The following are recommended steps for setting up a corporate gym. Rather than paying for what can be costly corporate gym membership at a national chain or local sports centre, setting up your own inhouse gym can be a cost effective solution. Having the space to implement a plan is a key factor – renting a facility may always be an option. It is now possible to rent equipment rather than buy to.

1. Assess the needs and interests of the employees for a gym

Simply conduct a quick easy survey to identify healthy living habits amongst the team. This can then be supported by a physical test on a sample group to measure some basic fitness indicators.

Employee involvement is important in the planning process and a committee should be created that will aim to assess the needs and interests of all the employees are considered and that the programme is responsive to the needs of potential participants.

Buy in from senior managers will be essential. Get their support and identify a champion early

2. Develop mission statement and objectives

Create a mission statement and a clear set of objectives that are specific and measurable.

3. Create a timetable and budget

Timetables should be set for club development and opening and a budget allocated for the set up of the fitness centre (build and equipment) and the wellness programme fully costed on a per employee basis.

4. Space plan and facility design

The space allocated needs to be reviewed and a design plan created that can both deliver the operational objectives and work operationally.

5. Equipment specifications

Fitness equipment and other set up fixtures and fittings need to be specified and costed.

6. Consider management options

We recommend that you recruit a management company to deliver the management solution.

7. Set up incentive schemes

Incentive schemes can build motivation by offering individuals rewards for getting started and adhering to a healthy living programme.

These could merchandise awards or even additional time off. Discounted health insurance premiums could be negotiated also for regular attendance.

8. Promote the facility

The programme should be given a brand and theme that supports the company’s values and will help give the initiative an identity .Posters, leaflets and direct mail will form the core of the communication plan along with outreach ideas in common areas.

The intra net site should be developed to include information about the company’s Healthy Living strategy.

The best marketing will of course be word of mouth referral from fellow employees.

9. Implement the programme

The fitness centre should be much more than just a gym and whilst being the focus for the company’s healthy living strategy will also be a place where employees can socialise and develop team spirit.

Along with gym games and motivational campaigns social events can also be introduced.

10. Evaluate

The programme should be assessed periodically to assess its efficiency and effectiveness in delivering the goals that were established. Both the process and outcomes should be measured and costs considered.

This article ( originally posted at http://www.3dleisure.com/corporate-gym/setting-up-a-corporate-gym)has been circulated with permission of the copyright holder.

Author Bio: Philbert Xavier Jenkins wrote this article on behalf of corporate fitness management company

Category: Business Management
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