How Forge Training and Performance Grew Members By 12%

At Forge Training and Performance, every day is an opportunity to help people push themselves and defy the odds. Located in Logan, Utah, Forge Training and Performance caters to a wide range of community needs with an array of fitness options, from functional fitness to yoga and indoor cycling.  

Managing such a diverse facility came with unique challenges, especially when it came to communicating with members. That’s where Zen Planner stepped in. 

With Zen Planner, Forge Training and Performance fostered a stronger and more connected community, leading to a 12% increase in membership in just three months! Richelle Hudson, Co-Founder and Gym Manager, shares their journey and the impact Zen Planner has had on their business.

“It Took Everything I Needed and Put It Into One Tool” 

Accessing engagement tools from one unified platform has made all the difference for Forge Training and Performance, significantly improving the way they communicate with members and manage day-to-day operations. 

Before switching to Zen Planner for marketing and communication, the staff at Forge Training and Performance were frustrated with piecing together different engagement tools from multiple vendors. “I felt like I needed this, this, and this. And I didn’t know I needed those things until we started running [the business],” shares Hudson.  

“We actually reached out to a third-party company to try and get text messaging. And then another to try and get some sort of automation or landing page,” shares Hudson. Consolidating all of those tools into one platform was a turning point for Richelle and the team. “When Zen Planner released engagement, it took everything that I needed and put it into one tool. It made me so excited.” 

One of the standout tools for Forge Training and Performance has been 2-way text messaging. With it, they can maintain constant, instant communication with members while protecting their staff’s boundaries. “The 2-way text messaging is literally a game changer,” says Hudson. “I used to use my personal phone for the business, and I can’t tell you how annoying it is to get a text message at 9:30pm on a Sunday.” 

That’s not the only way Zen Planner has made the day-to-day easier for their staff. With automated alerts and calendar integrations, the Forge Training and Performance team has more autonomy to connect with members directly. 

“If someone comes in or there’s a new task, it alerts [the Assistant Manager]. So when I’m gone, I don’t have to text her to say ‘you need to do xyz’. She just automatically gets those alerts,” shares Hudson. “When someone books appointments, there’s a booking link on our website. They click that, then my personal trainer gets that notification. They can immediately reach out so I don’t have to be the middleman.” 

12% More Members in Just 3 Months 

At Forge Training and Performance, member engagement and retention aren’t buzzwords. Nurturing relationships with current members is one of their highest priorities. “I feel like everyone always gets so worried about new leads. They kind of forget about like the current members. The retention and nourishment of the people who are there is super important,” shares Hudson. “It’s really important for me that we keep that culture, because the culture that we’re creating is super cool. And it’s a selling point of our business.” 

By combining their passion for relationships with Zen Planner’s engagement tools, they’ve been able to have more personal and timely interactions with members. The impact has been phenomenal. Within three months of adding Zen Planner in their toolbox, Forge Training and Performance grew their total members by 12%. 

To build on their success, the team is planning to expand their engagement strategies with targeted email campaigns and pipeline management tools. The email campaigns will keep members informed and engaged, building on the relationships that Hudson and her team work so hard to develop. Similarly, using pipeline management tools will help the team personalize member interactions, ensuring that each member’s journey is tailored to their individual needs and fitness goals. 

Despite being new to those strategies, Hudson is confident they can succeed with the help of other business owners and the Zen Planner team. “It’s a learning process, but the Success Sessions have been so awesome. You get to listen to what other people are doing, and there are ideas I never would have even though about doing” shares Hudson. “If anyone has any suggestion, whether I feel as though it fits our company or not, I’m always willing to listen because you can always learn from those scenarios…And when you implement it, it makes a world of difference.” 

Richelle’s Parting Advice: Remember the Difference You Make Every Day 

Running your own business can be extremely rewarding, but building something from the ground up with your blood, sweat, and tears is hard work. When she’s struggling with imposter syndrome and feels like she wants to quit, Richelle Hudson finds strength in the impact Forge Training and Performance has every day. 

Ready to Take the First Step in Your Success Story? 

Book a personalized demo with our team to discover how Zen Planner can revolutionize your business operations. From seamless communication to efficient management, our platform empowers you to achieve your goals.   

Don’t wait any longer to unlock your gym’s full potential. Embrace the future of fitness with Zen Planner and embark on a transformative journey toward success.