Operational Excellence Part 1: Opening and Closing the Gym

Operational excellence is about effectively running your business so that your athletes and staff are thriving and happy, while you maximize your income potential. This is part one in a seven-part series.

It’s the little habits that end up guiding the course of our lives. At home that might mean getting a good night’s sleep and eating clean, but at the box, it’s all about the day-to-day processes you have in place. Are yours organized and well-planned? Or are they random and simply about just getting by? Since your business’s day-to-day routines make or break your operational effectiveness, we recommend having set duties and checklists in place.

Let your opening and closing procedures be a starting point for systematizing and documenting your operations. With documented opening and closing steps, your team will know what needs to happen each day, and you’ll know things are going to be done right. Even if you have a strong, well-trained team, documenting your procedures will still benefit you. Staff members trade and work shifts they don’t normally work, so they’ll be able to use your checklist as a reference, ensuring key steps are never missed no matter who opens or closes. And when it’s time to hire new team members, the organization will get them up to speed faster.

Learn how to take your box to the next level in our eBook: How to Run a Stronger Affiliate Gym.

Start by working through your opening and closing process. Then use our checklist to verify you’re not missing anything.

General Opening Duties:

1. Turn on and login to all necessary technology (TV screen for Faceboard and WOD, computer and iPad for check-in/retail)
2. Put the programmed WOD up on your TV/write workout on the board
3. Ensure retail items are fully stocked and organized
4. Check trash and ensure bathrooms are fully stocked and tidy
5. Refill chalk buckets if they’re empty or running low
6. Set up for special programming/warm up exercises (get rowers ready, pull out bands or rollers, turn on fans)
7. Get your playlist ready
8. Plan your daily introduction question for each class
9. Unlock door/open garage doors if needed
10. Write the names of the reserved athletes on the board before they come in
11. Ensure each athlete checks-in using Kiosk Mode, or check them in using the Staff App
12. As they walk in, write the names of non-reserved athletes on the whiteboard

General Closing Duties:

1. Make sure all equipment is put away and secure
2. Turn off any computers, TVs and iPads
3. Plugin any technology that requires charging
4. Empty and take out the trash
5. Run retail reports (if you run those daily)
6. Erase white boards
7. If you’re responsible for cleaning, ensure bathrooms are cleaned, equipment is wiped down and floors are mopped
8. Lock doors

Download our guide, How to Run a Stronger Affiliate Gym, for additional ways to take your box to the next level.