Selecting the Right Functional Fitness Studio Software: 10 Key Features
There are over 14,000 functional fitness gyms in over 155 countries.
While there’s plenty of demand, there’s also a lot of complexity when it comes to operating a functional fitness studio.
If you’re looking to expand your clientele and provide a superior experience, then you need the right functional fitness studio software to help you achieve your goals.
In this guide, we explore:
- 10 must have features for your functional fitness studio software
- + the top 7 softwares tools to consider
10 key features to look for in functional fitness studio software
Trying to decide your best option? Consider these important features.
1. Memberships and class passes
An effective functional fitness or gym software should allow you to create and manage membership and class passes, whether online, through an app, or in-person. You should be able to create offers that match your business model and easily sell them.
2. Appointment booking
Do you offer personal training services? If that’s a yes, then make sure the software you choose offers a functional fitness booking app so your clients can easily book training sessions that fit in their schedule.
The feature should also allow your trainers to actively adjust their availability through the online platform.
3. Online and in-person payments
Make it super easy for your clients to pay you. Select a software that includes a comprehensive payment system allowing both online payments and in-person. A POS system will also allow you to sell merchandise in the studio and tap into the $148 million functional fitness apparel market.
4. Inventory management
On the same note, offering products like branded swag, sports drinks, recovery supplements, etc. to your clients is a great way to boost revenue. Choosing a platform that offers inventory management is a definite plus.
Consider an inventory management platform that syncs with your site so you can sell things online for pickup in addition to the in-person studio sales.
5. Automated reminders
Automated reminders are a great way to increase turnout for special events and reduce last-minute cancellations and no shows for personal training services and classes. Your functional fitness studio software should support automated text and email reminders.
6. Client data management
Client data management is an important feature. Consider a platform with a client database where you can access all client data in one place: names, contact info, membership status, purchase history, etc.
Also be sure that the platform allows you to take notes, especially if you offer personal training.
7. Segmented marketing campaigns
To help reach your revenue goals you will want segmented marketing capabilities. The platform you choose should allow you to segment your clients based upon their activity. For instance, you might provide special membership renewal offers to clients that haven’t checked in to the studio for a while.
8. Client app
Another great idea is to provide a mobile client app. You’ll want a custom-branded app where clients can book classes, purchase products, check in to the studio, view upcoming special events, earn loyalty program points, and choose rewards when enough points are earned. Be sure the platform you choose supports all these client-facing features.
9. Staff app
If you have a team helping you run your functional fitness studio, then a staff app is another must have. This app should allow your staff to provide their availability, check their schedules, book classes and appointments for clients, and clock-in when they start their shift.
10. Loyalty program
With a loyalty program, you can give clients points for membership renewals, product purchases, leaving online reviews, posting your studio on social media, and referring friends. The rewards you offer could be free merchandise, discounts, or maybe early sign-ups for popular classes.
Choose a platform that keeps track of the points for you.
Top 7 functional fitness studio software to consider
Ready to select a platform? Check out these great options.
1. WellnessLiving
WellnessLiving is the ideal platform for functional fitness gyms. You get an all-in-one functional fitness software for managing client data, memberships, class passes, appointment bookings, online sales, in-person payments, client app, staff app, marketing features, loyalty programs, inventory management, and more.
WellnessLiving also has all the hardware for your POS and check-in needs, and as an added perk the best features are packaged in our core plans, without lots of expensive add-ons.
2. PushPress
If you are a small studio just starting out, you may want to consider PushPress. PushPress offers a free plan if you have only two staff members and 100 members or less. You’ll have the fundamentals you need to get you up and running.
As you grow, you will have to upgrade quickly and features such as segmented marketing require external integrations of other software.
3. Zen Planner
Zen Planner offers a robust platform with three plan options for functional fitness gyms. The software covers the essentials and includes additional features such as belt and skill tracking.
If you’re considering Zen Planner for your functional fitness gym management software, pay close attention to their pricing options. Even the top-tier plan doesn’t include everything— features like a branded customer app require additional charges.
4. GlossGenius
Another option is GlossGenius. Their functional fitness gym software includes staff management, POS, inventory management, appointment bookings, notifications, and automated review requests.
You will be missing out on some key features such as custom mobile apps, rewards programs, and blogging so make sure you have these covered with other resources.
5. Boulevard
With Boulevard you can manage appointment bookings, establish a client database, receive payments, prepare contact forms, perform SMS and online marketing, and run a loyalty rewards program.
End-to-end website creation and automated review request features are missing with Boulevard, so you’ll need to look elsewhere for those.
6. Acuity Scheduling
If you are an individual functional fitness trainer, then Acuity Scheduling may be the right fit for you. Acuity Scheduling allows you to manage appointments, schedules, notifications, and payments at an affordable price.
This software solution does not offer marketing or client management features so you will have to purchase more software or graduate to a more robust platform as you grow.
7. Vagaro
With Vagaro, you get a comprehensive business management platform designed for studios. Like WellnessLiving, they offer a variety of essential features, including hardware.
Note that Vagaro does not offer automated review requests or event management features. Like Zen Planner, you will also have to pay close attention to the cost of the features that are important to you as they are not added in a comprehensive plan.
Looking for affiliate gym software that helps you manage your functional fitness gym while also supporting your growth? Book a demo with WellnessLiving and see our software in action.