Text message marketing for gyms has become a powerful and cost-effective way to engage members, reduce no-shows, and boost revenue. With open rates exceeding 98%, SMS helps fitness centers reach members instantly, whether to share class updates, promote products, or simply send workout motivation.
In this complete guide, we’ll train you on the top ways to use text message marketing for your gym, share proven gym-related SMS templates, and help you get started with a strategy to grow your business.
Jump right to:
- Why Use Text Message Marketing for Gyms
- 25 Gym SMS Templates to Build Your Business
- How to Get Started With Gym Text Messaging
- Tips for Success With Gym SMS
<h2 id="Why">Why Use Text Message Marketing for Gyms</h2>
Gym text message marketing helps you stay top of mind with members and prospects. Here’s why leading fitness studios and gyms are using SMS:
- Higher open rates. 98% of texts are read, compared to only 20-30% of emails.
- Instant communication. SMS is perfect for schedule changes, emergency updates, or flash promos.
- Increased member retention. Keep members engaged with motivation messages and tips.
- Improved class attendance. Remind clients of upcoming bookings, send last-minute class availability, share schedules, and promote new instructors.
- Personal touch. SMS feels more direct and personal than other communication channels, making it the perfect method for building community and loyalty.
- Revenue booster. Promote new memberships, upsell supplements, or run referral campaigns to attract new members.
<h2 id="Templates">25 Gym SMS Templates to Build Your Business</h2>
Not sure where to begin? Use these proven, customizable gym SMS templates to enhance your fitness center’s marketing, operations, and customer engagement.
Opt In Texts
The first step to text marketing for gyms is to build your subscriber list. Today, many consumers opt-in to receive text messages from a business, usually by sending a text keyword to a short code, a 5- to 6-digit number that is easier for people to remember.
Opt-in text messaging ensures that you have obtained express written consent to send messages to your subscribers. This protects your business from the legal risks of spam text messaging and leads to higher open and engagement rates.
Hi [First Name], thanks for signing up to receive texts from [Gym Name]! To complete your subscription, reply with CONFIRM.
New Customer Welcome
Once people have signed up to receive text messages from your business, don't forget to welcome them! Schedule an automated text once a customer has confirmed their subscription and include important information to keep them engaged, like a link to a class schedule or a special offer.
Hi [First Name], welcome to [Gym Name]! Check out some of our classes this week to hit the ground running: [Link]
Hi [First Name], we’re glad to have you at [Gym Name]! Need a gym buddy? Give a friend a free one-week pass: [Link]
Class Schedule Changes
While last-minute changes to the class schedule can be frustrating, unpredictable events like cancellations and equipment maintenance do happen. Your members will appreciate it if you notify them in advance if classes have been rescheduled or if your gym is temporarily closed.
Hi [First Name]! We’re undergoing some equipment maintenance at [Gym Name], so we’ll be closed all day on Tuesday, 6/15. Check the revised class schedule on our website: [Link]
Hi [First Name], Sunrise Yoga on Monday, 6/21 with [Instructor Name] at [Gym Name] has been moved from 5 am to 6 am. Save a spot in class now: [Link]. Hope to see you there!
Changes to Operations
If your gym is planning on extensive maintenance or renovations, don’t forget to prepare your members with mass texting! Schedule text blasts leading up to the change in your operating hours so members aren’t caught by surprise.
Hi [First Name], we’re upgrading the group fitness rooms at [Gym Name]! Starting on [Day], [Date], our hours of operation will be [Time] Monday through Thursday, and [Time] Friday through Sunday while we renovate. See the updated class schedule on our website: [Link]
Hi [First Name], we just got a new set of treadmills at [Gym Name], so we’re opening an hour later every day next week while we install our new equipment. Check out our temporary hours of operation on our website: [Link]
Billing Reminders
With text marketing for gyms, you can easily schedule billing reminders to inform members about upcoming payments so they don’t forget. By using SMS messages to remind members about their membership fees, you can reduce the chances of delayed payments and focus on other customer service offerings.
Hi [First Name], it’s [Employee Name] from [Gym Name]! Just wanted to remind you of your upcoming payment for [Amount Due] on [Date]. Set up automatic payments on our website: [Link]
Clothing and Supplement Promotion
To build a stronger relationship with your members, consider offering special deals on fitness clothing and supplements that they might otherwise buy online. You can also use special offers as an incentive for members to sign up to receive texts from your business.
Hi [First Name], looking to try some supplements to boost your workouts? Use code SAVE15 for 15% off any supplements at [Gym Name], online or in our boutique: [Link]
Hi [First Name], thanks for signing up to receive texts from [Gym Name]! As a token of our appreciation, use code NEW10 to save 10% on all athletic clothing, online or at your [Gym Name] location: [Link]
Motivational Messages
Sending motivational texts is a great way to encourage members to continue coming back, especially if they’re new to the gym. You can also share information about group fitness classes or personal training packages to inspire your members to continue their fitness journey.
Hi [First Name], congrats on one month at [Gym Name]! We’re glad to be part of your fitness journey. Check out our latest class offerings to mix up your workouts: [Link]
Diet/Exercise Tips
Grow your SMS marketing list by offering subscribers weekly diet and exercise tips. Sharing valuable content is a simple and effective way to position your business as a reliable source of information about health and fitness.
