features
Software: Software update
From in-app communications to AI-created workout plans, health club management software providers tell Steph Eaves about their latest innovations
In response to industry reports that cite managing class cover as a continuing administrative nightmare for operators, Fisikal has integrated NetGym’s class cover and instructor communications functionality into its in-app and web-based ecosystem.
According to Active Insight’s Operator Report, a fifth of operators declare a daily need to spend time dealing with class cover issues. This not only puts pressure on studio managers, causing stress and anxiety, but failing to find cover also impacts the member experience, threatening income streams through cancellations.
Instructor communications have also proved to be challenging. A report by EMD UK found almost a quarter (24 per cent) of instructors are juggling up to seven different WhatsApp and social groups relating to the classes they teach at various venues.
Working with NetGym, Fisikal now offers a seamless digital solution that channels instructor class cover communications through the app, improving visibility and efficiency. In addition to cover scheduling and communications, the NetGym integration also enables managers to approve cover changes via the app or website, with automated schedule updates communicating changes directly to customers via the app.
Fisikal has built its ecosystem in a way that enables collaboration with other software providers. We place operator needs at the heart of our offer, working with partners to deliver solutions that alleviate pain points and optimise efficiencies.
With the introduction of an Open API and new Magicline Marketplace, Magicline is delivering tools to enable operators to better manage their health clubs and studios.
Partner integrations enable operators to create customised management solutions to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
Our Magicline ecosystem has 80 industry partners, such as Gympass, myFitApp and ClubPlanner, actively engaged in developing new workflows and use-cases via the Open API. This collaborative effort is redefining what’s possible in health club management, with innovative solutions emerging regularly.
The Magicline Marketplace offers customers a comprehensive overview of available integrations, including information about benefits, functions and how the integration works. With a growing number of partners joining the ecosystem daily, customers can select tools and services that best align with their business needs and aspirations.
Members demand more than just a physical workout, they seek a holistic digital experience that includes easy booking, personalised fitness plans and seamless interactions with their club. We’re committed to delivering on these expectations, ensuring customers have an exceptional digital journey.
The Marketplace is currently focusing on German-speaking markets, but will be available to international clients soon.
Xplor Gym now includes tools to help operators acquire new members.
Clubs can track sales activity, assign follow-up tasks to team members, and categorise leads by likelihood of conversion.
To scale, operators need to automate sales processes, so we’ve enabled them to create automated prospect nurture communication flows.
To increase conversion rates, they can take a targeted approach to these nurture flows, so prospects get the right messages based on their age, goals and more.
To take advantage of seasonal opportunities, they can create promotion codes and add these to marketing campaigns, and because many members want to join online, Xplor Gym enables operators to add a joining widget to their website.
As soon as a new member joins, operators can see this in the software, making it easy to track sales performance in real time.
An ‘abandoned basket’ function captures details of prospects who drop out during the joining process, so clubs can follow up with messages to encourage sign-up.
Operators can also add forms to their website so prospects can request a tour or more information.
This year we’ve launched Virtuagym’s first AI product: AI Coach. This solution provides personalised workout plans based on an individual’s statements given on a virtual chat. These can be for single workouts or for weekly or monthly training plans.
AI Coach is a fully integrated part of Virtuagym’s mobile app ecosystem; combining with tools such as progress tracking, challenges and nutrition coaching. In due course, AI Coach will also be available to clubs as part of our white label solution.
We’ve also just released the latest version of our fitness app. This includes updates such as a redesign of our challenges feature and enhancements to our community solution, both of which help fuel motivation and a sense of belonging for users.
We’ve also added a suite of automated products to our payment system that enable operators to process online and offline payments, removing hassle for club owners and trainers.
Finally, we’ve launched our first strength-cardio integration with Matrix Fitness, so members can track sets, reps and weight between strength equipment and Virtuagym’s coaching platform. Supplementing our cardio integration, this delivers a 360-degree connected training experience.
