As gyms reopen, restrictions on numbers are demanding more
of their software. HCM asks the experts how their systems
can enable gyms to cope with post lockdown requirements
Software can enable gyms to cope with post lockdown requirements
Leonie Wileman, Premier Software
Software like Core by Premier Software will play a vital role in the enforcement of social distancing. To avoid an influx of people arriving at once, members should be asked to book classes or training sessions online.
Operators can control the number of slots available within the software to enforce social distancing.
For those who wish to avoid a group environment, one-to-one PT sessions may also be offered.
Core can also help operators with a range of other stumbling blocks that may occur upon reopening. These include membership validity, cancelled memberships and keeping in touch.
Using Core’s access control fast track system, operators can monitor membership validity on entry using contactless readers for cards and wristbands. Any clients who have cancelled their membership can easily sign back up online. During this process, they will be presented with a medical questionnaire which can be customised to include questions regarding COVID-19. Operators can also keep members in the loop of restrictions and changes using automated marketing.
People will be
presented with
an online medical
questionnaire
which can include
questions about
COVID-19
Hugo Braam,
Virtuagym
Our group class schedule can already accommodate time slots to be planned by the club and booked by members.
On top of that, we’re launching a real-time attendance tracking feature that integrates with our check-in system. This feature will not only give club owners and staff members insights into on-site attendance, but can also automatically allow or deny access depending on the number of people currently in the gym.
Club members can be identified through manual, barcode or RFID check in, or through our new mobile in-app QR-code check-in. A member simply opens the app and scans their QR.
We’re also working on connecting our booking solution with the customer check-in system, meaning a member can only check in if they’ve booked a time slot at that specific time.
Our system allows target groups specific access. This means you could make certain times available for high-risk customers, such as the elderly or people with health conditions.
Our industry won’t be the same after the pandemic, and many operators will keep investing in digital.
Our solution is perfectly positioned to support this new reality, with live streaming workout videos, virtual trainer workouts, online nutrition coaching, community and challenge features and native online coaching apps.
We’re launching
a real-time
attendance
tracking feature
that integrates
with our visitor
registration
Hugo Audley-Miller,
Xn Leisure
At Xn, we can offer several options to limit numbers in gyms and leisure centres.
Using counters on either our ePOS or self-service kiosks will help limit members going into gyms, and our online system, Leisure Hub, can help manage pre-bookable time slots.
Regular gym-goers can book these slots as well as their usual classes using the ‘quick book’ and ‘rebook’ functions. We anticipate the need for social distancing to continue, so to prevent any customer contact, staff can use tablet check-in for attendance and Staff Portal for gym users who aren’t comfortable using online applications.
Some sites might want to go one step further and use our access control solution that only allows entrance to the gym if the headcount is below a certain level. We can also help customers set up and implement new fitness class schedules to accommodate cleaning breaks.
Finally, we’ll be putting together a series of help guides, remote training sessions, and webinars to go through the solutions that work best for each customer.
We can help operators implement new
schedules to accommodate cleaning breaks
Rob Lander,
Fisikal
Our advanced online booking system allows every activity to be independently configured with maximum booking numbers, and optional automated alerts to inform when classes are full or nearing capacity.
Fisikal also enables the booking of resources, such as group exercise bikes and pilates reformers.
Unique ‘room mapping’ technology allows operators to create a ‘map’ of equipment positioned in a studio. This can be easily amended to reflect physical distancing recommendations and means members can select and book the exact piece of equipment they wish to occupy.
If restricted access due to physical distancing requirements means some members are unable to use physical facilities, integrated live streaming means they can still enjoy their favourite classes with familiar instructors, remotely.
This functionality is complemented by an ability to host an unlimited library of on-demand classes and workout programmes.
Room mapping
allows members
to select and book
the exact piece of
equipment they want
David Waugh,
Hedgehog Concept
We’re creating a flexible and easy-to-use booking system to allow members to book one-hour slots starting at any time of day, as long as the permitted occupancy levels are not breached.
Spare capacity can be sold to non-members if desired.
This will spread the entry and exit times throughout the day and avoid having large groups of people entering and leaving at the same time.
Check in and check out will make use of the fobs, cards, etc, that are normally used. Members will not be forced to leave if there is capacity for them to stay at the end of their session. There will be a staff-view ‘Who’s in the Club’ display showing pics of members currently on-site, along with their check-in time and the end time of their booked slot.
