Posted by on May 5, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

IMPORTANT: Email Deliverability Issues & New Policies

It has been brought to our attention that the major email providers (Google/Gmail, Yahoo!, and AOL) have recently enforced a much stricter authentication system.  This is NOT a problem with Exact Target, but rather something that affects other companies as well, including Constant Contact, MailChimp, Get Response, etc. Under the new policies, they will no longer accept mail when it comes from an account on aol.com, gmail.com, yahoo.com, comcast.com…basically any account on a domain that we do not control.  If you are using one of these providers as your “Send From” address, the intended recipients will not receive it because of lack of authentication.  Exact Target explains this new policy here, if you are interested in reading the full technical details.  SpamResource.com also has good information here and here. In order to resolve this issue, everyone must use their @mygym.com email address in Exact Target effective immediately.  If you do not have an @mygym.com email, or have forgotten your password, please contact Mae Perez at mperez@mygym.com. You must switch...

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

New Themed Party Programming: Frozen

We are chilled and thrilled to announce that the Frozen Programming is available in the Themed Birthday Party folder in the Operations Manual!  We wanted to provide you with the programming as quickly as possible.  We apologize for the delay but wanted to move forward with getting you the programming.  We are currently experiencing a delay with product because our provider is “Out of Stock.”  We will update you as soon as the product package is available! As always, we are accepting programming submissions for all of our upcoming themed parties (Minnie Mouse, Star Wars, and Elmo and Friends) as well as our currently offered parties!  We love the ideas that you and your staff generate and would love to incorporate them into the programming for use across the globe.  Please submit any themed programming to...

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Posted by on Apr 30, 2014 in General | 0 comments

A Jumpstart on KICKSTARTER!

We at My Gym are always proud when one of our own celebrates a great achievement.  This has never been more so than of Talia Sherman, the talented daughter of My Gym founders, Yacov and Susi Sherman.  Talia, an active My Gymer since birth, has completed production on a powerful motion picture project, “Buttercups,” which will premiere Tuesday, May 6, at 8 PM in Cinespace’s Room 86 in Hollywood, CA. “Buttercups,” both written and directed by Talia, is the story of a young woman and how she copes with the ups and downs of life after a traumatic event. If you’re going to be in L.A. on the 6th, you can show your support by attending this world premiere.  facebook.com/Buttercups.short.film Another way you can lend a hand to this valued My Gym family member is by making a donation to her amazing Kickstarter fundraising program at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/914887442/buttercups-a-short-film, where Talia hopes to raise the necessary funds to take “Buttercups” to many notable film festivals throughout 2014. Congratulations, Talia, on this...

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Posted by on Apr 28, 2014 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Class Quality Webinar

We held a webinar this past week on Class Quality.  Thank you to everyone who participated.  Your discussion, roleplays, and ideas were great and extremely helpful for many other gyms.  We encourage all owners and staff to listen to the recorded webinar found on the extranet under the Webinars and Tutorials section, or by clicking...

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

NEW Bright Pink Table Cover Rolls Now Available – Save 15% on My Gym Birthday Party Favors!

Bright pink table cover rolls are here.  My Gym is associated with bright, cheerful colors, so we thought that bright pink table cover rolls would be more fitting than the soft pink rolls previously offered on ShopMyGym.  Accordingly, we had bright pink table covers manufactured in the economical 250 ft. rolls available from ShopMyGym.  These table cover rolls, which are now available in bright pink, royal blue, and red, are convenient and economical, and they coordinate perfectly with the My Gym party goods and theme birthday party packs.  At a price of just $15.95 delivered for a 250 foot roll, these table covers are a great value.  Click here to order now. Save 15% on Birthday Party Favors.  For one week only, save 15% on My Gym birthday party favors.  The My Gym birthday party favor bag is convenient for gyms and parents, a great profit and marketing opportunity for gyms, and a strong value for parents.  The bag is filled with fun products, including several My Gym branded...

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Posted by on Apr 14, 2014 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

Thanksgiving in April!

The My Gym Challenged America team is just so grateful; we have to count our blessings for the many incredible acts of generosity and compassion we’ve seen from My Gym locations around the world. There are too many people to thank in one update, but we have to start somewhere: Thank you, My Gym The Woodlands for organizing a special fundraiser that will purchase an adaptive tricycle for a child in need. Thank you, My Gym La Verne and My Gym Markham/Richmond Hill for donating My Gym classes to youngsters suffering from cerebral palsy and diabetes. Thank you, My Gym Brentwood for donating all proceeds from the Olive Garden PNO to purchase an adaptive chair allowing an MGCA child with spina bifida to sit up for the first time. And… Thank you FAB member, Lindley Wisnewski, for volunteering to serve as March Member-at-Large, helping our appropriations committee make the toughest of decisions as to who should receive our limited but life-changing resources. There are so many more to thank,...

