Sooper Teamwork
Many health clubs have achieved success by relying on the philosophy that teamwork yields the greatest rewards. And while most utilize this approach with their staff, many others use it to foster camaraderie among members. But imagine what would happen if you integrated staff and members working toward a common goal. Sound dynamic? Just ask the Cooper Fitness Center about its Sooper Dooper Cooper Grooper (SDCG) program.
Designed to encourage group fun and goal achievement, the SDCG involved approximately 500 members who were “grooped” into 35 teams headed by a motivational staff member. For one month, individuals on the team recorded their own workouts, with team captains converting the workouts into points. Participants could receive points for any exercise — from aerobics classes to weight training to horseback riding — and all exercises were assigned an equal point value. Results were tallied weekly and posted in the main lobby. Midway into the program, the club hosted a “Blooper Day” in which each participant was invited to roll two large dice and perform a “silly” act determined by their roll. For instance, rolling “dance” and “wear” may mean dancing like a ballerina in a monkey suit. More than 130 people earned bonus points by participating in this portion of the program.
According to Assistant Fitness Director Sarah Stieve, the SDCG exceeded its goal of 300 participants, “grooping” close to 500 members, which is a 150 percent increase over the previous year. Each team’s total points were averaged by the number of team members, encouraging every person to do their part.
A $2,000 sponsorship from a local company covered the cost of the program, including the incentive prize.
