ATTENTION: This may affect you!
To understand the evolution of the fitness boot camp and how YOU CAN AVOID becoming extinct, listen up.
The second wave of fitness boot camps are here right now!
Let me explain.
It all started with military boot camps, also called basic training. Usually these boot camps would last about 9 weeks.
Recruits would arrive soft and out of shape but leave supercharged fitness machines. They would have a drill sergeant screaming at them to try to break them down, forcing all the recruits become one cohesive unit, then build them back up.
Well, some fitness dude got the idea of having a fitness boot camp for the GENERAL PUBLIC… And modeled it after a military boot camp. And hey, it was pretty cool, especially since there was no competition.
Then shows like the Biggest loser, and Celebrity Boot Camp kick started a media frenzy resulting in boot camps (following this same model) poping up in every nook and cranny.
Then, one boot camp model became every popular… Mostly cuz it was the only official model around at the time…
The problem was “IT” copied the military model and everyone else copied “IT”
And that was fine… for the FIRST GENERATION.
But heads up… the second generation has begun, and it makes the old one look like a knuckle dragging caveman.
So here’s a little checklist of six tips to make sure you aren’t living in the stone ages.
- Don’t have boot camps end. It’s pretty crazy that a lot of boot camps expect a hot prospect to wait for the next boot camp to start in a few weeks… That’s how you leave money on the table in a hurry!
Use Auto Debit! Auto debit is proven to double and triple your income for group training…. and guess what, it works for boot camps too. Don’t take on a second job as an accountant, and a third job as collections agent… FOR FREE!!!! Use auto debit and you’ll have longer client retention, less stress, and MO MONEY.
- Make sure your not asking for their whole life story on your web sign up form. Dude, it’s way cool that people are conditioned to sign up online for boot camps, but if you are asking for TONS of info, your gonna get a lot of people just saying F%*K that and clicking off! Just get the basics like Name, number and credit card info… Get the rest in person.
- Have long-term auto-debit contracts that automatically become month-to-month when they end. Sell clients once… not every 4 to 6 weeks because that would be insane in the membrane!
- In-door Vs Outdoor – The verdict is in… You will get far more clients in the RIGHT indoor boot camp than at an out door boot camp. The key is to find the right location… (hint) spring loaded floors… lots of open space… Built in clientele of 500-3000 moms… (Leave a comment if you know what it is)
- Remember, your boot camp marketing is most likely attracting 70%-100% women who want to look hot and sexy… Not marines about to go to war.
But don’t get me wrong, my instructors and I kick the hell outta our boot campers… We just know how to push that MOTIVATION button, and it’s not shooting machine guns (Although that would be WAY friggin cool)
- BONUS TIP – Make sure your boot camps can be easily duplicated. By the time I opened my third boot I realized that it takes less effort to manage other people running my three boot camps, than it did for me to work AT just one.BTW – It really helps that I have the most BADASS team of boot camp instructors on the planet
Be sure to leave your comment about this post!
(I really do read them ALL)
Great post Steve! Question I am currently running a boot camp how do you go about getting the client to agree to auto debit? Some campers may only want to attend one camp?
Thanks
Rich
virginiassexybodybootcamp.com
Comment by Rich — April 28, 2009 @ 7:45 pm
Great post Steve, I am in the process of looking for a venue but got a question for you. How do you come up with a name for your bootcamp website? Should it be something catchy or something simple
Love the great work you are doing
Thanks
Gavin
Comment by Gavin — April 29, 2009 @ 12:21 am
Another Awesome Post Steve! I’m thinking the spring loaded floor has got to be a gymnastics gym. I am putting together of the list of the ones in my area as we speak so that I can work something out with them. How did you get in initiailly with the gym you work in? I can’t wait to meet you this weekend! It’s gonna be a killer weekend for sure! Thanks again for the great stuff!
Comment by Brandon Campbell — April 29, 2009 @ 1:57 am
I think this is one of the best post I’ve seen in a while!
I have built my whole empire on being the alternative to the Military camp. We are evenings, in your neighborhood, low cost, auto debit, and are Motivators NOT Military!!!
Nice to see that this change of the guard is obvious to everyone else too! Thanks Steve!
Comment by Ryan Dobbs — April 29, 2009 @ 3:31 am
Steve,
Great advice. I love the idea of putting everyone on auto-debit. Thats great. BTW I hate playing the role of “collections agent”
Keep Rocking
Brian
Comment by Brian Meisenburg — April 29, 2009 @ 3:54 am
Hey Rich, I run a boot camp style workout, well more in name than anything. For mine I do not have a start or end date. People can join at anytime and they go on auto draft when they sign up. Because it is set up as a join at anytime and no end date they do not have it in their mind that they will be there for just one camp, they think more along the lines as I am here until I reach my goals. It is my job to make sure that they enjoy it and show them how they important it is to keep going after the goals are reached.
