If you’ve been in the fitness business for a while, you probably have noticed a major shift in consumer attitudes about long-term commitments.

More and more, people are reluctant to sign annual contracts. They want more flexibility and control to change their fitness journey whenever they want to.

In fact, those old reliable annual contracts are becoming a thing of the past.

You need to discover new ways to onboard clients so they’ll be with you reliably for a long time. 

And a three-month health reset program might be just the ticket for your gym or studio.

This innovative approach offers gyms a chance to onboard new members with a structured, results-driven package that gives clients just enough time to see changes but doesn’t feel like too much of a promise they might not want to keep.

Plus, it’s the perfect way to secure memberships that go beyond the usual month-to-month plans. 

Let’s look at 90-day health reset programs and how you can use them to attract new people and retain clients after their initial period ends.

The Changing Landscape of Gym Memberships

Back in the day, gyms relied heavily on annual contracts to ensure steady revenue over the course of a year. It gave them a sense of security and let them plan with confidence.

But that’s over.

Today’s fitness consumers don’t want to be tied down. That’s partly driven by the larger number of fitness choices they have – from boutique fitness studios and on-demand apps, to all kinds of new group training and at-home devices.

More people want to dip their toes in, check out something new, and see how it feels – and works – for them.

So, you could think of this as a bummer for your bottom dollar.

Or you could see this desire for flexibility representing countless new opportunities for to rethink their membership models.

A three-month health reset program offers a middle ground between one-off classes or monthly memberships and longer-term commitments.

It gives clients a clear sense of purpose and structure, which increases their likelihood of staying engaged – and feeling successful, which will make them want to keep going.

And it gives you and your staff a realistic chance of proving the value of your training and service.

What is a Health Reset Program?

So, what exactly is a 90-day health reset program, and why is it so effective?

At its core, it’s designed to help clients jumpstart their health journey while giving you at least some short-term revenue reliability. It gives them a clear start and end date, which creates urgency and motivation to stick with it.

This time frame also helps people set specific, achievable goals, like losing weight, building muscle, or prepping for a vacation.

And, interestingly, it puts less pressure on those who are unsure about committing to working out for more than a few weeks at a time.

That’s a lot of people who have tried before, “failed,” and don’t want to invest money only to do it again.

Here’s what a typical program might look like:

  • Start with assessments. When clients join, they get an initial assessment to see where they’re starting and what they want to achieve. This could involve body composition analysis, strength testing, or simple discussions about their goals.
  • Structured workout plans. Over the course of 12 weeks, clients follow a structured workout plan tailored to their needs. It could include a mix of personal training, group classes, and access to the gym for self-directed workouts.
  • Nutritional guidance. Many gyms partner with nutritionists to offer meal plans, grocery guides, and advice that fits clients’ goals. By giving clients nutritional assistance along with exercise, you’re increasing the chances that they’ll like the results they get within three months.
  • Regular check-ins. Clients check in with trainers or coaches regularly to review their progress, adjust workouts, and stay motivated.
  • Community-building activities/ From group challenges to social media support, you can create a sense of community around the program, which also keeps them engaged and accountable.

By offering this holistic, short-term solution, gyms can provide clients with the structure and support they need to see real results, without overwhelming them with long-term obligations.

Why a 90-Day Program is a Win-Win for Gyms and Clients

1. Commitment Beyond Month-to-Month

With month-to-month memberships, it’s easy for clients to quit if they don’t see immediate results.

But a three-month health reset program offers just the right balance. It’s long enough for clients to see real changes but short enough that it doesn’t feel like an intimidating year-long commitment.

People sign on for a 90-day program, and it’s up to you and your team to make them love it so much that they don’t want to stop.

It’s much better for everyone than offering a free week or a weekend challenge, which isn’t enough time for the client to see any changes or for you to prove your mettle.

2. Building Relationships and Trust

In a 90-day program, clients aren’t just signing up for a gym — they’re committing to a specific, guided experience. Market that.

So, your staff can build deeper relationships with them. Trainers can work closely with clients, regularly check on their progress, and offer personalized advice that makes members feel supported.

Personal attention builds trust, which builds retention rates.

Studies (and common sense) show that clients who feel supported by their trainers are 40% more likely to renew their memberships. A three-month health reset program provides multiple touchpoints to engage, motivate, and build rapport.

3. Attracting a New Demographic

People out there who are new to fitness and might be shy or have limitations on them. This could be a great way to attract those who wouldn’t want to sign up for a longer period.

Deconditioned people might be intimidated. 

Busy professionals might want a quick health boost.

Or people with big life events coming up, like weddings or beach trips, might just want to look better fast.

A short, focused program might be what they’re after.

Think about this: Every spring, countless people are desperate to get in shape for summer. 

That’s an annual opportunity to hook newcomers and keep them coming all year long. Market the “Ready for Summer” 90-day health reset program!

4. Upselling Opportunities

Another benefit of a 3-month health reset program? The opportunity to offer upsells.

Once clients start seeing results, they’re more likely to invest in personal training sessions, supplements, or extended memberships. You can also offer incentives, like a discounted rate for those who sign up for a longer membership after completing the health reset program.

Nothing is more exciting to new members than those early results. That’s powerful motivation to sell them more goods and services as an added investment in themselves.

Retaining Clients After the Program Ends

Of course, you don’t want these folks to disappear once their 90 days are up. You want to convert them into long-term members. Here’s how:  

  1. Discount longer memberships. Give them a nice price, say 15% off, to lock them into a longer-term deal. Everybody likes a deal, after all.
  2. Create a “graduate” program: Offer something “next level” to challenge them in new ways. Help them craft more challenging goals, set up specialized classes, and expand their awareness of what’s available.
  3. Celebrate milestones: Even after the health reset program, keep tracking their fitness journey. Celebrate their milestones in weight loss, strength gains, and number of workouts. Public acknowledgement is powerful.
  4. Encourage referrals: Happy clients are your best marketing tool. Offer referral bonuses to encourage them to bring in friends or family members.

Final Thoughts

The fitness industry is evolving, and gym owners need to adapt. As annual contracts lose popularity, creative solutions like a three-month health reset program can help gyms get and keep members.

They offer structure, support, and a focused path to success. That’s appealing to a lot of today’s fitness consumers – and they’re more likely to stick with you after initial success with your health reset program.Learn even more ways to grow your fitness business with Naamly’s free guide “51 Ways to Acquire Clients Without Facebook Ads.”