Do you struggle with running your own gym or fitness studio? Would you like to introduce something like gym marketing automation and you are looking for inspiration on how to come up with a good fitness ads? Stay with us in this article.
We will show you 20 examples of effective and memorable advertising in the fitness industry. Thanks to them, you will already know in what direction you should go when coming up with your own gym ads campaigns.
Ad Effectiveness
A well-strategized native advertising campaign can significantly boost engagement. For example, Rebel Sport saw a 20% increase in click-through rates (CTR) and a 22% reduction in cost per click (CPC) through targeted fitness ads (Outbrain, 2024).
Key Takeaways
- To be effective, gym advertisements should refer to the psychological aspects of human behavior.
- Gym membership ads can use the image of an industry expert, encourage immediate purchase of a limited-time offer, etc.
- In your gym ads, always refer to the specific needs of your target audience. You can reach them through gym marketing software. But to do it right, you need to know your potential customers.
20 Best Gym Ads Examples
The list of gym ads that we will present below is arranged according to a certain key. Those gym advertising ideas are effective and memorable because they refer to the psychological aspects of creating marketing messages. We will talk about this later in the article.
1. Nike’s “Dream Crazy” Video Ad
- Psychological aspect: Emotional Appeal
- Description: This ad features Colin Kaepernick and various athletes overcoming obstacles, inspiring viewers to push their limits and pursue their dreams. The emotional appeal of determination and inspiration makes it memorable and motivating.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: Inspire in your gym ads by showing your members’ past successes. For example through a gym crm.
2. Peloton Commercials
- Psychological aspect: Social Proof
- Description: Features testimonials and success stories from real users who have transformed their lives using Peloton equipment. Showcasing real people’s results builds trust and credibility.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: In your gym ads, show real stories of people who use your gym. This builds credibility. Of course, in accordance with the GDPR, always ask for consent to use the image of these people.
3. Gymshark Sale Ads
- Psychological aspect: Scarcity
- Description: Limited-time sales and exclusive product drops, often highlighted in their video ads, create urgency and encourage immediate action.
We would like to show them to you, but due to the limited offer, past ads are no longer available for viewing.
How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: In your gym ads, offer fitness services that are time-limited. This will encourage potential customers to respond faster. They can do it through a fitness booking software.
4. Gatorade “Sweat It to Get It” Video Ads
- Psychological aspect: Authority
- Description: Features professional athletes like Serena Williams endorsing the product. Leveraging the credibility of well-known athletes builds trust in the product.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: Start collaborating with fitness influencers and well-known people from the industry for your gym advertising campaigns. This builds trust among potential customers.
5. 24 Hour Fitness Free Class Trials Ads
- Psychological aspect: Consistency
- Description: Offers a free trial class to get potential members started. Encouraging initial commitment can lead to long-term membership as people prefer to stay consistent with their actions.
We would like to show them to you, but due to the limited offer, past ads are no longer available for viewing.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: Offer trial classes that will showcase your services. Once a person is encouraged, in many cases he will stay.
6. Planet Fitness “Free Pizza Monday” Ads
- Psychological aspect: Reciprocity
- Description: Offers free pizza to members on certain days. This builds a sense of community and gratitude, encouraging continued membership by creating a feeling of obligation to reciprocate.
![Pizza Monday initiative by Planet Fitness as one of memorable gym ads]. Source: Planet Fitness](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NjM0OjYwNA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODYiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4NiIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: Don’t limit yourself to only performing good fitness classes. Give something more from your gym. Coffee for a member’s birthday or free water with every monthly membership. Create a gym advertising campaign that will emphasize you have such a tradition in your place.
7. Apple Watch Fitness Videos
- Psychological aspect: Visual and Aesthetic Appeal
- Description: High-quality visuals showing the Apple Watch being used in various fitness activities. The visually engaging content showcases the product’s versatility.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: Create a fitness app and a gym advertising campaign showcasing your app. A visual reference always makes a good impression.
8. FitBit “Find Your Fit” Video Ads
- Psychological aspect: Clear and Compelling Message
- Description: Clear message about finding the right FitBit for various fitness needs. The simplicity and directness make the ad’s purpose easy to understand and remember.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: Show your ad a specific problem with a specific solution. For example, a given machine from your gym that helps you train a given muscle group. It’s best to show the effect before and after.