Hi [First Name], did you know that only doing crunches won't eliminate belly fat? The best way to get abs is to reduce your overall body fat with cardio and strength training. Check out our personal training program to build a custom workout routine for your fitness goals: [Link]
Hi [First Name], what do you eat to get the most out of your workouts? Try eating simple carbs and some protein before hitting the gym to ensure you have enough energy. See a list of sample pre-workout meals on our website: [Link]
Membership Renewals
By segmenting your SMS marketing list, you can schedule automatic gym membership renewal reminders to your members based on when they signed up for a membership plan. Contact members close to their renewal date to remind them to pay any necessary fees.
Hi [First Name], your first anniversary at [Gym Name] is coming up! Renew your annual membership online today: [Link]
Hi [First Name], it’s [Employee Name] from [Gym Name]. Your annual membership will expire on 7/18. Would you like to renew your membership with the card we have on file?
Surveys
Collecting feedback from your members is the best way to learn about changing customer needs and desires. Text surveys elicit responses more frequently than phone calls or emails. Text survey questions should be short and to the point, giving you quick insights without disrupting your customer's day.
Hi [First Name], now that you’ve spent some time with us at [Gym Name], would you be interested in filling out a quick survey about your experience? [Link]
Hi [First Name], on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your experience with group fitness classes at [Gym Name]?
Gym Events
Hosting a seasonal bootcamp, charity workout, or nutrition workshop? Event promotion is one of the best ways to use SMS to grow your gym community. Sending invites via SMS can help you boost attendance and, because messages are direct and immediate, you can send last-minute reminders and updates with confidence they’ll be seen.
[First Name], join us this Saturday at 10 am for our Outdoor Bootcamp at Riverside Park! Bring a friend - it’s free!
Free Day Pass (Encourage new clients to come in for a free trial day)
Attract new members by offering a free day pass. Low-commitment offers help potential clients experience your gym without pressure. This strategy is especially effective when paired with time-sensitive promotions or events, creating urgency and increasing foot traffic.
Curious about [Gym Name]? Come try us out. Your first class is free! Show this message at check-in to redeem. See you soon!
Guest Pass Promotion
Inviting current members to bring a guest is a powerful way to increase referrals, grow your community, and offer added value. An SMS campaign promoting guest passes is especially effective around special events, holidays, or during slow seasons when you want to drive more traffic.
Use SMS to make it easy for members to invite friends and encourage them to text you back with guest details.
Hey [Name], who’s your workout partner this week? Members can bring one guest at no cost through Sunday. Limit 1 per day. 💪
Don’t miss our Guest Day Friday! All members can bring a friend for any class. Reserve your spot now: [Link]
Request Referral
Ask loyal members to refer a friend, and reward them when they do! SMS referral requests should be short, friendly, and incentive-driven. Plus, you can choose to automate these messages to go out after a member’s first month, workout class, or following a positive feedback survey.
Hi [First Name], share the gains! Refer 2 friends and we’ll waive your next monthly fee. Just have them mention your name at signup.
[Gym Name]: We grow when you do! Send a friend our way and earn a free personal training session. Reply REFER for more details ⚡
Birthday Message (Ex: Get a free class for your birthday)
Show your members you appreciate them with a personalized birthday text message. Whether you’re sending a free class, a discount, or a thoughtful message, birthday texts make members feel special and increase loyalty.
Use Textedly’s new Birthday Texts feature to automatically send these messages on the morning of their birthday, or even the week leading up to it!
It’s your birthday, [First Name]! We’re looking forward to a strong year ahead together. Enjoy 10% off any retail item this week – just for you.
Happy Birthday, [First Name]! 🎉 Celebrate with a free class on us this week. Just show this text at check-in!
<h2 id="How">How to Get Started With Gym Text Messaging</h2>
Launching a gym texting strategy is easier than you think, but taking a few smart steps early on will set your business up for success. Here’s how to get started.
1. Set a Budget
Decide how much you’re willing to spend each month based on your message volume, contact list size, and needed features like automations or integrations. Most SMS platforms charge by message volume, so it’s a good idea to figure out how much you’ll want to reach out each month before choosing a platform.
2. Choose the Right SMS Platform
Look for a reliable texting provider that offers features designed with gyms in mind, like:
- Mass texting and automations
- Two-way messaging
- Opt-in keyword support
- Compliance tools
- Birthday texts
3. Collect Subscriber Info
You’ll need permission to text members. You can build your SMS subscriber list using:
- Webforms with SMS opt-in checkboxes
- Keywords (like “Text JOIN to 90090”)
- Front desk signups or digital waivers
- Incentives like free day passes or guest entry
<h2 id="How">Tips for Success With Gym SMS</h2>
Boost your SMS return on investment and avoid pitfalls with these gym SMS best practices.
- Nail your timing. Send reminders 1-2 hours before classes and promos during off-peak hours.
- Use clear CTAs. Always include what the recipient should do next, whether that’s replying to sign up, referring a guest, or booking a class.
- Simplify your sign-up flow. Add SMS opt-ins into your waiver forms, online bookings, or onboarding emails.
- Honor opt-outs. Always include an easy way for subscribers to opt out of your messages, like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
- Stay relevant. Segment your audience to keep your messaging relevant.
Build a Stronger Community With Textedly
From motivation to membership reminders, Textedly helps gyms across the country turn casual visitors into loyal members. With SMS, it’s easy to stay connected to your fitness community through targeted, timely messages. Our intuitive platform allows users to schedule messages, automate follow-ups, and use built-in templates in minutes.
Start engaging your members today. Sign up for a free Textedly trial.
