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Mindbody vs GymMaster (2025 Surprise Winner!)

Mindbody vs GymMaster (2025 Surprise Winner!)

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning SpecialistĀ® (CSCSĀ®) on January 25, 2025 ā€” Updated on January 25, 2025

Mindbody provides tailored tools for wellness centers, contrasting with GymMaster’s comprehensive gym management capabilities, still falling short of Exercise.com’s expansive features.

Mindbody vs GymMaster

Mindbody and GymMaster are two popular platforms in the fitness industry, but they target slightly different markets and offer distinct features. Mindbody is a business management platform tailored for boutique fitness studios, yoga studios, and wellness centers, providing tools for scheduling, payment processing, and marketing. GymMaster, on the other hand, is designed for gyms and fitness clubs of all sizes, with a strong focus on membership management, access control, and gym-specific features. For businesses seeking an all-in-one, fully customizable platform, the best Mindbody alternative for fitness, Exercise.com, offers robust functionality, scalability, and flexibility.

FeatureMindbodyGymMasterExercise.com
Target MarketBoutique fitness, yoga, wellness businessesGyms, fitness clubs, and recreation centersGyms, yoga, martial arts, personal training, and more
SchedulingClasses, appointments, staffClass and gym appointment schedulingAdvanced scheduling for classes, appointments, and resources
Membership ManagementBasic toolsComprehensive tools for membershipsFully integrated and customizable
Payment ProcessingIntegrated with StripeIntegrated billing and payment solutionsFully integrated with Stripe, customizable workflows
Access ControlNot availableTools for gym access (e.g., keycards, door access)Integrated access control for gyms
CustomizationLimited branding and workflowsModerate customizationFully customizable
ScalabilitySuited for boutique businessesBest for gyms of all sizesHighly scalable for all business models

When comparing Mindbody vs GymMaster, the platforms cater to different fitness business needs. Mindbody is a widely recognized platform designed for boutique fitness studios and wellness businesses, offering tools for scheduling, payment processing, and marketing. GymMaster, on the other hand, focuses on small to mid-sized gyms, fitness clubs, and member-based facilities, emphasizing features like access control and membership management. While both platforms are effective in their respective niches, neither offers the full range of tools and flexibility that Exercise.com provides, making it the best all-in-one solution for gyms, studios, and personal trainers.

#1 Ranked Fitness Business Software: Exercise.com

For businesses that need a robust platform with scheduling, workout delivery, custom-branded apps, and advanced marketing features, Exercise.com is the superior choice. It is recognized as the best gym software, best personal training software, and best boutique fitness software, offering unparalleled functionality for fitness professionals looking to grow their businesses.

FeatureMindbodyGymMasterExercise.com
BookingYesYesYes
Mobile AppsYesLimitedYes (custom-branded)
Custom BrandedLimitedNoYes
PaymentsYesYesYes
WorkoutsNoNoYes
WaiversYesYesYes
InvoicingYesYesYes
AssessmentsNoNoYes
MessagingYesLimitedYes
MarketingBasicLimitedAdvanced
AutomationsYesYesYes
ReportsYesBasicYes (customizable)
Access ControlNoYesYes

Strengths and Weaknesses of Mindbody

Mindbody excels at serving boutique fitness studios and wellness businesses, providing intuitive tools for scheduling, payments, and marketing. However, its limitations include a lack of advanced features like workout delivery, performance tracking, and extensive customization. For gyms or hybrid businesses looking to scale their offerings, Mindbody may feel restrictive.

Strengths and Weaknesses of GymMaster

GymMaster is strong in managing membership-based gyms and fitness clubs, with notable features like integrated access control systems and membership management tools. However, its limitations include a lack of advanced client engagement tools, workout delivery options, and marketing automation, which can hinder growth for businesses that require a more comprehensive solution.

Why Exercise.com is the Best Choice

Exercise.com outshines both Mindbody and GymMaster by offering a fully customizable platform that meets the needs of all fitness business models. From custom-branded mobile apps to advanced workout delivery, performance tracking, and automated marketing tools, Exercise.com provides everything a fitness business needs to thrive. Its scalable solutions make it the ideal choice for gyms, boutique studios, and personal trainers alike.

