The YMCA of Central Texas has been a beacon of health and wellness for years, serving as a vital resource for its community. A recent partnership with EGYM, however, has taken its fitness offerings to a new level, blending innovation with personalized experiences to meet the demands of members. Our collaboration demonstrates how community fitness centers can evolve, ensuring that more members benefit from cutting-edge fitness.
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Share A visionary approach to fitness
Under the leadership of CEO Jeffrey Andresen and COO Cameran Bahr, the YMCA of Central Texas has a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial spirit. Their vision? To create a fitness destination that combines cutting-edge technology with tailored wellness experiences.
By implementing EGYM’s solutions, they’ve positioned themselves as a leader in fitness innovation, crafting a space where members can easily achieve their health goals.
Why EGYM?
EGYM’s smart fitness solutions are designed to make workouts effective and engaging for everyone. The YMCA chose EGYM to address a critical need: 55% of its members were classified as “yet to be fit,” meaning they needed guidance and motivation to adopt healthier lifestyles.
With its proven success working with over 135 YMCA partners, EGYM offers a trusted, evidence-based approach to help members establish and sustain exercise routines.
Dual modes for personalized workouts
The YMCA of Central Texas became the first YMCA to simultaneously launch EGYM’s Circuit Mode and Open Mode:
- Circuit Mode provides a structured, time-efficient workout, guiding members through a full-body routine in just 22 minutes.
- Open Mode offers flexibility, allowing members to choose their machines and workout sequences at their own pace.
Offering both modes ensured that new and experienced gym-goers could find a style that meets their needs.
3 steps to member engagement
The YMCA didn’t stop at integrating EGYM machines. They adopted a 3-part strategy to keep the momentum alive:
- Buddy pricing model: Members could purchase one EGYM band for $70 or two for $100, encouraging sign-ups with a friend or family member. This approach also fostered social accountability, which is known to improve exercise adherence.
- Three-session onboarding: Instead of overwhelming new members with long orientations, the YMCA offered a flexible, three-session program. Members could ease into their fitness journey at their own pace.
- Event-based launches: The YMCA introduced EGYM with a staggered, event-based rollout, starting with EGYM installation and education before introducing EGYM Gameday events, friendly competitions that foster cross-generational social engagement, and sustained excitement.
Mastering EGYM Marketing
The YMCA’s launch of EGYM also set a new standard with its comprehensive marketing strategy, combining vibrant in-branch campaigns, engaging events, and dynamic digital outreach.
Staff donned bright orange shirts and “Get in the Game” branding to signal EGYM support, while bold signage and leaderboards kept members engaged. Social media campaigns built anticipation with teaser posts and countdowns, while phased emails encouraged participation.
Events like Gameday turned the fitness floor into a celebration, complete with branded shirts, medals, and event-themed décor. Through these efforts, the YMCA didn’t just introduce EGYM—they built excitement, engagement, and a sense of community. EGYM’s Christian Esola called it “the most comprehensive marketing strategy” he’d ever seen.
Measurable success
The results of these strategies have been impressive:
- Retention rates for EGYM users reached 80%, compared to 60% for non-EGYM users.
- In just eight months, 2,491 EGYM bands were sold, generating $137,170 in revenue, with 30% involving buddy band purchases.
These numbers highlight the financial and community-building success of the YMCA’s initiatives.
Looking ahead: EGYM Genius
Building on its success, the YMCA of Central Texas is set to launch EGYM Genius, an AI-driven platform that offers personalized workout plans based on advanced assessments. This addition will further elevate the member experience, combining data-driven insights with accessible fitness options.
A model for the industry
The YMCA of Central Texas demonstrates how leadership, collaboration, and innovation can transform a traditional fitness facility into a modern wellness hub. By embracing EGYM’s technology and tailoring it to their community’s needs, they’ve set a new standard for member engagement and retention.
As they continue to expand, the YMCA serves as a model for how community fitness facilities can thrive in a competitive and evolving industry.
