Does Specialty Fitness Equipment Increase Gym Membership Retention?
Yes — and the data from health clubs that have installed dedicated Ab & Glute Zones is striking. Facilities report a 38% decrease in membership churn, a 17% increase in monthly revenue, and a 10% increase in revenue per member after adding a dedicated ab and glute training area.
These aren't vanity metrics. They reflect a fundamental shift in what gym members want — and what keeps them coming back.
Why Members Leave (And What Keeps Them)
Member attrition is rarely about price. It's about whether members feel they're getting results. When members don't see progress, they cancel. When they have a specific area of the gym they love — equipment they seek out, a routine they're committed to — they stay.
Ab and glute training has become one of the most searched fitness categories in the world, with over 33 billion social searches annually. 82% of gym members report wanting to train both abs and glutes. The demand is there. The question is whether your facility is meeting it.
What the Usage Data Shows
Independent equipment utilization data tracked by Ecofit across Ab Coaster, Standing Ab Twist, Total Glute, and Glute Coaster machines reveals how differently members engage with ab and glute equipment:
| Metric | TAC Ab & Glute Equipment | Typical Strength Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Daily active use | 4.6 hours | 2.7 hours |
| Daily activity window | 8 hours | 4–6 hours |
| Utilization rate | 56% | 24–40% |
| Average use per hour | 46 minutes | 20–35 minutes |
The equipment doesn't just get used more — it gets used all day, not just during peak hours.
What Gym Operators Are Seeing
"It is the first thing we talk about on our tours. It's actually at the front. We make sure we have it visible." — Matt, Manager, XL Fitness
"We love the Ab equipment from The Abs Company. It is always in use and our members love it!" — Randy Vej, Owner, Planet Fitness Flemington NJ
"Members have been using it since it arrived here yesterday. I have not seen the machine empty yet." — Sammy, Manager, Planet Fitness North Miami Beach FL
"We have the Glute Lift Elite in both Planet clubs. They are so popular we need 2 units in each club!" — Harry Dodich, Owner, Planet Fitness Daphne and Fairhope AL
The Personal Training Multiplier
Health clubs with certified Ab & Glute Specialists on staff report:
- 207% increase in personal training revenue
- 209% increase in PT uptake among the 18–25 demographic
- 77% reduction in PT staff turnover
Crunch Fitness generated more than 50 personal training orientation sign-ups from a single 'Abs & Assets' event. The Zone doesn't just retain members. It creates a revenue center.
The Bottom Line
A dedicated Ab & Glute Zone reduces churn, drives consistent floor engagement, increases per-member revenue, and creates a personal training pipeline. The Abs Company has installed zones in more than 25,000 commercial facilities across 68+ countries.
www.TheAbsCompany.com | 1-866-219-5335
Ready to build an Ab & Glute Zone in your facility? The Abs Company offers complimentary layout planning and equipment guidance. Talk to our team →