Unlocking the power of Access Control: Enhancing security and efficiency

In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven fitness industry, ensuring the safety and convenience of members is a top priority for fitness facilities. Enter access control systems, a revolutionary solution that combines cutting-edge technology with seamless integration to enhance both security measures and operational efficiency.

At myFitApp, we understand the importance of a secure and streamlined environment, which is why we have developed our robust Access Control solution that empowers fitness facilities to provide a world-class experience to their members.

Streamlining facility access

Access control systems revolutionise the way gym entries are managed. With the myFitApp’s Access Control solution, members can simply tap or scan their smartphones at the entry gates, eliminating the need for physical cards or keys. This digital method ensures a more secure environment by reducing the risk of members misplacing their access cards or unauthorised individuals gaining entry to the facility.

Enhancing member experience

Convenience is the cornerstone of a positive member experience. With myFitApp’s Access Control, members can check-in seamlessly using their smartphones, eliminating the need to wait in line or show physical identification. Not only does this expedite the check-in process, but it also allows members to focus on their workouts and maximise their time spent in the facility, whilst freeing up staff members’ time to focus on other priorities.

Real-time attendance tracking

Gone are the days of manually tracking attendance with pen and paper, and having to take a register at the beginning of the class, for example. myFitApp’s Access Control solution offers real-time attendance tracking, providing facility managers with accurate data on member visits and usage patterns. This valuable information enables fitness centres to optimise staffing, resource allocation, and facility utilisation, ultimately driving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Fraud prevention

Ensuring that only authorised members have access to the facility is crucial for both security and business profitability. Our Access Control solution mitigate the risk of fraudulent entries, as smartphones are less likely to be shared compared to physical access cards.

With accurate tracking of entry times, fitness facilities can detect and prevent unauthorised access, ultimately protecting both members and the business whilst increasing revenue from those that would normally share membership fees illegally!

Seamless integration with existing systems

myFitApp’s Access Control solution seamlessly integrates with leading Leisure Management Software (LMS) providers, allowing for a unified experience for members. This integration ensures that members can use the same login credentials across various systems, contributing to a seamless and frictionless experience throughout their fitness journey.

Access control systems have revolutionised the way fitness facilities operate, providing enhanced security, streamlined processes, and improved efficiency. Our Access Control solution empowers fitness facilities to deliver a secure and convenient experience for their members while optimising operational processes. By embracing the power of access control, fitness facilities can unlock a whole new level of security, efficiency, and member satisfaction.

Discover the new releases for myFitApp. Below are updates to the product from February 2024.

1. Monthly Active User data 

Monthly Active User (MAU) data is now available in the cockpit!

Within the reports section of the cockpit we have added your MAU. You are able to quickly access the number of users for the previous month along with 24 months worth of data. If that’s not enough, we’ve also added a live count of users for the current month, therefore you can understand at any point during the month how your app is performing.

To view this data, log in to your cockpit, select “Reports” from the left hand menu, then select the “Monthly Active Users” tab.

The previous and current month counts will be displayed. Below you will find a graph which defaults to last 12 months however this can be adjusted using the date range dropdown menu. If you hover over each of the bars you will see the number of users – this historical data can also be exported!

2. iOS minimum version uplift

5 strategies to boost gym membership retention and foster a loyal community

Maintaining gym membership retention can be a challenge for many fitness centres. While signing up new members is essential, it’s equally important to focus on nurturing relationships with existing members.

Motivating and engaging gym members not only increases retention rates but also fosters a loyal community. In this blog post, we will discuss five effective strategies to encourage your gym members to stay committed to their fitness goals and keep their gym membership.

1. Personalised goal setting:

Helping your members set personalised fitness goals is a powerful way to keep them motivated.

Schedule one-on-one consultations to discuss their aspirations and develop a customised workout plan. By tailoring workouts to their specific needs, you are showing that you care about their progress and are invested in their success.

Regularly track their progress and provide positive feedback along the way to reinforce their commitment.

Why not use your app to promote this offering?

2. Varied workout offerings:

Routine workouts can quickly become mundane and lead to member disengagement. Keep your gym members excited and motivated by offering a variety of workout programs.

This can include group fitness classes, personal training sessions, specialised workshops, or even access to new fitness equipment. Our booking solution can support you with giving customers a wide range of options and the opportunity to book from the palm of their hands.

By continually introducing fresh and engaging activities, you create an environment that inspires members to push boundaries and break through plateaus.

3. Community events and challenges:

Building a strong sense of community within your gym is crucial for member satisfaction.

Organise community events and gamified challenges that encourage participation and friendly competition. Consider holding fitness challenges with rewards for achieving specific milestones. Not sure how you can do this? Check out our Gamification solution.

These events not only foster camaraderie among members but also create a supportive and motivating atmosphere. Hosting workshops, nutrition seminars, or guest speaker events can also help members broaden their fitness knowledge and inspire them to continue their fitness journey.

