Unlike WhatsApp communication, emails are still an undefeated and less intrusive way to reach members and prospective customers. But an average person receives 121 emails per day. So, how do you make sure that one from your gym lands in the inbox, gets read and is responded to?
Well, it entirely depends on your email marketing strategy. If you’re using those cookie-cutter, generic gym email templates, you need to change the way you do it.
Because modern gym-goers today expect more. They want relevance, personality, and purpose. And if you are lacking this, you may struggle retaining current members and converting new ones.
Remember, emails are no longer about spamming inboxes with class updates or discount offers. Rather, they are about building a brand presence via your fitness email templates, one that feels personal, useful, and engaging beyond your gym space. And how do you do that? This blog will take you through that.
Gym emails need an upgrade. Why
Emails don’t have to sound boring and spammy. Even gone are the days when newsletters and promotions were enough. Today, members crave an authentic connection. They want to feel like the email was written just for them. And honestly, with the tools that exist like automation, AI, segmentation, and behavior tracking, there’s no excuse not to deliver.
Generic subject lines like “Join our class this week” don’t hit anymore. Here’s what works instead:
- “Hey Jake, Coach Lily saved your spot for Thursday’s spin class.”
- You crushed 3 workouts this week. Here’s a protein smoothie on us 🥛”
These are not just better, they drive your members’ attention and make them come back for more.
Essential principles for smart gym emails
Among those 121 emails, why should your recipients consider reading yours?
Gym email templates are not sending a blurb of text and calling it an email. Good gym email templates follow a proper structure.
So, whether you’re copy-pasting some fitness email templates online as it is, making small tweaks, or trying to create your own, here’s what makes your email worth reading for members and prospects.
- Purpose and relevance over frequency
Don’t flood their inbox daily. Instead, let purpose and relevance lead the way.
Every email must have a reason, a welcome, a reminder, a reconnection, or simply an announcement. Be it big or small, it should be worth knowing for your members.
For example, it could be a new trainer in the house, a fresh gym wall to hang on, or something members will love knowing.
Remember, it’s not about telling them everything, but what’s relevant to them.
- Text, visuals, and scanability in balance
Have been sending those lengthy emails: only text, no visuals, structure and emojis? That bores readers real quick. Remember, balanced and scannable emails are everything. And the best emails are short, powerful, and easy to read in 30 seconds. The average member scans, not reads, emails. That’s why readability and layout matter just as much as the content itself.
If your email looks lifeless, readers lose interest. So here’s what to do to maintain the perfect balance:
- Keep a clear and concise copy (action words and simple language).
- Eye-catching images or icons (a real photo, icons for a calendar, or a GIF).
- Well-structured sections (in bullets or pointers or use single-column layouts).
- Bold CTA buttons with clickable links (Brand-colored and consistently placed).
- Mobile-friendly design (80% readers open on phones).
- Brand-aligned voice & visuals
Your gym has a personality; your gym email templates should too. Express your energy, whether fierce, friendly, familiar or fashionable. Use consistent colors, tone, and content style.
Whether you’re a gritty CrossFit box or a women-only bootcamp, your voice and visuals reflect that vibe consistently.
Simply match your tone to your tribe:
- High-energy fitness center? Use bold colors, confident words, and short, punchy phrases.
- Luxury boutique gym? Go for elegant fonts, soft pastels, and polished language.
- Family-friendly gym? Use inclusive language, emojis and a casual, friendly tone.
Pick visuals that reflect your identity:
- Stick to a core color palette across all templates.
- Use the same font family and image filter or style.
- Watermark your own image or add your logo subtly.
- Work smarter with AI
Do email marketing the smart way, not the hard way. Here’s where tools like Wellyx marketing software, Mailchimp can take a massive load off your marketing plate. This means you don’t need a full-time marketer to build impactful email journeys and effective fitness email templates.
Here’s how AI can upgrade your gym email template game:
- Segment your list (e.g, inactive vs. active members).
- Personalize subject lines (Mary, ready for 5 workouts next week?)
- Automatically trigger behaviors (birthday, missed booking, payment failure).
- A/B test copy and visuals for better open/click rates.
- Use templates smartly, but edit often
Templates are great; they save time. But template fatigue is real too. Especially if you are using the same structure over and over again. Your gym email templates should not feel borrowed or templates but reflect your brand’s voice and style.
Your members will sense it when emails are just templates, and when originally sent with human efforts. Try to:
- Add dynamic fields (name, class, last attended).
