People outside the industry typically think of gyms as the definition of low-tech. They consider gyms and only imagine weights, punching bags, gym rings, etc. But in reality, gyms are one of the more tech-savvy industries. The most obvious high-tech element is the convergence of technology and workout equipment like treadmills. But new software technologies have also revolutionized the field. While this is true in many different ways, the following are the most readily accessible.
Finance Management and Business Operations
Gym software suites can automatically track many of the elements related to a gym’s business. This can include everything from billing to inventory management. What’s more, by doing so the software packages can help facilitate innovation. Innovative workouts are one of the keys to success. But you can’t know the limits of what you can do without firm metrics such as financial data. Gym management software essentially tells you what pieces you’re working with so that you can define the game in whatever way your imagination suggests.
Marketing
Getting people in the door is something that every gym struggles with. It’s hard to really differentiate yourself from the competition. People have a vague notion of what a gym is but seldom take a closer look. The earlier point about innovation is tied in with marketing. It’s one thing to create new classes, activities, perks, and more. But they could be the most amazing ideas ever to hit the fitness sphere and they wouldn’t matter if the public didn’t know about them. However, gym software suites can also help with marketing. SMS marketing, email, and everything related to conversations can be managed through software. Many packages even include tools to help discover how well marketing campaigns are going and how to tweak them for improved impact.
Client Retention
Every gym management system is unique and has different functionality. However, managing user data is one of the key functions you’ll find within most of them. The software can usually handle the basics of client management. It’ll track self-defined packages, billing, and similar functionality. However, one of the less talked about but most important elements is client retention. Most gyms struggle more with keeping clients than attracting them. After all, most Americans struggle to stay motivated with health and fitness.
Only an estimated 28% of the public meets the already rather forgiving minimum recommended amount of exercise. Getting people in the door is hard. But this does generally turn into enthusiasm for the new and shiny potential before them. However, the novelty eventually turns into a routine they need to stick to and memberships tend to lapse. Every gym has this problem, but software often has potential solutions. Many gym software packages have specialized functions centered around client retention.
Most people who work in client-facing positions can attest to the fact that there are typically some warning signs that the client’s motivation is starting to lag. However, it takes time for people to notice those signs. Gym software works with thousands of data points and can often detect at-risk clients before their motivation really starts to fail them. This provides you with the perfect opportunity to spark their flame and retain them as clients.