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Posted by on Apr 10, 2014 in Products | 0 comments

Make Your Mark with My Gym BIC Pens!

My Gym pens are here!  Branded pens are great vehicles for promoting your gym.  They’re cost effective; your customers will use them frequently; and your customers will be reminded of your My Gym every time they use their pens.  These pens are manufactured by BIC, so you can rest assured, knowing that your gym is associated with a quality product. Blue ink My Gym branded BIC(R) Clic Stic(R) pen Retractable (no cap) – Greater safety and convenience Medium point for smooth and precise writing with a precise angle Comfortable round barrel 12 per pack Regularly $7.20/dozen; special introductory price of $5.99/dozen Click here to order...

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Posted by on Apr 10, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

My Gym YouTube Video Contest

What: Break out your iPhone, iPad, video camera, etc. and enter MGE’s inaugural My Gym YouTube Video Contest, exclusively for our franchisees! All gyms may enter by producing and promoting a My Gym music video “commercial,” which MGE will post on the Official My Gym YouTube channel. Why: It will be fun, good natured competition and positive teambuilding for gyms and staffs. It’s also a great way to market and brand My Gym in the digital space, create a viral/social media effect, and land us thousands of impressions, both old and new! Oh, and there are some great prizes your gym can win! When: Contest: May 15 to June 15 Deadline for Submission: Videos must be submitted to marketing@mygym.com no later than May 5, 2014 (11:59:59 PM PST). If your video is approved (as we are sure almost all will be), we will inform you and load it onto MGE’s official YouTube page on May 15. Announcement of Winners: My Gym Convention in California, July, 2014 How: To enter,...

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Posted by on Apr 10, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

Hyland’s Homeopathic Kids – Free Allergy Relief Sampling – Extended

As you know, My Gym has partnered with Hyland’s Homeopathic Kids for free product sampling campaigns this year. Our first program in February, which featured Hyland’s Homeopathic Cough Syrup, is now complete. If you have any remaining samples in your gym, you may continue to hand them out or discard them. Our current program with Hyland’s for March/April is now going to extend and continue in April/May. The program will once again feature Homeopathic Allergy Relief samples, which, like all Hyland’s products, are all natural and safe for children. After consulting with and receiving approval from the FAB, it has been agreed that, as a “thank you” to you for dealing with these additional samples, MGE will be allocating $8,000 in a couple of ways that will offset some costs for franchisees. To begin with, MGE will contribute a sum toward the 2014 Convention by way of making breakfast available each day of the Convention to all attendees at no cost to franchisees. Then, any remaining funds will be...

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Posted by on Apr 9, 2014 in Technology | 0 comments

Important MGM Update

Attention All MGM Users We have identified a sporadic glitch in MGM’s Transaction area that resulted from an update made on March 18th.  In some random occasions, manual credit card payments were mislabeled as cash payments, and funds did not process.  Note: Batch Recurring Payments were not affected by this glitch. The issue has been resolved; however, we recommend that you take the following steps to ensure all credit card payments have been processed. Click Transactions Change the date range to Start: 3/18/2014 and End: 4/9/2014 Look for any cash payments in the “Payment Using” column Confirm that each cash payment is legitimate If any mislabeled transactions are identified, run a separate Miscellaneous Credit Card payment for the amount. If you have any questions or issues, please contact Jenmark via the Help Desk. We apologize for this...

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

Marketing Update – From the Desk of the CMO

Wow, how time flies!  The first quarter of 2014 is now behind us, and all of us in the MGE Marketing Department want to thank all of you for jumping on board and working so well with us these first few months. In just the first three months, we have introduced or modified several new marketing initiatives, partnerships, and services, and we’re excited to see so many of you taking advantage of these!  Specifically, we are telling the world about our #1 Children’s Fitness Program ranking by Entrepreneur anywhere and everywhere, from PR and our website to our ads, fliers, emails, and TVs in the gyms!  We have launched the expanded approach to National Marketing Campaigns to cover all of the major times of the year.  These have included the New Years, Olympic/Champions, Summer Fun, and Sports and Fitness campaigns.  The feedback and use of the customizable materials has been great, as each gym is able to really make the campaign their own.  With these campaigns, we have taken...

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Posted by on Apr 7, 2014 in General | 0 comments

Send in your photos!