- Adjust tone slights per recipient type.
- Use fresh visuals or GIFs.
- Make CTAs look more like yours (not those overly repeated, “Book a class”).
- Mix formats occasionally to send a plain-text style message from a coach’s perspective.
Inbox ready: 20+ email templates your gym actually needs
Here’s a refined list of 20+ inbound and outbound emails, each with a structured layout, friendly tone, dynamic snippet, and image/GIF ideas. These are plug-and-play copies you can use directly in your CRM or email platform.
Inbound emails
Inbound emails are for people already in your club, new members, trials, or subscribers.
They get warm, value-led content: onboarding, reminders, feedback. Upsells and recognition. These build relationships, reduce churn, and encourage loyalty. Here are some gym email templates that you can use without sounding general:
1. Welcome email
Goal: Make a killer first impression.
When to send: Instantly after signup.
Subject: Welcome to [Gym name]. Let’s make your our OG
Email body:
Hey {{first_name}},
Excited to have you onboard. Here’s what your first week looks like…
{image idea: Photo of coach greeting member at reception}
CTA: Book your first class
2. New member onboarding series
Goal: Guide new members in their first 30 days.
When to send: Day 1, day 3, day 7, day 14, day 30.
Series breakdown:
- Day 1: Meet your trainer.
- Day 3: Class schedule.
- Day 7: Nutrition tips.
- Day 14: Motivation or challenge invite.
- Day 30: Feedback request.
Subject: Here’s a quick gym tour + how to book
Email body:
Hi {{first_name}} again,
It’s day 1, time to meet us virtually. Watch this short tour and see how to book your intro class this week.
{{first_name}}, you might be feeling anxious about the space and trainers. I get it.
But, don’t worry, the trainers here are as friendly as me. And just in case you still find any confusion, just reply to this email.
Happy to help.
Watch tour / Book intro class
3. Class booking confirmation
Goal: Reduce no-shows.
When to send: Immediately after booking.
Subject: Class Confirmation | [Date, time and coach]
Email body:
{{first_name}}, you’re booked for [class name] at 6 PM with Coach Sam. Don’t forget the mat and water.
Add to Calendar / Reschedule
4. Class booking confirmation
Goal: Reduce no-shows.
When to send: Immediately after booking.
Subject: [Coach name]’s waiting or “It’s almost time
Email body:
One hour to go. Got your energy ready?
Come with water and mats to nail your fitness goals.
Image/GIF: Countdown timer or waiting GIF
Reschedule or Reply
5. Class booking confirmation
Goal: Reduce no-shows.
When to send: Immediately after booking.
Subject: Cheers on your progress today
Email body:
{{first_name} We knew it…
[Trainer name] says you crushed it. You burned 245 calories today, and that’s great for a day. Keep going to see those amazing results
Image/GIF: Action photo from class or thumbs up GIF
How did you feel? Rate your class
6. Progress check-in
Goal: To keep members informed about their progress.
When to send: After a month or quarter, inform them about their progress.
Subject: High-five: 10 classes this month
Email body:
Amazing job, {{first_name}}.
You’ve hit 10 classes this month. That’s consistency and serious progress.
As a thank you, here’s a bonus session on us. Swing by and let’s keep building.
Image: Progress badge or bar graph
Claim your boost
7. Feedback request
Goal: Improve services & online reputation.
When to send: after a class or trial.
Don’t forget to give a link to Google/Yelp + an optional 1-click rating system.
Subject: Review request | Your feedback matters
Email body:
Hi {{first_name}}, quick check-in.
We value your feedback as much as your experience.
How was your last class with [instructor name]? Got 35 seconds?
Rate your experience below and help us grow.
Your feedback makes us better.
Rate us
8. Birthday email
Goal: To boost loyalty and make members feel special on their birthday.
When to send: On their special day, of course.
Subject: Happy birthday {{first_name}}, here’s your gift
Email body:
Happy birthday, {{first_name}}.
Only wishes aren’t enough to make your day, but here is a gift that will surely do. Enjoy a free smoothie or class today on us.
Image: Branded birthday or gift card
Claim your gift
9. Milestone email
Goal: Build loyalty.
When to send: After a member achieves a special level or has a special day.
Subject: Here’s to your first gym anniversary
Email body:
Wow, you’re one year strong. You’ve shown up, pushed hard, and grown stronger. Thanks for being part of our team, {{first_name}}.
We appreciate your presence every day.
