Even in 2025, word of mouth and a great workout experience are gold — but let’s be honest, they’re no longer enough. With boutique studios and gyms popping up on every corner (and online), competition is fiercer than ever. If you want to grow, you need a strategy that not only brings new members in — but keeps them coming back.
Here are 10 proven ways to attract and retain more gym members, and how modern tools like Octiv can help you make it happen.
1. Create a Killer First Impression (Before They Even Visit)
Your first impression starts online, not at the front desk. Make sure your gym is easily discoverable with updated listings, clear opening hours, and a smooth mobile experience.
👉 Tip: Use Octiv’s CRM Pro to create automated email flows for new enquiries — so no lead slips through the cracks.
2. Offer a Seamless Sign-Up and Onboarding Journey
If joining your gym feels complicated, you’ve already lost people. Remove friction. Let people sign up online, choose a plan, and get a welcome pack instantly.
👉 Tip: Octiv allows new members to join and pay directly through your branded app — then automatically assigns them to your onboarding flow in CRM Pro.
3. Keep the Vibe Alive With Community Features
People join for the workouts. They stay for the community. Foster that connection with shout-outs, milestones, and group challenges.
👉 Tip: Octiv’s Members App lets you communicate with members, log and celebrate workouts, highlight birthdays and injuries, and post important updates — all in one place.
4. Follow Up With Every Lead — Automatically
If someone walks into your gym or fills in your contact form, you’ve got a short window to follow up before they disappear.
👉 Tip: CRM Pro from Octiv sends automated follow-ups, nurture emails, and reminders — so your team doesn’t have to manually chase every lead.
5. Recognise Injuries and Modify the Experience
No one wants to feel like just a number. If a member is recovering from an injury, they’ll appreciate a trainer who knows — and cares.
👉 Tip: With Octiv’s Injury Tracking, you can log and monitor each member’s condition, so coaches can tailor their approach and check in personally.
6. Celebrate Progress and Milestones
A 100th class. A personal best. These things matter. Celebrate them.
👉 Tip: Use Octiv’s automated milestone to recognise members giving their all.
7. Run Limited-Time Challenges or Offers
A time-bound challenge or referral program creates buzz, urgency, and gives members a reason to engage again.
8. Provide Flexible Booking Options
Life’s unpredictable. Your members need the freedom to reschedule, cancel, or manage bookings without texting your front desk.
👉 Tip: Octiv’s app makes class bookings and cancellations effortless, while waitlists and push notifications keep everyone updated in real-time.
9. Track Attendance — and Re-Engage Drop-Offs
If someone’s stopped showing up, don’t assume they’re gone for good. A simple nudge could bring them back.
👉 Tip: Octiv tracks attendance and flags inactive members, so you can trigger a re-engagement email or personal check-in automatically.
10. Collect Feedback and Keep Improving
Retention is rooted in listening. Use surveys, feedback boxes, or even simple polls to understand what members love — and where you can improve.
👉 Tip: Send automated surveys at key touchpoints via Octiv CRM Pro — such as after onboarding, a class, or at the 3-month mark.
Final Thoughts: It’s About Connection, Not Just Classes
Retaining gym members in 2025 isn’t about shiny equipment or the newest fitness trend. It’s about creating consistent, personal, and frictionless experiences — and doing it at scale.
With Octiv, you don’t need to hire a team of five to make every member feel valued. Our software handles the admin, automates your follow-up, and keeps your community engaged — so you can focus on what you do best.
👉 Want to see how Octiv can help your gym grow? Book a free demo today.