How to Get More Google Reviews for Gyms & Fitness Studios

Get more reviews from your gym members with proven scripts, milestone celebration strategies, and perfect timing that converts.

When to Ask for Reviews

Timing is everything. Asking at the right moment dramatically increases your review conversion rate.

Best Moment to Ask

Right after a member hits a meaningful milestone-completing their first month, achieving a personal record (PR), reaching a goal weight, finishing a challenge, or receiving a compliment from a trainer. This is when emotions are highest, confidence is peaking, and they feel most connected to your gym. Celebrate the win, then ask.

Worst Moment to Ask

During membership sales pressure, when a member is frustrated about equipment availability or crowding, immediately after a price increase, or when they're visibly struggling or discouraged. Never ask new members in their first week before they've experienced enough value to form an opinion.

Milestone Celebration Board + Review Ask at Achievement Moment

Create a physical "Member Wins" board or digital display in a high-traffic area (near check-in or on social media) where you celebrate member achievements-PRs, weight loss milestones, consistency streaks, etc. When a member achieves something noteworthy, publicly celebrate them on the board (with permission), hand them a branded card congratulating them, and include a QR code with: "Share your [Gym Name] success story on Google!" The public recognition creates pride and reciprocity-they want to share their win and thank you publicly in return.

Gyms have a unique advantage: members experience transformational, emotional wins that they're proud to share. Unlike transactional services, gym members feel genuine gratitude when they achieve fitness goals. The key is identifying and celebrating these milestone moments, then channeling that emotional high into a review request that feels like an extension of the celebration, not a sales tactic.

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Copy-Paste Scripts to Ask for Reviews

Use these word-for-word scripts to ask happy customers for reviews. Customize the [bracketed] details for your business.

In-Person Script

Congrats on [hitting your PR/finishing your first month/reaching your goal]! That's a huge accomplishment, and we're so proud to be part of your journey. If [Gym Name] has helped you get here, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could share your story in a quick Google review. It inspires other people to take the first step. Here's a card with a link-takes just a minute!

Email Script

Subject: You crushed it, [Customer Name]! + A quick favor

Hi [Customer Name], We wanted to say congrats again on [specific milestone]! Seeing members like you crush their goals is why we do what we do. If [Business Name] has been part of your fitness journey and you've had a great experience, we'd be so grateful if you could share your story in a quick Google review. Your words inspire others in [City] to take the leap and prioritize their health. [Google Review Link] Keep up the amazing work! Cheers, [Your Name] and the [Business Name] Team

SMS / Text Script

Hey [Customer Name]! Congrats again on [milestone]-you're crushing it! If you're loving your experience at [Business Name], we'd appreciate a quick Google review: [Google Review Link]. Thanks for being an awesome member! - [Business Name]

Who Should Ask

Trainers and coaches should identify milestone moments and celebrate them in real-time, then hand members a review card. Front desk staff should track milestones (first month, 3 months, 6 months) and send follow-up emails. Create a culture where the entire team watches for and celebrates member wins.

Training Tip

Train your team to recognize "pride moments"-when a member is smiling after a workout, shares a win with a trainer, or posts progress on social media. That's your cue. Role-play the celebration + review ask so it feels genuine, not transactional. Emphasize authenticity: only ask members who are genuinely thriving and engaged.

Follow-Up Timing

Ask in person immediately after the milestone moment while emotions are high. Follow up with an email or SMS within 24-48 hours while the excitement is still fresh. For time-based milestones (first month, 3 months), send an automated email on day 30, 90, etc., celebrating their consistency and requesting a review.

Where to Place Review Reminders

Make it easy for customers to leave a review by placing reminders where they already look.

Physical Placements

Member Wins Celebration Board

Physical board or digital display near check-in showcasing member achievements with photos, PRs, and milestones. Include a small sign: "Reached a goal at [Gym Name]? Share your story!" with a QR code linking to Google reviews.

Review Request Cards at Front Desk

Branded cards with motivational copy ("Your transformation inspires others-share your story!") and a QR code. Trainers and staff hand these out during milestone moments or at check-in to highly engaged members.

Locker Room Mirror Decals

Small, tasteful decals on locker room mirrors with motivational copy and a QR code: "Feeling stronger? Share your [Gym Name] experience!" Catches members during a reflective moment post-workout when endorphins and pride are high.

Water Station Table Tents

Small table tents near water fountains or smoothie bars with member testimonial snippets on one side and a review request + QR code on the other. Captures attention during hydration breaks.

Digital Placements

Milestone Celebration Emails

Automated emails sent at 30, 90, and 180 days celebrating consistency milestones: "You've been crushing it for [X] days! If you're loving [Gym Name], we'd appreciate a Google review." Include link and personalized encouragement.

Post-Challenge Completion Emails

Send an email to all participants after a fitness challenge ends, congratulating them and requesting reviews from those who had a positive experience. Challenges create camaraderie and shared wins-leverage that energy.

Social Media Story Shoutouts with Review CTA

Post Instagram/Facebook stories celebrating member milestones (with permission) and include a "Leave us a review!" swipe-up link. Feature a "Member Love" story highlight showcasing past reviews to encourage participation.

Membership App Push Notifications

If you have a member app, send push notifications after milestone workouts (e.g., "You've completed 20 workouts this month!") with a review request link. Timing is key-send it when they're feeling accomplished.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about getting more Google reviews for your gyms & fitness studios business.

The best time is right after a member hits a meaningful milestone-finishing their first month, achieving a PR, reaching a goal weight, or completing a fitness challenge. This is when emotions, pride, and gratitude peak. Catch them in that high moment and the review ask feels like a natural extension of the celebration.
No. New members haven't experienced enough value yet to leave a meaningful review. Wait until they've completed at least 30 days or hit their first milestone. Asking too early feels pushy and may backfire. Let them build a relationship with your gym first.
Respond quickly and empathetically. Acknowledge the frustration, explain what you're doing to address it (e.g., "We're adding new equipment next month" or "We offer off-peak discounts to help with crowding"), and invite them to discuss it offline. Show prospective members you take feedback seriously and are committed to improvement.
No. Google prohibits offering incentives (free services, discounts, merchandise) in exchange for reviews. You can ask for reviews, make the process easy, and celebrate members who leave them, but you cannot offer anything of value in return. Violations can result in review removal or penalties to your Google Business Profile.
Respond professionally and transparently. Acknowledge their frustration, explain your policy clearly (e.g., "Our 30-day notice policy is industry-standard and allows us to maintain affordable rates"), and offer to discuss further offline. Prospective members will see how you handle conflict-stay calm and factual.
Make it about celebrating member wins, not selling. Train staff to recognize milestone moments and frame the review ask as: "Your story could inspire someone else to start their fitness journey." Provide tools like celebration cards with QR codes. When staff see reviews bring in new members, they'll feel motivated, not pushy.
Yes. Responding to every review shows you value your members and are actively engaged. Personalize responses-mention the specific milestone or compliment they shared. Prospective members read your responses to gauge your community culture, so make them warm, authentic, and encouraging.
Aim for at least 100-200 reviews with a 4.5+ star average. Gyms are a recurring investment and lifestyle commitment, so people research heavily. Consistent volume matters-getting 10-20 new reviews per month signals an active, thriving community. Steady growth beats one-time pushes.