Members will not be
forced to leave if there is
capacity for them to stay
at the end of their session
Shez Namooya,
Ez Runner
Our software has the ability to manage capacity. As we work in multiple sectors within the leisure vertical, by default our solution has its very own ‘crowd control’. You can tailor your capacity by the hour or minute.
We offer a wide scope to manage your member flow. We can also add restrictions on access control. For example will you offer one slot/entry per day? Offer premium slots for premium members? We offer the ability to create custom entry rules.
In addition, we have digital consultation forms that could be completed by the member prior to attending the site. It’s all about reducing the potential risky touch points. We also allow a cashless environment, where customers can add ‘credit’ to their respective accounts online, prior to visiting their club or studio.
We offer the ability
to create custom
entry rules – one
workout per day or
premium slots for
premium members
Claire Rollins,
Gladstone
With our system you can manage capacity in any area, facility or space; from classes to cardio, free weights or swimming, ensuring capacity with social distancing can be optimised.
Simple configuration enables operators to create bookable sessions with set maximum and minimum capacity that can be made available online and via the operators’ branded mobile app.
Gladstone also enables simple check-in and check-out via several self-service options, ensuring accurate data capture and traceability on numbers within the facility whilst most importantly keeping your team safe. Seamless automations will mean that class and space availability is maximised; booking reminders, cancellations and availability alerts where a cancellation makes a space newly available are all configurable based on operator requirements.
Self-service and cashless operations are at the forefront of Gladstone’s offering, allowing us to quickly increase the options available in this space. We’ve also fast-tracked new initiatives, including facilities and staff management tools to support enhanced tracing and cleaning requirements and the tools required for live-streaming.
We’ve fast-tracked
tools to support
live streaming,
as well as enhanced
tracing and cleaning
Christina Hamilton,
Legend
Legend’s bookings and ticketing solutions allow for complete control of capacity and attendance, with options for cleaning slots or set-up time between sessions, activities and uses.
This can cover the widest range of resources from studios, gym area and zones, pools and swimming lanes and even individual pieces of equipment.
Operators can then use access control management to temporarily block access to anyone not booked into an activity slot.
For convenience, Legend’s online portal and app allows members and customers to view availability or book a dedicated slot prior to travel.
‘Fair use’ functions ensure slots can be retained for anyone unable to access self-service.
This eliminates queues and uncertainty, avoiding disappointment or unnecessary travel and allows members to see that the club has implemented safe capacity management.
We can also help clients reopen by assisting with marketing campaigns to re-engage members and prospective members, and administering bulk changes for direct debit, access control management, advanced bookings rules or pricing.
Legend’s facilities maintenance module, LegendFM, helps manage cleaning and hygiene using a tablet or phone. Any issue automatically alerts the relevant person to resolve it. The system manages compliance standards on anything from an empty hand sanitiser dispenser to unclean or damaged equipment. It also allows clubs to publish cleaning statistics to members, to demonstrate a diligent management of hygiene standards.
A ‘fair use’ booking
function avoids
disappointment or
unnecessary travel
Peter Croft,
Perfect Gym
We recommend the use of class bookings system to create an ‘Open Gym’ class to allow members to make scheduled visits. They can then manage access control settings so only members with a booking during that time slot can enter.
Staff can also rely on door or turnstile access controls for check-in and check-out, perform manual check-in and check-out with card readers at the front desk, or use a combination.
Members can view capacity in real-time on the app or in the members’ portal, so if the club allows ad-hoc visits, they can attend during off-peak times. Staff can keep track of the current club member count on the POS screen.
Age limit restrictions are configurable for class settings if operators want to prioritise at-risk groups during certain times.
Getting members to leave on time can be an issue, however, we have a push notification that can be triggered 45 minutes after the class start-time to remind members their session is about to end.
Perfect Gym is partnering with thermal scanning providers to integrate with access controls so staff and members can feel more comfortable knowing no one with a high temperature will be admitted to the club.
This can work in conjunction with time slot bookings so members must have normal temperatures and a booked time slot to be allowed entry.
We’re partnering
with thermal
scanning providers
so no one with
a high temperature
will be admitted
Phil Moss,
BrightLime
Members can check in and out with the BrightLime mobile app by presenting the mobile device to the reader on entry, with no need to open the app or use a barcode/QR code that can be screenshared. This reduces the risk that touch points at entry and exit pose.
