Why I Chose GymStudio to Run My Facility

Building a training business is tough, whether you are joining a franchise or are the newly-minted GA looking for a side hustle to pay the bills. Not much has changed on the training front; human physiology is roughly the same, gravity remains constant, and in reality, it’s all about delivering a sequenced prescription of frequency and intensity of physics to develop the human body to complete a task. However, what has changed is how this product has been commercialized and distributed to the masses. 

Early on, it was about selling books and DVDs, then it was about creating equipment for home use. Currently, the industry is at a crossroads in history with the advent of technology that allows for both a physical and digital presence. Technology has finally caught up to the point where training can be managed remotely with tremendous ease. However, finding a way to easily manage payments for services and memberships has been cumbersome at best. While several products exist for member management, many suffer from feature bloat, where they try to be the one-stop-shop for everything and end up doing nothing particularly well. This is why I was excited when I heard that TeamBuildr was launching a new product called GymStudio. 

Before I even got a chance to look under the hood, I knew one thing was for certain: if Hewitt and James, the founders of TeamBuildr, were launching a product, it was going to be good. More specifically, anything they put out would address the core problems of running a training business. I had no doubt they would apply the same iterative development mindset to this product as they had with their flagship product, TeamBuildr. These guys know how to listen to customers and make constant improvements that are customer-driven rather than profit-driven fluff. The current version of GymStudio is just what I had hoped for - a simple and straightforward platform to run a training business. When recently asked to pick my three favorite features of the program, it was hard to narrow down. Nevertheless, here are my top three points everyone should consider when buying member management software:

1. How will you charge for your training services: Package Model or Monthly Membership Model?

Choosing how to charge clients is a pivotal decision for any training center. Here's a comparison of two common methods:

Package Model: In this model, customers pay a large sum upfront for a bundle of services that will be delivered over a certain period. It's like selling a "10-session training package" - customers pay for all 10 sessions upfront, but they might use these sessions across several weeks or months. However, be aware that some states' laws don't allow businesses to spend the money from these prepaid services until they're actually delivered. This could potentially complicate your financial situation, as you may have money in your account that technically is not 'earned' until you've delivered all the sessions.

Monthly Membership Model: This model works like a subscription service. Clients pay a regular monthly fee and in return, they get a set number of services (like eight training sessions per month). This helps keep your revenue steady and predictable over the year, but building up a significant income might take a bit longer compared to the large upfront payments of the package model.

One of the fantastic features of Gym Studio is that you can operate both models simultaneously. For example, you could offer a basic monthly membership for eight sessions a month and additionally, run a special three-week training course in July that customers pay for as a separate package. This lets you adjust your pricing and services to what works best for your business and your clients.

2. Will you offer staff-led classes/services, or use standalone equipment clients can operate themselves?

Performance isn't just about the training, it's also about recovery. At our facility, the Center for Sports Performance and Research, we provide services like Photobiomodulation, Cryotherapy, and Restricted Environmental Stimulus Therapy (also known as Float Tanks). These services are largely self-guided and can be offered on a fixed schedule, independent of a coach or staff member. This could be another great opportunity to offer a 'Recovery Package' to clients, especially those athletes competing in season.

3. If you haven't run a business before, be prepared - you will need help.

GymStudio differs from the original Teambuildr workout builder software in that its main function is to manage the collection and processing of service fees. If you've never experienced processing payments from hundreds of clients, be prepared for a learning curve. There will be times when cards are declined, customers ask for refunds, or mistakes happen. These issues can feel stressful, especially when you're handling peoples' hard-earned money. But rest assured, help is just a phone call away. The GymStudio team generally responds within hours, not days. When you have a problem, you get to speak with a person, not a chatbot. It's comforting to know that with GymStudio, you're not just purchasing software. You're partnering with a company that has been dedicated for over 10 years to helping coaches focus on what they love - coaching, not wrestling with technology.

Closing Thoughts

Navigating the business landscape in today's world is challenging. Early on, especially, businesses must adapt and seize opportunities as they emerge. When I began using GymStudio, I found it was not just a software platform - it was an ally. It was a team dedicated to supporting me in my mission to train as many individuals as possible. In an era of hidden fees, complex lease agreements, and fine print, it's heartening to know that the entire TeamBuildr and GymStudio customer support team is behind not only my company, but also those we serve. Despite GymStudio being in its early stages, it has already shown itself to be an invaluable tool for anyone serious about opening a training business, whether brick-and-mortar or virtual.

I strongly recommend taking a demo. GymStudio is currently all you need to effectively run a business. As its functionalities expand in future versions, I find solace in the fact that TeamBuildr and GymStudio's unwavering commitment to stellar customer service will remain a reliable constant in the ever-changing world of business, second only to gravity.