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Software: Tech upgrade
New technology is transforming the way the health and fitness industry functions and interacts with customers. Liz Terry catches up with operators around the industry for an update
The product: Fisikal and EZ Runner
Third Space wanted to enhance its member experience and streamline operational processes during a three-phase systems upgrade.
In the first phase, a GroupEx booking solution was implemented and Fisikal built a custom-branded, mobile-optimised member portal and integrated it into the Third Space website.
This gives Third Space full control over how pages look and feel, to ensure a seamless experience for members, while giving managers access to user-flow analytics.
Fisikal also created iOS and Android member apps that streamline how members manage bookings, while giving the company information about their interests.
Third Space wanted to make it easier for members to engage with PTs, so in phase two, Fisikal enabled members to view staff availability and book and pay through their app, while streamlining credit management and staff availability functionality.
Third Space also wanted to change the way members are assessed and programmed, to leverage digital solutions and enhance the customer experience, so this was dealt with in phase three.
Colin Waggett, CEO of Third Space, said: “Our members are increasingly looking for digital tools to support them on their fitness journey. Working with Fisikal, we’ve taken a huge step forward in making it easier for them to book classes, schedule PT sessions and enjoy the Third Space experience.”
Did you replace an existing system?
Third Space wanted Fisikal and EZ Runner to integrate so they could benefit from having both systems combined into one solution, while taking their customer experience mobile.
EZ Runner manages all things relating to membership and POS, while Fisikal manages customer experience for bookings, assessments and programming.
Tell us about other improvements
Functionality and data from both Fisikal and EZ Runner are pulled into the platform through APIs to give a streamlined customer experience.
Fisikal’s pay-scheme management solution has also been configured to calculate staff commission within a number of specific variables and to present the output in a variety of formats for Third Space.
The product: Fitmetrix by Mindbody
What was the scope of work?
The Wall, founded by master instructor Jason Wimberly, creates a community among its members and gives them the tools they need to break down the barriers that keep them from their individual fitness goals.
To do this, Wimberly and his studio in Los Angeles needed a fitness tracking software solution that would also integrate with other platforms like Mindbody gym scheduling software.
He found a suitable system in the FitMetrix heartrate training system by Mindbody.
What improvements have you implemented?
FitMetrix offers multiple products to increase customer engagement, so The Wall was able to select a package tailored to its brand and class style.
Members at the club enjoy stacked-style classes that encompass different types of workouts – core activation, high-intensity circuit training, and cardio – to challenge the entire body while maintaining elevated heart rate levels.
The Wall isn’t just a fitness studio – Wimberly and his staff consider their services a lifestyle concept. But in order to support such unique fitness services, Wimberly needed the right fitness tracking software to provide stats and figures without confusing customers.
The product: Legend
What was the scope of work?
The team at Newry, Mourne & Down District Council was looking for a single system for registration, online booking and memberships, to enable the development of services to promote its aims of a healthy society, while ensuring accessibility for everyone.
Kieran Gordon, head of indoor leisure at NMDDC explains, saying: "We had 14 sites with different charges for the same activities and different membership options. None of the systems were inter-operable and there was no single database.
"In addition, up-to-date, accurate business information wasn’t available.
"Timely, accurate information was deemed vital in order to develop our services in line with corporate objectives.
"We recognised there was an opportunity to streamline the business with a single ‘one-stop’ solution, while improving our services through technology-driven innovation."
In undertaking the installation, Newry worked with Legend to implement customer-friendly initiatives including concierge-style kiosks, an access control system and a native app that has upgraded all customer journeys.
Other initiatives included outsourcing direct debit collections to Legend Leisure Services and adopting Legend’s customer communications solution for customer interactions.
Did you replace an existing system?
Legend replaced systems from Gladstone and other vendors. Ten sites went live with the Legend One System One Solution over a six day period.
Tell us about the improvements
Newry gained a unified single solution software system which gave community-users greater membership accessibility, online booking and enhanced customer experiences – on-site, online and via the native app.
In addition, a Legend API was used to deliver Technogym myWellness integration.
The installation has enabled Newry to use its data to uncover business opportunities, streamline operations and drive innovation and best practice across the region.
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