Let’s run down your memory lane and progress over the year.
Image: Celebration graphic or group photo
What’s your favorite moment?
10. Re-engagement email
Goal: Revive inactive members (>30 days of no activity).
When to send: After a regular member has stopped appearing in gym.
Subject: We miss your energy. Get 20% off your first week
Email body:
Hi {{first_name}},
We know life gets busy and priorities change. But nothing is worth more than self-love and health.
Image: We miss your energy. Please return and get 20% off in the first week.
You were already close to smashing your fitness goals. And you still can do it.
We’re here to help you restart. Enjoy a 20% off on your return this week.
Redeem offer
11. Monthly newsletter
Goal: Update and engage ongoing members.
When to send: After a successful event or as a month highlight.
Subject: July highlights are in: Events, wins, & what’s coming next
Email body:
Hey {{first_name}},
August was packed with progress, sweat, and some seriously fun moments. Here’s your quick recap and what to forward to next month.
Member Highlight
Shout-out to Jordan K. for hitting 20 classes this month and staying consistent. You inspire the squad.
Photo Drop
A quick photo dump from our weekend bootcamp or the yoga pop-up. Tap here to check out the photos, we might’ve caught your best angle.
What’s Coming
Strength challenge starts September 5: sign-ups open now.
Bring-a-friend Friday returns on August 12.
Nutrition Q&A session with Coach Allie on August 19.
Pro Tip of the Month
Protein timing matters more than you think. Grab your smoothie within 30 minutes post-class for better recovery.
Thanks for staying committed this month. Let’s crush the next one together.
Image: Collage of monthly highlights or carousel-style photo strip
See photos & RSVP to events
12. Upsell / Add-on promo
Goal: Encourage more spending and upgrade the membership plan.
When to send: What time do you think is best for a win-win deal.
Subject: Opportunity knocks. You are chosen {{first_name}}
Email body:
Hi {{first_name}},
Congratulations {{first_name}}, there’s a limited-time offer for our most active members, and you’re one of them.
We saw you showing interest in PT sessions recently, and we really loved that.
So, you can add 3 PT sessions for $9 each this week only.
Try new sessions outside your schedule. Stay fit, confident and you.
Image: Trainer in action with a member
Avail the chance
13. Referral request
Goal: Encourage word of mouth.
When to send: When gyms want to increase sales and signups
Subject: Bring someone you love to class, and both get a free pass
Email body:
Love how you train here? Share the vibe.
Bring a friend next time, and you both get a free class pass.
More fun, accountability, and sweat with someone you care about.
Image: Two friends laughing and enjoying getting trained in the gym.
Send invite
14. Billing receipt/payment confirmation
Goal: Keep things professional and transparent.
When to send: After successful payment is made.
Subject: Your July payment of $49 was successful. See your invoice
Email body:
Hi {{first_name}},
Your payment has been processed successfully. Thank you for being with us. Your updated invoice is linked below.
Image: Receipt styled with gym logo watermark
Need help? Just reply or tap Support.
Download invoice
15. Failed payment reminder
Goal: To ask members to update or fix their payment issues.
When to send: After a failed payment or possibly before trying for second time to keep process smooth.
Subject: Oops–payment didn’t go through. Tap to update your info and avoid disruption
Email body:
Hi {{first_name}},
We noticed your payment didn’t go through.
To avoid disruption in access, please update your payment info. We’ve made it quick and simple, just tap below.
Image: Payment icon with warning overlay
Fix payment
16. Account update notification
Goal: Security and clarity purposes.
When to send: After password resets, app logins, and membership upgrade confirmations.
Subject: Your password reset worked. Log in with your new password
Email body:
Hi {{first_name}},
Your password has been successfully reset.
If you didn’t request this, let us know immediately. Ready to access your account and classes?
Download or open the app, and enter your new password.
Image: App icon or login graphic
Download app
17. Challenge invite
Goal: Build community & engagement.
When to send: Before a special event or challenge in your space.
Subject: 7-day shred-challenge starts. Win prizes, free coaching, and more
Email body:
Hey {{first_name}}, want to challenge yourself?
Join our 7-day Shred Challenge starting Monday. Daily workouts, prize rewards, bonus coaching and community support.
Up for it? Click to join, it’s time to step up
Image: Countdown plus group challenge photo
Join now
Outbound emails
Outbound emails focus on people outside your gym, like prospects, cold leads, or those who started but never committed. Tone is inviting, helpful, and low-pressure. These nudge curiosity, offer value and open doors without spamming.