Comment by Jason - Atlanta Trainer — April 29, 2009 @ 4:30 am
5. Gymnastics / Cheerleading facilities?!
Dude, we have one right next door to our gym – what’s the “in”?
Comment by David Hoffmaster — April 29, 2009 @ 4:34 am
Rich
I offer a couple package options, for example, that includes more…for example my packages will include customized meal plans rather than general advice…But most campers do not just sign up for 1 camp…this is actually more unusaul.They are looking for results…when they start to see and feel changes ..they are in:)
Comment by georgette pann — April 29, 2009 @ 4:59 am
Great post, Steve! I still like to run my camps 4 weeks on one off, cuase I will get burnt out if I go nonstop.
Rich if you want them to agree to auto debit, have an option for both pay as you go and auto debit. Make the pay as you go much more expensive.
Yun
Comment by Jason Yun — April 29, 2009 @ 5:18 am
The whole military bootcamp thing has never appealed to me. The thought of going around with a whistle, screaming at people is such a turn-off! Not my style. What I think rocks is the fact that we are each capable of producing successful bootcamps utilizing our OWN slant on things. Hell, I trained my ladies last night in the rain…under a gazebo thingy using picnic tables, Superbands, and mini bands…it kicked their asses and they loved it! I had somewhat planned on the rain, but utilized my knack for thinking on my feet…came up with a workout I feel is the best yet for this group! Love your stuff, Steve! Keep it up!
Comment by Sarah Rippel — April 29, 2009 @ 6:45 am
Hey Steve,
Great post bud. Hey how do I get my hands on a pre authorization auto debit form? Keep on rockin it man..
Comment by Andy Whitson — April 29, 2009 @ 8:26 am
Yeah great post, kinda sounds like what I was thinking of doing. Probably start after Saturday some time…..
Comment by Michael Duivis — April 29, 2009 @ 8:46 am
Hey Bro-seph,
Mine’s an indoor bootcamp (northern nevada, mile-high city: NEED indoor facility! (There’s snow and bears. Seriously.)).
Any tips on duplication? I’m having one of my favorite bootcampers take over for me on Friday so I can be in Anaheim, but she isn’t a long-term coach.
Oh, I’ve started looking for bootcamp instructors around here in the cities I want to grow to, gonna hit the ground running with Project X on Monday!
!Luke
Comment by Luke Wold — April 29, 2009 @ 9:23 am
Awesome post. Its funny because this stuff seem so obvous. Train to what your clients want.I love your style man. I do pt to and i think about 95% of clients are females.
Comment by Bobby — April 29, 2009 @ 10:58 am
Yes Steve-
This is such good information for all those boot camps out there that want to stay in a successful business. I can’t wait to open up Azarian which will be Steve Hochman’s seventh boot camp location!!! And because of all Steve’s knowledge and enduring energy to succeed he is on his way to opening up more boot camp locations. Go Steve!! Can’t wait for the Fitness Summit.
Comment by Ali Ruddy — April 29, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
Where can I look to automate my bootcamp
My bank, or paypal
Thanks Steve
Comment by Jen — April 29, 2009 @ 4:44 pm
Great tips Steve–
I currently run my camps at a day care facility in their gym. Same concept as what you are saying. I also do an outdoor deal as well in a park, and it is equally as marketable.
What is your basis for saying indoor is far superior to outdoor?
Comment by Monty — April 29, 2009 @ 5:39 pm
Great Post Steve! I have been teaching boot camps for years and just started to incorporate a membership type of system. 3, 6 or 12-month commitments after there initial 4 week starter camp. Who do you use for automated monthly billing (eft’s). Thanks Stud!
Comment by Ken Roetman — April 30, 2009 @ 8:48 am
Steve-
You have included some very good tips. I run camps indoors and out
and have about the same numbers for each.
What is the rationale for the indoor being far superior to outdoor
as far as numbers?
Thanks,
Monty
Comment by Monty — April 30, 2009 @ 10:54 am
Hey dude… you are freak’in brilliant. Seriously, you make making big money with bootcamps easy.
B
Comment by Bedros Keuilian — April 30, 2009 @ 11:32 am
Rich – I just sell it like group training… Only auto debit… In the past whenever I would make an exception, I would regret it.
Gavin – I like names that have a benefit… Like Fit Body Boot Camp, The benefit is to have a fit body, which is what they want… I also make sure that it is simple and to the point…
I avoid cute names of play on words.
Branden – Yep, cheer and gymnastics
Comment by Steve Hochman — May 1, 2009 @ 1:40 am
Steve your the man. i wish i was in cali at the fbs but was not able to make it this year.
I have a question and knowing you have some crazy ideas with things I thought id come ask you this.
In my area bikini coffee stands are very popular and i contacted one of the local ones about training her employees.
