When members are always on the go, convenient programming may be the only way to get them to exercise. At Merck Health & Fitness Center, a corporate-based facility, the Group Customer Service program offers members the convenience of “express” workout classes during lunch breaks, with telephone and Internet schedules that can be accessed at any time. “[These conveniences] demonstrate to our members how much we value their time,” says Jen Alderfer, program manager.

Since the inception of the telephone schedule recording, called the Group Exercise Hotline, staff can now devote more time to member service, rather than to answering questions about schedule and instructor changes. Members who prefer to dial-up online can view the class schedule on the Merck Web site. A quarterly schedule is also sent to each member two weeks before classes begin.

Members have the opportunity to take any class at their convenience, which is a definite appeal to employees using a corporate-based fitness facility. “We heard the employees’ concern with lack of time, and tailored our program to match their needs,” says Alderfer.

Four different lunch classes are offered in step, slide, circuit and toning at 11:15 and 11:30 a.m., and 12:15 and 1:15 p.m. Their “express” workouts offer short classes of 15 or 30 minutes, and their 41 weekly specialty classes are held at all hours of the day and night.

These classes feature workouts that are not only motivational and progressive, but that offer cross-training, and include all aspects of health and fitness. Strength, cardio, flexibility and relaxation are major components of workouts, which include country line dancing, kickboxing, pre- and post-natal classes, circuit training, step and slide classes, yoga, t’ai chi and karate. The staff also created a 15-minute abdominal workout video, which up to 50 members can use at their convenience on a daily basis.

Customer service takes on a whole new meaning at Merck. With the combination of its express workouts, telephone hotline and online class schedules, this facility is determined to give members the ultimate in fitness convenience.