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We have a work group plotting their fitness goals that have requested the use of the fitness class room (during nonp-use times) to do their new video. The group could bring their own mats and dumbbells but since the class room is equipped with the supplies the request is to just use what is presently in the class room. They are current member so the municipal facility.

What's your thoughts? My initial reaction is to say no, competes with our existing programming line up. Just wanted to hear what you think.

Thanks so much.

We also have some issues with this & the request comes up every now and then to use fitness space for personal use. Members seem to have a sense of entitlement, that because they are members to the facility, they are entitled to use the fitness studio, the spin room, etc. whenever they want.
We don't currently allow members to use the spin room/bikes or our fitness studio for personal use. I am in total agreement with you that it competes with existing programs. I usually point out the wide variety of class times that we offer with the bikes and the many classes we offer in the fitness studio at various times to suit people's needs and tastes. If they are looking for a quiet place to stretch, I give them ideas of common areas they can use for this instead of the fitness studio. Most of the equipment that we have in the fitness studio is also available on the workout floor with the other machines.
I am also curious to see what other people have to say about this. Thanks for the question!

It is an interesting situation. Yes, as members, your customers do have a certain sense of entitlement. "The room is there, we are members, why can't we just use it?" We do allow "access" to our studios, when a class is not in session. We allow members to use the fitness equipment but we do not allow them to use the stereo. When we did--we ended up with (expensive) broken equipment.

I do not agree with allowing members to run their own "classes." What happens if another member wanders by and thinks there is "regular" class going on--and they want to join in? What if that class isn't appropriate for that member? What if another member joins in and gets injured? What if this little "group" turns someone away and tells them they aren't "allowed" in their private class? In my opinion, the negatives simply don't outweigh the positives.

We do allow groups (members and non-members) to rent our studios for private sessions. We sometimes get a dance group, or other local organization that needs a room, and we rent the room by the hour. This could be a "middle of the road" solution.

I too have this issue. However, I have a completely different outlook on it. I understand your concern about the competition with current programs you offer; however, isn't the main purpose and goal as a professional in the fitness industry - to enable as many people as possible to find suitable and consistent means of staying healthy. Therefore if they are paying your dues and visiting your facility regularly ... wouldn't you want them to EXERCISE. All the research shows that consisntency is more important than mode when improving fitness parameters. So if they have found a form of exercise that they enjoy and will participate in regularly and still want to be part of your facility (even though they could do this program at home) how could you not support that???
My ultimate goal is to help as many people as I can to find a fitness regimen that they can make a lifestyle activity which will hopefully offer them the quality of life that they seek, whatever form that might be. Also, at least that way they can be monitored for safety; whereas at home they have no one to ensure that they are exercising in a safe manner.

Just a thought from someone passionate about fitness
edited by smoody on 1/5/2012

First reaction: if you have "a group" wanting to use the room at a time that there is nothing on your schedule, then you should think about adding something to your schedule.

I'm happy to see that there has been so much interest and feedback on this topic. But, as someone who has been in this industry for a long time, I feel the need to caution everyone about coming up with a "simple" solution. Anytime you operate a large facility, you have to think through the possible impact that every decision will have on ALL of your members. Unfortunately, you have consider possible liability issues, complaints from members who aren't "included" and the repercussions of this "going bad" on future requests by other groups.

I agree with you RobBishop, “Anytime you operate a large facility, you have to think through the possible impact that every decision will have on ALL of your members.”