Using BrightLime’s flexible booking module alongside its rule-based access control, clubs can manage total capacity or capacity in areas such as studios, courts and pools. Automated waiting lists can then be used for over-subscribed timeslots.
Members can book through their member portal or app while live club occupancy statistics will be available through the customer’s website to provide full visibility to members and prevent unnecessary travel.
BrightLime has extended the self-service facility that provides members with services to freeze, cancel, reinstate and rejoin, so operators will now be able to specifically target the members who have cancelled their direct debits.
A single-click, tokenised, reinstatement link for live members without a valid direct debit will then be sent through the BrightLime Customer Comms solution.
The COVID toolkit also includes tools for crediting/debiting members with pro-rata payments for mid month opening/closing as well as end date extension tools for pre-paid memberships.
Operators can
now specifically
target the members
who have cancelled
their direct debits
Integration with live streaming is now available
Some software companies are integrating with temperature scanning technology
Elevate, the premier event in the physical activity, fitness, sports therapy and performance
sector, is thrilled to announce that registrations for its 2024 conference are now live –
and the response has been nothing short of exceptional.
[more...]
PerformX Live, the premier business of fitness event, has announced Dr Jonathan Leary,
founder
and CEO of Remedy Place, as the headliner for its 2024 event. [more...]
As gyms reopen, restrictions on numbers are demanding more
of their software. HCM asks the experts how their systems
can enable gyms to cope with post lockdown requirements
Software can enable gyms to cope with post lockdown requirements
Leonie Wileman, Premier Software
Software like Core by Premier Software will play a vital role in the enforcement of social distancing. To avoid an influx of people arriving at once, members should be asked to book classes or training sessions online.
Operators can control the number of slots available within the software to enforce social distancing.
For those who wish to avoid a group environment, one-to-one PT sessions may also be offered.
Core can also help operators with a range of other stumbling blocks that may occur upon reopening. These include membership validity, cancelled memberships and keeping in touch.
Using Core’s access control fast track system, operators can monitor membership validity on entry using contactless readers for cards and wristbands. Any clients who have cancelled their membership can easily sign back up online. During this process, they will be presented with a medical questionnaire which can be customised to include questions regarding COVID-19. Operators can also keep members in the loop of restrictions and changes using automated marketing.
People will be
presented with
an online medical
questionnaire
which can include
questions about
COVID-19
Hugo Braam,
Virtuagym
Our group class schedule can already accommodate time slots to be planned by the club and booked by members.
On top of that, we’re launching a real-time attendance tracking feature that integrates with our check-in system. This feature will not only give club owners and staff members insights into on-site attendance, but can also automatically allow or deny access depending on the number of people currently in the gym.
Club members can be identified through manual, barcode or RFID check in, or through our new mobile in-app QR-code check-in. A member simply opens the app and scans their QR.
We’re also working on connecting our booking solution with the customer check-in system, meaning a member can only check in if they’ve booked a time slot at that specific time.
Our system allows target groups specific access. This means you could make certain times available for high-risk customers, such as the elderly or people with health conditions.
Our industry won’t be the same after the pandemic, and many operators will keep investing in digital.
Our solution is perfectly positioned to support this new reality, with live streaming workout videos, virtual trainer workouts, online nutrition coaching, community and challenge features and native online coaching apps.
We’re launching
a real-time
attendance
tracking feature
that integrates
with our visitor
registration
Hugo Audley-Miller,
Xn Leisure
At Xn, we can offer several options to limit numbers in gyms and leisure centres.
Using counters on either our ePOS or self-service kiosks will help limit members going into gyms, and our online system, Leisure Hub, can help manage pre-bookable time slots.
Regular gym-goers can book these slots as well as their usual classes using the ‘quick book’ and ‘rebook’ functions. We anticipate the need for social distancing to continue, so to prevent any customer contact, staff can use tablet check-in for attendance and Staff Portal for gym users who aren’t comfortable using online applications.
Some sites might want to go one step further and use our access control solution that only allows entrance to the gym if the headcount is below a certain level. We can also help customers set up and implement new fitness class schedules to accommodate cleaning breaks.
Finally, we’ll be putting together a series of help guides, remote training sessions, and webinars to go through the solutions that work best for each customer.
