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Posted by on September 13, 2023 — Updated on August 3, 2025
Recess.tv offers a fitness platform for scheduling and monetization, but lacks depth for gym operations. Discover why Exercise.com is the better all-in-one fitness business platform.
Recess.tv pricing operates on a unique model for instructors. While the platform itself does not charge any fees for being on the platform, they do charge a fee of 3-10% for client transactions. This allows instructors to set their own prices and receive the majority of the amount, which can be updated anytime from the Instructor Dashboard. Recess.tv costs can seem low at first, but can quickly become expensive.
Recess.tv is a platform designed for fitness instructors and trainers to deliver classes and build an online fitness business. It operates on a unique pricing model that doesn’t charge subscription fees but instead takes a percentage of client transactions. While the Recess.tv pricing structure may seem straightforward, the costs can quickly add up depending on the volume of transactions and the percentage charged. For fitness professionals exploring their options, Exercise.com provides a more comprehensive and cost-effective solution for scaling an online fitness business.
While Recess.tv offers a unique pricing model, if you’re looking for the best gym management software or the best personal training software at an affordable cost, then check out Exercise.com. Exercise.com provides a comprehensive solution for fitness professionals to manage their business, accept payments, do online booking, host exercise videos, sell workout plans online, and much more, all through a custom-branded fitness app. To find out how to use Recess.tv and why the best Recess.tv alternative is Exercise.com, book a demo today.
For fitness professionals exploring alternatives to traditional class booking systems, Recess.tv—sometimes referred to as Recess TV, Recess, or Recess Digital Inc—positions itself as a platform that enables fitness instructors to monetize and schedule both online and in-person classes. While this flexibility appeals to solo trainers and small wellness teams, gym owners quickly run into limitations.
Recess is best known as a lightweight fitness business platform focused on streaming and remote session monetization. However, it falls short for full-scale gym management tasks such as automated billing, in-person check-ins, staff scheduling, workout tracking, or membership analytics. Gym owners searching for affordable gym software or an all-in-one solution will find the platform lacking in essential areas.
Exercise.com, by contrast, is built specifically to handle everything from staff management and access control to custom-branded mobile apps, workouts, e-commerce, billing, CRM, and reporting—all in one platform. Whether you’re running a studio, CrossFit box, wellness business, or multi-location gym, Exercise.com grows with you far beyond what Recess software was designed to support.
Recess.tv pricing isn’t public on its website, which creates uncertainty for fitness professionals comparing platforms. Users sign up for free and are charged transaction fees or subscription fees depending on their usage model.
| Feature Category | Recess.tv | Exercise.com |
|---|---|---|
| On-Demand Classes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Gym Management Tools | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Branded Mobile Apps | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (iOS + Android included) |
| Workout Program Delivery | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Assessments, Plans, Tracking) |
| CRM / Lead Management | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Full CRM Included |
| Reporting and Analytics | ⚠️ Basic Class Reports Only | ✅ Advanced Performance + Revenue Dashboards |
| Payment Processing Fees | ✅ Transaction-based | ✅ No hidden fees |
| Access Control Integration | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (24/7 Access Tools) |
| E-Commerce Capabilities | ✅ Class Packs + Memberships | ✅ Plus Digital Products, Programs, Merch |
| Marketplace Visibility | ✅ Yes (Consumer-Facing) | ✅ Private Label or Public Optional |
Recess.tv seems optimized more for individual instructors rather than gyms or fitness studios needing deep infrastructure. Their marketplace model helps gain exposure but can commoditize your brand, funneling customers into Recess’s ecosystem rather than yours.
While Recess works well as a video-class-first option for solopreneurs or remote yoga instructors, it doesn’t support the full operational demands of a growing gym or studio. Features like class scheduling and e-commerce work well for digital fitness use cases but can’t support the offline infrastructure and workflows gyms require.
Here are the most common pain points gym owners face with Recess:
These limitations make it hard for Recess.tv to support anything beyond a freelance fitness model. For gym businesses, that’s a major operational blocker.
For serious fitness professionals running a brick-and-mortar or hybrid business, Exercise.com replaces fragmented tools like Recess, Calendly, PayPal, and Trainerize with one seamless system.
With Exercise.com, you get:
Whether you’re scaling a team of coaches, offering custom fitness programs, or operating across multiple time zones, Exercise.com gives you the infrastructure you need to grow and succeed.
Recess.tv takes a unique approach to fitness classes by offering a platform where instructors can host live public classes, private group classes, and one-on-one sessions. This flexibility allows fitness professionals to cater to a wide range of clients, from those who prefer the community aspect of a group class to those who want a more personalized experience. Additionally, the platform supports on-demand videos, allowing instructors to build a library of content that can be accessed at any time.
What sets Recess.tv apart is its fee structure. Unlike many other platforms that charge a flat monthly or yearly fee, Recess.tv charges a percentage fee of 3-10% for instructors. This means that instructors can set their own prices and receive the majority of the amount. Payments are made every two weeks via Venmo, making it convenient for instructors to receive their earnings. The fee structure is transparent and allows instructors to update their prices anytime from their dashboard.