My Gym is ranked the #1 Children’s Fitness Program, and we want to show it!  Please send in a digital photograph showing a clever, unique, or innovative way to depict “#1” with your staff in your gym.   Send to Monique Vranesh by June 1st at mvranesh@mygym.com.  Please include your gym’s location in the body of your email or in the picture label so I know which gym submitted the photo....

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Posted by on Apr 4, 2014 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Manips and Programming – National Fitness Month

We’re excited to announce that the My Gym Manips on ShopMyGym.com will be tied into the curriculum throughout the month of May!  Each week the curriculum will utilize one of the four Manips, and you are encouraged to offer the featured Manips for sale to your members.  This enables families to continue My Gym fun and learning at home and gives gyms the opportunity to highlight that May is National Fitness Month.  The featured Manips are: foam rings, juggling scarves, beanbags, and Gatorskin® balls! The Manips are nicely packaged for sale to our parents and come with an exclusive My Gym activity card that contains elements of our curriculum for them to do at home.  You can view the product activity cards on the ShopMyGym product pages.  As an example, click here to see the juggling scarves activity card.  The retail packaging has just been redesigned and now features a colorful, eye-catching header card. A different Manip will be featured in the curriculum for each week of May.  Gyms...

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

Increasing Class Quality Webinar

We will be holding a 30 to 45-minute webinar on Class Quality. We will review what makes a great My Gym class and how to become an expert teacher. This webinar is geared toward all My Gym teachers; therefore, we have scheduled this webinar during the most common weekly meeting times. 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 disabled the mic and speakers function for this webinar; the only way to participate is to call in.  We anticipate that this change will make for a smoother webinar experience. Your attendance is appreciated at one of these webinars: Monday, April 21, from 11:00 AM to 12:00...

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Posted by on Mar 28, 2014 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

Lives you have helped change in 2014

You have made a difference. Every dollar, every dime has helped to bring a smile to the face of one more child suffering challenges. We can’t cure these children of Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, cognitive delays, and thousands of other debilitating challenges, but we can provide a small amount of relief with the gifts we give from our hearts. Again, thank you to everyone who stood up for these kids by raising funds, awareness, and hope.  With your help, we will find a way to assist far more each month than our current budgets allow. Take a look at our recipients so far in 2014: MGCA Grants and Scholarships 2014 January Michael Welch 8 years old – Duplication Syndrome and Autism Resides in Longmont, CO Requested/Granted: Rody Max Impact: Helps him play and work on his muscle tone in a safe and engaging manner Kendrick Counts 11 years old – Autism and nonverbal Resides in Gilbert, AZ Requested/Granted: 20” Trifecta 3-speed folding tricycle Impact: Transportation and...

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Posted by on Mar 28, 2014 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

New Avengers Party Theme Now Available!

  Earth’s mightiest heroes are here to party – Captain America, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Iron Man.  These superheroes are part of the new Avengers theme party.  The film Captain America: The Winter Soldier releases in theaters on April 4, so ride the wave of popularity and let your customers know that you have this exciting theme available. Are you ready for a Hulk smash of a good time?!  We are excited to have themed programming available for the Avengers!  We wish you and your staff the best while trying to defeat Loki and the Winter Solider during these awesome games and activities!  We would also like to thank those who submitted programming!  The party programming can be found on the extranet in the Core Programming > Birthday Parties > Themed Birthday Parties folder or by clicking here. Complete the theme party experience with the Avengers theme pack, which is available on ShopMyGym.com.  Like the other theme packs, this pack includes all the necessary party goods conveniently ready...

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Posted by on Mar 26, 2014 in General | 0 comments

My Gym International Convention 2014

If you have not yet registered, click here to do so today! The early bird prices END Monday, March 31st. Hotel Packages Early Bird Price Regular Price 3 nights, 2 people, same gym $806 $846 2 nights, 2 people, same gym $687 $721 0 nights, 2 people, same gym $449 $471 3 nights, 1 person $626 $657 2 nights, 1 person $507 $532 0 nights, 1 person $269 $283 Sharing With Another Gym Owner 3 nights, 1 person $448 $470 2 nights, 1 person $388 $407 Convention (formerly known as Seminar) Dates:   Thursday, July 24 – Saturday, July 26, 2014 Agenda Overview: Wednesday, 7/23 6pm-8pm Check-In and Registration Informal Meet & Greet at the hotel bar Thursday, 7/24 7:45am-8:20am Check-In and Registration 8:30am Convention starts promptly. Please be on time! 2:15pm Trade Show 7:30pm My Gym Challenged America Casino Night Friday, 7/25 8:45am Convention continues 7:30pm Awards Banquet Dinner Dance Saturday, 7/26 9:15am Convention continues 1:00pm Convention is officially over Location: Hotel Irvine Jamboree Center 17900 Jamboree Blvd....

