/27, 12:00pm Pacific Time Estimated ship date: Week of 2/13 Estimated delivery date: Week of 2/20 Click here to order now.  They’re in the Adult Apparel...

Read More

Posted by on Jan 23, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

My Gym Marketing 2017 – SSA PR

This is an exciting time for the MGE Marketing Division and My Gym marketing overall. Per the CEO update of January 11, 2017, the MGE marketing workload now resides within the Operations Division of our company, led by Angie Foote and Edwin Chavez. As a big part of this revamp, MGE will be working with a digital marketing company, Plush Digital, to test and ultimately institute cutting edge digital marketing philosophies and methods that will become the standard methodology in how My Gym markets to clients. As we move toward this goal, we have taken a hard look at our marketing fund budget, costs, and vendors to ensure we are utilizing it to the best of our ability and focusing on the priorities at hand. With that said, we have made the decision to move past offering the PR services of SSA. This is effective immediately. While we have been very happy with SSA and the work they have done for us over the years, the reality is that...

Read More

Posted by on Jan 20, 2017 in General | 0 comments

New Royalty Protocol

Dear Franchisees, Happy New Year; wishing everybody a happy and prosperous 2017!  This update is to inform you that, for the first time in our history, we will be modifying the royalty collection protocol.  This has been in the making for many months, working closely with the FAB to get their blessing as well.  We received that blessing along with some good ideas that we have implemented into the new protocol.  This new protocol will commence in March.  There is a lot of work needed on our side to set up the new system, and we thank you in advance for being proactive in doing what you need to do to switch over as well.  We tried very hard to make a simple protocol that works for both sides.  Once the new system is set up, we hope you will find it easier or at least no more difficult than the current protocol.  The new protocol is written below; please read carefully so you fully understand. The only thing...

Read More

Posted by on Jan 17, 2017 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

2016 ~ A Year of Smiles, A Year of Hope

We are overwhelmed by the amount of participation in the 100% Program in 2016. Thanks to your donations, you have brought a year of smiles to children in need. Click to enlarge    These are only a handful of children you helped in 2016, and we cannot wait to share more stories of the lives you’ve impacted in the coming year! Gyms that reached their 100% Goal for 2016:* My Gym Aventura, My Gym Bakersfield, My Gym Bellevue, My Gym Brentwood, My Gym Clovis, My Gym Hoboken, My Gym Huntington Beach, My Gym Jersey City, My Gym Kailua, My Gym Katy, My Gym Lincoln, My Gym Mechanicsburg, My Gym Northridge, My Gym Orange, My Gym Overland Park, My Gym Palm Desert, My Gym River Road *Our mission is to have every My Gym contribute $1,000 to our MGCA kids in 2016. Gyms that made it more than halfway to their 100% Goal for 2016: My Gym Austin, My Gym Bakersfield, My Gym Buena Park, My Gym Buffalo Grove, My...

Read More

Posted by on Jan 12, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Training Seminar Ideas

We are in the beginning stages of planning Training Seminar 2017 and want your input.  It is always our top priority to provide the most needed training meetings and relevant topics at our seminars.  Please click here to submit topics and give your input for seminar.  Please complete the short survey by January 18th for your input to be considered. More information including registration, pricing, and hotel will be released over the next 4 to 6 weeks.  Please email jpurcell@mygym.com with any seminar specific...

Read More

Posted by on Jan 11, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

2017 Marketing – Spring Campaign Materials Are Ready!

Spring marketing materials are ready! Now that all gyms are running the New Year Marketing Campaign through February, it is time to start planning for spring. During March and April, all gyms should implement the Spring Marketing Campaign, Spring into My Gym. Additionally, we offer the supplemental March Madness campaign, Fitness and Fun . . . It’s a Slam Dunk! Please note that the term “March Madness” is trademarked and not available for franchisees to use in their own marketing. Either campaign can be used for all of your gym marketing, including Spring Camp. To help you execute the themed campaign(s) in your own gym(s), the following are ready for you to access: Marketing Materials Package (Operations Manual > Operations > Marketing Manual > 2017 Marketing > 03-March Marketing Materials Package.zip) The March 2017 Marketing Materials package is available as a zip file on the Operations Manual. Just download one file and you’ll have a completely organized package that includes digital artwork, social media promotional copy and profile pictures,...

