Hybrid Fitness for Summer: How Virtual Can Improve Retention This Season

Summer can be a busy season for your clients. With weekend getaways, family vacations, and long days spent outdoors, visits to the gym and studio often take a backseat. This is where virtual fitness has become essential. As people seek more convenient and accessible ways to workout, there’s been a significant increase in remote and hybrid fitness classes, with a 414% rise in remote personal training year-over-year. 

There's a significant opportunity to engage your clients through virtual classes, whether live, on demand, or both, to help you stay connected with them during the summer months. Not only is this a convenient option, but it also offers consistency, flexibility, and gives your clients more ways to engage with your brand and stay true to their fitness goals. When you show up in your clients' routines, you remain top of mind long after summer ends.  

Here are a few ways to maximize your virtual offerings all summer long. 

Tailor to packed summer schedules

The summer months can be quite busy. To help clients maintain their routines, consider offering shorter virtual workouts. A quick 15 to 30-minute session can be effective, allowing clients to fit in their favorite exercises while also giving them the chance to try something new.

Test new class types

Now may be the perfect time to explore new offerings. By launching a new class type as a virtual option, you can easily assess your clients' interests before adding it to your in-person roster. When testing new virtual classes, lean into the season.   

If you're thinking of adding a mobility class to your permanent schedule in the fall, offer a 20-minute stretching/mobility workout to your on-demand library and promote it as the perfect solution for post-flight tightness. Supplementing your HIIT-focused schedule with yoga? Schedule a quick “summer vacay” Vinyasa flow. Afterwards, follow up with your clients to get feedback to decide what makes sense long-term. 

Engage with clients as though they’re in person

Remind your team that creating a welcoming, virtual environment is just as important as doing so in person. For live stream classes, have instructors greet each participant by name, cue as they normally would in person, and send follow-ups after class.  

With on-demand classes, your instructors won’t be able to greet clients individually or offer customized corrections. However, they can still create a sense of community where participants feel supported, even when they can't be physically present in your space. Have instructors explain each movement thoroughly upfront and provide modifications. That way, a variety of levels can be a part of the action. 

Encourage community

Time away from the gym or studio doesn't have to break the connection that you've built with your clients. With a little creativity, you can keep them connected no matter where they are. Here’s how: 

• Ask attendees to invite friends and family to join in on the fun—an opportunity to gain new virtual clients and keep current clients accountable
• Create a special “travel edition” workout for people who are heading out of town—their muscles will need extra attention after a long flight or car ride
• Send out a summer-themed playlist to clients ahead of time to set the tone for your classes.  

Get the word out

Before summer begins, promote your virtual offerings and any other specials you’re offering. Share the benefits of at-home workouts, such as flexibility, community, and accountability, on your social media, include links to your on-demand library in your email newsletters, and update your website with your summer schedule. 

Conduct weekly check-ins

Weekly check-ins help you stay top of mind and show your clients that you’re invested in their progress, even from afar. Use email, SMS, or in-app messages to touch base with clients regularly. Share words of encouragement, offer quick tips or reminders, and ask how their workouts are going. You can also include links to upcoming classes, summer wellness resources, or playlists to keep things engaging. 

Curate summer challenges

A little competition can be an excellent way to keep your clients engaged and motivated, even when they can't attend their sessions in person. Consider creating a variety of challenges to maintain their involvement and connection throughout the summer. These challenges can include physical goals, such as taking daily walks or achieving new personal bests. Additionally, you might focus on fostering good daily habits, like staying hydrated and tracking water consumption.  

Make sure to encourage your clients with daily shout-outs in your business's app or on social media. You can also incentivize participation by offering prizes to the top performers. 

Reward attendance

A little recognition goes a long way. Create a points system or leaderboard to track attendance throughout the summer—whether clients join virtually or in person. This not only motivates them to stay active but also acknowledges their commitment along the way. Celebrating consistent participation reinforces healthy habits and helps keep the momentum going all season long. 

Bring the heat all summer

When done right, virtual classes can be more than just a temporary solution—they can be a powerful, long-term strategy to boost your studio or gym’s profitability. By offering flexible, accessible options, you can cater to your clients’ needs year-round, no matter where they are or how their schedule looks.