College students are poor. Fact. Okay, thats a generalization; but let's be honest, it's true of most 18 to 22-year-olds. So the question is, how do we entice students who constantly debate whether or not they have enough money to buy groceries each week to spend extra money on fitness passes.
When you think about the prices Virginia Tech charges for all of their very diverse fitness programs, it's truly a steal money-wise. A full school-year pass runs roughly around $80 - I dare you to find that up in NOVA. You can't. The classes that are offered are diverse, at all times of day, and taught by our peers. I personally love taking the classes because when I'm surrounded by my peers I feel more accountable for my actions and force myself to work harder. All of the participants I've spoken to who purchase the pass love it; the problem is just getting people to buy it! I have a lot of friends who look forward to the two free-weeks each semester and it kills me because I just want to shake them and say "you could have this all year around dork!"
Small group exercise is currently the most struggling part of membership-based Virginia Tech fitness programs. Classes such as GRIT, HITT, and Statics are not included in the GroupX pass. They cost roughly $100 for an eight week session - a lot of money for additional fitness. In marketing we've been very dedicated to advertising the uniqueness of these programs and the added benefits working in small groups has on one's results.
Another struggle the program has is getting men to participate in the programs. The stereotype is that organized fitness classes are feminine and "real men" work out in the weight rooms. For the people who believe that, I dare you to try Body Pump and then try to walk up a flight of stairs the next day. Call me when you get to the top.
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