Want to fill your themed fitness classes quickly? SMS marketing is your best tool. Why? Text messages are read almost instantly (98% open rate), making them perfect for time-sensitive promotions like Halloween bootcamps or 80’s spin nights. Plus, SMS feels personal – like a tip from a friend rather than a hard sell.
Here’s how to make your SMS campaigns work:
- Start with the theme: Use emojis and catchy language to match the vibe. Example: "👻 Only 5 spots left for Spooky Sweat Session! Reply SPOOKY to join."
- Create urgency: Highlight limited spots or deadlines to push quick action.
- Personalize your texts: Use member names and past attendance to make messages feel tailored.
- Time it right: Announce events 7–10 days ahead, remind 2–3 days before, and send a same-day nudge.
- Automate the process: Tools like RevText handle scheduling, replies, and waitlists.
SMS is fast, effective, and easy to manage, helping you turn themed classes into fully booked events.
Why Use SMS Marketing in Gyms [+ Ready to Use Templates]
How to Write SMS Messages That Get Results
Crafting the right SMS message for your themed fitness classes can mean the difference between a half-empty studio and a fully booked session. With just 160 characters to work with, your text needs to grab attention, tie into the theme, and inspire action – all in one go.
Match Your Theme with Emojis
Start your message with the theme keyword to instantly set the tone. Then, sprinkle in emojis that fit the vibe of your event. Emojis not only make messages more engaging but also help them stand out. Studies show that messages with emojis see a 57% higher like rate, and 72% of consumers view brands using them more positively.
Here’s how you can pair emojis with themes:
- For a Halloween bootcamp:
"👻 Spooky Sweat Session this Saturday at 10 AM! Come in costume and burn calories while having a blast. Reply SPOOKY to join!" - For a Valentine’s Day couples class:
"💕 Partner Power Yoga – bring your favorite workout buddy this Friday at 7 PM! Strengthen your bond and your core. Reply LOVE to reserve 2 spots." - For an 80s-themed spin class:
"🕺 Neon Nights Spin – dust off your leg warmers for Thursday’s retro ride! We’re playing all the hits from the decade of excess. Reply RETRO to claim your bike."
But keep this in mind: if an emoji doesn’t align naturally with your theme, skip it. The emoji should immediately evoke the vibe of your class – anything forced will feel out of place.
Once you’ve nailed the theme, it’s time to create urgency.
Create Urgency with Limited Spots
Scarcity is a powerful motivator. Highlighting limited availability encourages members to act quickly instead of putting off their decision. Specific numbers work best – "Only 3 spots left!" feels much more urgent than a vague "Limited spots available!"
Here are some examples of urgency-driven phrases:
- "6 spots just opened due to cancellations"
- "Only 4 spots left for tomorrow’s Glow Yoga"
- "Last chance – class starts in 2 hours"
- "Final 5 spots for Saturday’s Beach Body Bootcamp"
Time-sensitive deadlines can also be effective:
"Registration closes at midnight tonight" or "48 hours left to sign up" gives a clear sense of urgency.
One key point: always be honest. If you claim only 5 spots are left, make sure that’s accurate. Repeated "last chance" messages for the same class can damage trust and credibility.
After creating urgency, focus on making your messages personal to strengthen the connection.
Send Personal Messages to the Right People
Personalization makes your messages stand out. Start with the recipient’s name and reference their past attendance to build a stronger connection.
For example:
"Hey Sarah, we thought you’d love our Sunrise Yoga session this Sunday at 8 AM!" Including their name makes the invitation feel tailored to them.
You can take it a step further by referencing their previous participation:
"Mike, you crushed last month’s HIIT class! Don’t miss our Military-Style Bootcamp this Friday – it’s right up your alley."
To make personalization even more effective, segment your member list based on preferences and attendance history. For instance:
- Promote "Beginner-Friendly Barre" to members who prefer low-intensity classes.
- Send "Advanced CrossFit Challenge" invites to your regular high-intensity participants.
- Share "Gentle Senior Yoga" with members over 50, rather than your younger, more active crowd.