We can help operators implement new
schedules to accommodate cleaning breaks
Rob Lander,
Fisikal
Our advanced online booking system allows every activity to be independently configured with maximum booking numbers, and optional automated alerts to inform when classes are full or nearing capacity.
Fisikal also enables the booking of resources, such as group exercise bikes and pilates reformers.
Unique ‘room mapping’ technology allows operators to create a ‘map’ of equipment positioned in a studio. This can be easily amended to reflect physical distancing recommendations and means members can select and book the exact piece of equipment they wish to occupy.
If restricted access due to physical distancing requirements means some members are unable to use physical facilities, integrated live streaming means they can still enjoy their favourite classes with familiar instructors, remotely.
This functionality is complemented by an ability to host an unlimited library of on-demand classes and workout programmes.
Room mapping
allows members
to select and book
the exact piece of
equipment they want
David Waugh,
Hedgehog Concept
We’re creating a flexible and easy-to-use booking system to allow members to book one-hour slots starting at any time of day, as long as the permitted occupancy levels are not breached.
Spare capacity can be sold to non-members if desired.
This will spread the entry and exit times throughout the day and avoid having large groups of people entering and leaving at the same time.
Check in and check out will make use of the fobs, cards, etc, that are normally used. Members will not be forced to leave if there is capacity for them to stay at the end of their session. There will be a staff-view ‘Who’s in the Club’ display showing pics of members currently on-site, along with their check-in time and the end time of their booked slot.
Members will not be
forced to leave if there is
capacity for them to stay
at the end of their session
Shez Namooya,
Ez Runner
Our software has the ability to manage capacity. As we work in multiple sectors within the leisure vertical, by default our solution has its very own ‘crowd control’. You can tailor your capacity by the hour or minute.
We offer a wide scope to manage your member flow. We can also add restrictions on access control. For example will you offer one slot/entry per day? Offer premium slots for premium members? We offer the ability to create custom entry rules.
In addition, we have digital consultation forms that could be completed by the member prior to attending the site. It’s all about reducing the potential risky touch points. We also allow a cashless environment, where customers can add ‘credit’ to their respective accounts online, prior to visiting their club or studio.
We offer the ability
to create custom
entry rules – one
workout per day or
premium slots for
premium members
Claire Rollins,
Gladstone
With our system you can manage capacity in any area, facility or space; from classes to cardio, free weights or swimming, ensuring capacity with social distancing can be optimised.
Simple configuration enables operators to create bookable sessions with set maximum and minimum capacity that can be made available online and via the operators’ branded mobile app.
Gladstone also enables simple check-in and check-out via several self-service options, ensuring accurate data capture and traceability on numbers within the facility whilst most importantly keeping your team safe. Seamless automations will mean that class and space availability is maximised; booking reminders, cancellations and availability alerts where a cancellation makes a space newly available are all configurable based on operator requirements.
Self-service and cashless operations are at the forefront of Gladstone’s offering, allowing us to quickly increase the options available in this space. We’ve also fast-tracked new initiatives, including facilities and staff management tools to support enhanced tracing and cleaning requirements and the tools required for live-streaming.
We’ve fast-tracked
tools to support
live streaming,
as well as enhanced
tracing and cleaning
Christina Hamilton,
Legend
Legend’s bookings and ticketing solutions allow for complete control of capacity and attendance, with options for cleaning slots or set-up time between sessions, activities and uses.
This can cover the widest range of resources from studios, gym area and zones, pools and swimming lanes and even individual pieces of equipment.
Operators can then use access control management to temporarily block access to anyone not booked into an activity slot.
For convenience, Legend’s online portal and app allows members and customers to view availability or book a dedicated slot prior to travel.
‘Fair use’ functions ensure slots can be retained for anyone unable to access self-service.
This eliminates queues and uncertainty, avoiding disappointment or unnecessary travel and allows members to see that the club has implemented safe capacity management.
We can also help clients reopen by assisting with marketing campaigns to re-engage members and prospective members, and administering bulk changes for direct debit, access control management, advanced bookings rules or pricing.
Legend’s facilities maintenance module, LegendFM, helps manage cleaning and hygiene using a tablet or phone. Any issue automatically alerts the relevant person to resolve it. The system manages compliance standards on anything from an empty hand sanitiser dispenser to unclean or damaged equipment. It also allows clubs to publish cleaning statistics to members, to demonstrate a diligent management of hygiene standards.
