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6 Best Gym SMS Texting Software in 2024

6 Best Gym SMS Texting Software in 2024

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning SpecialistĀ® (CSCSĀ®) on April 26, 2023 ā€” Updated on April 27, 2024

Compare the best gym SMS texting software, and see why Exercise.com, Mindbody, and Zen Planner come out on top. Get the pros and cons of the best gym text messaging software options now.

Best Gym SMS Texting Software

Gym owners and fitness professionals often encounter a variety of options that claim to offer the most effective communication solutions. From the best gym SMS messaging software to the best gym text messaging software, there are numerous platforms available to choose from. In this best SMS gym messaging software review, we will discuss text messaging for gyms, explore the best gym text message marketing software, and delve into the world of gym SMS software and gym texting software, comparing different providers and discussing why Exercise.com emerges as the top choice for fitness businesses.

Fitness Income Ideas

Read on to compare Exercise.com to the competition and see why the best gym management software platform is one with integrated messaging capabilities (Exercise.com offers both SMS/texting as well as email, in-app messaging, push notifications, and even Spotify-esque “modal alerts” so that your gym can be on the cutting edge of gym member engagement. Read More: Best Gym Member Engagement Software).

APEC
Exercise.com is simply the best. We were using three or four different apps or softwares to do what we can now do all in one with the Exercise.com platform.
Brandon Stroupe
Founder and President, APEC Sports Performance

Want us to show you how we can help your gym? Get a demo now!

Best Text Messaging Software for Gyms and Fitness Clubs

With the constant evolution of technology, gyms and fitness businesses are looking for ways to stay connected with their members more efficiently. Fitness club SMS texting software has become a popular and effective tool to keep members engaged, informed, and motivated. In this article, we will explore the best gym SMS texting software and why Exercise.com is the top gym SMS marketing choice for gym owners and fitness professionals.

SoftwareGym Management FeaturesSMS Texting FeaturesCustomizable TemplatesIntegration with Other Gym Management ToolsStandalone Text Messaging Company
Exercise.comYesYesYesSeamless integrationNo
MindbodyYesYesYesLimited integrationNo
Zen PlannerYesYesYesLimited integrationNo
TwilioNoYesYesRequires additional setupYes
PodiumNoYesYesRequires additional setupYes
GlofoxYesYesYesLimited integrationNo

In the following sections, we will compare Exercise.com to other popular gym SMS texting software providers, highlighting the unique features and benefits of each. We will evaluate the gym SMS texting features offered by 5-7 competitors of Exercise.com, including both gym management software providers and standalone text messaging software companies.

Read More: Gym SMS Text Message Marketing Guide

#1 Exercise.com: All-in-One Gym Management Platform with SMS Texting

Exercise.com is an all-in-one gym management platform that offers a comprehensive SMS texting feature, making it easy for gym owners and fitness professionals to communicate with their members. With Exercise.com, you can send targeted messages, reminders, and promotions to your members, keeping them engaged and informed about your gym’s offerings. Moreover, the platform integrates gym management, workout software, and custom-branded apps to provide a complete solution for your fitness business.

Exercise.com is a comprehensive gym management platform that offers SMS texting features designed to cater to fitness facilities. It is the ideal choice for CrossFit text messaging software and is also an excellent tool for other types of gyms.

Pros

  • Fully customizable templates to tailor messages to specific client needs.
  • Seamless integration with other gym management tools, ensuring a unified experience.
  • Full-fledged gym management features, making it the best gym business texting software.

Cons

  • Not a standalone text messaging company, but this is hardly a downside given its comprehensive features.

Exercise.com offers an all-in-one solution that goes beyond basic SMS functionalities to provide a complete gym management experience.

Some key advantages of using Exercise.com for SMS texting include:

  • Seamless integration with gym management tools
  • Customizable message templates
  • Automation capabilities for sending messages at the right time
  • Analytics to track engagement and effectiveness

Here’s just some of what you can do with the Exercise.com platform:

Engage with members via automations.

Gym Member Engagement

Manage leads with a gym CRM.

Gym CRM Software

Create and send fitness assessments with ease.

Assessments

Use fitness habit tracking to inspire and motivate gym members and clients.

Habit Tracking

Use fitness progress photos to engage with members.

Progress Photos

Use fitness leaderboards to track event performance and inspire healthy competition.

Leaderboards

Create exercise supersets in a snap.

Supersets

Program exercise rep max progressions with ease.

Rep Max Progressions

Use the exercise demonstration video library or create your own custom exercise demonstration videos.

Exercise Library

Create workout plans for parents and dependents, teams and more.

