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Run a Profitable Gym

Free Trials Are Hurting Your Gym. Here's What to Do Instead.

Mar 17, 2025
22:57

Many gym owners still rely on free trial classes to attract new members, but do samples actually help your fitness business? The data says "no."

In this episode of “Run a Profitable Gym,” Chris Cooper explains why free trials are ineffective, how they hurt long-term retention and what to replace them with.

Instead of creating a race to the bottom by commoditizing coaching, gym owners can improve close rates by using the Prescriptive Model, starting with a No Sweat Intro—a consultation that helps potential members understand how the gym will help them get real results quickly.

Chris walks you through the steps of the Prescriptive Model and shares data comparing retention rates produced by free trials and No Sweat Intros. (Spoiler: Consultations generate length of engagement that's three times longer!)

It’s time to ditch free trials and start using a system that actually works—tune in to learn how.

Want to learn more about the Prescriptive Model? Click the link below. 

Links

The Prescriptive Model

Gym Owners United

Book a Call  

01:16 - The history of free trials

05:12 - The close rate of free trials

11:02 - The commodity effect

13:40 - What to do instead

19:19 - Free trials are bad for clients

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