Balance shoes. At other times dur- ing the year, staff members circulate through the gym distributing club- branded gym bags and towels to lucky members who happen to be exercising that day. Appreciation parties and discount

cards for local restaurants and busi- nesses are other ways that the club shows its members that it values their patronage. According to Joanne Krol, manager of the company’s Victoria club, it’s all about making mem- bers happy: “The more that members like the gym, the more likely they are to bring their friends and family members.”

W

orld Health Club, a 19-club

chain with locations in Calgary

and Edmonton, also offers gifts to re- ferring members. The gifts at the 24- year-old chain change every month to encourage members to keep referring. In the past, gifts have included club- branded hoodies, gym bags and back- packs and even a funky water bottle that beeps to remind you to drink. The company’s Bay Club in Calgary

is currently running a draw that mem- bers can enter each time they visit the club, says the club’s fitness manager, Martin Evans. The draw prize is three personal training sessions. In addition, the company runs a re-

ward plan with local businesses. When members show their membership cards, they get generous discounts at a large number of participating clothing stores, pubs, restaurants and spas. Says Evans, “Rewards and prizes let

us give back a little to members and gives them incentive to bring in refer- rals. We want to get as many people in the community as possible involved with our clubs.” FBC

Barb Gormley is the managing editor of Fitness Business Canada, a freelance fitness writer and a certified personal trainer. Contact her at www.barbgormley.com.

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