Read More

Posted by on Jan 11, 2017 in General | 0 comments

CEO Happy New Year Update

Emphasis On Marketing and Strategic My Gym Alliances I hope everybody had a fantastic holiday season, and that you are all rejuvenated for a terrific 2017. I am attempting to write the shortest CEO Update in my 25 year career; let’s see if I can do it: As normal, every MGE team member’s December was filled with planning and meetings about the future…then more meetings and more planning :). Participating in really great My Gym brand identity and company mission workshops, we emerged with more clarity than ever about what MGE needs to do to help every single one of our My Gyms achieve maximum viability, as well as strategies to help our franchisees (and every My Gym teacher) become as personally fulfilled as possible. By the way, the happiness of franchisees and their staff members, and their ability to be as impactful as possible continues to be our very top priority. A big change you will notice in 2017 is that the MGE marketing workload now resides within...

Read More

Posted by on Jan 9, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Playing DVDs/Videos of Movies and TV Programs in Gyms

It has been brought to our attention by The Motion Picture Licensing Corporation that any My Gym locations currently playing DVDs/Videos of movies or TV programs during PNO events, camps, etc. are in violation of licensing laws. Much like there are fees for playing music in the gym, each My Gym location must pay an annual fee of $250.00 in order to legally show them. What we are promoting in our gyms is a healthy, fun, active environment, and we want to reflect that in our actions. As such, to remain in step with what My Gym is all about, to be in compliance with the law, and to not absorb this annual $250 cost, MGE recommends that gyms stay away from this practice and instead stick with puppets and story times to calm the children down, a programming/teaching choice that aligns with our philosophy as...

Read More

Posted by on Jan 4, 2017 in Technology | 0 comments

MGM Fee Increase

Please note that MGM monthly fees will have a 3% increase effective February 1, 2017. This increase allows MGE the resources needed to continue offering and improving upon a custom-built, cutting-edge software solution for My Gym. Since launching MGM 3.0 in December 2015, we have added even more new features, both big and small. We will continue to work hard in the years to come in order to provide the best working enterprise system possible at the lowest price for all franchisees worldwide. Thank you and Happy New Year, MGE Tech...

Read More

Posted by on Jan 3, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Jumpstart Zumba Kids and Zumba Kids Jr. Trainings – Now Available!

Coming soon, you will be able to schedule and attend new and more convenient Zumba trainings!  These new trainings will make it easier and more efficient for you to get your instructors BOTH Zumba Kids and Zumba Kids Jr. trained in one day. Once the training is available, your instructors will take a one-day, 10-hour training and earn both Zumba Basic 1 and Zumba Kids licenses after that training day.  Please note that instructors are still required to join ZIN in order to take this training. Click HERE for 7 locations from January – March 2017 where Jumpstart Zumba Kids Training is available. A couple of things to note: These trainings are more strategically posted.  About 40 to 50 trainings are expected to be posted in the US this coming year. Basic 1 and Zumba Kids trainings will be available in a manner similar to other years as well. In the event that a Jumpstart Kids Training is not available, the Zumba Basic 1 Training + ZIN Membership +...

Read More

Posted by on Jan 3, 2017 in My Gym Foundation, Products | 0 comments

ShopMyGym and MGCA

Now you can make purchases AND give back! ShopMyGym has generously offered to donate a portion of all purchases made on ShopMyGym.com to MGCA. This will contribute to our mission of helping children in need and bring smiles to countless kids in the coming year. A slide announcing this can be found on the website. Happy New...

Read More

Posted by on Dec 16, 2016 in General | 0 comments

Front Lobby Security

It has been brought to our attention that people have been walking into My Gyms and stealing people’s personal belongings left in the lobby.  This has happened in several My Gyms in the Los Angeles area; some gyms have even caught the thefts on security cameras and have placed police reports.  It is unfortunate, as we always want My Gym to be a safe place for all children and their families, and we are saddened that the holidays bring out the worst in some people. While there is no foolproof means to protect against burglaries, the following precautionary measures may lessen the possibility of lobby theft. If you have a storefront with large windows, turn your cubbies around. Then, people who pass by and look in will not see purses there. Recommend to parents that they leave purses and anything else of value locked in the trunks of their cars. Make sure that staff members are constantly aware of what is going on in the lobby and that they...

Read More

Posted by on Dec 16, 2016 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Gymsters Philosophies Online Training Course

At Conference we announced the beginning of our next Online Training Course for Class Philosophies.  Mighty Mites was the first class completed, and we are happy to notify you that the Gymsters Philosophy Training Course is also finalized and available for use along with quizzes for each unit.  Completing these courses is a lengthy process, however, we are working hard to get them to you in the timeliest manner possible.  Until the philosophies are all available via OTC, the old versions will remain in the Training Video Library. Note:  Please remember that each staff member must have his/her own MGM login in order to take courses and have the results...

Read More