The Power of Word-of-Mouth: How Fitness Programs Like CrossFit and Jiu-Jitsu Mirror Uber and Amazon
Remember the early days of Uber and Amazon? These innovations transformed how we move and shop, quickly becoming integral to our daily lives. What propelled their rapid growth wasn't just convenience, but their consistently high Net Promoter Scores (NPS). A similar phenomenon has long been present in the fitness world, particularly with programs like CrossFit and martial arts disciplines like Jiu-Jitsu, though it's often overlooked. Despite their equally impressive NPS scores, many still treat these as fringe movements.
NPS, a key metric of customer loyalty and satisfaction, often drives rapid growth through word-of-mouth marketing. Think about your first Uber ride or Amazon Prime delivery. Once you experienced the value, you likely told everyone about it. That's a high NPS score in action. CrossFit and Jiu-Jitsu work the same way. People who start these programs see tangible changes in their health and strength, eagerly sharing their transformative experiences just as early adopters did with Uber and Amazon.
Initially, both tech services and these fitness programs faced skepticism. Amazon Prime's two-day delivery promise seemed too good to be true, much like the real-world results that CrossFit, Jiu-Jitsu, and even yoga can provide. But once people tried them, perceptions shifted dramatically. The gym or dojo, like the Uber app or Amazon website, became more than just a service—it became a community, fostering deep loyalty and consistently high NPS scores.
The word-of-mouth aspect of these fitness programs mirrors that of tech disruptors. It's not driven by massive advertising budgets, but by genuine results and enthusiasm. This fervor is often misinterpreted as cult-like behavior, but it's really just satisfied customers sharing something that works, contributing to impressive NPS scores. When we heard about Uber and Amazon, we downloaded the app or went to the website. So when somebody tells you about a gym or dojo, it's probably something you should consider trying.
Today, using Uber or shopping on Amazon is commonplace. Their high NPS scores played a crucial role in this transition from novel technologies to essential services. It's time we view community-based gyms, martial arts, and yoga schools similarly. These aren't passing fads, but transformative practices offering real benefits to physical and mental health. Just as we've normalized calling an Uber instead of a taxi, we should also embrace these gyms as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
So when someone raves about their CrossFit gym or Jiu-Jitsu promotion, remember: they're not part of a cult. They're satisfied customers with a story to share, driving high NPS scores. And like those first Uber rides or Amazon orders, it might just change your life if you give it a try. The key is finding a physical practice that resonates with you and delivers results, turning you into another enthusiastic promoter and contributing to those sky-high NPS scores.
