By Emma Excell, Special AFS Contributor
With the rise of celebrity trainers and well known independent personal trainers releasing apps that engage and motivate members 24/7, often promising complete physical transformations in just 3 months, are you missing a trick by not offering virtual training options or a hybrid of face-to-face and virtual classes?
We speak to Fisikal CEO, Rob Lander, who shares his thoughts on how digital tools are set to transform training for the better.
“We recently built a new app for Jessie Pavelka, fitness expert and TV host, called JP4. This new app and 12-week training program take users on a journey through ‘4 Elements of Health’; Eat, Sweat, Think & Connect. Essentially this app builds a supportive connection with the users, acts as a pocket-sized PT and motivator to users on the go, wherever they are.
Wouldn’t it be great if you, as a studio, could tap into this engagement with members and be at the forefront of their fitness journey anywhere, anytime?
Let’s look at how technology is shaping the future of fitness and training.
Virtual PT
Less than 10 percent of club members invest in a face-to-face PT service, with many choosing to gain training support from the growing array of third-party apps. Savvy studios should be offering an online PT service to increase penetration and drive new revenue.
Studios using centralized digital programming can increase PT engagement with members, and not just those regularly in the facility but also those at home, traveling on business or on holiday. Providing online programming enables studios to gain real-time access to usage statistics enabling scheduling to be adjusted to ensure it best meets consumer demand - maximizing operational efficiencies and driving revenue.
Virtual pt offers a whole new opportunity. There is no reason why studios can't brand and deliver their own 12-week transformation programs, offering 24/7 online support, automated motivational tips delivered at key touchpoints in the member's journey and a wealth of educational materials to drive the member towards their goals.
Studios using centralized digital programming can increase PT engagement with members, and not just those regularly in the facility but also those at home, traveling on business or on holiday.
Digital Programming
An online library of exercises allows studios to provide template workouts, advise on exercise technique and programming innovation, to both PTs and members at the click of a button. This not only enhances the PT and member experience, but it is also much more efficient than paper-based programming systems, enabling gym floor staff to spend more time interacting with members than working on admin.
Online Bookings & Payments
Manually keeping track of subscriptions, session credits, ‘no shows’ and cancellations is hugely time-consuming. Today, a single online system can automate PT bookings and payments, including multiple subscriptions and PT models, auto-renewals and push notifications to keep clients motivated and informed, allowing PTs to spend their time delivering other areas of the business.
Online booking solutions create operational transparency and streamline internal processes. Centralized reporting tools also enable real-time performance analysis enabling club owners to make operational and programming decisions based on evidence rather than gut feel.
Simplifying the payment process gives studio owners more time to focus on delivery whilst members have an efficient and convenient means of purchasing sessions, keeping track of bookings and viewing training programs.
“Digital innovations and technological advancements are a fantastic tool for studios to integrate in order to support staff in delivery and time efficiency and to enhance the member experience.” To find out how you can get set up with a digital solution today, visit fisikal.com/studio
Emma Excell is the COO of Fisikal and heads up the operations team. Emma has over 4 years of experience in investment banking and over 14 years international property development. Emma has a degree in economics, provides business analysis, digital marketing strategies and project management skills.
Rob has over 20 years of experience in the Health and Fitness industry, as a former personal trainer who built a successful business of 50 sessions per week. Rob has also spent many years as an international presenter lecturing on “Technology in the fitness industry”.
Rob was the guy with the problem and is the content matter expert. Rob started with little knowledge of technology other than the vision that one day we would all be using it for many areas of our lives.
Organizations all over the world now come to Fisikal seeking our advice on how systems and processes can be optimized. As Rob has worked in all areas of the Fitness Industry this gives him multiple perspectives to help advise on how solutions could be created but also with his advanced knowledge of technology – what the future holds and how we can adapt internal processes so they can leverage technology efficiently.
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