Cold outreach email
Goal: To interact with potential prospects/strangers to try your gym.
When to send: The best time is to send before New Year (late December), or when summer vacations end, and the best time to send is in the morning and late afternoon.
Subject: Hi {{first_name}}, looking for a gym near [neighborhood]?
Email body:
Hi {{first_name}},
If you’ve been searching for a local gym that fits your goals and your schedule, here’s a free week pass to give us a try.
No strings. Just good vibes, great workouts, and a friendly environment.
Image: Open gym shot or smiling front desk
Claim free week
19. Follow-up after no response
Goal: Nudge customer to purchase or check out their shopping cart.
When to send: After a client showed interest in booking but left the process half-done.
Subject: You’ve almost reserved your spot, need help completing it
Email body:
Hey {{first_name}},
We noticed you didn’t finish booking your trial class. Need help?
We’re here. Or if something’s holding you back, just reply.
Your spot’s still waiting.
Image: screenshot of booking screen or button highlight
Complete your booking
20. Abandoned booking reminder
Goal: To encourage potential customers to book and get a quick virtual gym tour.
When to send: A client interested in signing up, but skeptical to take an action.
Subject: Still thinking it over? Here’s a 1-minute tour video
Email body:
Hi {{first_name}},
Wonder if you had time to check us out.
Here’s a quick 60-second tour video so you can see the vibe, classes, trainers, and community.
Hit reply if you need anything.
Image: gym interior or class video thumbnail
Watch tour
21. Seasonal offer email
Goal: Entice prospects with an offer to sign up.
When to send: Before the deal starts or ends. Add a countdown to create urgency.
Subject: Summer Shred Deal: $50 off memberships – today only
Email body:
This is real. For today only, join our Summer Shred Membership and get $50 off signup.
Access all classes, coaches, and community. Ready to make 2025 your fittest season yet?
Image: Bright promo badge overlaying class photo
Join now
22. Event invite (open house/seminar)
Goal: To invite prospects to attend the event and sign up if interested.
When to send: 2-3 working days before the event.
Subject: Free community workout this Saturday at 10 AM. Bring a friend too
Email body:
Hey there,
We’d love to see you at our open community workout this Saturday at 10 AM.
It’s free, friendly, and beginner-friendly, plus bring any friend, on us.
Come hang, sweat, and meet the team.
Image: Group class photo, friendly smiles
RSVP now
How to use these templates smartly (not spammy)
- Segment your audience – Don’t send promotional event emails to long-term members uninterested in upsells. Use smart tools like Wellyx marketing tools to automate this segmentation for you.
- A/B test your subject line and CTAs – AI-powered tools can automatically test variations and optimize for opens and clicks.
- Monitor engagement metrics – open rates, click rates, conversions, spam complaints. Adjust content or frequency accordingly.
- Ensure mobile responsiveness – Most people read email on phones. Clean templates with images/icons scale better. Make sure you send a test email to yourself first to check.
Real world workflow: How to manage it all
Despite having good gym email templates, you can’t rely on any random emailing tool because emails require more than just crafting, editing and sending. You have to segment, test, and monitor the emails as well. And for that, you need to choose a comprehensive gym marketing platform like Wellyx to keep things organized:
- Build segmented lists: leads, trial users, active members, inactive members, VIPs.
- Design an email template in the tool, including dynamic fields and visual assets.
- Set automated workflows:
- Welcome → Onboarding → Active/inactive triggers → Win-back → Renewal
- Use AI to generate subject lines, content snippets, and A/B variants.
- Schedule sends at optimal times (AI can optimize based on past data)
- Track metrics, open, click, conversion, unsubscribe and iterate monthly.
Wellyx marketing software offers exactly that: email creation, automation, segmentation, deliverability, and central event management, all tailored for fitness brands. So, you can create even journeys and run campaigns without coming back to send every email manually.
Final words
Remember, the future is personalized. Smart gym owners no longer treat emails like a chore. They treat it like a growth engine. With the right AI tools and mindset, you can write emails faster, convert more leads, retain members, and build a stronger brand.
Fitness email templates don’t mean lazy; they mean efficient. As long as you customize with personal touches, match your tone and energy and keep it relevant and timely.
Your gym emails can go from ignored to irresistible. And to make that happen, Wellyx gym marketing software powers you up to do it effortlessly.
Try Wellyx gym marketing module