Workout Plan Creator

Cast gym TV workouts to in-gym TV screens quickly and efficiently.

TV Workouts

Manage multiple gym locations with ease.

Multi-Location

Manage gym members with ease.

Client Management

Book appointments for parents and dependents with ease. (Read More: Best Gym Booking Software)

Booking

Gym check-in software that makes your life easy. (Read More: Best Gym Check-In Software)

Check-Ins

Create classes and fitness groups.

Online Groups

Manage fitness challenges (Read More: 100+ Fitness Challenge Ideas)

Challenges

Process payments for open gym, classes, and personal training.

Gym Payments

Communicate with gym members, athletes, team members, personal training clients, class members, parents, and dependents via SMS, email, and in-app push notification.

SMS

View performance over time, track personal records, and other fitness stats with performance reporting dashboards.

Performance Reporting

And of course, view all of your gym business reports easily too.

Gym Reports

All from your custom-branded fitness apps (Read More: Best Gym Mobile Fitness Apps Software)

Custom Branded Apps
Mike Boyle - Sled Push
“The Exercise.com team is amazing, and their all-in-one software is more than we ever expected! All of this is made possible by a high-quality team.”
Mike Boyle
Co-Founder, MBSC

Want to learn how your gym can take it to the next level? Get a demo now!

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#2 Mindbody Text Messaging Software

Mindbody Review

Mindbody is a well-known gym management software provider that offers SMS texting functionality. It enables gym owners to send appointment reminders, confirmations, and promotional messages. However, Mindbody’s platform might not provide the same level of seamless integration with other gym management tools as Exercise.com.

Mindbody offers SMS marketing features in addition to its gym management functionalities. Exercise.com is often considered as an alternative for Mindbody SMS marketing.

Pros

  • Allows for customizable text message templates.
  • Provides SMS features designed for fitness gyms.
  • Mindbody text messages are part of a broader gym management solution.

Cons

  • Limited integration with other gym management tools.

Mindbody provides a reliable service but is less flexible compared to Exercise.com in terms of integration with other tools.

Read More:

#3 Zen Planner Text Messaging Software

Zen Planner Review

Zen Planner is another gym management software provider that includes SMS texting features. Users can send reminders, notifications, and marketing messages to members. While Zen Planner offers valuable texting tools, it may not be as comprehensive or fully integrated as Exercise.com’s all-in-one gym management solution.

Zen Planner also provides SMS texting features alongside gym management tools. It’s another service to consider if you’re in the market for texting service for fitness gyms.

Pros

  • Customizable text message templates for targeted communication.
  • Integrates SMS into a broader suite of gym management tools.
  • Suitable for sports club text messages.

Cons

  • Limited integration options with other gym management tools.

Zen Planner is functional but less flexible when it comes to integration compared to Exercise.com.

Read More:

#4 Twilio Text Messaging Software

Twilio Review

Twilio is a standalone text messaging software company that offers a powerful SMS API for businesses, including gyms. With Twilio, you can build custom SMS solutions for your gym, but it requires more technical knowledge to set up and may not be as easy to use as Exercise.com’s built-in SMS texting features.

Twilio is a standalone text messaging company that specializes in SMS services. Exercise.com serves as a Twilio SMS alternative for gyms looking for basic gym SMS features and comprehensive gym management tools.

Pros

  • Highly customizable text message templates.
  • Designed to be a Twilio SMS alternative for gyms.
  • Specializes in SMS services.

Cons

  • Requires additional setup for integration with gym management tools.
  • Does not offer gym management features.

Twilio is focused solely on SMS services, lacking the comprehensive features found in platforms like Exercise.com.

#5 Podium Text Messaging Software

Podium Review

Podium is a standalone messaging platform that offers SMS texting capabilities for businesses, including gyms. It allows users to manage all customer interactions through text messages, including appointment scheduling and marketing. However, it does not offer gym management features, making it necessary to integrate with other gym management tools, unlike Exercise.com’s all-in-one solution.

Podium is another standalone text messaging company known for its Podium text messages for gyms. It offers SMS services but not gym management features.

Pros

  • Customizable templates for a variety of messaging needs.
  • Known for Pay.Podium text messages for gyms.
  • Focuses solely on SMS services.

Cons

  • Requires additional setup for integration.
  • Lacks gym management functionalities.

Podium is another text-only option and lacks the complete suite of gym management features found in Exercise.com.

#6 Glofox Text Messaging Software

Glofox Review

Glofox is a gym management software provider that includes SMS texting functionality. It enables gym owners to send targeted messages and reminders to members. While Glofox offers useful texting tools, it may not have the same level of seamless integration with other gym management tools as Exercise.com.