When comparing Mindbody vs GymMaster (or GymMaster vs Mindbody), itā€™s clear that both platforms cater to specific needs but lack the all-in-one flexibility and advanced features offered by Exercise.com. For fitness professionals looking to enhance their client experience and streamline operations, Exercise.com is the ultimate platform for growth and success.

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

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Mindbody Overview

Mindbody

Strengths

Mindbody is designed for boutique fitness studios and wellness businesses, offering tools to streamline operations. Its strengths include:

  • Scheduling: Manage classes, appointments, and staff schedules.
  • Payment Processing: Accept payments for memberships, classes, and retail items via Stripe integration.
  • Marketing Tools: Automate email campaigns, reminders, and promotions.
  • Client Management: Track attendance, purchase history, and client engagement.

Mindbody is ideal for businesses focused on wellness and class-based services, but it may lack the gym-specific tools required by fitness clubs.

Limitations

  • High Costs: Subscription fees range from $129 to $599+, with additional costs for premium features.
  • Limited Membership Tools: Not designed for handling gym access or advanced membership tiers.
  • No Access Control: Does not include features for door access or member check-ins.

For businesses that need comprehensive gym management features, the best gym management software offers a better alternative.

Read More:

GymMaster Overview

GymMaster

Strengths

GymMaster is designed specifically for gyms and fitness clubs, with features tailored to their unique needs. Key strengths include:

  • Membership Management: Advanced tools for managing memberships, contracts, and renewals.
  • Access Control: Includes tools for door access and check-ins using keycards or fobs.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Insights into attendance, revenue, and member behavior.
  • Facility Management: Manage bookings for gym resources like courts, studios, or equipment.

GymMaster is well-suited for gyms looking for streamlined member management and access control.

Limitations

  • Limited Marketing Tools: Focuses more on operations than client engagement or retention.
  • Basic Scheduling: While sufficient for gym operations, scheduling tools may not be as robust for class-based fitness businesses.
  • Customization Constraints: Branding and workflows are not as flexible as other platforms.

For businesses that need both gym management tools and robust client engagement features, Exercise.com is the best Mindbody alternative for fitness.

Key Differences Between Mindbody and GymMaster

Target Market

Mindbody serves boutique fitness and wellness businesses, while GymMaster is tailored for gyms and fitness clubs. Exercise.com bridges the gap by offering tools for a wide variety of fitness businesses.

Features

GymMaster excels in gym-specific tools like access control, while Mindbody focuses on class scheduling and wellness services. Neither platform offers the full customization and scalability provided by Exercise.com.

Pricing

Mindbodyā€™s pricing starts at $129 per month, while GymMaster offers customized pricing based on the size of the gym and features needed. Exercise.com provides transparent, scalable pricing with comprehensive features.

Why Exercise.com Is the Best Alternative to Mindbody and GymMaster

Exercise.com stands out as the best Mindbody alternative for fitness because it combines the strengths of both platforms while addressing their limitations.

Comprehensive Features

Exercise.com provides tools for managing all aspects of your fitness business:

  • Advanced Scheduling: Manage classes, appointments, and facility resources effortlessly.
  • Membership Management: Handle complex membership structures, billing, and renewals.
  • Access Control: Integrated tools for member check-ins and door access.
  • Client Engagement: Automate reminders, progress updates, and personalized promotions.
  • Analytics and Reporting: Gain actionable insights into member behavior, revenue trends, and operational performance.

Full Customization

Unlike Mindbody and GymMaster, Exercise.com offers full customization:

  • Branded Mobile Apps: Provide a seamless, tailored experience for your members.
  • Custom Workflows: Adapt the platform to meet your unique business needs.
  • Scalability: Designed to grow with your business, whether single-location or multi-location.

Transparent Pricing

Exercise.com offers competitive, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, making it an excellent value for fitness businesses.

Make the Right Choice for Your Fitness Business

Mindbody and GymMaster each have strengths, but their limitations in customization and scalability may not suit every business. For an all-in-one solution that combines advanced features, flexibility, and affordability, Exercise.com is the best gym management software for fitness professionals. Schedule a demo today to see how Exercise.com can help you grow and manage your fitness business with ease!

Our overall experience with Exercise.com is a breeze. We love how easy it is to integrate this app with our current workflow while providing great fitness programs for our customers and save us time in the process.
Julie Ledbetter
Owner, Ledbetter Fitness

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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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