Posted by on Dec 8, 2014 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Cardio Kids Revamp

  Over the past year, we have been researching and testing a new and improved Cardio Kids program.  Many of you have requested a revamp of the program, and now it is here!  Beginning January 5, 2015, our new and improved format will implement the latest in fitness trends, keeping our program at the cutting edge of physical exercise for children.  The rate of childhood obesity is still on the rise, and this program will teach children that fitness is fun as well as how to have a healthy lifestyle. We are so excited to implement new equipment as well, including balance discs, kettle bells, body bars, dumbbells, medicine balls, resistance tubing and more!  The new required Cardio Kids equipment enhances the versatility of our ingredients and creates a more comprehensive, updated, and relevant program for our older kids, ages 7-10 years.  The programming includes new cardio/plyometric and muscular strength/endurance circuit stations as well as a new fundamental mobility and stability component.  Click Here to view the Equipment List and...

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Posted by on Dec 8, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

  You will find the newest version of our Mymo’s Memos in your Global Emails on Exact Target!  Now is the time to populate these with information specifically designed for your gym and then blast them to your customers!  We ask that each gym take the time to send out the newsletter.  These contain important elements that support our marketing efforts on a national level.  Please reach out to support@mygym.com if you have any questions! We know that many of you send regular/quarterly newsletter emails to your databases, and we want to let you know the schedule for Mymo’s Memos in 2015 so you can use the provided global email: Theme                                            Use During                     Date Available Winter/New Year                            Jan/Feb                                   12/23/2014 Spring  ...

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Posted by on Dec 4, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

Save 15% on the My Gym Kids Activity Calendar and Give Your Members the Gift of Fitness and Fun at Home!

We know how important it is for you as gym owners to guide and educate your members and their families on the value of staying active and healthy.  That’s why the 2015 My Gym Kids Activity Calendar is a great tool for helping them set and track fitness goals, learn muscular anatomy and exercise execution, understand nutrition and fitness facts, and so much more!  This calendar has the possibility of ending up on the walls of your clients and future customers, not only as a captivating marketing item but as a valuable fitness tool.  We encourage all gyms to consider utilizing this great asset, and remember… you can use, sell, and distribute this calendar many different ways besides using it as a member appreciation (customer loyalty) promotional giveaway to existing members. Here are some other ways you can use the Activity Calendar: As a promotional giveaway at marketing venues outside of your gym (e.g., at promotional events, fairs, schools).  It can even be used as a high-end flier.  It...

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Posted by on Dec 4, 2014 in Technology | 0 comments

New Website Feature and a Few Reminders

We do understand that, as we increase the functionality of the BOSS tools, it is difficult to remember what does what.  Please consult with the Support team if you have any questions on the tools.  We now have added information on the tools to help guide you:  If you go to the “Edit your Websites and Schedules” section of the extranet, most of the input fields now have a “?” next to them that describes the functionality or gives information on what that field does.  A couple of reminders…. Use your “Alert.”  It is a great tool which gives important information that will probably be seen by all web surfers who visit your website. Articles:  Change them from time to time and make sure you don’t have too many.  People will be more apt to read them if you have a few.  If they see a long list, they might miss the more important ones. Use the “Careers” section; it definitely brings qualified applicants to franchises every day.  Some...

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Posted by on Dec 1, 2014 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Optimized My Gym

If you haven’t done so already, now is a great time to transition your schedule to run optimized – before the end of year! The switch has been a smooth transition, and we’ve had nothing but all-around positive responses. Just a few examples:   By adapting to the Optimized My Gym model, you will be able to achieve the following and more: 1. Additional revenue: This model will enable the gym’s third and fourth classes to move earlier in the day and grow to a healthy level, whereas those time slots have previously been difficult to build. 2. Additional time: Shorter shifts, shorter classes, and shorter gaps between classes means more time to clean, rest, return phone calls, review, and perform other critical operational duties. 3. Reaching more children: By optimizing their schedules and offering more ideal class times, My Gyms have been able to reach more children in their communities and change more lives. It’s as easy as reaching out to your Support team, and we are here...

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Posted by on Nov 26, 2014 in Products | 0 comments

We are testing ShopMyGym.com to the public!

To test a public version of shopmygym.com and gauge interest, we are “lightly marketing” it to the public this week via MGE’s Corporate Facebook Page. Soon we will be further testing the public site via marketing through select gyms followed by a broader rollout to all gyms with marketing materials and suggestions on how to effectively promote this opportunity to your members. Please note the following: When gyms visit ShopMyGym.com, they need to be logged in to view all products and their wholesale pricing.  If gyms are not logged in, they will see the retail consumer view, which consists of a limited product offering, higher prices, and slightly different names for some product categories. Gyms will receive a revenue share of 10% of retail ShopMyGym.com orders shipped to your territory during the test and in the future. A portion of the proceeds of each sale will be donated to My Gym Challenged America during the test and in the future. We’re excited to be moving towards this distribution channel...