A ‘fair use’ booking
function avoids
disappointment or
unnecessary travel
Peter Croft,
Perfect Gym
We recommend the use of class bookings system to create an ‘Open Gym’ class to allow members to make scheduled visits. They can then manage access control settings so only members with a booking during that time slot can enter.
Staff can also rely on door or turnstile access controls for check-in and check-out, perform manual check-in and check-out with card readers at the front desk, or use a combination.
Members can view capacity in real-time on the app or in the members’ portal, so if the club allows ad-hoc visits, they can attend during off-peak times. Staff can keep track of the current club member count on the POS screen.
Age limit restrictions are configurable for class settings if operators want to prioritise at-risk groups during certain times.
Getting members to leave on time can be an issue, however, we have a push notification that can be triggered 45 minutes after the class start-time to remind members their session is about to end.
Perfect Gym is partnering with thermal scanning providers to integrate with access controls so staff and members can feel more comfortable knowing no one with a high temperature will be admitted to the club.
This can work in conjunction with time slot bookings so members must have normal temperatures and a booked time slot to be allowed entry.
We’re partnering
with thermal
scanning providers
so no one with
a high temperature
will be admitted
Phil Moss,
BrightLime
Members can check in and out with the BrightLime mobile app by presenting the mobile device to the reader on entry, with no need to open the app or use a barcode/QR code that can be screenshared. This reduces the risk that touch points at entry and exit pose.
Using BrightLime’s flexible booking module alongside its rule-based access control, clubs can manage total capacity or capacity in areas such as studios, courts and pools. Automated waiting lists can then be used for over-subscribed timeslots.
Members can book through their member portal or app while live club occupancy statistics will be available through the customer’s website to provide full visibility to members and prevent unnecessary travel.
BrightLime has extended the self-service facility that provides members with services to freeze, cancel, reinstate and rejoin, so operators will now be able to specifically target the members who have cancelled their direct debits.
A single-click, tokenised, reinstatement link for live members without a valid direct debit will then be sent through the BrightLime Customer Comms solution.
The COVID toolkit also includes tools for crediting/debiting members with pro-rata payments for mid month opening/closing as well as end date extension tools for pre-paid memberships.
Operators can
now specifically
target the members
who have cancelled
their direct debits
Integration with live streaming is now available
Some software companies are integrating with temperature scanning technology
The first annual Private Sector Benchmarking report was released today (27 March). A
collaboration between UK Active and 4Global, the aim of the research is to provide accurate
insight into the state of UK-based private sector health clubs.
With a new master franchisee on board, the rollout of Anytime Fitness in the Middle East will
get underway later this year, with the first club opening Dubai.
Myzone is now available on smart watches, allowing Android and AppleWatch wearers to record
workouts without an additional device, and taking the tech company into the multi-billion dollar
smart watch market.
Egym, which raised €207 million last year in new investment, continues to build its top team
with the appointment of former Technogym MD, Steve Barton, as country director for the UK.
Having announced its intention to open 50 low cost gyms in the next three years, The Gym
Group has appointed Alison Sagar as chief commercial officer to drive its plans forward.
The team behind TRIB3 has launched a reformer Pilates studio concept called PILAT3S, which
will be available either as a standalone franchise, or as a club-in-club concept, aiming to take
the exercise modality into the mainstream.
Adidas and its Breaking Barriers Academy has announced a partnership with female health
experts, The Well HQ – led by Baz Moffatt – for the launch of a free training course to raise
awareness about menstruation.
Will Orr, CEO of The Gym Group, has revealed the company’s full-year results for 2023, along
with an early trading update for 2024 and a new three-part strategy for the business.
Nuffield Health’s brand doesn’t justify its price, while Everyone Active has a distinctive
personality according to brand experts, Kantar, which has undertaken consumer research into
some leading fitness companies.
Despite high inflation and energy costs, Basic-Fit lifted 2023 revenues by almost a third,
achieved a record number of club openings and is bullish about the future.
Elevate, the premier event in the physical activity, fitness, sports therapy and performance
sector, is thrilled to announce that registrations for its 2024 conference are now live –
and the response has been nothing short of exceptional.
[more...]
PerformX Live, the premier business of fitness event, has announced Dr Jonathan Leary,
founder
and CEO of Remedy Place, as the headliner for its 2024 event. [more...]