If your health club is using pen and paper to prescribe workout programs to members, you may wish to consider using a software program to “digitise” your workout program delivery.
If you are using workout programs that are stored in filing cabinets, you may want to check your calendars as its no longer the 1990’s!
Electronic workout programs delivered through software can solve some issues associated with the traditional pen and paper approach.
They are easier to understand – Let’s face it, a lot of gym instructors have terrible handwriting. As a member, it can be a poor customer experience if you receive a program that is difficult to understand.
They don’t get lost – One of the biggest frustrations a member can have is losing their workout program. They may have recorded a significant amount of training history when their program mysteriously vanishes from the filing cabinet. This can be infuriating!
They don’t take up space – If you have been providing programs to your members for a long time, you may have several large filing cabinets taking up a heap of floor space in your gym. This is not ideal when you want to maximise the use of the space you have.
Are there any downsides to using a software program to prescribe and deliver workout programs?
Yes – The main one comes down to flexibility. If a trainer cannot prescribe what they want to prescribe they can get frustrated. Workout prescription software for gyms typically has a set exercise library so it can be limited to what a trainer can prescribe. The key is to look for software with a large database of exercises or where you can manage and add your exercises. (Even better)
A workout software for your health club should ideally provide 3 ways for members to access their workout.
- Smartphone
- Most members carry their phone in the gym to browse between sets and listen to music. This makes the phone the perfect tool for delivering a workout program. Your workout software should allow members to log in on their phones, see their program, track their progress and communicate with their trainer. Our data shows that over 50% of members that use a program are now accessing it via their phone.
- In club kiosk or touch screen
- For members that don’t have a phone or don’t carry one within the gym, it can be ideal to have a way for members to access their workout within the club. Having a touch screen on a desk or a kiosk of some form can be a good way to give members access to log in to their account. If you have cardio with touch screens and internet connectivity you can also use each cardio machine as a login screen.
- Print out (Old school)
- There will always be some members. (Often older members) Who will not be comfortable with the latest technology? We do not want to alienate these members. That is why it is essential you have a low tech fall back option available to deliver workout programs to these type of members. This is typically through a print option where a workout can be printed onto an A4 piece of paper if needed.
If your software enables all of the options above, you can rest assured that all types of members will be taking care of and you will have a workout system that is a big upgrade from using pen and paper!
