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GVRNOW!
AUGUST 2022
GVRNOW!
AUGUST 2022
GVREC.ORG
FITNESS ROOM MUSIC SURVEY YIELDS VALUABLE FEEDBACK
In July, staff issued a simple, three-ques-
tion survey about music in fitness centers. Planet Fitness and LA Fitness broadcast music and some members have felt the GVR spaces could be energized by music. The answer from the majority (60%) was no. Generally, the concern was the one person’s music is another person’s irritating noise, and many respondents felt that ambient music would interfere in their ability to enjoy their preferred playlist via earbuds, or their ability to listen to a podcast or book on tape. No huge surprises there. But the contest between the Yeses and the Nos was not quite a rout. Nearly 40% of respondents would like to work out to ambient music. Staff are considering designated times (off-peak hours) and spaces for this. The most valuable element of the survey was in the final question: “Is there something GVR could change that would make fitness centers more useful or appealing to you?” This question netted 480 responses, many of which were explanations for the yes or no response provided in the question above. The rest were constructive suggestions that were often complimentary, and in some cases, a little surprising.
The Top Ten 1. In the number one position with 53 requests: more space. More mat space. More space for dumbbell, resistance band, or medicine ball use. Space for more cardio equipment. More distance between machines. Room for pilates, spin classes, HIIT workout sessions, CrossFit sessions, and martial arts practice. Potentially linked were 14 requests for improved air quality. 2. More staff and instruction in the centers. Thirty-seven members requested improved enforcement of rules (see inset) and/or increased availability of guidance on using equipment.
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Install TV’s or monitors Update the equipment Repair equipment promptly Provide free-weights (barbells, bench presses, squat racks, etc.) Increase cleaning frequency of mats, benches, yoga balls, resistance bands, etc. Standardize equipment across centers or provide lists of what to find where Open earlier Include brighter, livelier colors
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FITNESS ROOM ETIQUETTE Clean up after yourself: Put equipment away and wipe everything down after use. Take your loud conversations and phone calls to the lobby, please. No cologne, perfume, or strongly-scented hygiene supplies. Do not sit on machines between sets when the center is busy. Ask for what you need, and provide what you’re asked for. If you are waiting for a machine, let the user know. If others are waiting, limit your cardio session to 30 minutes. Keep your shirt on. Literally and figuratively. Take care of the equipment. Don’t drop dumbbells or let weight stacks crash.