Glofox is a gym management software that includes SMS texting features as part of its service offering. It’s a suitable option if you’re looking for a texting service for fitness gyms.

Pros

  • Provides customizable text message templates.
  • Includes a range of SMS features for fitness gyms.
  • Part of a broader gym management solution.

Cons

  • Limited integration with other gym management tools.

Glofox offers a reliable service but is less integrated than Exercise.com in terms of management tools.

Read More: Best Glofox Alternative

Real-Life Examples: How Gyms and Fitness Professionals Use SMS Texting Software

These competitors each have their unique advantages and disadvantages when it comes to gym SMS texting features. However, Exercise.com’s all-in-one gym management platform, with its built-in SMS texting capabilities, provides a more comprehensive and integrated solution for gym owners and fitness professionals. Among these options, Exercise.com stands out as the best texting service for fitness gyms, offering seamless integration and a complete suite of gym management features. Whether you’re looking for CrossFit text messaging software or a comprehensive management system, Exercise.com is the platform to choose.

SMS texting software can be utilized in various ways to engage members and streamline gym operations. Here are some specific case study-like examples of how gym owners and fitness professionals can use this functionality:

  1. Appointment and class reminders
  2. Promoting special events and offers
  3. Re-engaging inactive members
  4. Providing personalized fitness tips and advice
  5. Keeping members informed about schedule changes and updates

Appointment and Class Reminders

A popular use case for gym SMS texting software is sending appointment and class reminders to members. By automating these reminders, gym owners can reduce the number of no-shows and last-minute cancellations, resulting in better class attendance and more efficient use of resources. For instance, a gym using Exercise.com’s SMS texting feature can set up automated reminders for personal training sessions, group classes, or workshops, ensuring members never miss a scheduled appointment.

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Promoting Special Events and Offers

Gym owners and fitness professionals can also use SMS texting software to promote special events and offers to their members. By sending targeted text messages, they can inform members about limited-time promotions, exclusive deals, or upcoming events like workshops, seminars, or fitness challenges. This not only helps drive revenue for the gym but also increases member engagement and encourages participation in gym activities.

Read More:

Re-engaging Inactive Members

SMS texting software can be an effective tool for re-engaging inactive members. Gym owners can use Exercise.com’s SMS texting feature to send personalized messages to members who haven’t attended classes or used gym facilities in a while, offering special incentives or motivating messages to encourage their return. This proactive approach can help reduce member attrition rates and foster a stronger sense of community within the gym.

Providing Personalized Fitness Tips and Advice

Fitness professionals can use SMS texting software to provide personalized fitness tips and advice to their clients. By sending targeted messages with exercise recommendations, nutritional advice, or motivation, trainers can maintain an ongoing relationship with their clients and support their fitness journey even outside the gym setting. Exercise.com’s SMS texting feature allows fitness professionals to quickly and easily send tailored messages to their clients, helping them stay on track with their goals.

Keeping Members Informed About Schedule Changes and Updates

Gym owners can utilize SMS texting software to keep members informed about schedule changes and updates. Whether it’s a last-minute class cancellation, a substitute instructor, or a change in gym hours, sending a quick text message ensures that members are always up to date on the latest information. Exercise.com’s SMS texting feature makes it easy for gym owners to communicate these changes to members in real-time, reducing confusion and ensuring a smooth gym experience for all.

Example Gym SMS Templates

Utilizing effective gym SMS templates can help you save time and maintain consistent communication with your members. Here are some popular gym SMS templates for various common use cases:

Appointment Reminder

Template: Hi [Member Name], this is a friendly reminder for your [Class/Session] with [Instructor Name] at [Gym Name] on [Date] at [Time]. Reply “C” to confirm, “R” to reschedule, or “X” to cancel. See you there!

Example: Hi Sarah, this is a friendly reminder for your Personal Training session with John at FitLife Gym on June 3rd at 6:00 pm. Reply “C” to confirm, “R” to reschedule, or “X” to cancel. See you there!

Promotional Offer

Template: [Gym Name] Special Offer: Join our [Event/Challenge] starting on [Start Date] and save [Discount]! Limited spots available. Sign up now at [URL] or reply “YES” for more info. Offer ends [End Date].

Example: FitLife Gym Special Offer: Join our 30-Day Fitness Challenge starting on July 1st and save 20%! Limited spots available. Sign up now at www.fitlifegym.com/challenge or reply “YES” for more info. Offer ends June 25th.

