The lockdown massively accelerated our plans and gave us the time to invest in our content and a solution to deliver a really great experience.
The Challenge
When the UK went into its first lockdown during the pandemic, like much of the world, Fitness First had to quickly speed up its digital marketing strategy. Operating since 1993, Fitness First built much of the gym industry in the UK, and today they’re using innovative tech solutions to further grow the industry. With nearly 50 fitness clubs located across England (most in London), Fitness First started using JW Player this year for their digital fitness video strategy. Their marketing strategy uses an online video showcase, in-app WebView, on-demand workout videos, a robust newsletter, and live workouts to reach thousands of new & returning viewers each week.
With a wealth of knowledge about the UK’s fitness industry—including class instruction, equipment, customized workouts, and personal training—Fitness First needed a quick solution to get their existing fitness content online. Getting their brick-and-mortar teams to be able to work online required technical know-how and a straightforward solution anyone could understand.
[JW Player has] been pretty straightforward; it’s quite a simple and efficient ready-to-go tool which is really important.
We chose JW Player because of the support level that we get and the ‘sturdiness’ of the technological solution.
The Solution
With lockdown restrictions shutting down their physical fitness centers, Fitness First created an online video strategy to offer fitness courses not just for their members, but anyone. On a mission to lift people’s spirits and provide support for everyone’s fitness journey, Fitness First launched free fitness classes via their FitX player, powered by JW Player’s Showcase Videos are available on the web and through the DW Fitness First Core mobile app via WebView.
To differentiate with other online fitness brands, Fitness First utilizes its extensive knowledge of the industry through a regular video newsletter and a free content library accessible to anyone, including non-members. Making their content accessible provides them the opportunity to reach more potential customers and opens up a strategy for expansion in the future.
The Result
90
+ on-demand classes
50
+ hours live streams/month
700
+ daily plays VOD
With the help of a dedicated support and account team, Fitness First was able to transform their content strategy quickly. Using existing and new fitness training videos, Fitness First is on a path to build an entire fitness ecosystem for their members and the community at large, bridging the gap between their physical, in-person fitness centers and a new digital marketing strategy utilizing video & live streaming.