Over 10 years ago, the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South began a partnership with Matrix Fitness. Fast forward to the present, and James Corrigan, the district vice president of operations, said the Y has seen numerous advantages from working with Matrix.
“The benefits have been astronomical,” said Corrigan. “It’s been amazing when it comes to our focus with operations and how we can continue to grow new member acquisition. To do that, you must have a top product. We found that in Matrix when it comes to strength, cardio and multi-functional equipment, and being adaptable to what our members want and providing the best possible experience.”
Below, Corrigan, details the Y’s full partnership with Matrix Fitness, benefits to members, surprises along the way and more.
Why did you decide to partner with Matrix Fitness? What problem were you looking to solve; or what solution were you looking to incorporate?
We partnered with Matrix as we were looking at innovative strategies and types of equipment to put in our branches. Some of those things were around strength and cardiovascular endurance. So, how could we make sure we had the top performing products in our centers to enhance the experience a member would have on a piece of cardio or strength equipment?
That was the main piece of how we could partner with Matrix. We looked at our spaces and the footprints of their units and how that would work in our centers to best provide an incredible experience through our branches.
What are the benefits to your business as a result of this partnership?
As we continue to bring in new members and retain current ones, the benefits of working with Matrix have been phenomenal through the education and training on their products. They ensure we have service for the pieces of equipment we have in a timely fashion. It’s been a fantastic benefit of working with Matrix.
What are the benefits to your members as a result of this partnership?
The benefit to members is having something new and attractive in the center that provides a positive experience. One of the things with Matrix Fitness equipment is it’s very user friendly. At the end of the day, when you have a health seeker coming into a facility who has never used a piece of cardio or a strength equipment — is it user friendly for them? Is it easy to use? How is it something that’s going to drive them back into the center? We’re always looking at ways we can continue to drive foot traffic.
One of the exciting things members love when they see these pieces is when a refresh happens with this equipment, they’re always looking forward to it. They ask, “What will the new Matrix piece look like? How is it going to change? What are the things we’re going to be able to do to continue to hit our goals?” So, members love the new pieces of equipment, resources around it and the technology.
Have you been pleasantly surprised by working with Matrix Fitness in any way?
I was a wellness director when we first partnered with Matrix, and over the last two years I’ve moved into a role where I oversee all the health and wellness for our YMCA. Through working with Matrix on a direct level, it’s been fantastic to see the culture they have within their organization and the care they have for customers. The surprise was when I went to their corporate office and experienced everything happening there. Working with the Matrix Fitness team over the last several years in this space has been so rewarding when it comes to building a partnership.
Matrix sells fitness equipment, but the team is focused on how they can serve members better, and how they can provide a high-quality program on their machines and units. It’s been a really cool experience of being able to provide feedback in the health and wellness space of what could be improved on the equipment, and them being an open ear to hearing those things and working to continue to pour into our community. The philanthropic dollars Matrix provides — outside of just equipment sales — has been great to see over the last 10 years just how much they care about the communities they’re in.
What else can you tell other rec center professionals about the benefits of working with Matrix Fitness?
I think anyone looking at providing an RFP to get equipment — dig into that conversation with Matrix. Ultimately, make sure you have a vision of what you’re looking for and provide that to Matrix. Because if you have a strategic idea of what you want to do, they’re going to provide layout technology, square footage of your space and everything you may need to offer the best programming space. They make sure your members feel comfortable and love the equipment. Anyone that’s out there looking, I would encourage them to figure out what they want for their space, and then allow Matrix to provide the layout for your facility.
