A Three-Question Interview with ChatGPT
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Jeffrey Pinkerton
The other day, I had the chance to sit down (create a free account) with ChatGPT. The topic of exercise, group fitness, habit building, exercise adherence - and, as fate would have it, writing this article - came up. What follows is a shockingly accurate and in-brand discussion of the benefits of group exercise, the power of community and connection, and proof that the challenge of getting more people moving at your facility has more to do with inspiration and motivation, versus education and information. In other words, it's not just what you know, it's what you do with that information.
Jeffrey Pinkerton (JP) - Why is group fitness a great way to stay motivated to work out?
ChatGPT (CB) - Group fitness is a motivation booster because it blends accountability, social connection and energy into every workout. Here's why it works so well:
- 1. Built-in Accountability - When people expect to see you in class, you're more likely to show up. It's harder to skip when others notice your absence.
- 2. Community and Camaraderie - You're not just working out; you're sharing the effort, struggles and wins with others. This sense of belonging can make exercise something you look forward to.
- 3. Instructor Guidance - A skilled instructor keeps the pace up, encourages proper form and motivates you to push a little harder than you would alone.
- 4. Energy and Atmosphere - Music, synchronized movements and the buzz of the group create a high-energy environment that's tough to replicate in solo workouts.
- 5. Structure and Variety - Classes are pre-planned, so you don't have to think about what to do next. Plus, the variety keeps things fresh, preventing boredom.
- 6. Positive Peer Pressure - Seeing others give their best effort inspires you to do the same, without feeling competitive in a negative way.
It's a mix of emotional connection, external motivation and fun, which makes consistency far easier than going it alone.
JP - Why would someone choose group fitness over the treadmill?
CB - If you want your workouts to feel less like a chore and more like an event, group fitness is your ticket. In a class, you're surrounded by music, energy and people who inspire you to push just a little harder. You get expert guidance, fresh routines every time and the motivation that comes from moving together. On a treadmill, it's easy to zone out, or worse, give up early. In group fitness, the minutes fly by, you feel connected, and you leave with a smile and a sweat. This isn't just exercise; it's an experience you'll actually look forward to.
JP - Should health clubs invest in group exercise?
CB - Absolutely, for most health clubs, investing in group exercise is one of the smartest ways to drive member engagement, retention and referrals. Here's why it pays off:
- 1. Retention Powerhouse - Members who participate in group fitness come more often and stay longer. Industry data consistently shows they have double the retention rate of those who only use the gym floor.
- 2. Differentiation in a Competitive Market - Any club can buy treadmills. Not every club can offer high-energy, instructor-led classes that create a true community.
- 3. Built-in Marketing - Group classes generate word-of-mouth and social media buzz. Members bring friends, post about their workouts and create organic promotion.
- 4. Value Perception - Even if members join for the equipment, seeing a robust group program makes them feel they're getting more for their money.
- 5. Community Anchor - Classes foster friendships, loyalty and a sense of belonging, things that are hard to replicate in a solo workout environment.
- 6. Scalable Across Demographics - With the right programming, you can serve everyone from active older adults to hardcore athletes to total beginners.
Bottom Line: Group exercise isn't just an amenity; it's a strategic retention and revenue tool that strengthens your brand and keeps members engaged.
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I continued to ask more questions, around the benefits of working out in groups, MOSSA programs, who is Jeffrey Pinkerton (ha!), and others. Maybe I shouldn't be surprised at how easily ChatGPT formulated the value and benefits of group exercise. Maybe most owners and operators know. And, maybe, the knowing isn't the hard part!
After all, most people know they should exercise. They know it can help improve their physical health, their mental health and even their brain health. They have the information, but they are missing the motivation. Maybe they've tried in the past and failed. Maybe there are just too many options and choices to be made. And, maybe they're just overwhelmed with where to start.
Similarly, most owners and operators like you know they should invest more in group exercise. They know it can improve customer acquisition, retention and even their community reputation. Maybe you have the information, but you're missing the motivation. Maybe you've tried in the past and failed. Maybe there are just too many options and choices to be made. And, maybe, you're just overwhelmed with where to start or restart.
Let us help. You and I know the information, and honestly, I couldn't have said it better myself (Thanks, ChatGPT). But, as I quickly discovered with a one-way computer "conversation," all the information in the world (at our fingertips!) is nothing without people and personal connection.
My interview question for you is: Do you offer great, magnetic, consistent, high-quality group fitness? Or, is it time for some upgrades to your programs, your team, your schedule and your group fitness partner? ChatGPT says (and I agree) your investments will pay off in member engagement, retention and referrals. And, I'll add this: A great partner will be with you every step of the way.
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What do you want to know? Are you overwhelmed with where to start? Let's have a real, two-person conversation if you're ready to put information into action, to invest at least time and real dollars into group fitness, to transform your facility, your retention rates and connections among members and staff. Start (or restart) by sending me a quick email at jeffreypinkerton@mossa.net.
