Summer's here, and with it comes the opportunity to strengthen your fitness community and keep your classes buzzing. While summer can bring dips in attendance -studios typically see a 10-20% drop in July and August, it's also your chance to host creative events that drive retention and build connections. At fitDEGREE, we're all about leveraging data and innovative ideas to help studios thrive. So here are four summer event ideas to keep your members engaged and your revenue strong!

1. Outdoor Workouts in the Park

Fresh air, sunshine, and the buzz of nature- it's a winning combo. Outdoor classes aren't just a nice change of scenery; they're also proven to increase engagement. In fact, outdoor classes can boost participation by 20% compared to indoor classes during the summer months, so get outside!

Here's why they're so powerful:

• They appeal to members craving variety and fresh experiences.
• Nature-based movement has been shown to improve mood and energy levels.
• It's a low-cost way to create a "special event" vibe without needing fancy equipment.

fitDEGREE Tip:

Use your fitDEGREE software to create a "Summer Series" class pack specifically for these outdoor sessions. Push notifications and in-app messaging can remind members to book ahead and join in the fun. Plus, using fitDEGREE's tracking tools helps you identify your most popular times and locations for future events.

2. Post-Class Socials: Smoothies, Juice Shots, or Popsicles!

Summer is all about fresh treats, and nothing says "community," like sharing a cool smoothie or popsicle after a sweaty workout. While these may seem like small add-ons, they have a significant impact on member retention. According to 2024 data, 75% of members say social events make them more likely to stick with a studio.

These post-class socials give your members a chance to:

• Build friendships and accountability, which, in turn, makes them stickier and helps get those seven connections we're always talking about.
• Snap and share fun moments on social (hello, free marketing!).
• Stick around to chat with instructors and staff, deepening loyalty.

fitDEGREE Tip:

Host a monthly "Summer Social" and let members know they'll get a free treat for attending. Use your attendance reports to see which classes had the highest attendance, and plan your next social around those!

3. Themed Classes: Summer Style!

Themes are a fun way to mix up your schedule and create a festive atmosphere. Think beachy playlists, tropical decor, or even a "luau" yoga class complete with flower crowns! Specialty classes like these are a proven hit. Data shows that themed events and specialty classes see 1.5x the normal attendance.

Why members love them:

• They're unique and memorable.
• They're great for social sharing-members want to post about something special.
• They offer a low-pressure way for new members to dip their toes in.

fitDEGREE Tip:

Create a recurring event series, like a weekly "Summer Splash" class. Use your Fitdegree app's booking link feature to make it easy for members to invite new friends for free. Consider incentivizing social shares with a "post and tag" challenge which is great for getting your studio name out there!

4. Charity or Donation-Based Classes

One of the best ways to build loyalty? Give back. I built my studio on philanthropy, and I constantly coach studios to try out programming that builds community satisfaction through giving back. Summer is perfect for outdoor community events that double as fundraisers for a local cause. Whether it's a beach clean-up workout, a donation-based yoga class, or letting clients pay for class with canned goods or school supplies, charity events forge deep connections. Research shows that 87% of consumers prefer businesses that support their community, which is a huge opportunity for your studio to stand out.

fitDEGREE Tip:

Set up a special event in your Fitdegree dashboard with clear donation instructions. After the event, share your impact with your community in a blog post, on social media, or via your in-app messaging. Not only does this boost your reputation, but it also keeps your studio's mission at the heart of what you do.

Why These Events Matter

Summer events aren't just about the fun; they're a proven retention and engagement booster:

• Loyalty increases by 10-15% after community events.
• Social events build connections that make members less likely to leave.
• Seasonal challenges and events can actually offset the summer slump in attendance.

Quick Ideas to Go Even Bigger

Want to take it a step further? Here are three bonus ideas:

1. Host a mini "Summer Games" with fun challenges like water balloon tosses or obstacle courses.
2. Collaborate with local wellness businesses (like smoothie shops or wellness brands) for sponsorships or giveaways.
3. Use Fitdegree's reporting tools to track what's working best and then refine and repeat next summer! Multi-year events are easier to sell because they already have a buzz.

Your Summer of Connection Starts Now

Summer can be a tricky season for studios, but with the right events and a little creativity, it can also be your best season yet. At fitDEGREE, we're here to help you fill your classes, engage your members, and grow your community all summer long.