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Posted by on Mar 25, 2014 in General | 0 comments

Grand Opening in Sterling, VA

We are pleased to announce the Grand Opening… …and return of longtime franchisees Phil and Monica Parsons.  The Parsons opened the Sterling, VA location on March 15th and recently completed their first week of classes.  Phil and Monica previously owned two other My Gyms that are still thriving today.  The Parsons can be congratulated at sterling@mygym.com.  Pictured below are Corey, Cortnee, and...

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Posted by on Mar 24, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

Exact Target Update

Exact Target Webinar If you were unable to attend one of the “Exact Target: Best Practices” webinars held earlier this month or would like a refresher, you can view it in its entirety by logging onto the extranet and clicking on Webinars & Tutorials and then scrolling down to the Exact Target section. MGM Auto Emails In Exact Target global emails, anything with “MGM” in the title is considered a system email that should not be modified or sent through Exact Target.  The MGM emails that should not be modified or used are: MGM Birthday Party Reminder – Version 1 MGM Cancellation Follow Up – Version 1 MGM Credit Card Expiring – Version 1 MGM Failed Payment – Version 1 MGM Guest Class Attended Not Enrolled – Version 1 MGM Guest Class Missed – Version 1 MGM Guest Class Reminder – Version 1 MGM Happy Birthday Wishes – Version 1 MGM Makeup Class Reminder – Version 1 MGM Classes Follow Up – Version 1           ...

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Posted by on Mar 21, 2014 in Products | 0 comments

Introducing NEW “Keep Calm” and “Mymo-stache” Shirts!

It may no longer be Movember, and, yes, the “Keep Calm and Carry On” concept has been around for some time now (WWII to be exact), but we continue to hear suggestions for moustache and “Keep Calm” type products, so here they are . . . These fun shirts are sure to grab attention and make people laugh, and they’re super soft and comfortable too.  The “Keep Calm and My Gym On” shirt is on the same popular heather red Kavio (toddler and youth) and Tultex (adult) shirts as the My Gym Rocks shirt.  The “Mymo-stache” shirt is on cool silver shirts from Rabbit Skins (same as toddler registration shirt), Fruit of the Loom (same as youth Birthday Shirt), and Anvil (same as Premium Staff Tee). These shirts are being introduced as special order items initially, but they will be stock items afterward.  Order by 3 pm Pacific Time on Monday, 3/31, and your order will ship the week of 4/7.  Click here to order...

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Posted by on Mar 20, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

Back At You & Facebook Fan Page Administration

  Per our previous updates, Back At You is no longer our Google AdWords and Facebook support vendor.  Please remove them as administrators of your Facebook fan pages ASAP. Step 1: While viewing your fan page, go to Edit Page and select Manage Admin Roles. Step 2: Click the X next to Back At You.  (There may be more than one.) Step 3: Click Save and type in your Facebook password to confirm the...

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Posted by on Mar 19, 2014 in Products, Support & Programming | 0 comments

New Spider-Man Party Theme Now Available! . . . The Avengers is Coming Soon!

Come on, sing along, you know the tune… Spiderman, Spiderman,  Does whatever a spider can, Spins a web, any size, Catches thieves just like flies, Look out! Here comes the Spiderman.  Now that we have your attention… Spring into action with the new Spider-Man theme party!  Spider-Man is one of the most popular superheroes around, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 movie is releasing on May 2; so this theme party is sure to be a hit at My Gym. We’ve created quite the “web” of programming for you and your staff to get caught up in!  Exciting new elements are paired with modified classic My Gym elements to create the ultimate Spider-Man experience for your birthday parties.  For example, youngsters will participate in a relay as they race to a phone booth (red and black mat), put on their Spidey suits (oversized MG shirt), defeat the Green Goblin (hanging bolster), crawl back to the phone booth through the sewer (tunnel), change back into Peter Parker, and race to their...

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Posted by on Mar 14, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

Don’t forget: Your March “Monkey Business” E-newsletter is here!

As promised, MGE Marketing will be providing bimonthly e-newsletters featuring the latest exciting news about My Gym, parenting, fitness, and nutrition with special features on people and places of interest, and a whole lot more. The March 2014 issue is available now. Remember, this “magazine” is designed to allow you to customize it by adding your own local news articles, specials, and other announcements to make it specifically relevant to your clientele and community. You can find this month’s issue in Exact Target under “Global Emails.” It’s all the news that’s fit and...

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