Re-engagement Message

Template: Hi [Member Name], we’ve missed you at [Gym Name]! To help you get back on track, we’re offering a [Discount] on your next [Membership Renewal/Session Package]. Redeem by [Expiration Date] at [URL] or reply “RESTART” for more info.

Example: Hi Alex, we’ve missed you at FitLife Gym! To help you get back on track, we’re offering a 15% discount on your next membership renewal. Redeem by August 31st at www.fitlifegym.com/renew or reply “RESTART” for more info.

Class Cancellation

Template: [Gym Name] Alert: Unfortunately, the [Class Name] scheduled for [Date] at [Time] has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please visit [URL] or reply “SCHEDULE” to view alternate class options.

Example: FitLife Gym Alert: Unfortunately, the Yoga class scheduled for May 18th at 7:00 pm has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please visit www.fitlifegym.com/schedule or reply “SCHEDULE” to view alternate class options.

Personalized Fitness Tip

Template: Hi [Member Name], here’s a fitness tip from [Instructor Name] at [Gym Name]: [Fitness Tip]. Keep up the great work! Reply “TIPS” for more personalized advice or “STOP” to unsubscribe.

Example: Hi Mike, here’s a fitness tip from Jane at FitLife Gym: To improve your running endurance, try incorporating interval training into your routine. Keep up the great work! Reply “TIPS” for more personalized advice or “STOP” to unsubscribe.

AMPD Golf Performance
“Working with Exercise.com and their team has been an amazing experience and a dream come true in terms of accomplishing a vision! Their workout technology has helped us effectively engage our community, and I highly recommend Exercise.com to grow your business!”
Andrew Banner
Co-Founder, AMPD Golf Performance

Get a demo now!

What is the best business texting platform for gyms?

The best SMS platform for gyms combines ease of use, robust automation features, and integration capabilities with gym management systems. A platform that offers fitness text services, gym SMS messages, and gym text message marketing functionalities tailored for the fitness industry, enabling gyms to send personalized workout tips, class reminders, and promotional messages effectively, stands out as the best choice. These platforms should also support gym fee reminder message automation to facilitate timely communications with members.

What is the most popular texting platform for gyms?

The most popular texting platform for gyms is one that is widely recognized for its reliability, comprehensive features, and excellent customer support. Platforms that offer fitness texting, gym message text, and gym promotional messages capabilities, along with the ability to automate gym renewal message communications, are highly favored within the fitness community. These platforms enable gyms to engage with members through personalized gym text messages, enhancing the overall member experience.

What is an ideal gym texting cadence for new gym members?

An ideal gym texting cadence for new gym members involves sending a welcome message soon after signup, followed by periodic messages that offer value and enhance their gym experience without overwhelming them. This might include weekly fitness SMS, motivational gym SMS messages, or gym offer SMS for additional services. The key is to maintain a balance that keeps members informed and engaged, utilizing best texting software for gyms to automate and personalize communications based on member preferences and behaviors.

What is a good gym texting automation sequence for getting new personal training clients?

A good gym texting automation sequence for acquiring new personal training clients could start with an initial gym offer SMS highlighting personal training packages, followed by gym promotional messages that showcase success stories or testimonials. Subsequent messages could provide educational content or fitness tips to demonstrate value, with periodic gym renewal messages offering incentives or discounts for signing up. Utilizing best SMS platform for gyms enables these sequences to be personalized and timed effectively, ensuring potential clients receive relevant and enticing information.

What is the best texting software for small gyms?

The best texting software for small gyms offers user-friendly, cost-effective solutions with essential features like gym message text capabilities, gym SMS messages, and basic automation for gym text messages. These platforms should allow small gyms to send targeted gym promotional messages, gym renewal messages, and fitness SMS to engage their members effectively, without the need for extensive marketing budgets or resources.

What are the SMS compliance/regulations I need to know as a gym owner to do SMS marketing for gyms?

As a gym owner, it’s crucial to understand SMS compliance and regulations, such as obtaining explicit consent from members before sending them any gym SMS messages or gym text message marketing materials. This includes providing an easy opt-out option in every message. Additionally, being aware of the times during which it’s appropriate to send messages and ensuring your gym text messages don’t violate privacy laws are key aspects of compliance. Using online texting software for gyms that adheres to these regulations is essential for maintaining trust and legality in your SMS marketing efforts. In your SMS marketing, including gym fee reminder messages, gym renewal messages, or fitness SMS, it’s essential to maintain transparency, respect privacy, and provide value to your subscribers, ensuring your communications enhance the fitness text experience rather than disrupt it.

Is SMS texting more effective than email marketing for gyms?

