Peninsula Leisure Centre is a leisure and aquatic centre that is owned and operated by Central Coast Council in New South Wales (Australia). The centre has been operating since 2005 and currently has around 1,900 members directly, and another 2,200 indirectly through Corporate programs such as Fitness Passport. Members are aged between 13 and 90+ years, with the ‘typical’ member being a female aged around 42 years. It is estimated that 50% of our members participate in group fitness.
Les Mills Asia Pacific (LMAP): LMAP: Tell us about your BODYCOMBAT 100 celebratory event
Peninsula Leisure Centre (PLC): On Tuesday 30 September the Leisure and Pools team achieved something remarkable when they hosted the largest BODYCOMBAT 100 group fitness class on the Central Coast (NSW)! This high-energy mixed martial-art inspired workout was not only a celebration of health and fitness but also a fantastic way to enhance membership engagement.
The indoor basketball courts at the Peninsula Leisure Centres were transformed into a vibrant hub of energy and community spirit. Current members, past members, friends of members, and other non-members (from the local community) all gathered, creating a sense of friendship among complete strangers. The atmosphere was full of nervous energy as the 101 participants lined up in synchronisation, ready to tackle the 100th Release of BODYCOMBAT.
Four seasoned and highly skilled Instructors enjoyed team-teaching in equal shares. They were:
- Mark: 20+ years’ experience
- Nada: 20+ years’ experience
- Helen: 10+ years’ experience
- Kylie: 8 years’ experience
LMAP: What were your specific goals for this event?
PLC: Our goals were to align with the following Central Coast Council Strategic Plan Objectives:
- L1: Promote healthy living and ensure sport, leisure and recreation facilities and open spaces are well maintained and activated
- L4: Provide equitable, affordable, flexible and co-located community facilities based on community needs
- To promote our services to the local community by offering a free event
- To reengage past customers/members – we acquired 4 new memberships on the night after the event
- To provide an opportunity for social connection.
Our aim was to attract 60 to 80 attendees, and we got 101!
LMAP: What was your investment for this event?
PLC: $500 in employee costs and marketing materials.
LMAP: What helped make this event successful?
PLC: Our marketing message was “Join the 100 participants for BODYCOMBAT 100!” We did wide promotion via socials, customer EDMs and in-house print marketing. And Instructors – who are invested in the success of our business and who are well connected with our members – also promoted the event.
LMAP: Tell us about BODYCOMBAT in your centres
PLC: We currently offer five live BODYCOMBAT classes a week, which averages around 20 participants per session. Our typical demographic in BODYCOMBAT classes are females aged between 35 and 65 years. Members love our outstanding, highly experienced Instructors who engage and connect with them so well, which is why our classes have been popular the 12+ years that we’ve offered them.
LMAP: Why is BODYCOMBAT so popular, globally?
PLC: The sense of community it provides. Also, because the intensity of the workout can be modified to suit most fitness levels. The program has been going so strongly for 25 years because of the star power provided by the Program Directors.
If your club would like to explore how BODYCOMBAT or other Les Mills programs can help attract, engage and retain members, contact your local Business Partnership Manager in Australia or Southeast Asia. Or to learn about becoming a BODYCOMBAT Instructor, go to www.lesmills.com.au/instructors/.
