Fitness Promos

Getting into shape is so much more fun and exciting today than ever – it’s no longer just bodybuilding and/or jogging. People of all ages begin to focus on their health and well-being, and physical fitness is a significant part of feeling – and looking – outstanding. For example, folks who love to feel the burn, sweat and enjoy the results (improved strength, posture, flexibility and endurance) but aren’t too keen on going to a gym or fitness center, can enjoy working out at home with on-demand digital fitness services like Peloton and Les Mills. Apps such as Aaptiv help people find what they like best both at home and at the gym, and educate individuals as to what’s most effective for them.

But fitness center memberships continue to grow, and new health clubs are opening consistently. According to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), the fitness club industry increased revenue by 7.2% from 2015, when membership total sales in the US reached $25.8 billion to $27.6 billion in 2016. Carrie Lewis, marketing and communications manager for BIC Graphic, observes, “With the development of specialized workouts like Crossfit or barre and new health programs like noom, the fitness and health industry is growing. This diversification means great things for promo because there will be opportunities for new clients and those who want to differentiate their offering from the growing competition.”

Late last year, the American College of Sports Medicine surveyed 2,038 fitness professionals about fitness trends they are seeing that will have an impact in 2019 (and thus, by the way, can help you as promotional products distributors to be current when offering ideas of fitness products.) The top trends include gym-goers using wearable technology to keep track of progress, to new yoga workouts (eg, Yogilates, hot yoga and power yoga), foam-rolling during warmup to enhance muscle recovery, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and body weight training. Oh, and of course, there’s the sports nutrition part of it – protein shakes and related supplements (often toted to the gym).

There’s ample reason to consider how clients may fit into this booming lifestyle. “With everyone being more health-conscious and leading active lifestyles, athletic and athletic-inspired apparel is booming,” says Gina Barreca, director of marketing for Vantage Apparel. “There are even more sport, fitness and wellness-related companies and events that require apparel for their employees that’s comfortable and doesn’t restrict their ability to move.  According to Entrepeneur.com, fitness franchises are on the rise with no signs of slowing.  From small boutique outlets to big box operations, staff uniforms and retail sales to members are growing opportunities.”

According to the website for Baudeville’s Pure Promo division, corporate wellness programs are a natural fit for this product sector as they provide numerous benefits and there are no downsides for the client or its participants. “Outcomes such as reduced absenteeism, greater employee retention, increased productivity and lower overall health care costs are just some. To produce these good results, it’s important to get as many employees as possible on board. One way to incentivize interest is through giveaways for those meeting certain program criteria.” 

And, think about the annual health month/week/day calendar, suggests Whitney Robinson, marketing associate, Vantage Apparel. “Observing special days, weeks and months dedicated to raising health awareness is a perfect way to incorporate promotional fitness/gym products.” Holidays like National Yoga Day are great for promoting a brand through fitness-inspired drinkware and tech, as well as performance apparel.” 

Items that appeal to users across a range of fitness levels are a good bet, in Lewis’ view. For instance, she offers, a resistance band set with multiple options (#41048) will work for a larger audience; from beginners to gym regulars. 

Further, “overall health and wellness is becoming more of a primary focus than just numbers on a scale,” Lewis points out. Items like tape measures and classic promos like massage balls reinforce the idea of wellness instead of weight loss.

Think about any health and fitness business that would attract individuals who are devoted to living active lifestyles, such as health food/natural products stores, juice bars, and trendy healthy food establishments; for instance, bowls are very hot. Just google healthy food trends/restaurants in your area.

Baudeville’s Pure Promo has a list of its top 10 fitness/gym promo products, among them are: clip-on pedometer, lip balm, hot-n-cold gel pack, gel sanitizer, towel, protein shake mixer bottle, and exercise body band. Drinkware with double-wall insulation is also preferred to keep drinks cool for an entire workout.

To carry gear, BIC also offers the KOOZIE® Summit Duffel (#16005) featuring a large zippered main compartment with interior mesh pocket and ventilated shoe compartment to help keep gym gear organized. Your client’s imprint can be front and center on the zippered pocket framed between two rows of looping accents,” Lewis describes, adding that eye-catching logos can be full-color imprinted on headbands, as well as cooling towels can help gain brand impressions while promoting a vibrant message.

But it’s more than catering to the programs and the trends in workouts. As more people find ways of working out and getting in shape – your typical T or fitted tank won’t cut it.  Expert Active Lifestyle Apparel offers the latest in tech fabrics that keep people of all shapes and sizes comfortable as they exercise or train. This supplier has distinct styles for men and women (and the clients catering to them) that are into running/racing, crossfit, hiking/climbing and yoga/pilates.

It’s the cutting-edge fabrics that will be highly appreciated to maximize activity and output with comfort. Tech developments from Expert Active Lifestyle Apparel include (AJ) oXy mesh™ described by the company as a high-performance micro polyester fabric with inherent moisture-management and breathability as well as antimicrobial that is meant to be used as a first layer; and (AI) - pk maX™, a moisture-managing double knit microfiber polyester material that the company described is “inherently ideal for high-performance.”

Vantage’s Vansport Zen Pullover (Men’s Style 3450, Women’s Style 3451), says Robinson is a versatile layering garment “that promotes balance within an active style. It comes in 8 colors and can take several decoration techniques, including mixed media,” she describes. “It's lightweight, breathable, stretchy fabric allows it to work well within the fitness industry, but can also cross over into tech as well.”

No matter the activity one chooses to get into or maintain shape, he or she will rely on a towel to help keep comfortable. Pro Towels offers several towel options for fitness clubs. Its Gym Towel with CleenFreek® antimicrobial technology (#TRU-24CF) is a large,100% cotton terry velour towel with stripes that the supplier says give it a “classic feel.” The hemmed Pro Vision Fitness Towel (#SUB-1144) measures 11"x 44" and features clear full-color graphics using Edge-to-Edge sublimation printing, and is made of 75% cotton/25% polyester. Pro Towels’ Gym Quillow (#GYM) is described as an “ultra-soft, microfiber towel that is lightweight and compact, folding up into its own pouch.

The towels can be used as sign-up gifts for gyms and other fitness clubs (tennis, swim, golf, racquetball), as well as yoga and martial arts and dance studios.

There are many opportunities to sell a fitness or gym-related accessory. As more people get into shape, a towel, a water bottle, even earbuds are all items that will be highly appreciated to make their fitness routines less of a hassle and more of an experience they look forward to.

CASE STUDY

Carrie Lewis, Marketing and Communications Manager, BIC Graphic: “A weight loss center was launching a marketing campaign around a new variation on its popular nutrition program. The packet included personal tips for success from a celebrity spokesperson and a ‘getting started’ packet. Sticky Note™ notepads (#P4A6A25) were included for clients to stick the meal prep plan directly on their refrigerator to help stay on track throughout the week. The sheets were printed with five alternating quotes and tips from the celebrity spokesperson for added motivation. The center received positive feedback from clients on the welcome kits and the Sticky Notes™ specifically. It also saw increased program renewals after introducing the starter packets with the new program.”