Right now, people want to go back to their gyms, or perhaps even start up a new gym membership now that they’ve spent so much time indoors. Typically, this time of year would be the time in which many people would be starting up new gym memberships or reactivating their old ones. The trouble is that 2020 was obviously not a typical year, and 2021 has only begun to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that in many areas, gyms are operating under strict restrictions, while in other areas, there are looser regulations but still a great deal of concern about returning to the gym.
Fortunately, technology is here to save the day. Online gym software was already making it easier for gyms to exist in today’s world before the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, just like software, in general, is making it easier for companies in all industries to survive this crisis, software for gym management is making it possible for gyms to continue to exist and wait out the virus. With that being said, below are a few ways that technology and a gym management system can help gyms navigate this unprecedented situation.
1. EFT
Electronic funds transfer, or EFT, is a major boon in terms of the gym and health club industry. Right now, most gyms and health clubs rely on monthly memberships. Technically speaking, these memberships are growing. In fact, they’ve grown by almost 20% since 2008, and are expected to continue to grow 24% over the next 10 years. Part of the reason why this industry is growing, however, is EFT.
Essentially, EFT makes it easier for people to pay for and manage their gym memberships. Rather than having to enter their debit card information every time they want to make a monthly payment, gym members can authorize an electronic funds transfer. This means that their payment will be drafted from their account every month on a pre-set date. No need for them to remember to pay, and no need for them to use a card. Many gyms are actually insisting on EFT now, both because it is more secure for clients and because it benefits the gym. Many people who would have normally canceled their memberships stay gym members an additional month because they forgot about their incoming payment. They may then give the gym another chance because they have the membership, and find that they like it a lot more than they thought!
2. Online Appointment Scheduling
Gym management systems are more important now than ever before. Many states still have capacity requirements for businesses, which means that those like gyms can only have a certain number of people in their buildings at specific times. While operating on a reduced capacity, it’s easier for many gyms to have clients visit for scheduled classes and appointments with personal trainers.
Member account management software can allow gym members to go online, log into their accounts, and manage their appointments and scheduled classes. This makes it easier for them to get the most out of their memberships and stay on, while gyms are able to ensure that they don’t push over their capacities.
3. Virtual Classes
Many gym management systems are currently relying on virtual classes in order to stay afloat through the pandemic. This is particularly common in states that have been hit harder by the pandemic, like California and New York. Rather than going to their gyms in person, clients are working out through virtual classes.
These virtual classes also do not have capacity requirements. Therefore, it’s possible for more people to attend them than they would attend in-person classes, allowing the gyms and their employees the potential for more revenue over time.
There are a lot of issues to consider as gyms move forward with uncertain futures. But ideally, technological advancements and gym management systems will allow them to stay active and survive the pandemic, regardless of the challenges ahead. It remains to be seen, but the future is optimistic.