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Posted by on Nov 25, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

Save the Date!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we’re giving thanks that we have been able to “lock in” our sponsored Parents’ Night Out date early this year!  While we’re not able to disclose whether it is or isn’t the same sponsor as last year, we did want to give every gym a heads-up to save the date of February 20th for your PNO.  You can do your standard PNO time, typically 6 – 9 PM or 5:30 – 8:30 PM. Please block this off in your MGM systems now – this includes ALL of our North American gyms (Canada and USA).  We are still in negotiations, so the included locations are still being determined based on distance from the closest restaurant location.  We ask that everyone block the date for the time being in order to prevent any double bookings.  Please do NOT move forward with ANYTHING outside of blocking the date off in your MGM systems. Marketing and rollout directives will follow as soon as possible.  We...

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Posted by on Nov 25, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

The Purge: A Poem about Hyland’s 2014

‘Twas the week of Thanksgiving, And all through our gyms, Hyland’s samples were displayed, In boxes, baskets, and bins. Our schedules were nestled next to coupons and flyers, Since the samples are homoeopathic, an expiration date is not required. We gave them away with all our will and our might, And we really wanted to move these things out of our sight. Now the update is here, And the message is clear, You can purge your samples and coupons with no fear, As the end of Hyland’s for 2014 is finally...

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Posted by on Nov 20, 2014 in General | 0 comments

Grand Opening

We are pleased to announce the Grand Opening of our newest location in Palmdale, California.  Lindsay Giampietro and her staff just completed a successful open house period and are busy with their first week of classes.  Warm wishes and congratulations can be sent to palmdale@mygym.com.  ...

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Posted by on Nov 19, 2014 in Products | 0 comments

Stay Warm with My Gym Products!

Now that the cold weather is here, we want to remind you that ShopMyGym has several products to help you stay warm in the gym or outdoors.  These include the following My Gym branded products: Premium Pullover/Jacket I Heart MG Coffee Mug My Gym Socks My Gym Beanie Roll-Up Fleece Blanket Long Sleeve Staff Tee Lightweight Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt Jacket Champion Crew Neck Pullover Sweatshirt Champion Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt Jacket Tultex Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt Tultex Zipper Hooded Sweatshirt Jacket These products are conveniently featured in the “Cold Weather Products” category on ShopMyGym.com.  Click here to order...

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Posted by on Nov 18, 2014 in Marketing, Support & Programming | 0 comments

Client Interface Promo Code – Just In Time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

We are so excited to announce that we now have the function of promo codes for specials on both classes and birthday parties through the Client Interface!  We also have Exact Target Global Emails for both Black Friday and Cyber Monday so you can marketing specials to your clients!  This function is unavailable if you are not currently using Client Interface. A few important facts: Class Specials:  Can be % off or $ off → Given off of the first month instantly when booked online Birthday Specials:  Can be only $ off → Given off of the balance; Full deposit is paid Combined Class and Birthday Specials:  Can be only $ off → Given off of the first month of classes; Given off of the birthday balance You can create as many Specials as you need.  Each code has its own start and end dates We welcome you to explore the function and create your specials by accessing the “Edit Web Sites and Schedules” link from the extranet’s Quick...

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Posted by on Nov 18, 2014 in General | 0 comments

My Gym Facebook Groups

We have changed the MGE Community and MGE Owners Only Facebook groups from Closed to Secret for an added layer of security. As current members of the groups, you will not see or feel a difference.  New members to be added can be invited by the email addresses attached to their personal Facebook accounts.  To request email invites for your staff member(s), fill out this form. If you are “Facebook friends” with the member to be added, you can also use the “+ Add People to Group” function on the right-hand side. Nonmembers no longer have the option to go to the group directly and request to join; they will see a “Content is currently unavailable” message when they try to visit group URLs. Please be reminded to notify MGE immediately if a member needs to be removed from the MGE Community or update email list.  Click here to review the current member list.  Contact Mae Perez at mperez@mygym.com if there are any members who should be...

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Posted by on Nov 17, 2014 in Products | 0 comments

Order Your My Gym Holiday Ornaments Today and Save 10%

Get the ultimate decoration for your holiday tree . . . the My Gym Holiday Ornament.  Add My Gym style to your decorations with this USA made flat, shatterproof, durable ornament.  This 3” blue ornament features the My Gym logo on one side and “Peace – Joy – Play – My Gym” on the other side.  What a great festive addition to this joyous holiday season!  This economically priced ornament is the perfect gift for staff, friends, family, and members. Order now and your ornaments will ship the week of 12/1.  All other holiday items are in stock and will ship immediately.  Order by Noon Pacific Time on Wednesday, 11/19, and save 10% on this and all other holiday items.  Click here to order your holiday gifts...