Another interesting feature of Recess.tv is the level of customization it offers. Instructors can add a music link from various platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud to their classes. They can control the start and stop of songs during the class, adding an extra layer of engagement and energy to the sessions. This feature is particularly useful for classes like dance, yoga, or high-intensity workouts where music plays a crucial role.
Recess.tv also focuses on building a community. Instructors can interact with their clients through the platform, receive feedback, and make improvements to their classes. This sense of community can be a significant factor in client retention and can help instructors build a loyal customer base.
While Recess.tv offers a unique and flexible platform for fitness instructors, it’s worth considering Exercise.com as a more comprehensive solution. Exercise.com provides a wide range of features, including custom-branded apps, robust analytics, and a variety of integrations that can help you manage and grow your fitness business more effectively. To find out how to use Recess.tv and why the best Recess.tv alternative is Exercise.com, book a demo today.
By offering a range of features and a unique pricing model, Recess.tv has carved a niche for itself in the fitness industry. However, for those looking for a more comprehensive and professional solution, Exercise.com is the more robust choice.
Recess.tv’s pricing model is transaction-based, with the platform taking a 3-10% fee for client transactions. This fee is deducted from the payments received from clients, leaving instructors with the remaining percentage. Here’s how the Recess.tv costs break down:
While this fee structure offers flexibility and low upfront costs, it can become expensive as instructors scale their client base or offer premium-priced services. For example, an instructor earning $5,000 in monthly client payments could pay between $150 and $500 in transaction fees. This makes it essential for instructors to weigh the long-term financial implications.
Recess.tv is designed to help fitness professionals build and manage their online fitness business. Its key features include:
While these tools are beneficial, they focus primarily on class delivery and do not offer robust business management features like billing, scheduling, and performance tracking. For a more all-encompassing platform, instructors may find Exercise.com to be a better fit.
When comparing Recess.tv vs Exercise.com, it becomes clear that Recess.tv focuses on transaction facilitation and content delivery, while Exercise.com provides a complete platform for managing and scaling a fitness business.
For fitness professionals seeking a platform that combines client engagement with robust management features, Exercise.com is the superior choice.
While Recess.tv offers an accessible entry point for instructors, Exercise.com provides the tools needed to scale and manage a fitness business effectively. Here’s why Exercise.com is the better option:
Unlike Recess.tv’s transaction-based fees, Exercise.com offers a clear and predictable pricing model. This ensures that fitness professionals can scale their business without worrying about rising costs as they grow.
Exercise.com combines live streaming and on-demand content delivery with advanced tools like workout programming, performance tracking, and branded apps. It also includes features like e-commerce, scheduling, and payment processing, making it an all-in-one solution.
Recess.tv offers limited customization, while Exercise.com allows instructors to create fully branded apps and platforms. This enhances client loyalty and elevates the professional image of your fitness business.
With Exercise.com, fitness professionals receive dedicated support to help with onboarding, customization, and ongoing platform optimization. This level of service outshines the basic resources available on Recess.tv.
Recess.tv provides a flexible platform for fitness instructors to deliver online classes and engage with clients, but its transaction-based fees can become costly as the business grows. For fitness professionals seeking a more robust, customizable, and cost-effective solution, Exercise.com is the superior choice.
With transparent pricing, comprehensive features, and unmatched support, Exercise.com empowers fitness professionals to scale their businesses while providing an exceptional experience for their clients. Replace Recess.tv with Exercise.com and discover the ultimate platform for growing your online fitness business.
Recess.tv charges a fee of 3-10% for instructors. If you charge $10 per client, you will receive the majority of that amount.
For instructors, Recess.tv is not entirely free. They charge a fee of 3-10% for transactions.
The information about contracts is not explicitly stated on their website.
To change your pricing on Recess.tv, you can update it anytime from your Instructor Dashboard.
Recess.tv does not charge any extra fees for credit card processing or SMS.
Recess.tv is a fitness platform that allows instructors to host and monetize live or on-demand classes. It focuses on streaming and scheduling, but doesn’t include traditional gym management tools.
Recess is better described as a class hosting platform, not full gym management software. It’s ideal for freelance fitness professionals but lacks core features gyms require.
No, Recess.tv does not offer custom-branded mobile apps. All classes and services are accessed via the Recess app and marketplace.
No, Recess does not include workout delivery, assessments, or exercise libraries. These are essential tools found in more complete platforms like Exercise.com.
Recess offers limited CRM-like features for following up with attendees, but does not provide full lead funnels, automations, tagging, or advanced client segmentation.
Recess is most commonly used by yoga instructors, remote fitness coaches, and solo trainers who want to offer video content and monetize class packs or memberships.
Recess.tv does not publish detailed pricing. Their business model includes transaction fees, and certain advanced features may require paid subscriptions.
Recess alternatives include Exercise.com for complete gym management, as well as other platforms like Trainerize, Mindbody, and Arketa depending on your needs.
You can log in via the Recess.tv login portal on their website or through the Recess app. Clients and instructors access classes through the same platform.
While Recess.tv offers a low-fee model for instructors, Exercise.com provides a comprehensive set of features tailored for fitness professionals. This includes custom-branded apps, robust analytics, and a wide range of integrations. With Exercise.com, you get more than just software; you get a business partner that helps you grow. To find out more, book a demo today.
Tyler Spraul