Posted by on Apr 12, 2016 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Director of the Year Nominations

Attention owners!  Is your Director an amazing leader?  A take-charge go-getter? A knowledgeable, well-rounded master of the gym?  If so, you may want to consider nominating him or her for My Gym’s prestigious Director of the Year award!  This award is for the director who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in operating, caring, and living as though he or she were the owner of your My Gym.  If you would like to nominate your director for Director of the Year, the following criteria must be met: He/she has held the position of Director for at least 9 months of gym operation. Your director is a My Gym expert in all areas (teaching, running day-to-day operations, connecting with staff and families). He/she has been able to train and retain staff by teaching them to be My Gym experts. The gym is in compliance with all mandates and policies to date. Please click here to submit your Director of the Year nomination.  All nominations are due by...

Read More

Posted by on Apr 11, 2016 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

Who ever thought a little seat could be so meaningful?

THE CHILDREN YOU HELP: Meet Gabriella Gabriella has spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, epilepsy with infantile spasms, and shaken baby syndrome, and is legally blind. Not only was she exposed to methamphetamine in utero and after birth; Gabriella’s biological mother shook her often as a baby. When her adoptive parents received her at four months old, she had fractured ribs and was slowly healing. Gabriella was fortunate to be adopted by a loving couple who made a request of MGCA. It’s because of your support that My Gym Challenged America was able to purchase a GoTo Seat by Firefly for Gabriella. This seat allows her to sit at preschool with her peers, go grocery shopping with her parents, and sit in swings at the park. Thank you so much for caring! Helping Children, One Shamrock at a Time Thank you to everyone who participated in our Shamrock Fundraiser. Over 25 gyms informed us of their participation, and we have received over $2,000 in donations from this fundraiser so far. If...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 31, 2016 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Owners Only Open Forum Webinar

We will be holding a webinar that gives owners the forum to discuss sensitive topics.  This will be a “town hall” style meeting led by you, the owners, with MGE facilitating and adding input.  The main topic will be staffing and training/developing your staff.  If you have a list of topics you would also like to discuss, please email support@mygym.com, and we will add them to the list as well.  Our family of franchisees is one of the best resources for all of us, and we hope to have all owners participate in this “owners only” webinar. IMPORTANT NOTES: We make every effort to place these webinars during times we feel will work for most of the My Gym Family.  Of course, this is not always possible, so a recorded version of the webinar will be posted in the Tutorials section of the extranet.  This recording is not intended as a replacement for attending the live event.  The recorded webinar should be used only as a reference. We have...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 30, 2016 in Technology | 0 comments

Website/MGM Emails, Inquiries, and Exact Target – Important Things to Know

The My Gym website and MGM initiate many emails to both the gym and the customer. Along with normal inquiries, the gym also receives a copy of every single email that is sent to the customer. The gym copy is sent to the email address(es) listed in Admin > Gym > Settings. If you would like to include more than one email, be sure to separate them by semicolons. The customer copy is sent to all email addresses listed in the family account (primary and secondary, if applicable), as long as they are SUBSCRIBED. System emails to the customer (e.g., booking confirmations, payment receipts, and credit card expiry notices) are sent via Exact Target from the email address noreply@mygym.com. If the customer replies to this email, s/he will receive a notice that the message was not delivered. This is a standard practice. Emails initiated by clicking on the mail envelope icon in the family account are sent through your default mail client (e.g., Outlook) or your web-based email service...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 25, 2016 in Marketing, Support & Programming | 0 comments

My Gym/Zumba Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Campaign Open House

My Gym Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Event – Sept 10, 2016 The Sept 10, 2016 My Gym Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Event featuring Zumba is a My Gym event.  We have created this huge event to raise awareness of and drive customers to your gyms, increase My Gym business in general, and demonstrate how My Gym, the leading experts in Children’s Fitness, is playing its role in spreading awareness about Childhood Obesity.  Whether you currently run Zumba, intend to run it, or do not wish to ever run Zumba, it does not really matter because there are options available to you.  This is a one day-event intended to be more than JUST a marketing device for Zumba classes; it is to promote ALL of your My Gym programs. The primary focus and marketing message for this COAM Event is the promotion of My Gym and the awareness of Childhood Obesity, not the advancement of Zumba classes in our gyms.  My Gym’s hosting a uniform coast-to-coast event that MGE and...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 24, 2016 in Technology | 0 comments