This targeted approach not only helps fill spots faster but also reinforces a sense of community. When members feel like you understand their fitness journey, they’re more likely to engage and attend. A thoughtful, personalized message can turn a simple text into a meaningful invitation.
When to Send Messages and How to Automate Them
Timing is everything when it comes to themed class sign-ups. Send your messages too early, and they’ll be forgotten. Send them too late, and people won’t have time to plan. The trick is to hit that perfect window when your audience is actively thinking about their week. Here’s a three-phase messaging timeline to help you maximize engagement and boost sign-ups.
Follow a Proven SMS Timeline
A three-phase approach helps you build excitement and urgency without overwhelming your members.
Phase 1: The Initial Announcement (7-10 days before)
This is your teaser – just enough to spark interest and get people thinking about your event. Aim to send it on a Tuesday or Wednesday between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when people are likely checking their phones during breaks.
Example:
"🎃 Something spooky is coming… Join us for Halloween HIIT on October 28th at 6:00 PM. Costumes encouraged, candy calories guaranteed to be burned!"
Phase 2: The Reminder Push (2-3 days before)
This message includes all the details and adds a sense of urgency. For weekend classes, Thursday afternoons are ideal. For mid-week events, go with Monday mornings.
Example:
"👻 Halloween HIIT is THIS Saturday! 6:00 PM sharp. Come in costume and bring a friend – 50% off their drop-in fee. Only 8 spots left! Reply SPOOKY to secure yours."
Phase 3: Same-Day Motivation (morning of the class)
Send a final reminder 3-4 hours before the class. If there are cancellations, alert your waitlist 2-6 hours before class to fill any open spots quickly.
Example:
"🕸️ Tonight’s the night! Halloween HIIT kicks off at 6:00 PM. Prizes for best costume and a killer playlist await. See you there!"
Set Up Automated Messages
Manually managing messages for multiple classes can quickly become overwhelming. Automation tools like RevText make it easy to deliver well-timed messages while you focus on running amazing classes.
Pre-Scheduled Campaign Setup
With RevText, you can schedule your entire messaging sequence – initial announcements, reminders, and same-day messages – all at once. The system handles delivery at the optimal times you set.
Keyword Reply Management
When members reply with keywords like "SPOOKY" or "LOVE" to join a class, RevText automatically adds them to your attendance list and sends a confirmation. No more juggling responses or worrying about missed sign-ups.
Waitlist Automation
RevText tracks class capacity and instantly notifies waitlisted members when spots open up due to cancellations. This real-time feature helps you fill every spot without lifting a finger.
Smart Segmentation
Take it a step further by tailoring messages to different groups. For example, yoga lovers get invites to "Candlelight Flow", while HIIT fans hear about "Warrior Bootcamp." RevText uses member preferences, past attendance, and membership types to send personalized promotions.
Mobile Management
With the RevText iOS app, you can monitor campaign performance and make adjustments on the go. Track response rates, view new sign-ups, or send last-minute updates – all from your phone.
Automation ensures your messages are perfectly timed and delivered, while still feeling personal and thoughtful. That way, you can focus on what you do best: creating themed classes that your members love.
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Boost Sign-Ups with Offers and Interactive Features
Once you’ve nailed the timing and tone of your SMS campaigns, adding offers and interactive elements can take your themed class promotions to the next level. These extras create a sense of urgency and excitement, turning "maybe" into "yes" for potential participants. When your messages feel more like an invitation than a sales pitch, they’re much harder to ignore.
Add Incentives to Increase Attendance
Incentives like discounts, giveaways, or exclusive perks can be the nudge someone needs to commit. Whether it’s a free guest pass or a chance to win themed prizes, these offers make your classes more appealing and harder to pass up.
- Guest passes are a win-win. Not only do they let members bring a friend or family member along, but they also introduce new faces to your gym. For example: "💕 Valentine’s Partner Yoga this Friday at 6:00 PM! Bring your special someone for FREE. Reply VALENTINE to claim both spots." These shared experiences can turn one-time visitors into regular members.
