Youth Fitness Certification Wristbands

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Our youth members have privilege of using the Fitness Center upon completion of our Youth Fitness Certification. This certification, available in two levels, teaches them safety, etiquette, and proper usage of specific fitness equipment. The two levels are “fully certified” (they may use cardiovascular and strength machines) and “cardio only” (they may only use cardiovascular machines). On the fitness operations side, it was a challenge for our staff to know who was certified and in what. We needed a quick visual. Different colored silicone wrist bands were the answer.

With the wristbands, staff immediately can spot a “cardio only” member working out with a friend who has gone through the “full certification” on the weight machines. Staff members are able to correct this “accident” without any question, and quickly and safely return to their other duties.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

We purchased 25 yellow and blue colored silicone wrist bands, which are stored at the Fitness check-in desk. As youth members check in, staff hand them the correct color band, depending on the appropriate certification. Youth members wear the band during their workout and return it to the desk when they are done.

It is an inexpensive and simple way to remind the kids to follow the rules and for the staff to enforce them.