MGM Camp Webinar Online & New Tutorials

For those who missed it, the MGM Camp Training webinar is now available online. It can be accessed in Resources > Training Tools > Webinars & Tutorials or on the Help Desk. We have also added new camp tutorials and pricing guides, which are available for viewing on the Help Desk. As always, please do not hesitate to contact the Tech Team for...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 24, 2016 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Share your expertise please!

We want to take a moment to remind everyone that there is a folder on the Operations Manual (located in the folder titled Franchisee Submitted Files/Class Videos) in MGM that includes franchisee submitted videos of full classes.  Currently, this library contains only a few videos, but we are looking to expand and would like to feature your video. The addition of more videos to this library will prove invaluable.  It will allow franchisees to learn from different styles of teaching skills and improve their teaching even further.  We cannot do this alone, though.  Please, if you would like to take part in building up this training video collection, follow the below specifications and send us your videos anytime. Requirements for submitting a video: You can submit any length segment of a class. Whole classes or just class elements/parts of class are accepted and encouraged. You can submit your video in any format via the following methods: Emailing support@mygym.com a Dropbox link: It is very simple and capable of supporting...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 22, 2016 in General | 0 comments

Grand Opening

We are extremely excited to announce the Grand Opening of the Cohasset, MA location.  This is the second gym for owner Dave Ames.  Dave and his staff have just completed their first weekend of open house events and are looking forward to classes starting on Monday.  Warm wishes and congratulations can be sent to...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 22, 2016 in Technology | 0 comments

Exact Target System Lag and Cleanup Help

If you are experiencing extreme system lag and an overall cumbersome experience while using Exact Target, it may be due to your account being overloaded with old MGM auto emails and subscriber lists. Prior to MGM 3.0, all auto emails sent through MGM were routed through our individual Exact Target accounts. This is why you see several hundred (or thousands) of oddly named emails and lists that you don’t remember creating yourself. Emails are now routed through a central account, so now it’s time to delete the remnants of MGM in your accounts. Attached are instructions for completing this task. We highly recommend that everybody set aside an hour or two (all at once, or over the course of a couple weeks) and complete the cleanup. This will greatly improve your Exact Target experience. Please do not hesitate to contact Mae Perez at mperez@mygym.com if you have any questions or require assistance with the...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 21, 2016 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

Shamrock Success!

Thank you to everyone who has participated in our Shamrock Fundraiser! This event looks to be shaping up for success, and we would love to share the final results. Please feel free to send your donations via check to: My Gym Challenged America 15300 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 414 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 Click here to pay by credit card on our website. Thank you again for your support, and Happy Spring! My best, Aleah Whaley My Gym Challenged America / Director of Development (949) 584-9819 / www.challengedamerica.com...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 18, 2016 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

A Formal Introduction: Welcome Katie Kurka

There seems to be no end to what Katie Kurka can accomplish. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Interpersonal and Organization Communication from California State University at Long Beach where she was on both the Dean’s List and the President’s list, Katie spent 8 years with an education enrichment company as speaker in leadership development, study strategies, and teacher training through educational conferences, teen pregnancy prevention programs, and even juvenile detention centers.  She worked programs with tens of thousands of students and teachers, both internationally and domestically, and has applied the skills and teaching tools she acquired from these programs directly to her training and teaching at My Gym. Katie’s My Gym career began in 2002 as Director of the Long Beach, CA location for 11 years.  There, she ran a very successful Hip Hop program and Zumba classes as well.  In 2013, she joined the management team at the Pasadena Formal Training Center where she trained future My Gym owners and directors.  With Katie’s help, the Pasadena gym...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 18, 2016 in Products | 0 comments

Save a lot and Earn a lot with the My Gym Retail Products Sale!

