Scott Panchik’s gym is anything but ordinary.
Not only because Panchik, the owner of CrossFit Mentality in Mentor, Ohio, is a nine-time CrossFit Games athlete, but also because he only offers classes five days a week.
CrossFit Mentality follows a three days on, one day off training schedule, and this means they don’t hold classes on either Thursdays or Sundays.
It works for his community, Panchik explained, because, their culture is built around encouraging people, not only to come to the gym consistently, but also to “get outside and do other things,” Panchik explained, adding that he also doesn’t want his members coming to the gym six or seven days a week.
“We prioritize life outside the gym,” Panchik added.
Further, it’s important for coaches, including himself, to take a couple days away from work each week.
“Most people typically work a five day week,” Panchik said.
Oftentimes (arguably more often than not), however, gym owners don’t adhere to this, and they find themselves at the gym seven days a week.
“[So sticking to taking two days off from the gym] is something to think about for creating longevity and reducing burn out,” Panchik explained.
That being said, Panchik wouldn’t feel comfortable closing his doors twice a week if it weren’t for HybridAF.
For the record: Panchik is a HybridAF pioneer. He has been using the HybridAF app and offering unattended access to his members since 2018.
This means that, while his gym is closed on Thursdays and Sundays, if people miss a workout, they can access the gym on either of these days to make it up. (Further, his gym also has a sauna, a cold tub and a recovery room, so members are able to come in to use these amenities on Thursdays and Sundays, as well).
Three More Perks Thanks to HybridAF
Makes the Holidays Easier
While some gym owners just feel like they can’t escape over Thanksgiving weekend, or during the Christmas holidays—as they feel guilty for abandoning their members who are eager to come in and train—Panchik doesn’t have to worry about this.
“We can step away and people can still workout. We have a workout written and people can come in and do it or do their own workout,” Panchik said, adding that he takes off to
Buffalo, NY for a week each Christmas.
He added: “People want to come in and do their holiday workouts, but our coaching staff also deserves some time to recharge. We have to fill up our own cups before we can give the community everything we have.”
Integrates with StreamFit
Another piece of the puzzle for Panchik to run his gym the way he does is that the HybridAF app integrates seamlessly with his all-in-one gym management software, StreamFit.
The two platforms work together on either iOS or Android, to be able to provide access (either temporary of 24/7 access) to members, or vendors for deliveries.
For the member, the user experience is fully embedded into the StreamFit app, so they can open their StreamFit app and be granted access to the gym straight from there without having to download another app.
“Or if someone decides over Thanksgiving they want to come in and do a workout, they can purchase a membership (in StreamFit), fill out the waiver, and then it gives them a virtual key and they can come in,” Panchik said.
He added: “The integration gives people lots of options.”
Read more about the integration between HybridAF and StreamFit here.
Accommodates Deliveries
As an added bonus, Panchik also doesn’t have to worry about missing a UPS delivery, as he can let the delivery person into the facility to drop off a delivery, “even if I’m in Buffalo,” he said.
And because he also has a camera set up, Panchik can watch the delivery person walk in and walk out, he explained.
The Bottom Line: HybridAF is a No-Brainer
HybridAF does it all for CrossFit Mentality: It helps accommodate members, it ensures Panchik and his coaching staff stay fresh and avoid burnout, and it also adds additional revenue for the business.
And for gym owners who are hesitant to let people into their gym when they’re not there, Panchik insists he “hasn’t had an issue or any abuse” in eight years.
“We lay a strong foundation about what you’re allowed to do [during unattended access] and we do a good job grooming our members so they know how to warm-up and workout safely,” he added.
