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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Posted by on Nov 3, 2014 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Interviewing – What NOT to ask

Thank you to Mandy Lemar, owner of My Gyms in Bethesda and Potomac, MD, for bringing this great article to our attention. After reading it ourselves, we felt it important to send it out to everyone.  Please take a moment to read the article and be sure to note the questions that are illegal to ask while interviewing someone.  A few may surprise you!...

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Posted by on Oct 31, 2014 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

Giving Can Be Fun!

Dinners,  shows, local services, and more through The Entertainment Book! It starts with getting the word out to as many of your friends and family as possible.  Your contacts will purchase this book filled with money-saving coupons for hundreds of merchants in their areas through our coded link, and MGCA will receive credit for 25% of the sale. Here is the special MGCA link: http://buy.entertainment.com/K9AVY3  How to promote the Entertainment Book: Click here to download a printable flyer to display in your gym. Insert the saved global content box titled “Body MGCA Entertainment Book” into your next Exact Target email blast.  Here is a tutorial explaining saved global content. (Skip to Step 5.)  This offer ends January 1,...

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Posted by on Oct 31, 2014 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Update on New Core programs and Change of Age Ranges

My Gym Age Groups Changing We have spent a lot of time over the past year researching and discussing our age ranges.  Our My Gym classes will now go up to 10 years of age.  The only real change you will need to make is with the ages for the Cardio Kids class.  We feel this class will be much more appealing to children ranging from 7 – 10 years of age.  We will be changing over the website and the marketing materials to reflect the new ages.  The entire curriculum is designed to be age appropriate.  It is, therefore, important that you put your children into the correct age groups so they can succeed in building the skills for each age level as well as develop self-esteem.  The age groups are listed below and are a mandate.  If you currently have children older than 10 years of age in your Cardio Kids classes, this is absolutely fine, and no changes need to be made with them. Little Bundles...

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Posted by on Oct 30, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

Marketing Reminders & New Photos

Holiday Marketing Campaign Reminders November marks the beginning of the Holiday Marketing Campaign – Fitness and Fun are the Greatest Gifts! All marketing materials should utilize the “Holiday Giving” campaign materials.  https://extranew.mygym.com/holiday-marketing-campaign-fitness-and-fun-are-the-greatest-gifts/ Swap out your Social Media images (Facebook profile image, cover image, etc.). Prepare, load, post, and send your Holiday Campaign web article, FB post, and Twitter tweet. Activate and customize your web splash page and link to your Holiday Campaign web article. Templates for ads, emails, flyers, and posters are available.  Holiday Gift Certificates Customize and order from All Printing, or use the My Gym Print System on the extranet and order locally. Holiday themed gift certificates can be used for the Holiday Gift Certificate Campaign (gyms gift them to enrolled members who, in turn, gift them to friends who are not enrolled) or for selling as holiday gifts. Holiday Campaign – “Campaign in a Box” All Printing is now offering packaged printing options to correspond with the corporate marketing campaigns. Visit the All Printing website and...

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Posted by on Oct 24, 2014 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

To close or not to close…

The topic of closing the ball pit has come up in recent years. Below are some tips to help you navigate the decision to keep the ball pit open or closed during the winter months. 1. Cons to closing the ball pit: Appearance – It may give the impression that we are unable to clean properly and thus have to close.  Setup could become lackluster. Make sure that, if you close, you keep things interesting and creative. For example: Ball pit balls can be removed completely, and the ball pit can be set up on its side in a fun and new way.  2. Pros to closing the ball pit: Since the ball pit cannot be cleaned every day, closing eliminates the potential, or perceived, risks.  Addressing/reacting to the public concern regarding the cleanliness of ball pits in general Not having to clean the ball pit once a week MGE’s Position: The choice is yours, as there are pros and cons to both. If you choose to keep your...

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Posted by on Oct 22, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

Play Network Update – Action Required

Play Network’s Announcement Editor is updating to provide more functionality and options for our gyms! You should have received your new login information via email. We ask that you please log on and update as soon as possible. The instructions for the update can be found by clicking here If you have any questions, or have misplaced the email containing your login information, please direct them...

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