Jumpstart your retail sales with big savings on My Gym retail products, including the Mymo Hand Puppet, the My Gym and Melissa & Doug Learning Mats, and the My Gym and Melissa & Doug Mymo Time! Wooden Stamp Set.  Now through April 4th, save 25% on these great items. These products give parents and kids a fun and interactive way to continue the My Gym experience at home.  The stamp set contains extension activities designed so parents and kids can interact, learn, have fun, and be active while using the stamps.  Likewise, the Learning Mats are filled with activities that teach kids fitness, colors, numbers, and counting in a fun and engaging way.  Similarly, parents and kids will have a fun and creative experience using the Mymo Hand Puppet for their own puppet shows, storytelling, games, parties, and other fun activities. Stock up on these products now while they’re on sale and keep them on display in your gyms so members can buy them on the spot as gifts,...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 17, 2016 in Marketing | 0 comments

New Sponsor/Marketing Program – Life is Good T-Shirt Contest

New Sponsor/Marketing Program The Life is Good Company As per our update on March 8th (below), our partnership with The Life is Good Company has begun! In-Gym Materials By now all participating gyms should have received the shipment of in-gym materials listed below in the original update. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR MATERIALS, OR IF YOU NEED REPLACEMENTS BECAUSE OF DAMAGE DURING SHIPPING, PLEASE EMAIL MARKETING@MYGYM.COM RIGHT AWAY SO WE CAN TRACK YOUR PACKAGE AND/OR SEND YOU REPLACEMENT MATERIALS. IMPORTANT: UPON PLACING ALL MATERIALS AS INSTRUCTED BELOW, PLEASE SNAP PICTURES OF EACH ASSET AND EMAIL THE PICTURES TO MARKETING@MYGYM.COM. WE MUST RECEIVE THESE PICTURES FROM EVERY GYM. Mymo’s Memos e-Newsletter If you have not already sent out your Spring Edition of Mymo’s Memos e-Newsletter, we urge you to please consider sending it out soon. The reason we ask you to do this is that it will further demonstrate to The Life is Good Company what a great partner we are. There is a revised Spring Edition of Mymo’s Memos...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 16, 2016 in Technology | 0 comments

MGM Camp Webinar

MGM Camp Upgrade The camp upgrade allowing for sibling discounts and package pricing has been released. We urge you to wait until the webinar before utilizing it. If you are unable to attend or would like to begin ASAP, please contact the Help Desk for assistance. Register for the webinar below. +++ Please join us for a webinar on the camp function of MGM on Wednesday, March 23rd at 10am PDT. During this webinar, we will demonstrate the latest upgrades to the system (launching this week), including but not limited to the ability to offer a sibling discount. We will also be providing answers to your most frequently asked questions about camps on MGM. In order for us to give the most informative webinar, please provide the following info during registration: Your next set of camp dates Your pricing structure Any applicable offers or early bird discounts Any other questions you have relating to the camps function of MGM IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND THE WEBINAR, please email mperez@mygym.com with the...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 16, 2016 in Products | 0 comments

Mymo Stretckins are Back in Stock — Order Now Before They’re Gone!

Mymo Stretchkins are Taking the Gyms by Storm!  Watch this video to see for yourselves: My Gym employees and members are having a blast with Mymo Stretchkins, using them in curriculum, at parties, and all sorts of other fun in between.  Our first two batches of Stretchkins sold out, and our next shipment is arriving in a few days.  If you haven’t ordered your Stretchkins yet, order now before they’re gone, and get in on the fun right away.  If you already have Stretchkins for programming, order more now for retail sales . . . kids and parents love them and have been buying them for home use.  It’s a great way for gyms to make money and for kids to continue the My Gym experience at home. To order Stretchkins, click here to visit ShopMyGym.com, and go to the Manips – Active Toys section.  Please try to order by next Tuesday, 3/22 because we’re trying to ship the Stretchkins to gyms the same day they come in to...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 15, 2016 in Technology | 0 comments