Right now my location is a bit slow so I am thinking about trying to get them into my boot camps and group sessions.
I actually have a meeting with the owner and wanted to figure out some ideas of how to leverage it.
What I was thinking is allowing her to have her employees train with me for free in groups and in classes and she can then say she has given them a membership to train for being employees of hers.
My idea was to then give her stands flyers in return for the free training to her and her employees as well as use them all as human billboards.
Do you have any ideas on how to leverage this opportunity or ways to go about it to maximize the response I get back?
Comment by Jeff Jowers — May 2, 2009 @ 9:14 am
Great post Steve! After doing classes for a few years, I have decided to start my own bootcamp here in my area, not many around, but I will do my research.
Do you think a weekend(only Sat.of every week) bootcamp will work? Any advice, please?
I will keep you posted on how I do.
Thanks and keep up the great posts.
Comment by David Gomez — May 2, 2009 @ 12:04 pm
Steve your the man. i wish i was in cali at the fbs but was not able to make it this year.
I have a question and knowing you have some crazy ideas with things I thought id come ask you this.
In my area bikini coffee stands are very popular and i contacted one of the local ones about training her employees.
Right now my location is a bit slow so I am thinking about trying to get them into my boot camps and group sessions.
I actually have a meeting with the owner and wanted to figure out some ideas of how to leverage it.
What I was thinking is allowing her to have her employees train with me for free in groups and in classes and she can then say she has given them a membership to train for being employees of hers.
My idea was to then give her stands flyers in return for the free training to her and her employees as well as use them all as human billboards.
Do you have any ideas on how to leverage this opportunity or ways to go about it to maximize the response I get back?
Comment by Jeff Jowers — May 2, 2009 @ 7:14 pm
Hey Steve,
Great freakin’ post my man.
This is all actionable folks. Take advantage and make it happen.
I’m hanging out with Steve in Cali right now and I have to tell you that he is the coolest guy that you will ever meet and he gave a kick ass presentation at the FBS ‘09.
If you didn’t get to make it, make sure you keep your eyes open for some really cool stuff.
Bring the energy baby!!!
Donovan “DFitnessguy” Owens
Comment by Donovan "DFitnessguy" Owens — May 2, 2009 @ 7:29 pm
Very interesting post, as usual Steve! My issues have never been gettin people into my camps, nor keeping them. I currently run two camps located in Brooklyn, NY, with two moreslated to open in Brooklyn (run by new members of my fitness team), and one in South Philly! My issue is this DAMN AUTO PAYMENT!!! I need a sure fire way to convince my clients that this IS DA WAY TO GO, but have been unsuccessful thus far. I’ve encountered too many times in the past where checks have bounced, or I have to here, “Uhhh Coach, can I pay you next week?”. I am well aware that “life happens” but I really hate having to say I totally understand that you need to pay your bills & blabby blah blaaaah… But I TOO HAVE BILLS TO PAY & CANT PAY THEM WHEN YOU DO THIS TO ME!!!!!! ANy insight you can offer will be appreciated!
Comment by Malcolm Davis — May 3, 2009 @ 8:35 am
Hey Rich,
I treat it like group personal training…
It’s ongoing.. in fact we have 1 year agreements.
My boot camps have no end date…
Steve
Comment by Steve Hochman — May 6, 2009 @ 10:39 pm
Hey Jen,
Don’t use paypal cuz they send out an email every debit that says “Do you want to cancel this” go with your bank or ASF international
Steve
Comment by Steve Hochman — May 6, 2009 @ 10:43 pm
i dont know if u have the in the US but in australia we have companies that do DDs and they also act as collections agents if a client fails to pay
Comment by AARON — November 16, 2009 @ 9:24 pm
another thing i did was i told my clients that i would be moving to a dd system.
A. I DIDNT GIVE THEM A CHOICE
B. I ONLY LOST THE CLIENTS WHO STOLE MY TIME AND KILLED MY SOLE
C. SOLD IT TO THE CLIENTS THAT STAYED THAT I WAS MAKING THERE LIVES EASIER
D. I NOW DONT MAKE AWKWARD PHONE CALLS TO CLIENTS ASKING (EXCUSE THE LAUNGAGE) “WHY THE FUCK HAVENT U PAID ME” NOT FRAISED LIKE THAT BUT U GET THE IDEA AND FOR THE MOST PART IT WAS THE SAME SIX OR SEVEN F#*%ERS THAT ALWAYS PAID LATE.
Comment by AARON — November 16, 2009 @ 9:30 pm
Hey Steve, great post man!!
One question, so I get all of my bootcampers on EFT but…how do you check that everybody in the bootcamp have payed, do you do some kind of register? (especally if another trainer is taking my bootcamp!!
Comment by joe haines — December 18, 2009 @ 7:43 pm