In every gym, there’s one question that separates top-performing trainers from the rest: How often are you in front of your members?
The answer determines not only your personal training (PT) revenue, but also your member retention, your culture, and the overall energy of your club.
The 10-Minute Board is a simple, powerful strategy that bridges the gap between trainers and members—helping you re-engage your existing member base, improve results, and drive new personal training sales without resorting to discounts or gimmicks.
What Is the 10-Minute Board?
The 10-Minute Board is a member engagement and sales conversion system designed to get your entire member base face-to-face with your personal training team—fast.
Here’s how it works:
-
For a designated period (a month, a quarter, or an ongoing campaign), every member is invited to book a complimentary 10-minute session with a personal trainer.
-
A sign-up board—either physical (on the gym wall) or digital (through your gym app or website)—displays available trainer time slots.
-
Members sign up for a quick, no-pressure session where they receive value: a form check, a mini-assessment, or a tip on improving a key lift or fitness goal.
-
Trainers use these interactions to educate, build rapport, and make personalized recommendations that naturally lead to paid PT opportunities.
It’s not just a promotion—it’s a member connection campaign that brings your trainers out from behind the desk and back to doing what they do best: helping people.
Why the 10-Minute Board Works
Most gyms have hundreds (sometimes thousands) of members who rarely interact with a personal trainer after joining. The 10-Minute Board solves this by lowering the barrier of entry—10 minutes feels easy, friendly, and risk-free.
Here’s why it’s so effective:
-
It Puts Trainers in Front of Every Member
When your trainers see 10–20 members per day for short sessions, their exposure skyrockets. More exposure equals more opportunities to demonstrate expertise and build trust.
-
It Revives Dormant Relationships
-
Members who’ve plateaued or disengaged suddenly reconnect with your team, reigniting their motivation and reminding them of the value your gym provides.
-
It Strengthens Retention
How to Set Up the 10-Minute Board
Here’s a simple step-by-step process to launch it successfully:
1. Choose the Focus Month
Pick a clear time frame—such as “December: Member Success Month.” Give it a theme and make it part of your club culture.
2. Create the Board
-
In-Person: Use a large, visible board near the front desk or main walkway. Divide it into trainer names, dates, and time slots.
-
Online: Set up sign-ups via your gym app, Google Form, or scheduling software. Promote it on your website and social media.
3. Promote Aggressively
-
Front desk staff mention it to every member.
-
Trainers talk about it before and after sessions.
-
Send email and text blasts: “Your 10-Minute Tune-Up Awaits!”
-
Post on social media: “Book your free 10 minutes with a trainer this week!”
4. Train Your Trainers
This step is crucial. Teach your trainers how to:
-
Ask discovery questions (“What are you working on lately?”)
-
Provide a quick win or actionable tip
-
Transition the conversation to a PT offer using phrases like:
5. Track and Recognize
Keep score on the board—number of 10-minute sessions completed, members engaged, and new PT clients booked. Create friendly competition among trainers and celebrate milestones.
Turning 10 Minutes into New Personal Training Clients
The 10-minute session is only the beginning. The goal is to convert interest into commitment. Here’s how to bridge the gap:
-
Give Genuine Value Make those 10 minutes unforgettable—show real care, offer a helpful cue, fix a movement pattern, or share a new stretch that solves a problem instantly.
-
Ask Permission to Continue After helping them, say: “Would you like me to show you what it would look like if we trained together for a few sessions?”
-
Offer a Simple On-Ramp Avoid complex sales pitches. Instead, present a clear next step—like a three-session starter pack or an introductory goal-setting consultation.
-
Follow Up Immediately If they don’t book on the spot, have the trainer or front desk follow up within 24 hours. Use texts, calls, or DMs: “Hey Sarah, loved our 10-minute session yesterday! I’d love to show you more on how to perfect that squat form we discussed—want to schedule a session this week?”
Optional: Add a Digital Twist
If your gym uses a mobile app or CRM, digitize the 10-Minute Board:
-
Allow members to reserve their 10-minute slot online.
-
Send automated reminders 24 hours before the session.
-
Track attendance and conversions in your CRM dashboard.
-
Have AI or staff auto-follow-up with missed or inactive members.
This approach keeps engagement measurable, organized, and scalable.
The Bigger Impact
When implemented correctly, the 10-Minute Board does far more than boost PT revenue:
-
It rebuilds trainer confidence by keeping them active and visible.
-
It improves member outcomes through renewed focus and guidance.
-
It creates momentum across the gym floor—a sense that everyone is working toward something together.
-
It enhances culture, showing that your gym cares about results, not just access.
Final Thoughts
The 10-Minute Board is deceptively simple—but don’t underestimate its power. It brings your trainers and members back together, reestablishes connection, and opens countless doors for new personal training opportunities.
For independent gym owners and studio operators, this campaign isn’t just about selling sessions—it’s about building relationships that renew commitment.
When you help members see results, they stay longer, spend more, and become your best ambassadors.
So, grab a whiteboard, a marker, and your team—and start your 10-Minute Board today. You’ll be amazed at how much impact ten minutes can make.
Need help building systems, improving your facility, or turning around your gym business? Contact Jim here.
AI Powered Gym Management. The dream of many gym owners is freedom—the ability to run a profitable, thriving business without being chained to the front desk 12 hours a day. Creating freedom in the gym business means you’ve built systems, structures, and technology that allow your business to operate smoothly—whether you’re on the gym floor, on vacation, or managing remotely from across the world. By embracing the power of AI, you can manage your gym remotely, maintain full control, and reclaim the lifestyle you envisioned when you first became an entrepreneur. Check out this video: or call 214-629-7223 | jthomas@fmconsulting.net
Looking for Financing Options?
Take your gym business to the next level. Click here to explore tailored financing solutions, or contact us directly at 214-629-7223 or via email at jthomas@fmconsulting.net. Prefer to dive right in? mconsulting.net/Apply now or book an appointment for a personalized consultation.
Are you ready to sell your gym? Have a specific Gym Sales & Acquisitions question? Message me here and let’s chat! Or call/text at 214-629-7223.
The Best Gym Billing Software. Choosing the Right Gym Software Company: Key Elements for Independent Gym Owners and Entrepreneurs. Click here for more information.
Insurance Made Simple for Gym Owners & Personal Trainers
Protect your business and your future. Discover custom insurance solutions here.
Custom Apparel Without the Hassle
Get premium custom apparel for your gym with no inventory required. Click here to get started.
Is Your Gym in Need of a Boost?
Whether you’re facing declining sales, need a fresh marketing strategy, require a complete business turnaround or ready to start a new gym, we’re here to help. With over 25 years of industry expertise, we offer a free initial consultation to explore solutions tailored to your unique challenges. Don’t wait—contact Jim Thomas at 214-629-7223, or gain immediate insights from our YouTube channel. Connect with us on LinkedIn. EMAIL NEWSLETTER. Join for FREE.
Meet Jim Thomas
Jim Thomas is the Founder and President of Fitness Management USA, Inc., a premier management consulting, turnaround, financing, and brokerage firm specializing in the leisure services industry. With over 25 years of hands-on experience owning, operating, and managing fitness facilities of all sizes, Jim is an outsourced CEO, turnaround expert, and author who delivers actionable strategies that drive results. Whether it’s improving gym sales, fostering teamwork, or refining marketing approaches, Jim has the expertise to help your business thrive. Learn more by visiting his website or YouTube channel