9. Under Armour “Rule Yourself” Campaign
- Psychological aspect: Storytelling
- Description: Features the story of Michael Phelps’ and other athletes’ rigorous training routine. Engages viewers with a compelling narrative of hard work and dedication, making it relatable and inspiring.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: Use storytelling to show the story of, for example, one of your trainers. This way you gain credibility and a sense of sincerity.
10. Facebook Ads for Local Gyms
- Psychological aspect: Targeting and Personalization
- Description: Targeted ads based on location and fitness interests. Personalizing the ad experience increases its relevance and engagement for the viewer.
We would like to show them to you, but due to the targeted location, past ads are not available for viewing.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: Storytelling in a good gym ad always works. Show a typical day of a member of your gym, from the morning when he doesn’t want to get up, but he takes his training bag, comes to the gym and gets great satisfaction from it.
11. YMCA “For a Better Us” Campaign
- Psychological aspect: Clear and Compelling Message
- Description: Focuses on the YMCA’s mission to improve communities through health and fitness. The clear and compelling message emphasizes community impact and personal well-being.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: In your gym advertising campaigns, show that the sports industry can contribute to society and the well-being of people. It may be a gym ad with a group of children who are training with a cool trainer, and otherwise they would be sitting at home playing Playstation.
12. Nike “Find Your Greatness” Campaign
- Psychological aspect: Storytelling
- Description: Features various individuals overcoming personal challenges to achieve greatness in their fitness journeys. The compelling narratives make the ads relatable and inspiring.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: Talk about overcoming your difficulties, which may be different for everyone. You can give an example of a specific person and show him as successful.
13. MyFitnessPal Targeted Ads
- Psychological aspect: Targeting and Personalization
- Description: Uses data to show personalized ads based on users’ fitness goals and behaviors. Personalizing the ad experience increases its relevance and engagement for the viewer.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: Best gym ads refer to a person’s problem or show that the gym is close to their place of residence. Get to know your target audience better and address them with personalized gym ads.
14. Planet Fitness “Judgement Free Zone” Ads
- Psychological aspect: Emotional Appeal
- Description: Emphasizes a welcoming and non-judgmental environment for all fitness levels. The emotional appeal of acceptance and community attracts a broad audience.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: Show your gym as a zone where everyone can feel at ease and achieve their fitness goals.
15. Fitbit User Success Stories
- Psychological aspect: Social Proof
- Description: Showcases real users who have achieved their fitness goals using Fitbit devices. Highlighting these success stories builds trust and encourages others to try the product.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: Inspire in your gym ads by showing your gym members with their past successes. Remember about the GDPR and every time you ask for consent to show the image of the client of your fitness center.
16. ClassPass Flash Sales
- Psychological aspect: Scarcity
- Description: Promotes flash sales and limited-time offers for class packages. Creating a sense of urgency encourages quick decision-making and purchases.
We would like to show them to you, but due to the limited offer, past ads are no longer available for viewing.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: In your gym advertising, offer fitness services that are time-limited. This will encourage potential customers to respond faster.
17. Bodybuilding.com Expert Tips
- Psychological aspect: Authority
- Description: Features expert tips and workout plans from renowned fitness professionals. Using authority figures builds credibility and trust in the brand’s content and products. Picture-Perfect Glutes and ab workout | Danielle Belanger
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: Invite well-known people from the industry to cooperate with gym advertising. Show their successes – a great figure and fame. This will encourage your target audience and build trust in the fitness brand.
18. Crunch Gym Free Trial Ads
- Psychological aspect: Consistency
- Description: Offers a free trial period to potential members. This initial commitment increases the likelihood of long-term membership as people strive to remain consistent with their actions.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: A single free invitation often results in longer cooperation. Don’t be afraid to take a financial risk, offer a free session with your personal trainers and create an entire fitness ad campaign about it so that your target audience can learn about it.
19. Herbalife Free Wellness Evaluations
- Psychological aspect: Reciprocity
- Description: Offers free wellness evaluations to potential customers. Providing a valuable service upfront encourages potential customers to reciprocate by purchasing products or joining programs.