- Themed merchandise adds a fun, memorable touch. Items like glow-in-the-dark water bottles, t-shirts, or accessories can be sold or used as prizes. For instance: "✨ First 10 sign-ups get a FREE glow-in-the-dark water bottle! Reply GLOW to secure your spot and swag." Not only do these items create excitement, but they also promote your gym outside of class.
- Post-workout refreshments can make your events stand out. Offering themed snacks or drinks – like green smoothies or protein-packed pumpkin bites – enhances the overall experience. A message like "🎃 Burn calories, then refuel! Join our Pumpkin Spice Bootcamp Saturday at 9:00 AM. Protein pumpkin bites included after class. Reply PUMPKIN to join!" makes the event feel special.
- Mini-competitions and challenges add an extra layer of fun and engagement. Prizes for best costume, most improved form, or team challenges tied to your theme give participants something to strive for while keeping the energy high.
Pairing these incentives with simple and interactive sign-up options can make your promotions even more effective.
Use Images and Reply Keywords
Making it easy for people to visualize and respond to your promotions can significantly boost engagement. When participants can see the fun they’re signing up for and respond with a quick keyword, the process becomes almost effortless.
- Visual previews give your audience a sneak peek of what’s in store. Share a short video of your instructor leading a themed class or photos from past events. For example: "🕺 80’s Spin Night is back! Check out last month’s energy: [link to video]. Reply EIGHTIES to join us this Thursday at 7:00 PM." A well-crafted visual can instantly get people excited.
- Reply keywords make signing up as easy as sending a text. Use simple, theme-related words like "BEACH" for a beach yoga class or "HERO" for a superhero bootcamp. This simplicity removes any friction in the sign-up process.
- MMS images and tracked links add another layer of engagement. Show off your decorated studio, instructors in costume, or special equipment to spark interest. Using tools like RevText to track link clicks can also help you understand which visuals resonate most with your audience, refining your future campaigns.
Track Results and Improve Your Campaigns
Tracking the performance of your SMS campaigns is the final piece of the puzzle for running successful themed class promotions. Without understanding how your campaigns perform, it’s tough to plan effectively for the future. By analyzing results and combining them with member feedback, you can make informed decisions that boost attendance and improve member satisfaction.
Monitor Key Performance Metrics
Your SMS platform should offer clear insights into how your themed class campaigns are doing. Focus on metrics that provide actionable insights for your business rather than getting bogged down by numbers that don’t drive decisions.
Click-through rates are a great place to start. Platforms like RevText can help you pinpoint which messages spark the most interest. For instance, if your "Glow Yoga" campaign gets a much higher click-through rate than your "80’s Spin Night", you’ll know which themes resonate more with your audience.
Attendance comparisons between themed classes and your regular sessions can also be revealing. Imagine your usual Tuesday yoga class has a modest turnout, but after an SMS campaign, your "Valentine’s Partner Yoga" class sees a big jump in attendance. That’s a clear indicator of success and a model worth repeating.
Response rates to keyword RSVPs are another critical metric. If you ask members to "Reply BEACH for our Beach Body Bootcamp", track the number of responses compared to the total messages sent. A low response rate might mean your call-to-action isn’t clear enough or that the timing of your message needs tweaking. These numbers help fine-tune your strategy.
Member engagement trends can also offer valuable insights. For example, you might notice that evening class attendees are more likely to sign up for weekend events, or that newer members respond better to beginner-friendly themes. These patterns help you target your promotions more effectively.
Use Quick Post-Class Surveys
Gathering feedback right after a themed class is one of the best ways to get actionable insights. Sending surveys immediately after the session ensures you capture members’ thoughts while the experience is still fresh.
Keep surveys short and to the point. Zen Planner suggests something as simple as:
"How was your Yoga class today? Text YES if you enjoyed it or NO if you’d like to see changes."
One-word responses are especially effective for SMS surveys. Glofox recommends asking participants to respond immediately after class with:
"1 or Y for yes and 2 or N for no."
This approach is quick and easy for members, while still giving you valuable feedback on their experience.