MGM Update: Stats, Camp and More

Statistical Information We have made several upgrades to the statistical reports available in MGM. Total Paid Enrollments: In the past, this number has had varied definitions. So that we are always talking about the same number, our official definition of Total Paid Enrollments is:  Every student currently enrolled and paying more than $0, plus any student scheduled to start in the next 30 days. You will always find this number on the home page of MGM. Statistics Overview: We have made many little changes to how this page is displayed. This report has a lot of in-depth information to help you understand and analyze your gym’s numbers. Daily Enrollments Snapshot (Reports > Statistics): This report grabs the Total Paid Enrollments at the end of each day and memorializes it so you will know what your numbers were for any day in the past. (Note: We began recording this number on March 1, 2016.) Daily Enrollments Report (Reports > Statistics): This report is a little different and requires some explanation...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 14, 2016 in Products, Support & Programming | 0 comments

New Birthday Themes: Paw Patrol and Minions!

Get ready for two grrrrific new themes!  We’re excited to announce that birthday themed programming and products are now available for the preschool TV program, “Paw Patrol,” and everyone’s favorite despicably evil (and funny) yellow movie stars: the Minions! The Paw Patrol theme is suggested for children ages 2-4, and the Minions theme is suggested for ages 3-7+; though, of course, families can have either theme for any age.  You can easily customize the programming for both themes to fit the wants and needs of your families; so, for example, if you have an eight-year-old who wants a Paw Patrol party or you have a two-year-old who wants a Minions party, simply refer to the specific younger and older suggestions in the programming. Merchandise for both themes is available 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, and balloons.  The Paw Patrol theme pack features several fun designs and characters from...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 11, 2016 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

My Gym Online Training Courses

The first Online Training Course is now available.  This Online Training Course is called New Teacher Training, and it is for new staff members just hired.  It has 9 units, and it is supplemental training to the materials we already have in our turnkey operation.  Upon hire, you will continue to follow the 4 or 8-week training plans, utilize the study requirements, and assign the training videos.  To create a highly trained individual, you will need to be extremely involved with hands-on training, as always.  The 4 and 8-week training plans will guide you along as to when your trainee should take the next unit within this Online Training Course. We encourage all owners, directors, and teachers to take this first course so that everyone is aware of what a trainee is learning.  It will be a review for all seasoned teachers, but it will be the most updated methods of doing things and great pointers on how we train new people.  All My Gymers across the world will...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 9, 2016 in General | 0 comments

A Formal Introduction: Welcome Isaac Smith

Isaac Smith has had one professional goal in life – to have a meaningful position working with children. He wasted no time in achieving that when, immediately after his studies in English at the University of Kansas, he landed a job as Director of a daycare center in 2008. By 2010, Angie Foote had grabbed him up to teach in the Overland Park, KS location, where he soon became Director. Under Isaac’s management, that gym reached its highest enrollment and party numbers in its history! The 2012 International My Gym Conference proved quite memorable for Isaac. Not only was he named Director of the Year; he met fellow My Gymer, Heather Jolls – was it love at first sight? In 2014, Isaac began working part-time with MGE in the Pre-Opening Division, traveling and opening new My Gyms across the US and Canada. Since then, he has relocated to Los Angeles, has married “Miss Heather,” has trained future My Gym owners and directors in the Toluca Lake Formal Training Center,...

Read More

Posted by on Mar 8, 2016 in Marketing | 0 comments

New Sponsor/Marketing Program – Life is Good T-Shirt Contest

New Sponsor/Marketing Program The Life is Good Company We are EXTREMELY excited to announce that we have recently agreed to a fantastic partnership with The Life is Good Company. The partnership, which will run in the U.S. and Canada from March 15-April 29, 2016, centers around a T-shirt design contest for My Gym Kids ages 3 years and up. The contest, which coincides with our Spring Marketing Campaign, will be promoted in gyms, within our e-Newsletter, in emails, and via social media. Three months of My Gym classes is one of the featured prizes in the contest, and The Life is Good Company will also be heavily promoting the contest (and My Gym) via their website, PR, and social media. Here are the details: In-Gym Materials Beginning this week, all U.S. and Canadian gyms will be receiving the following materials for use in the gym: A 2-sided Life is Good T-Shirt Contest poster & hanging hardware Please hang the poster prominently in the lobby (ideally above your front counter)...

Read More