SMS texting can be more effective than email marketing for gyms because text messages generally have a higher open rate and faster response time compared to emails. While both channels can be useful in different ways, SMS texting allows for more immediate and personalized communication, making it ideal for appointment reminders, schedule updates, and quick announcements. However, it’s important to use a balanced approach, leveraging both SMS and email marketing to ensure effective communication with your gym members.

Read More: Best Gym Email Software

Can I automate SMS messages with Exercise.com?

Yes, Exercise.com allows you to automate SMS messages for various purposes, such as appointment and class reminders, membership renewal notifications, and promotional campaigns. By automating these messages, you can save time and resources while ensuring consistent communication with your gym members. Exercise.com’s powerful gym management platform makes it easy to set up and manage automated SMS messages, helping you keep your members engaged and informed.

Read More: Best Gym Software with Automation Marketing

How can I use SMS texting to boost member retention?

Using SMS texting to boost member retention involves sending targeted, personalized messages to members with relevant content, promotions, or motivation. By maintaining regular communication and providing valuable information through text messages, you can strengthen the relationship between your gym and its members, ultimately fostering loyalty and reducing attrition rates. Exercise.com’s SMS texting feature enables you to easily manage and send customized messages to your members, supporting member retention efforts.

Is it possible to track the effectiveness of my SMS campaigns with Exercise.com?

Exercise.com allows you to track the effectiveness of your SMS campaigns by monitoring delivery rates, open rates, and engagement metrics such as link clicks or conversions. By analyzing this data, you can gain valuable insights into the performance of your SMS campaigns and make data-driven decisions to optimize your messaging strategies. Exercise.com’s gym management platform provides the tools you need to monitor and evaluate the success of your SMS campaigns.

How does Exercise.com ensure compliance with SMS regulations?

Exercise.com is committed to ensuring compliance with SMS regulations, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and local regulations in various countries. The platform provides tools and best practices to help you obtain proper consent from your members before sending SMS messages, manage opt-in and opt-out preferences, and maintain a compliant SMS marketing program. By using Exercise.com, you can confidently send SMS messages to your members while adhering to legal requirements.

Read More: Exercise.com Security

Can you get free gym text messaging software?

With the Exercise.com gym management software platform you receive free text messages included in your plan. You still have to pay for the Exercise.com base plan subscription, but your first text messages are included for free (up to certain sending levels). Contact us for a price quote.

What is the best SMS software for large gyms?

The best SMS software for large gyms is Exercise.com, as it offers a comprehensive, all-in-one gym management solution that includes powerful SMS texting features. With Exercise.com, large gyms can manage and automate SMS messages for various purposes, such as appointment reminders, promotions, and member communication. The platform’s seamless integration with other gym management tools and its ability to scale with your gym’s growth make it the ideal choice for large fitness facilities.

What is the best SMS software for boutique gyms and studios?

Exercise.com is also the best SMS software for boutique gyms and studios, as it provides a user-friendly, fully integrated gym management solution that caters to the unique needs of smaller fitness businesses. Exercise.com’s SMS texting feature allows boutique gyms and studios to maintain personalized communication with their members, promoting engagement and loyalty. The platform’s flexibility and customization options make it a perfect fit for boutique gyms and studios seeking a powerful SMS texting solution.

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Exercise.com: The Ultimate Gym SMS Texting Software Solution

In conclusion, Exercise.com offers the most comprehensive and feature-rich gym SMS texting software solution on the market. With seamless integration, customizable templates, automation capabilities, and analytics, Exercise.com provides gym owners and fitness professionals with an all-in-one platform to manage their business efficiently and keep members engaged. Request a demo today and experience the power of Exercise.com’s SMS texting software for your fitness business.

Staying connected with your gym members in today’s fast-paced world is crucial to the success of your fitness business. Effective communication solutions like SMS texting software can help you achieve this by sending targeted messages, reminders, and promotions to keep members engaged and informed. In the following sections, we will explore the features and benefits of Exercise.com’s all-in-one gym management platform, which includes powerful SMS texting capabilities.

As we evaluate various gym SMS texting software providers, we will highlight their unique features and benefits, as well as how they compare to Exercise.com. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision when selecting the best gym SMS messaging software for your fitness business, so you can enjoy seamless communication, improved member engagement, and ultimately, better business results.

Jimmy Myers Relentless Sports Performance
If you want to offer an elite service for the end user you need to get with the times and use elite level software that is intuitive, visually appealing, and effective. That is exactly what Exercise.com delivers to its clients.
Jimmy Myers
Owner/Trainer, Relentless Sports Performance

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Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning SpecialistĀ® (CSCSĀ®). He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life.
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