This article was updated. March 2024.
A 2017 gamification study performed by 12RND Fitness in Australia showed an increase in every single metric, for every club that participated, with members training for longer periods, more often, and at a higher effort level.
How did the fitness gamification study work?
The study took place over 21 days at fourteen 12RND Fitness facilities and involved more than 800 members. Utilising Myzone technology, 12RND Fitness reviewed the exercise data of its members involved during the 21-day challenge period and compared it to their exercise data 21 days before the challenge to assess the impact the challenge had on its member’s exercise behaviour.
What were the results on the effects of gamification in fitness?
On average, members registered 38% more workouts during the study, burned 38% more calories, and earned 41% more Myzone Effort Points or MEPs, which are awarded based on the member’s effort level for each minute of exercise, compared to the previous period.
For some, club members increased by over 80% compared to the baseline period.
In addition, the analysis showed overall exercise was 16% higher in the post-challenge period compared to the pre-challenge, suggesting the positive effect of the challenge continued post-challenge.
This supports other studies that have demonstrated the effect of gamification and Myzone in increasing visit frequency and effort, in turn driving member retention and results.
How can Myzone add gamification technology to your fitness business?
Through the Myzone system, facilities can create in-club challenges, team vs. team challenges, as well as challenge other Myzone facilities.
“Myzone is an important part of our product and member experience,” said Tim West, Founder of 12RND Fitness, “It helps our members track the intensity and regularity of their workouts as well as enhancing social accountability and camaraderie amongst the club community. In this case, it gave members a chance to represent their tribe in our club vs club challenge and members jumped at the chance to be involved.”
Find out how Myzone can boost your member engagement and get your members training for longer and more often.
For gym owners, personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and instructors, Myzone creates connected fitness experiences that keep communities moving. Embrace accurate heart rate tracking and real-time feedback powered by fitness trackers, gym screens, and an online social platform. Myzone rewards individuals for all physical activity, helping more people to live their best life, one heart beat at a time.
Myzone is used in over 9000 facilities across 84 countries. With MZ-Open, it’s now also accessible on Apple and Android smartwatches. Join us, united by movement, measured in MEPs.
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