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: Offer a free session that will be very valuable for gym goers. This is how you sow a seed. A lot of people will stay with you, you’ll see!
20. Spartan Race Ads
- Psychological aspect: Storytelling
- Description: Features participants’ stories of preparing for and completing the Spartan Race, highlighting their challenges and triumphs. Engaging viewers with these compelling narratives makes the ads relatable and inspiring
- How can YOU create your gym’s ad that way: Engage your gym ad viewers with amazing stories and impressive photos.
Effective Gym Ads - Psychological Perspective
Above we presented some ideas of good fitness business advertising. Creating effective gym ads needs to take into account several psychological principles to capture attention, evoke emotions, and prompt action.
Here’s the psychological theory on how you can make gym ads more compelling.
1. Emotional Appeal
Emotions drive decision-making. Fitness ads that evoke strong emotions, such as motivation, inspiration, and empowerment, are more likely to be remembered and acted upon.
- Example: Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign often showcases personal triumphs and transformative journeys, inspiring viewers to take action.
- Research: Emotionally charged ads are more memorable and effective in influencing behavior (Bagozzi et al., 1999).
2. Social Proof
People tend to follow the actions of others. Showcasing success stories and testimonials from satisfied clients can build trust and influence potential members.
- Example: Before-and-after photos, testimonials from happy members, and endorsements from fitness influencers.
- Research: Social proof is a powerful motivator, as demonstrated by Cialdini’s principles of persuasion (Cialdini, 2009).
3. Scarcity
Limited availability increases perceived value. Highlighting exclusive offers or limited-time memberships can create urgency.
- Example: “Join now and get 50% off for the first three months!” or “Limited spots available for our boot camp!”
- Research: Scarcity effects enhance desirability and urgency (Lynn, 1991).
4. Authority
Expert endorsements lend credibility and trust to fitness services.
- Example: Featuring certified personal trainers telling how to lose weight, nutritionists giving nutrition tips, or sports professionals endorsing the gym or fitness program.
- Research: People are more likely to trust and follow the advice of perceived authorities (Milgram, 1963).
5. Consistency
Commitment to previous actions can be leveraged. Encouraging small commitments can lead to long-term memberships.
- Example: Offering free trials or introductory classes in your gym ad to get potential members started.
- Research: The principle of consistency in behavior and decisions (Festinger, 1957).
6. Reciprocity
Offering something first creates a sense of obligation to reciprocate.
- Example: Providing free workout guides, nutrition plans, or trial memberships.
- Research: Reciprocity increases the likelihood of purchase (Cialdini, 2009).
7. Visual and Aesthetic Appeal
Visually appealing ads capture attention and are more engaging.
- Example: High-quality images and videos of fit, happy people working out in clean, modern facilities.
Research: Visual appeal increases engagement and recall (Pieters & Wedel, 2004).
8. Clear and Compelling Message
Simplicity and clarity in messaging ensure that the core idea is easily understood and remembered.
- Example: Direct and concise slogans like “Transform Your Body, Transform Your Life.”
- Research: Clarity in communication reduces cognitive load and enhances recall (Miller, 1956).
9. Storytelling
Narratives are powerful tools for engagement. A compelling story can make fitness clubs ads more memorable and relatable.
- Example: Ads that tell the story of a member’s fitness journey and transformation in fitness studios.
- Research: Stories are more engaging and memorable than simple facts (Haven, 2007).
10. Targeting and Personalization
Personalized ads are more relevant to the consumer, increasing engagement.
- Example: Targeted ads based on browsing history, preferences, and behaviors, such as showing yoga enthusiasts ads for new yoga classes.
- Research: Personalized marketing increases conversion rates (Montgomery & Smith, 2009).
11. Call To Action
In the context of gym ads, a “call to action” (CTA) is a prompt that encourages the target audience to take a specific, immediate action. This could be joining a gym, signing up for a fitness class, downloading a fitness app, purchasing fitness equipment, or starting a diet plan.
Effective CTAs are clear, compelling, and directly related to the ad’s message, often using phrases like “Join Now” “Get Started” “Sign Up Today” or “Try It Free”. The goal is to motivate potential customers to engage with the fitness service or product being advertised.
