Skip to content

Fitness is BS.

  • Library
  • Blog
  • How this works
Fitness is BS.
  • Woman resting with a water bottle beside a giant red zero, illustrating gym bundle pricing and why 'free' beats '$0'
    Behavioural Economics | Cognitive Biases | Fitness Marketing | Fitness Sales

    Why ‘Free’ Outperforms ‘$0’ in Pricing

    ByRay Smith July 12, 2026July 13, 2026

    You bundle things. The membership comes with an intro PT session, the 10-class pack throws in a nutrition consult, the upgrade tier includes a programme review you’d otherwise charge for. One of the most important decisions you make is how to approach gym bundle pricing. At some point you decided how to write that second…

    Read More Why ‘Free’ Outperforms ‘$0’ in PricingContinue

  • The free month that does nothing for retention
    Behavioural Economics | Cognitive Biases | Fitness Retention

    The free month that does nothing for retention

    ByRay Smith June 21, 2026June 21, 2026

    Research shows generosity to your best members sets a precedent, not a debt. Why the free month confirms their status instead of improving retention.

    Read More The free month that does nothing for retentionContinue

  • Auto renewing member enjoying her gym session
    Behavioural Economics | Cognitive Biases | Fitness Marketing | Fitness Sales

    Science Behind Turning an Auto-Renewing Member Into a Loyal One

    ByRay Smith June 14, 2026August 13, 2026

    Auto-renewal makes your retention look healthy, but a renewal only tells you a member hasn’t cancelled. Here’s what behavioural research says actually turns an auto-renewing member into a loyal one, and the two onboarding mistakes that cost you both.

    Read More Science Behind Turning an Auto-Renewing Member Into a Loyal OneContinue

  • Woman reviewing gym membership options on laptop — choice architecture gym membership
    Behavioural Economics | Cognitive Biases | Fitness Marketing | Fitness Sales

    How Gym Membership Pages Lose Sales to Price

    ByRay Smith May 6, 2026May 6, 2026

    The order you present gym membership options determines what prospects decide with. Research shows price wins by default — not because it should.

    Read More How Gym Membership Pages Lose Sales to PriceContinue

  • Gym membership pricing comparison showing partitioned pricing format with separate joining fee and monthly rate
    Behavioural Economics | Fitness Marketing | Fitness Sales

    The Joining Fee Paradox: What Partitioned Pricing Research Says Gyms Are Getting Wrong

    ByRay Smith April 26, 2026April 26, 2026

    Why gyms waiving the joining fee may be solving the wrong problem. Partitioned pricing research suggests two numbers can outsell one. Same total cost.

    Read More The Joining Fee Paradox: What Partitioned Pricing Research Says Gyms Are Getting WrongContinue

  • A friendly gym instructor helps a new male member sign up at the reception desk, a crucial moment for applying gym pricing psychology to ensure long-term member retention.
    Behavioural Economics | Cognitive Biases | Fitness Marketing | Fitness Retention | Fitness Sales | Uncategorised

    How Pricing Psychology Impacts Gym Member Retention Strategies

    ByRay Smith October 12, 2025April 24, 2026

    Pricing strategy impacts gym member retention significantly by influencing mindset. Focusing on community over transactions fosters loyalty, while emphasis on costs can trigger “Calculator Mode,” weakening connections. Effective strategies include creating “money-free” zones and designing simple pricing pages, ultimately pivoting membership from being transactional to an integral part of a member’s identity.

    Read More How Pricing Psychology Impacts Gym Member Retention StrategiesContinue

© 2026 Fitness is BS. ray.smith@fitnessisbs.com

Loading Comments...
  • Library
  • Blog
  • How this works