For example, if someone loved your Halloween Bootcamp and suggested more costume-themed classes, you can make sure they’re the first to know about your next themed event. This kind of personalized follow-up shows members that their input matters.
"Members can easily reply to your text message marketing for gyms, whether they have questions about sms plans, feedback on classes, or inquiries about promotions like New Year gym promotion ideas. This creates a more personal experience, making members feel valued." – Emitrr
The data you collect from performance tracking and feedback forms the backbone of your future campaigns. When you know which themes excite your members, which messages drive action, and what your community truly wants, you can create SMS campaigns that consistently fill classes and keep members eager for what’s next. Use this feedback to refine your strategies and keep your promotions fresh and engaging.
Conclusion: Use SMS to Fill Your Themed Fitness Classes
SMS marketing gives fitness studios a direct and effective way to promote themed classes. With SMS, you can send class announcements straight to your audience and see impressive results.
Text messages boast an open rate of up to 98%, and most people read them within just 15 minutes of receiving them. This makes SMS a powerful tool for creating a personal connection that encourages immediate action.
"SMS marketing has become the fastest-growing channel for businesses looking to connect with their audiences in a more direct and personal way."
– Ma-Keba Frye, Mindbody
SMS also delivers a strong return on investment. With an ROI as high as 45:1 and generating over 10x more revenue than email marketing, it’s a smart financial choice for fitness studios.
What makes SMS stand out is how personal it feels. A simple message like, "🎃 Sarah, save your spot for our Pumpkin Spice Yoga class this Saturday!" turns a text into an engaging invitation that’s hard to ignore.
On top of the results, SMS marketing is easy to use and cost-efficient. It simplifies class management while filling spots quickly. Tools like RevText make the process even smoother with automation features, such as scheduling and audience segmentation, so your messages are perfectly timed. Considering that 91% of consumers globally have opted into SMS programs or are interested in doing so, your members are ready to respond.
Start with a teaser message, track the results, and watch attendance grow. SMS gives you the direct link you need to fill those themed classes with ease.
FAQs
How can I make my SMS messages for themed fitness classes feel more personal and engaging?
To make your SMS messages feel more personal and engaging, try including the recipient’s name and referencing something specific about their past participation or preferences. For instance, you might write, "Hi Sarah, we noticed you loved our last yoga class! You might really enjoy Glow Yoga this Friday at 7 PM!" This small effort shows that you value their individual interests.
Another effective strategy is to segment your audience based on their class history or preferences. This allows you to tailor messages that are more relevant to each group. For example, you can connect an upcoming themed event to something they’ve previously enjoyed. Keep your tone friendly and upbeat – those personal touches can go a long way in boosting engagement and making your messages memorable.
How can I measure the success of my SMS campaigns for themed fitness classes?
To gauge how well your SMS campaigns are performing, focus on tracking key metrics such as open rates, click-through rates (CTR), and conversion rates (like sign-ups or RSVPs). Pay attention to attendance spikes during your themed classes compared to your usual sessions, and keep tabs on opt-out rates to ensure your messages continue to resonate with your audience.
You can also gather valuable feedback by sending post-event SMS surveys to attendees. These surveys offer insights into what went well and what could be improved for future campaigns. Analytics tools can further simplify the process, helping you fine-tune your strategy based on the data you collect.
What are the best ways to use incentives and interactive features to boost attendance for themed fitness classes?
Offering special perks like free guest passes, themed merchandise, or post-class treats can make your themed fitness classes more enticing and drive sign-ups. Imagine hosting a Valentine’s Partner Yoga session with a "Bring a Friend for Free" deal – this simple gesture can spark interest and draw a bigger crowd.
Adding interactive elements can take the experience up a notch. Think gamified challenges, real-time feedback, or social media involvement. For example, set up a leaderboard for an 80’s Spin Night to inspire some friendly competition, or encourage attendees to share photos from a Glow Yoga class on their social platforms. These ideas don’t just make the events more engaging – they build a sense of community, inspiring members to join in and share their excitement with others.
