Running a fitness center is no small endeavor, and if you’re going to do it effectively, you need to make sure that you’re prepared in all ways, including technologically. Having the right software for your fitness center computer system is vital to making sure that your operation runs smoothly. The first step is choosing software that’s specifically dedicated to fitness center management. Take a look at some features that you should be looking for when picking out the perfect software for your fitness center.
Scheduling
Proper scheduling can be very important to your fitness center, especially if you’re going to hold classes or offer the services of individual trainers by appointment. Clients will quickly get annoyed if appointments are frequently double-booked, incorrectly scheduled, or late to start. You need a system with a robust scheduling component.
Your fitness center management software should have conflict resolution capability that can easily eliminate double bookings or appointment overlap. A multi-scheduling option can save time, although you should still have the capability to schedule single resources as needed. An efficient search function that allows your staff to easily and intuitively look up appointments and resources is also important.
Membership Management
Good membership management is a cornerstone of running a fitness facility. You’ll need to be able to create unique client photos that contain detailed data and photos. Staff members should be able to easily access member details, membership status, payment history, appointments, and other details upon member check-in with a photo ID, key tag, or other device.
Look for a membership feature that allows for detailed tracking of all communications sent to members, including phone calls, emails, and texts. A system that allows for automated membership payment reminders and exclusive offers via email or text message can be very convenient for your clients. Depending on the level of service you’re offering, you may want to be able to create personalized assessments that track client goals and fitness achievements. You may also want a system that allows for shared family or corporate memberships. And, of course, you’ll need the ability to run detailed reports based on demographics, memberships, accounts receivable, and financials.
Mobile Apps
Let your clients’ smart technology work to your advantage.
As more people rely on smartphones for a variety of information and daily tasks, mobile apps become relevant for various organizations, including fitness centers. Some fitness center management software products allow users to create useful mobile apps for client use, and it’s worth considering whether this is a good choice for your center.
With mobile apps, clients can browse and book training sessions, classes, or special events directly from the app. You can keep them updated about special offers and facility news using push notifications, and you can send virtual coupons this way as well. You can also integrate the ability for clients to share news, event information, photos, and videos with their friends via social media, which can help you promote your facility.