If you’re like most gym owners, you’ve learned to expect the unexpected in your business. Because on the surface, gym ownership sounds easy, right? Show up, coach and make sure your members are happy. But achieving the kind of gym growth that keeps the doors open takes a lot more than that.
In today’s competitive fitness landscape, choosing the right gym management software can be a game-changer for your success. It will help save you time and avoid inefficiencies. It will also streamline operations and improve communication. Ultimately, the right software allows you to actually do the “CEO tasks,” prioritizing member connection and growing your gym.
Welcome to the Gym Growth Blueprint Series! We asked gym owners, “What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a new gym owner?” As gym owners ourselves, the PushPress team is passionate about helping others succeed.
Today’s advice comes from gym owners in New Zealand and Louisiana.
“Do more research when looking for gym management software,” said the team from HP Fitness in Helensville, New Zealand.
Stephanie Anderson, owner of Perfectly You Fitness in Abbeville, LA, added, “Use PushPress and stay connected in the PushPress community. Because it’ll help you through ups and downs, and save you tons of time.”
How to Choose Gym Management Software for Gym Growth.
When you first opened your gym, you conducted adequate market research and did your homework before purchasing gym equipment, right? Choosing the right gym management software should be no different. It’s important to invest the time and energy into the various options out there.
Think about what features you need. Check out reviews. Find out what the customer service is like. You owe it to yourself to make sure your software is going to help your business grow, versus hindering your potential.
As a team of gym owners ourselves, the PushPress team gets it. Each of us went through the process of exploring software that would benefit our business, our coaches and our members. And that’s why we care so much about helping you pick the one that’s right for you.
Here are seven benefits to look for when trying to find the best gym management software.
1. Streamlines Operations.
The administrative side of running a gym can actually be a make-or-break situation. That’s especially true if you’re replacing what would be gym-growth time with admin tasks. Therefore, the right gym management software should act as the backbone of your operations. It should save you time by streamlining the way your business operates. Plus, it should be user-friendly and intuitive.
At minimum, your software should handle member billing and class scheduling seamlessly. Because if you’ve ever tried invoicing members manually or managing classes through a written sign-up sheet, you know the value of proper software.
2. Enhances Member Experience.
Did you know that your software can play a pivotal role in creating the ultimate member experience in your gym? It can, and it should.
First, providing members with a personalized experience creates brand loyalty. And as a small business, fostering this type of loyalty is essential for gym growth and sustainability.
Second, keep in mind that your members are ultimately looking for results. By giving them the proper tools - in addition to the coaching and programming they get in class - they’re more likely to achieve those results. Therefore, your software should help with things like tracking progress, holding them accountable and celebrating their milestones. All of these things can add value, helping them to feel valued and connected.
3. Improves Financial Management.
Managing finances can sometimes feel daunting for gym owners. But without tracking the key gym metrics, how will you know what’s working and what needs improvement?
Effective gym management software will help you to simplify billing and reporting processes. Further, it should allow you to track your business’ performance and analyze trends. Quick, easy-to-understand reports can help you monitor metrics like MRR (monthly recurring revenue), ACV (average client revenue), projected revenue, churn and more.
Ultimately, having a thorough understanding of your metrics will help you minimize financial stress and maintain cash flow. Most importantly, it will help you make informed business decisions based on real data for sustainable gym growth.
4. Strengthens Gym Community.
Your community is likely one of the differentiating factors that sets your gym apart in the market. Chances are, larger competitors in your market may lack a personal touch and the camaraderie that comes from micro- or boutique gyms.
Once again, your software can actually contribute to strengthening your gym community. Features like a social feed, event coordination, social media integration and even apparel pre-orders can all support the goal. With it, you can create opportunities for members to connect outside of workouts and build brand loyalty at the same time.
5. Saves Time with Integrations and All-in-One Features.
An integral part of saving time as a gym owner is not having to use multiple platforms to accomplish all your tasks. The more of a one-stop shop your software is, the more time - and money - it can save you. And if it integrates seamlessly with other tools you use, even better.
For your members, having just one app where they can manage their membership, sign up for classes and log workouts is valuable. And if your coaches can quickly and easily update workouts or class coverage, and communicate with other staff, it’s a game-changer. Finally, if your business can handle all the admin tasks and integrate with other platforms, you can reduce subscription costs and save precious time.
6. Helps Increase Gym Growth and Revenue.
At the end of the day, your gym needs to be profitable. You didn’t start a business to work endless hours for very little pay until you reach gym owner burnout.
For long-term, sustainable gym growth, you need adequate income, which often involves your core membership service, plus additional revenue streams. For everything from retail sales to renting gym space, your gym management software should support these goals.
7. Offers World-Class Support and Customer Service.
Switching gym management software - or using it for daily operations - sometimes includes a learning curve. In other words, you might need some help along the way. And when that happens, it’s nice to connect with an actual human, right? Taking it one step further, it’s nice to connect with someone who’s been in your shoes as a gym owner.
So when you’re exploring software options, be sure to dig into what each company’s customer service is like. Take a look at the reviews and ask around. You’ll be happier in the long run if the company you choose is as amped about your gym growth as you are.
How PushPress Checks the Boxes for Your Gym.
When it comes to the criteria above, the PushPress team is proud to help you check all the boxes. Our full suite of products - Core, Grow, Train and the Branded App - includes everything you need to start, build and thrive. It’s a one-stop shop that’s ever-evolving in the changing fitness landscape.
Plus, our team is made up of current and former gym owners. We understand the highs and lows of running a fitness business, so we’re in your corner and honored to have the opportunity to help you succeed.
Pro Tip: Want to learn more about how PushPress products can help you with managing operations and gym growth? Book a demo with our team today!
In Summary: Choosing the Right Software Can Make a Significant Difference for Gym Growth.
Choosing the right gym management software can significantly impact the success of your business and your members’ experience. That’s why experienced gym owners will tell you it’s worth taking the time to research and evaluate your options.
Look for software that streamlines operations and enhances the member experience. It should also improve financial management, strengthen your community and save you time. Most importantly, it should help you increase gym revenue and provide you with the support you need.
Investing in the right software is not just a convenience; it’s a pathway to gym growth, sustained success and a thriving community.