4. Personalised communication:

Establishing effective communication channels is key to keeping your gym members informed and engaged.

Utilise email newsletters, mobile apps, or social media platforms to share updates, class schedules, and fitness tips. Additionally, send personalised messages to your members on member milestones to show that you value their commitment and strengthens personal connections with your brand.

5. Tracking and reward progress:

Encourage your gym members by implementing a tracking system and offering rewards for their progress. Create challenges that focus on specific fitness goals and track member achievements.

Consider implementing digital trackers or apps that allow members to log their workouts and monitor their progress. Celebrate milestones and offer incentives such as complimentary personal training sessions, merchandise discounts, or exclusive access to new amenities. Recognizing their dedication and giving tangible rewards will motivate members to continue their membership and strive for further accomplishments.

Motivating and engaging gym members is an ongoing process that requires dedication and creativity.

By implementing personalised goal setting, varied workout programs, community events, personalised communication, and tracking and rewarding member progress, you can significantly increase the likelihood of your gym members maintaining their membership.

Remember, a motivated and engaged community leads to higher retention rates, word-of-mouth referrals, and a flourishing fitness centre.

Elevate your member experience with top wellness fitness trends

Gym enthusiasts are always on the lookout for innovative ways to enhance their fitness journeys. In recent years, a shift towards holistic wellness has taken the fitness industry by storm.

Today, we will explore the top wellness fitness trends specifically catered to gym-goers, offering you a chance to elevate your gym experience like never before.

High-tech wellness equipment

Gyms are embracing technology to take wellness fitness routines to the next level. Tech-enabled equipment such as heart rate monitors, activity trackers, and smart mirrors with virtual trainers provide you with real-time feedback, personalized workouts, and data-driven insights. Maximise your members’ workout efficiency and track their progress seamlessly using these cutting-edge tools.

Mindfullness spaces

Gyms are now incorporating designated mindfulness spaces to facilitate mental well-being. These areas provide a peaceful environment for meditation, breathing exercises, and stress reduction. Here, your members can step away from the intensity of their workout and dedicate time to centre themselves, allowing for a deeper mind-body connection and a greater sense of overall wellness.

Wellness workshops and events

Gyms are expanding their offerings beyond equipment and classes by hosting wellness workshops and events. These educational sessions cover various topics such as nutrition, stress management, sleep optimisation, and mindfulness practices.

By attending these events, your members can expand their knowledge, receive expert guidance, and connect with like-minded individuals. Don’t forget to work these events into your marketing calendar. You can use your app, not only as a booking tool, but also as one of your communication methods.

With wellness fitness trends taking over the fitness landscape, gyms are evolving to meet the needs of their members. Embracing these trends presents a wonderful opportunity to elevate your member experience. 

Discover the new releases for myFitApp. Below are updates to the product from December 23 and January 24.

1. In-app Campaigns

2. Additional cockpit Marketing Automation fields

2024 fitness trends

Fitness trends are constantly changing, and the industry is always looking for new ways to engage the consumer. It can be difficult to keep up with all the latest trends, but we’ve got you covered!

Here are some of the top fitness trends in 2024:

A knock-on effect of this will be an increase in NHS referrals, asking centres to offer training programmes to help people manage their mental health, not just for physical health conditions and rehabilitation.

This trend won’t just impact gym usage, your customers will also be looking for food outlets that offer healthy alternatives, to supplement their training efforts – such as super foods or foods high in vitamins etc.

2. Gamification

Gamification will be another key fitness trend for 2024 – the addition of game like elements to fitness tasks like daily workouts, exercise routines and strength training. Gamifying workouts adds a fun dimension to exercise. Not only that but it will also increase your customer engagement, and in-turn, retention rate! What does this look like?

• Challenges and competitions – a significant number of people want to be part of a team they can rely on, compete against, and challenge themselves with. Challenges like 5K races or triathlons can help your members meet new people and make friends who share similar interests, in-turn increasing retention.

• Points and rewards – another important aspect of gamification that keeps your customers engaged. You can award points for completing certain workouts or achieving goals within certain time frames. These points can then be exchanged for prizes like free gym memberships or gift cards!

• Personal tracking and achievements – a great way to keep your clients motivated over time by showing them how much progress they’ve made so far. The more visible these stats are, the more likely it is that people will stay committed!

• Recovery – classes to help recovery provide various benefits, including increased mobility, better posture, better quality of movement and reduced soreness. This not only helps your members feel their best but gets them back into full health and fitness quicker, meaning they’re more likely to use their facilities.

4. Wearables

Fitness wearables are getting smarter, and this will only continue into 2024 and beyond. They are also getting more comfortable — even fashionable — as they move away from clunky models with large displays.

For your members, these devices can help improve workouts and keeps them motivated. But not just that, they are now worn for health reasons outside of exercise, for example, a wearable may track heart rate throughout the day, providing feedback on whether there’s a risk of heart disease.