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Posted by on Nov 14, 2014 in Products | 0 comments

Deck the Halls with My Gym Products, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la . . .

It’s time to order staff and member holiday gifts from ShopMyGym.com.  Order by next Wednesday, 11/19, and save 10%! Here are some of the great items available: My Gym Holiday Ornament (Pack of 5) – *New* 2015 My Gym Kids Activity Calendar Premium Jacket/Pullover My Gym Car Magnet I Heart MG Coffee Mug Convertible Backpack/Tote Bag Roll-Up Fleece Blanket My Gym Beanie My Gym Socks My Gym Rocks 2015 Concert T-Shirt Do you have something else in mind?  We can custom make holiday gift items for you.  Take advantage of our bulk pricing power, wide selection, quick turnaround, and free shipping.  Just click here to fill out the special order request form on ShopMyGym.com. The holiday ornament will be available to ship by the week of December 1st.  All other items are in stock and will ship immediately.  Click here to order your holiday gifts...

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Posted by on Nov 13, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

My Gym at Home App Now Available

We are extremely pleased to inform you that our My Gym at Home app, which was announced at the 2014 My Gym Convention, is now LIVE on Apple-iTunes.  Here is the link to access it from your Apple Mobile Device. The app, which is free, is a joint venture with our partner, BabyFirst.  We will keep you updated as to the timeline for the Android version. In addition to the app’s being a great way for our current customers to enjoy and engage with us away from the gyms, it is also a great marketing asset we hope and believe people will share with their friends, further branding My Gym and creating new customers and fans worldwide! We encourage all gyms to share this great news with your customers via Facebook and email.  Here is the preferred copy we would like gyms to use when promoting the availability of the app along with the app Icon, available here. Check out our new FREE My Gym at Home app. Co-developed with...

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Posted by on Nov 12, 2014 in Products | 0 comments

My Gym Rocks 2015 T-Shirt

The new My Gym concert tee is here!  Get your My Gym Rocks 2015 T-shirt now.  This heather navy, lightweight, super soft, concert T-shirt is the same Tultex shirt used for the 2012 My Gym Rocks tee.  This tee is a polyester/cotton blend that features Mymo dancing on the front and lists all the countries with My Gym locations on the back. Heather navy Tultex T-shirt Short sleeve crewneck T-shirt Fine knit jersey Rib neckband 3.6 oz. 65% polyester, 35% cotton Click here to order the 2015 concert tee now.  Also note: You can save $2.50 per shirt on the 2013 concert tee, which is on closeout to make room for the new version.  Get it while you...

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Posted by on Nov 12, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

2015 National Marketing Plan – New Year campaign materials are ready!

Millions of kids agree… Begin the year smart, and get the right start! January is only 8 weeks away, and that means it’s time to prepare for the first marketing campaign of 2015. Click here for the 2015 National Marketing Plan Overview. With MGE and all gyms conducting synergistic messaging during the National Campaigns, we will be stronger and more impactful than ever, and we will continue to build the My Gym brand and drive business to the gyms! To help you execute the New Year Campaign in your own gym(s), the following are ready for you to access. In the Print System on the Extranet: Full-page flyer Half-page flyer Color and black & white versions 4×6 postcard Got Print formatted postcard template also available Poster To be printed locally and hung in lobby/front window Printed ads for placing in local family guides are to be ordered through the Custom Artwork Request form, as sizes vary.  Please select 2015 New Year Campaign under “Artwork Type” when placing order so...

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Posted by on Nov 12, 2014 in General | 0 comments

Sales Tax Update

If you have not had a chance to read the Sales and Use Tax Update posted on October 6th, you must read it.  It is so important that you do so. As a follow-up to that update, unfortunately, we have our first My Gym forced to start charging sales tax on classes.  The state of Missouri is coming down hard on the fitness industry in regard to sales tax.  There is a lot of debate and outrage, but the one gym in Missouri is being told by their expert to start charging sales tax on classes.  This gym was not approached by the governmental agency in charge of collecting sales tax, but they believe it is necessary because they can be charged up to three years in arrears if they are audited and it is determined that this income stream was subject to sales tax. As we already know, tax laws are changing quickly in many states.  As stated before, it is very important to be educated on the...

