Reopening your gym is a major deal, not matter what the reason – if it’s following a renovation, relocation, seasonal closure, or ownership change or whatever…
There’s a lot more involved than just flipping the lights back on and unlocking the doors.
A smart reopening can reenergize your brand, get former members excited again, and reach new ones.
But first, you need a plan. You need this gym reopening checklist to get you going.
Here are 10 essential items to include on your gym reopening checklist to ensure a smooth, safe, and successful comeback.
1. Communicate Early and Often
Tell everybody. Tell them again. And then tell them again!
The lead-up to reopening is just as important as the big day. Start spreading the word at least 4-6 weeks in advance using every channel available: email, text, social media, in-club signage, and personal outreach.
This is also the time to update your website, Google listing, and third-party sites like Yelp. Make sure your hours, class schedule, and membership options are clearly posted and accurate.
And let everyone know right away what you’re all about – what kind of client are you seeking, what are your specialties, what sets you apart from everybody else?
Pro tip: Use client management software like Naamly to personalize and automate your communications to current and former members.
2. Audit and Refresh Your Physical Space
Your facility is the first thing people will notice when they walk back through the doors. Deep-clean everything, even if it looks clean already. Walk through your space with fresh eyes. Bring in a friend or team member who hasn’t seen it recently. Show them your gym reopening checklist for feedback.
Check the flooring, paint, lighting, signage, locker rooms, and front desk. Fix anything broken. Update anything outdated. Make it shine.
Make sure all supply cabinets are stocked. You don’t want a member searching for TP on the big day!
This might seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook in the whirlwind of operations. If you have something new in your gym – an approach, equipment, class schedule, logo – make sure everybody knows and knows you’re excited about it.
A polished presentation sets the tone for how members perceive your gym’s value.
3. Inspect All Equipment and Tech
Make sure every machine, weight, and training tool is functioning perfectly. Do the same with your TVs, sound system, software, keycard access, and internet.
Read How to Regain Clients After Reopening
Your gym reopening checklist should include a full tech systems check—including backups for music, payment processing, and class scheduling. Avoid last-minute surprises by assigning this task to a reliable staff member a week ahead of opening.
Run every kind of drill you can think of. Make sure your team knows how you want them to respond in all situations. You can do this with clear key messaging and consistent instructions.
Plan for something to go wrong – and then don’t freak out when it does.
Your gym reopening checklist should include a line for “What to Do When X Happens…”
4. Train and Energize Your Team
Before you welcome members back, make sure your staff is ready, informed, and excited. Host a pre-opening team meeting (or several) to review updated protocols, rehearse how to greet returning clients, and outline sales and service expectations.
Give them the tools and the language to answer common questions:
- What’s new or improved since before?
- What’s changed in the schedule?
- How are we keeping people safe and comfortable?
A warm, informed team can make the difference between a one-time visitor and a returning member. Don’t forget to make note of that on your gym reopening checklist.
Also, expect that someone might come in complaining about the “old” place – a billing issue or something. How do you want staff to handle this? Anticipate! It. Will. Happen. How can they handle it, and maybe even turn it around into a win-win for you and the member?
5. Segment Your Outreach
Not everyone on your contact list will respond to the same message. Former members, current clients, inactive leads, and referral partners all require different tones and offers.
Your gym reopening checklist should include segmented campaigns designed for each audience. For example:
- Former members might respond well to a limited time offer to re-join.
- Current clients may appreciate early access to new features.
- Local businesses could be invited to a networking night or partner program.
Client engagement tools like Naamly make it easier to track conversations and customize follow-up with each group.
6. Create a Grand Reopening Offer or Event
A reopening is a prime opportunity to stir up buzz. Consider hosting a launch event, open house, or demo week where people can try your services for free or at a discount.
You might offer:
- Free intro classes or assessments
- Discounted memberships for the first month
- A referral contest or giveaway
- How about a dance party with a DJ and disco lights?
- Get a co-sponsor from a local business that serves your same clientele.
Whatever you choose, keep it time-bound and easy to share on social media. Include these details in your gym reopening checklist and assign specific team members to handle logistics and promotion.
7. Dial In Your Sales Process
In the time between your closing and your reopening, you might have developed a new sales process. That would make sense and be a smart use of any downtime.
When you reopen, a lot of potential clients can come in, ask questions, and want to sign up… Or at least need persuading.
So: Is your sales process ready?
Make sure your scripts, tours, and pricing options are clear and consistent. Role-play with staff if needed. Be ready to collect leads and follow up immediately.
Track every inquiry in your CRM, so nothing slips through the cracks. A gym reopening without a sales plan is a missed opportunity.
8. Make the Experience Memorable
Go beyond functional. Focus on moments that delight. First impressions count more than ever during a reopening.
Think about what small touches you can add:
- Welcome gift bags or branded gear
- A celebratory banner or decorations
- A “Wall of Fame” for returning members
- Personal thank-you notes from staff
People remember how you make them feel. Use your gym reopening checklist to build a welcome experience that exceeds expectations.
9. Gather and Share Testimonials
Now’s the time to showcase social proof. As members return, ask them for feedback and encourage positive reviews.
You can also capture quotes, selfies, or short videos during your first few weeks of reopening. Use these in your emails, on your website, and across social media to build excitement and trust.
People in the community will see these and, we hope, get excited that you’re back in business.
In your newsletter, be sure to feature success stories. Ask members to tag your gym in their own posts. Make sharing part of your reopening culture.
Get everybody talking about how awesome the new place is!
10. Measure and Adjust Quickly
Your gym reopening checklist shouldn’t end at the front door. Have a post-launch plan in place to evaluate how things are going.
Track key performance indicators like:
- Attendance and retention
- New memberships
- Referral conversions
- Engagement rates on texts and emails
Check in with your team daily during the first week and weekly afterward. What’s working? What’s not? Tweak fast and keep learning.
And don’t sweat the small stuff – because there will be plenty to sweat if you let it. This is all a learning process, and no one is expecting perfection on Day 1 (or even Week 1).
Final Thoughts
Reopening your gym is a golden opportunity to reintroduce your brand, impress your community, and reignite your business. But the details matter.
A well-thought-out gym reopening checklist ensures that nothing slips through the cracks. If you plan it right, each item on the checklist will contribute to a smashing reopening and a seamless experience for clients and prospects.
The energy you put into reopening sets the tone for what comes next. Make it count. And remember to smile! This is exciting stuff.In the lead-up to your re-opening or after it, you might find yourself looking to fill some job openings. Be sure to get our free “12 Places to Hire Your Next Star Trainer” now.