In the ever-evolving fitness industry, member engagement and member retention are paramount for the success of any facility.

The YMCA of Southern Nevada, particularly the Centennial Hills branch in Las Vegas, recognized the need to innovate and adapt to the changing preferences of their diverse member base. Partnering with Wexer Virtual represents a strategic move towards enhancing member engagement and retention.

To address the challenge of serving a diverse population, they partnered with Wexer to implement Wexer Virtual fitness and wellness content, a cost-effective and versatile solution designed to offer a wide array of virtual fitness and wellness classes.

The YMCA Mission and Purpose for Communities

The YMCA has long been a cornerstone of community well-being, with a mission centered on nurturing the potential of every individual, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. The YMCA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

The YMCA of Southern Nevada is no exception, providing a safe and welcoming environment where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can come together to improve their physical and mental health.

The YMCA’s commitment to community engagement extends beyond physical fitness. They offer a range of programs and services that address various aspects of well-being, including youth development, family support, and social services. By promoting values such as honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring, the YMCA strives to create a positive impact on individuals and communities alike.

YMCA Challenges

The YMCA of Southern Nevada faces a unique set of challenges. With a mission to serve all members of the community, they needed to find diverse ways to cater to individuals who may feel intimidated or uncomfortable participating in traditional group exercise settings. Additionally, there was a strong desire to integrate youth wellness programs seamlessly into the facility, providing younger members with accessible and engaging fitness content.

How YMCA’s Help Communities Overcome Challenges

• Health and Wellness: Addressing obesity, promoting physical activity, and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
• Youth Development: Providing safe after-school programs, mentoring, and educational support.
• Social Isolation: Creating a sense of community and belonging through social activities and programs.
• Financial Barriers: Offering financial assistance for memberships and programs to ensure inclusivity.
• Safety and Supervision: Offering safe spaces for children and teens during out-of-school times.
• Chronic Disease Prevention: Providing programs to prevent and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
• Mental Health Support: Offering programs and resources that support mental health and well-being.
• Skill Development: Providing opportunities for skill-building and personal development through various classes and workshops.
• Family Support: Offering programs that strengthen family bonds and provide parenting resources.
• Community Engagement: Fostering civic engagement and volunteerism to build stronger communities.

Why The Wexer Virtual Solution?

YMCA Centennial Hills chose Wexer for several reasons. The primary factor was the extensive library available on Wexer’s platform. With a wide selection of virtual classes, Wexer offers something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned fitness enthusiasts. This diversity ensures that all members can find classes that suit their interests and fitness levels.

Moreover, YMCA needed a stable and reliable platform. Wexer’s Virtual Player provides a consistent and high-quality user experience, which is crucial for maintaining member satisfaction and engagement. This flexibility is invaluable for experimenting with different fitness formats and understanding member preferences.

Wexer has the ability for us to try new formats that may be of interest to our membership base prior to a formal program launch to gauge interest.”

~ Brianna Barber, Executive Director at YMCA ~

Wexer’s Virtual Player is an innovative solution designed to deliver a wide range of virtual fitness classes. This platform allows YMCA Centennial Hills to offer members access to an extensive library of classes, available on-demand.

Key Benefits Of The Wexer Virtual Player For The YMCA

• Diverse Class Offerings: From yoga and pilates to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and dance, the Virtual Player caters to a broad spectrum of fitness interests.
• User-Friendly Interface: Members can easily browse and select classes that fit their schedule and preferences, making it convenient to incorporate fitness into their daily routines.
• Youth Wellness Integration: The platform includes specialized programs designed for younger members, promoting healthy habits and physical activity from an early age.
• Flexibility for Experimentation: YMCA can trial new fitness formats and gauge member interest before committing to full-scale program launches, ensuring that the offerings align with member needs and preferences.

How Member Engagement Influences Member Retention

• Member engagement is a critical factor that directly influences member retention. Here are several ways in which increased engagement leads to better retention with virtual content:
• Enhanced Satisfaction: Engaged members are more satisfied with their experience. When members feel that their needs and preferences are being met, they are more likely to remain loyal to the facility.
• Personal Connection: Engagement fosters a sense of community and belonging. When members form personal connections with staff and other members, they develop a stronger emotional attachment to the facility, making them less likely to leave.
• Increased Value Perception: Engaged members perceive higher value in their membership. By participating in various programs, classes, and events, they see tangible benefits, reinforcing their decision to stay.
• Consistent Attendance: Engaged members are more likely to attend regularly. Consistent participation in activities and classes creates a routine, making it a habit to visit the facility frequently.
• Positive Word of Mouth: Engaged members are often more vocal advocates. They are more likely to share their positive experiences with friends and family, potentially bringing in new members and reinforcing their own commitment.
• Feedback and Improvement: Engaged members provide valuable feedback. Their input can help the facility improve and adapt its offerings, ensuring that the programs and services remain relevant and appealing.
• Program Participation: Engaged members participate in a variety of programs and events. This diversity in participation keeps their experience fresh and exciting, reducing the likelihood of boredom or burnout.
• Increased Accountability: Engaged members often feel a sense of accountability. Whether through relationships with instructors or fellow members, this accountability helps keep them motivated and committed to their fitness journey.
• Customized Experience: Engagement allows for a more personalized experience. When members feel that programs and services are tailored to their individual needs and goals, they are more satisfied and less likely to seek alternatives.
• Emotional Investment: Engagement leads to a deeper emotional investment in the facility. Members who feel emotionally connected to the mission, values, and community of the facility are more likely to stay long-term.

The strategic partnership between YMCA Centennial Hills and Wexer shows the commitment towards enhancing YMCA member engagement and member retention. By implementing the Wexer Virtual Player, YMCA can offer a diverse array of virtual fitness classes that cater to the unique needs and preferences of their members. This innovative solution not only addresses current challenges but also positions YMCA Centennial Hills as a forward-thinking facility committed to the well-being of its community.

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