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Posted by on Nov 11, 2014 in Technology | 0 comments

Using MGM with Mobile Programs

We acknowledge the fact that the gyms would benefit by having a dedicated Mobile section within the MGM System, and this is something we are looking into developing.  In the meantime, in order that you remain complaint with the MGM mandate, we recommend following the steps below.  In your doing so, all mobile revenue will be included in financial reports. When the Facility Pays: From the Home Page, click “Add Customer” and enter the Facility’s information as if it were a parent. Click “Add Child” and enter the Day and Time of the class instead of the child’s name.  Use the current date as the DOB. Use the “Green $” icon to enter a miscellaneous payment. In the description, enter the date of the class – e.g., 102114.  Then enter the amount paid. When the Parent Pays: If parents are paying with a credit card via RBS, follow the steps below: Access the Admin Section, go to classes, and click “Add Class to Schedule.” Use the dropdown to select...

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Posted by on Nov 11, 2014 in General | 0 comments

Host a Kidpower Workshop in your Gym

Bring an expert Kidpower instructor into your gym to educate your community on the power of personal safety skills.  Our amazing partnership with Kidpower has allowed us the opportunity to host a variety of kid-friendly workshops right in our very own gyms.  Through storytelling, puppets, and interactive role-plays, children, together with their adults, will be introduced to age-appropriate ways to notice, stop, and get help with potential safety problems in Kidpowers “Starting Strong Workshop” for ages 3-5 years.  In the “Parent Child Workshop,” older children will be taught through games, role-plays, and stories relevant to children 5-8 years old.  They will be instructed on important people safety skills such as being and acting aware and confident, using a voice as a safety tool, and so much more.  This is a great opportunity for us to show our support and dedication to the “One Million Safer Kids” mission of Kidpower and bring invaluable safety skills to children everywhere.   Please contact Kidpower at (800) 467-6997 ext. #1 for more information...

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Posted by on Nov 10, 2014 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

2015 Training Seminars

We are in the beginning planning stages of the 2015 Training Seminars.  You will not want to miss this fun and motivational event!  Your staff will gain a lot of information and go back to the gym with new ideas.  The dates and locations are listed below so you can begin to plan accordingly for the event. Mark Your Calendars!  Northeast Training Seminar, May 1-2, 2015 My Gym Timonium, MD Midwest Training Seminar, May 29-30, 2015 My Gym Chicago, IL South Training Seminar, June 5-6, 2015 My Gym Lake Mary, FL West Training Seminar, June 26-27, 2015 My Gym Pasadena, CA Who should attend? Training Seminars will be geared toward owners, directors, and key employees.  In order to make sure everyone receives the appropriate attention, the employees you bring to seminar must be truly committed to your gym. If you have any questions regarding the Training Seminar, please email Angie Foote (afoote@mygym.com), not the hosting location.  More information will come in the next few...

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Posted by on Nov 6, 2014 in Marketing, Support & Programming | 0 comments

Attention! New Partnership Featuring Curriculum Integration: Julius Jr.

My Gym and Julius Jr. have teamed up to bring Julius Jr. to your local My Gym. The in-gym program runs from November 15 – December 15, 2014 and will integrate Julius Jr. themes of music and motion into our Terrific Tots – Whiz Kids classes. Outlined below is more information about Julius Jr. and the campaign elements you are receiving for this program. Program Overview: Quick program that’s easy to implement in your gyms! Prior to 11/15 – Gyms to receive materials (outlined below) 11/15 – 12/15: Class integration and materials displayed in gyms Each week’s integration and materials can be found on the Julius Jr. Program Checklists (Click here for Checklist 1 and Click here for Checklist 2). The announcements and class integration will also be found in the weekly curriculum. Please make sure that you’re using the checklist and curriculum to ensure you’re following the partnership guidelines and program perfectly! My Gym will be featured on Julius Jr.’s new webpage that is set to launch on 11/15....

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Posted by on Nov 4, 2014 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

Donate to MGCA at no cost through AMAZON SMILE!

Introducing the Amazon Smile program for nonprofits.  At Amazon Smile, you shop on their website as you normally do; but, when you purchase an item eligible for Amazon Smile, 0.5% of that purchase can be donated to The My Gym Challenged America Foundation.  This is HUGE! Amazon is supporting over a million nonprofits, and My Gym Challenged America is one of them. The process is easy; just visit smile.amazon.com and shop as normal.  Before you begin shopping, you’ll be asked to support a charity; and, if you type in My Gym Challenged America, our name will pop up right away.  You can also use our direct MGCA link to Amazon Smile here. You will be taking advantage of the same normally low prices Amazon offers.  There is no markup; the donation comes directly from Amazon to our organization.  For more information about the program, you can read the announcement from Amazon here.  ...

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