You know how to bring energy and get engagement within your classes – but what about when the session is over? Discover how to keep up the momentum and build loyalty outside of the studio.

Exercise instructor talking to member at gym

Staying connected outside of sessions is just as important as what happens during them. It helps build trust, boosts motivation, and keeps your community strong – especially when life gets busy or routines change.

And here’s the good news: you don’t need to switch into “marketing mode” to make it happen. The best engagement comes from simply being your authentic self – the same encouraging, supportive person your members love seeing in class. Whether you’re checking in on WhatsApp, posting on Facebook, or planning a casual meet-up, it’s all about maintaining a sense of care and connection.

If you’re ready to keep the community spirit alive beyond the studio walls, take a look at the 10 ways to engage your members outside of the class below. Note that you don’t have to do them all! Hand-pick the ones that work best for you and your community:

  • Send a weekly or monthly email round-up

    If you already use email, a simple weekly message can go a long way. Share updates, tips, shoutouts, or anything that keeps your members feeling in the loop. Maybe you want to nominate a star of the week? Or provide specific info after a question was asked in class. Email is a great way to show your members you’re paying attention and show your appreciation and expertise. 

  • Create a WhatsApp or Messenger group

    A WhatsApp group is one of the easiest ways to build community. You can share class reminders, celebrate wins, or post quick motivational messages. Your members can share their own pics and progress too. Just be sure to get permission before adding people in, and keep the tone light and inclusive.

  • Use Facebook to stay visible

    Even one or two Facebook posts a week can keep your name and classes front of mind. Use it to share photos, class updates, behind-the-scenes clips, or a midweek tip. Encourage your members to engage by asking questions or using polls. 

    Pro tip: Share your posts to stories to be featured at the top of your members’ home feeds. 

  • Celebrate member milestones

    Noticed someone attend five classes in a row? Or take part in their first session after a break? Celebrate it! A small shoutout in class or on Facebook makes people feel seen – and it encourages others to stick with it too. Maybe your gym or class space has a pinboard you can use to host a leaderboard? As your members walk by, they’ll be reminded of your class even when you’re not in the session.

  • Run community challenges

    Try a hydration tracker, step count challenge, or five-minute morning movement goal. Challenges keep people motivated between classes – and give them a reason to check in with you (and each other). They don’t all need a smart watch to do it. Most people carry their phones, and there are lots of free tracker apps available. 

  • Post-class meet up sessions

    Connection deepens when you move beyond the workout. Invite your class to hang around after your session for  a quick coffee after class, a casual walk, or a monthly brunch. This can help your class become more like community, and the community feel more like friends. It doesn’t have to be fancy – just friendly.

  • Share bonus content

    You have a lot of expertise and it pays to share it, because when your class feel looked after with advice, they build trust and allegiance to you as an instructor. If you’ve got a favourite stretch sequence or a smoothie recipe, post it in your WhatsApp group, Facebook page and/or email. It’s little extras like these that add value and show you care about your members’ wellbeing beyond the workout.

  • Ask for feedback (and listen)

    Every once in a while, add a poll in your WhatsApp group or ask a quick question on Facebook.  What class times work best? What music do they love? Asking questions will help your members to feel listened to and will help you to respond to their needs better, creating a class they’re more likely to enjoy and keep coming back to.

  • Make it personal

    How do you feel when someone remembers a detail about you, like your birthday? It makes you feel seen, doesn’t it? What if you missed an appointment for something and they check-in with you? These are the things that people remember, so check in if someone missed a class,  remember birthdays, mention a win they shared. That way you’re building connection that goes beyond the gym floor.  

  • Keep a simple, consistent rhythm

    You don’t need to do everything, and you don’t need to do it daily. Start with a rhythm that works for you. One message a week in WhatsApp, one post on Facebook, one casual meet-up a month. Keeping it consistent builds trust.

A simple month-long engagement plan

Here’s an easy-to-follow monthly schedule using just WhatsApp, Facebook, and in-person connection. Tweak it to suit your style and availability:

Social post MondaySocial post ThursdaySocial post SaturdayWhatsAppIn Person
Week 1“What to expect this week” post
Workout tip or myth-busting post
Member shoutout or winWelcome message & class reminder
Week 2New playlist or class preview

Motivational quote or challenge tease
Behind-the-scenes instructor videoMidweek motivational check-inCoffee invite after Sunday class
Week 3Mini-challenge intro post

Poll: favourite stretch or moveNutrition or wellness tip Challenge encouragement/ reminderStretch circle after class
Week 4Class highlights collageMember testimonial or review post“Thank you for a great month” postEnd-of-month thank-you & reminder

Keep the energy going

Creating connection outside of class isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing things that feel meaningful – and manageable. When you engage in ways that reflect your true personality, your members will naturally feel closer to you and to each other. That builds class consistency and a more secure ongoing revenue. 

EMD UK is here to support you in building a thriving, loyal community. From insurance and webinars to one-to-one support, we’ve got your back – inside and outside the studio.

EMD UK is the only governing body dedicated solely to the group exercise community. Our members benefit from our guidance, CPD-accredited courses and over 250 resources. Pro membership with insurance starts from just £51 annually.

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