2024 Survey Results

We had another great survey, full of wonderful comments and great suggestions. In the spirit of transparency, I always like to share the survey with all of you. This is a pretty long post, and here it goes…

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OVERALL

Overall experience - 4.94 out of 5 stars

Programming - 4.88 out of 5 stars

Coaching - 4.97 out of 5 stars

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WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT VERO STRENGTH?

Three words came up most often: coaching, community and programming. Here are some highlights:

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The people. Coaches and other members. There is no judgement at all. At 72 I’m proud and grateful to be at Vero Strength and to be coached. I never feel anyone watching me and thinking I’m less than.

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The coaches and members are welcoming to ALL people. The atmosphere is friendly and accepting. The programming is excellent and challenging and leads each of us to improvement.

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Love working with the trainers and they are exceedingly helpful. Love some of the new machines and tools popping up.

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The trainers are incredible. Each one of them are supportive, knowledgeable and nice as pie!! They really are the BEST! The programming continues to be the best in the game. It changes, it evolves, it has purpose and it’s just flat out effective!

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The programming is top notch. The coaches all are supportive and really want to see you grow and get better. The other members are all amazing and always there to help and support you in getting better. All of the things above are a testament to the culture you have built are Vero Strength.

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Per usual, the knowledge and approachability of the entire staff continues to be elite. I am a believer in life-long learning and this staff shares that belief and demonstrates this with aplomb, year after year.

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You have fantastic coaches who are clearly happy where they work, and emanate your values.

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I have been a member of Vero Strength for over 10 years and I appreciate the growth mindset and dedication to providing top quality programming. I also love the community. Going to the gym every morning is what gets me motivated to tackle my day.

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I like the camaraderie and the people. Everyone is friendly and it’s not pretentious at all. Everyone is willing to help others.

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Awesome variety of workouts, the friendships I've made with other members, the support and encouragement from everyone.

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I love how detailed the workouts are and that they are created by knowledgeable trainers who understand the science behind the progressions and workout choices. I would never have started strength training if I hadn't started at Vero Strength. I was always intimidated by the heavyweights section. Now, I love how I feel about strength training. Also, my number one positive experience with Vero Strength is that I no longer have any neck, shoulder, or back pain. I spent years going to the chiropractor, and within 2 months of strength training, my pain is completely gone.

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The quality of the programming and the expertise of the coaches. I very much appreciate when a coach takes the time to correct my movement or give me a que to improve the exercise

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Vero Strength is an excellent gym with an amazing community. I have gained significant strength and knowledge since joining. I appreciate the coaches and members and especially enjoy events!

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The people, the programming, the level of care & effort that goes into coaching & making sure movements are correct. Personalization, check-ins, endless advice. I very much enjoy coffee Saturday - the sitting around and chatting after the workout.

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WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE?

In this section, I will comment on some of these. While some require action from me, others just need explanation/education.

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We had a few comments about equipment - the bands getting sticky, the bikes malfunctioning at times as well as barbells. (Wendy’s note: we are on it. Bands are replaced several times per year. If something isn’t working or you break something, please report it. We won’t be mad, but finding things broken and not reported is frustrating. We are constantly repairing and maintaining our equipment as well as buying replacement parts - there is so much wear and tear. If you hop on a machine and it’s acting up, please report it to a coach. All too any times, you all keep using it which just causes further damage.)

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Sometimes I wish there were more classes or open gym opportunities in the early afternoons (1-3 p.m. timeframe), or maybe one class/open gym time on a Sunday. (Wendy’s note: while we won’t be open on Sunday, if that 1-3 PM timeframe is something you want to do for open gym, shoot me an email - I have a solution!).

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I don’t like when people take over my set up. When there’s plenty to go around they take what is set up and change it. I guess they can’t tell someone has already set it up even though there’s other equipment there to use. (Wendy’s note: be aware of your surroundings and if something is already set up, please make sure no one is using it before you take over.)

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COACHES SHOUT-OUTS

I really appreciated all the kind words about our coaches - they make this place what it is! I’ve shared some of the highlights below:

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Truly, the entire staff goes out of their way regularly.

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Marina! Even when she’s working privately with a client, she is always willing to answer a question or if she notices I’m doing something incorrectly, she kindly corrects me.

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Wendy. Thank for helping me through my heart surgery. You were instrumental in my recovery. I suppose it was Rob too.

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Mikaela - her positive and inviting attitude are AWESOME. She always takes the time to ask about my day, how I am, etc. After being part of the afternoon classes, I am really happy to get to know her better.

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Jose's coaching is fantastic. I really like his technique and the way he coaches.

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Zach has improved the quality of my life. I feel better and move better.

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Rob always drops what he's doing to help or answer a question.

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Bonnie always makes everyone feel welcomed and is always encouraging

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All of the staff/coaches are friendly and acknowledge you upon arrival.

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I absolutely love Dianne & Bonnie on Tuesday mornings. The vibes are high!

OTHER FEEDBACK

We love the suggestions we’ve received and also have comments and/or action steps:

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Two people wanted a short class on supplements. (Wendy’s note: I just added this to my "Issues and Opportunities" list and we will put that on the books!)

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I enjoyed the L.A.B. class and would like to see more of those type of classes (maybe upper body, whole body, etc.) (Wendy’s note: we’ve got some more speciality classes in the works for 2025.)

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What I was wondering about as I age is if I am doing what I can to keep as mobile as possible. There are things I am scared about losing like my ability to react quickly (reflexes I suppose), balance and agility. I am not sure if you can add anything in for people over 40, or even what that would be. I know a lot of it is addressed in the programming. One thing that may help is incorporating more mobility work. (Wendy’s note: depending on the training phase we are in, these things are addressed. Oly lifting, jumping, throwing, etc. helps us all maintain fast twitch muscle as we age; the current training phase, with a focus on unilateral movements is all about achieving balance. We do lots of mobility every day. It’s up to you to add what you’ve learned and need into your daily routine outside the gym. If you want suggestions, we are here for it! And if you want some personalized programming, we also offer that service.)

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Missing an 80-85 lb. dumbbell. (Wendy’s note: asked and answered. We will get a pair.)

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A couple of people want more strongman work. (Wendy’s note: we hear you! Note that all the weekly work we do with sleds, carries and yokes are strongman movements.)

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There were a few comments on wanting more or different apparel. (Wendy’s note: I am working with a company and planning apparel drops for the end of this year and all of next year.)

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The bday card in the mail is always a sweet reminder of my gym family.

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I think having an accountability partner or group to get to classes, particularly early morning ones for me, would be super helpful! Sometimes just texting someone that I'll be there to meet them gets me up in the morning. (Wendy’s note: while we can’t text everyone daily, many members lean on each other. So, grab a partner or see a coach to match you up!)

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I love the Charity WOD! Such a great idea!! I love how the gym gives back. I do love the games/contests that you throw in from time to time. They're so much fun! Coffee Saturdays is one of my favs!!!

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I don't know what I would do without you guys, Vero Strength is definitely one of my "rocks"! Thank you...I truly appreciate all you do!

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I loved the last cycle with focus on deadlift, bench press, strict presses, and back squats! (Wendy’s note: me, too! We will bring this back time and time again.)

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I really like when new movements are introduced. Sometimes in a cycle, I'll get a tad bored with the movements. I love when there are new and unusual movements that challenge the body, balance, etc.

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Love all the information you’re providing via the podcasts and emails.

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I really enjoy the Friday emails. Thanks Wendy! (Wendy’s note: you are welcome - I love writing them!)