You can encourage your potential customers to enroll quickly if you offer a simple tool like gym booking system.
How to Show Your Brand
In your gym advertising, present your gym as modern, friendly, time-saving and easier for your members. You will achieve all this with a good gym management software.
Technology is more and more important in the fitness industry. Innovation in your service will show your business as different and better from the competition. Check opinions of the fitness business owners who already have tried a gym management software.
The best of such systems, like WodGuru, have, for example, the following functions:
Automating marketing with useful tools
Imagine a world where you don’t text or email each member separately. One topic, one announcement, information rushes to everyone. 🙂
And don’t worry if some of the members shouldn’t receive this message. Campaigns can be sent to various groups of contacts, including saved filters. Saves a lot of time, right?
Good gym management software will find customers who meet required conditions. It will send them an email or text message then. Don’t be afraid about the content of the message. It can be created manually or the owner can use an automation library.
Getting more bookings
Gym integrations and gym schedule software options are those features which help more clients achieve your place. For example, schedules can be also integrated on a gym website (embedded). You can easily change each class in the schedule:
- cancel classes,
- update coach,
- adjust start time
- inform members about any change done in the schedule.
Using Waitlists Not to Lose Clients Anymore
Use a gym management software feature called waitlist. When class is full (limit was reached), a member can sign up on a waitlist. When a member from the main list signs out, the first member from the waitlist can jump in.
WODGURU FEATURES PERFECT FOR FITNESS BUSINESS
- Gym CRM system that WodGuru provides allows you to access all your information from anywhere. It allows you to manage club members, register new ones, or find out if someone is skipping a workout. CRM is also a great way to communicate, get reports and information about club members.
- Membership App: today we are all on the run, and we have our phone at hand practically always! Therefore, you can also access WodGuru from your smartphone. You can thus check the status of your business as an owner, as well as the doings of your employees or club members.
- All-in-one software: one system, one place and full order. WodGuru provides maximum convenience and economy, making your club’s work intuitive. That means no more lost invoices, problems with passes or reports. Now everything can be in one place.
- Attendance list: club members sign up for classes and then don’t come? It’s time to put an end to that, because in WodGuru you can check who has arrived at the training, and who has to wait. In addition, such a form of keeping a schedule is also an opportunity to enter a reserve list for classes, so that you always have full attendance.
Start a Free Trial Today!
WodGuru streamlines tasks and enhances your workflow, saving you half an hour per member each month—one of the top-rated solutions for gym owners!
FAQs
To advertise your gym effectively:
- Identify Audience: Target specific groups like beginners or fitness enthusiasts.
- Highlight Unique Features: Showcase what sets your gym apart (special equipment, classes, trainers).
- Engaging Content: Use quality images/videos and include testimonials.
- Clear Message: Include a strong headline, call-to-action (e.g., “Join Now for a Free Week Trial”), and essential info.
- Multiple Channels: Promote on social media, local ads, and digital platforms.
- Incentives: Offer promotions or free trials.
- Monitor and Adjust: Track ad performance and tweak as needed.
To attract customers to a new gym:
- Offer Free Trials: Allow potential members to try your gym for free for a week or a few days.
- Grand Opening Event: Host an exciting opening event with special classes, giveaways, and demonstrations.
- Promotions and Discounts: Provide limited-time discounts on memberships and personal training sessions.
- Referral Programs: Encourage current members to bring friends with referral bonuses or free months.
- Social Media Marketing: Use targeted ads and engaging content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Community Engagement: Partner with local businesses and participate in community events to raise awareness.
- Online Presence: Optimize your website for search engines and maintain an active presence on review sites.
- Exceptional Customer Service: Ensure a welcoming environment and excellent service to encourage word-of-mouth referrals.
- Engaging Content: Post high-quality photos and videos of workouts, classes, and success stories.
- Special Offers: Promote discounts, free trials, and special events.
- User Interaction: Respond to comments, messages, and reviews promptly.
- Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with fitness influencers to reach a wider audience.
- Regular Updates: Post consistently to keep your audience engaged.
- Targeted Ads: Use paid ads to target specific demographics and local audiences.
- Hashtags and Trends: Utilize popular fitness hashtags and participate in trending challenges.
