By Joshua Swalwell | Success Coach at Promotion Vault
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes a workout stick.
Not just what gets someone in the door, but what turns a casual gym-goer into someone who shows up, week after week, because they actually enjoy the process.
That’s why this recent stat caught my eye:
Time spent using free weights has increased by 366% since 2012.
Strength training isn’t just having a moment—it’s changing the game. And it’s not just happening in boutique lifting gyms. Big-box brands like Crunch and Planet Fitness are doubling down, expanding their strength zones and investing in new equipment.
Why? Because people want to feel powerful. They want to see progress. They want to track that progress—and maybe even show it off a little. And strength training delivers on all of that.
Here’s the part that gets me excited: Strength is measurable. It’s habit-forming. And it’s incredibly personal.
At Promotion Vault, we help fitness brands tap into this kind of momentum with gamified rewards. We turn effort into engagement by recognizing and rewarding consistency, progress, and community participation.
But here’s the real human side of this:
Think about the person who just started lifting for the first time. They’re intimidated. They’re not sure if they belong in the squat rack yet. But then they get a simple message:
“Complete 8 strength workouts this month and earn a reward.”
That small nudge—that little dopamine hit—might be exactly what helps them stick with it.
Or the member who’s been grinding quietly for months finally hits a PR. What if the gym knew that and sent them a surprise $5 gift card with a note that says, “We see you. Keep going.”
That’s not just gamification. That’s connection.
So what does this mean for gym owners and operators?
As strength training continues to grow, there’s a massive opportunity to not only build spaces—but to build systems that motivate, reward, and retain.
If we can help people feel seen for their progress—especially in something as goal-driven as strength—we’ll create loyal members who aren’t just showing up… they’re invested.
At Promotion Vault, we’re here to help you do just that.
So here’s my ask:
If you’re a GM, fitness leader, or tech partner: Are you making it easy to celebrate your members’ strength journeys?
If not, I’d love to talk. No pitch, just a conversation about what’s possible when we mix behavior science, rewards, and real effort.
Let’s build something that keeps people coming back—because it feels good to grow.