2 minute read
Creating a Worry- Free Experience
IN THIS FINAL SECTION OF A THREE-PART SERIES, MATRIX PROVIDES THREE TIPS TO CLEANING EQUIPMENT AND PROTECTING MEMBERS
By Ben Mcginn
1. Equipment cleaning.
Be sure to check that the approved cleaner being used on programmable cardio machines will not damage the console.
It is common that touchscreens, basic LED overlays and buttons be cleaned with a milder, COVID-19 approved product to ensure they don’t become damaged over time.
Equipment providers can commonly recommend approved products through their service departments.
At Matrix Fitness, Customer Technical Support (CTS) has already seen a number of cases where very corrosive disinfectants have been sprayed onto the machines, causing some earlier than usual wear and tear.
Matrix’s approved cleaners, disinfectants, and lubricants can be found at the following link - https://tinyurl.com/y4um4wzm
2.Cardio equipment technology and signage.
Most connected cardiovascular machines in 2021 can display messaging directly on the console. This would of course include facility advertising or reminders of any kind that you would want your members to see. It would be advisable to include reminder messaging or instructional details regarding the user’s responsibility for cleaning.
For strength and cardio machines without this type of console, be sure to develop appropriate signage. It is one of the great ironies that the fitness industry is the only industry that teaches patrons the standards around cleaning after use. I cannot think of any other industry that does this.
3.Try something new if you can.
As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic changes almost weekly, if not daily, on many fronts and we are all forced to react in some manner to adhere to protocols, but more importantly, to keep members coming through the doors.
Realizing that equipment function and cleanliness is only a part of the entire picture, it is still very critical to advertise and promote all of your facility’s efforts in making the experience as comfortable and worry-free to your members as possible.
From an equipment supplier’s standpoint, we are always available to help with new additions of equipment if at all feasible, but there are other ways we can help too.
• Inquire with your supplier or dealer on having the local equipment rep come by and offer workshops to bring your staff up to speed on equipment function and cleaning procedures. If in person is not possible, a virtual presentation would work.
• If equipment in the facility/ gym requires repair or preventative maintenance and you are interested in adding any number of pieces of equipment, inquire as to any available package pricing that your supplier can offer.
• Supplier-branded signage as a turnkey option is available from Matrix Fitness, and may be from others.
• Take advantage of financing and lease options if it is critical to add equipment for member retention. This can be factored into your operational budget and many suppliers can work closely with you to find the right fit for your budget.
Matrix Fitness Canada launched its equipment rental program during the pandemic.
For more information on any supporting services or equipment, please reach out to Matrixfitness@jhtcanada.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook @matrixfitnesscanada.
Ben Mcginn is a Matrix Fitness representative in Southern Alberta, and former service technician. Ben has extensive experience in supporting organizations that offer fitness. His perspective in unique and skillset highly qualified in supporting facilities of all sizes. You can reach Ben at Ben.mcginn@matrixfitness.com
