Gym Business Models 101: Finding the Best Fitness Business Model for You

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) on July 5, 2023 — Updated on August 24, 2023

Choosing the right gym business model is crucial for success. But which gym business model is best? With various options available, it can be overwhelming for entrepreneurs and fitness enthusiasts to understand and navigate through the different gym business models. Here’s a guide to understanding the different gym business models and finding the most successful gym business model for your fitness business.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various types of fitness business models, discuss the pros and cons of each, and provide key considerations for selecting the ideal gym business model for your fitness center. Explore the changing practices of fitness business models in this comprehensive guide so that you can decide which fitness business model is best for your business.

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

And if you are ready to take your gym business to the next level then this is just another reason Exercise.com’s best gym business management software and best personal training business management software helps grow your business!

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Understanding Different Gym Business Models

Before diving into the specifics, let’s take a moment to understand what exactly a gym business model is. A gym business model essentially refers to the framework and strategies that determine how a fitness center generates revenue, serves its customers, and operates as a business entity. These models can vary significantly based on factors such as target audience, pricing structure, services offered, and overall business objectives.

Now, let’s explore the various types of gym business models that are commonly implemented in the fitness industry.

One common gym business model is the membership-based model. In this model, customers pay a monthly or annual fee to access the gym’s facilities and services. This type of model often offers different membership tiers, with varying levels of access and additional perks. Membership-based gyms typically aim to attract a wide range of customers and provide a variety of fitness equipment, classes, and amenities to cater to different needs and preferences.

Exploring the Various Types of Gym Business Models

1. Membership-based gyms

This popular model involves offering various membership options to customers, who gain access to the gym facilities and services based on their chosen membership level. Membership-based gyms typically operate with monthly or annual contracts and rely on a large customer base to generate steady revenue streams.

2. Boutique studios

These gyms focus on providing specialized fitness classes or training programs tailored to specific interests or needs, such as yoga, Pilates, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The boutique studio model often fosters a sense of community and attracts individuals seeking a more personalized and immersive fitness experience.

3. Franchise gyms

The business model involves partnering with an established fitness brand and operating a gym under their name and guidelines. Franchise gyms benefit from brand recognition and support, allowing entrepreneurs to tap into a proven system while still maintaining a level of independence as a business owner.

4. Online fitness platforms

With the ever-increasing popularity of digital technology, online fitness platforms have gained significant momentum. These platforms provide workout programs, virtual classes, and personalized coaching through an online portal. The online fitness model offers convenience and accessibility to a vast audience, allowing fitness enthusiasts to participate from the comfort of their own homes.

5. Hybrid gyms

This emerging business model combines the benefits of traditional membership-based gyms with the convenience of online fitness platforms. Hybrid gyms offer a physical facility where members can access state-of-the-art equipment and participate in group classes or personal training sessions. Additionally, they provide an online platform that offers virtual workouts, personalized coaching, and nutrition guidance. This hybrid approach caters to individuals who prefer a mix of in-person and remote fitness options.

6. Corporate wellness programs

Many companies recognize the importance of promoting employee health and well-being. Corporate wellness programs involve partnering with gyms or fitness professionals to provide on-site fitness facilities, classes, or discounted memberships to employees. These corporate wellness programs aim to improve employee productivity, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance overall workplace satisfaction. By incorporating fitness into the work environment, companies can create a culture of wellness and encourage employees to prioritize their physical health.

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

Which Gym Business Model is Right for You?

What fitness business model is right for your business? Deciding which fitness business model is right for your business depends on a few factors. To learn how to choose the correct gym business plan, check out this guide where we highlight some of the more popular fitness business models and how they can be applied to your fitness business. Now that we have explored the different gym business models, you may be wondering which one is the right fit for your fitness center. The answer primarily depends on your target audience, location, budget, and personal goals as a business owner.

If you aim to serve a diverse customer base and provide comprehensive fitness services, a membership-based gym might be the most suitable option. On the other hand, if you have a specific passion or area of expertise within the fitness industry, opening a boutique studio could allow you to specialize and cater to a niche market.

Franchise gyms can be a great choice for entrepreneurs looking for a well-established brand and a proven system. However, it is essential to carefully consider the financial investment, ongoing fees, and level of autonomy that comes with a franchise partnership.

For those interested in digital entrepreneurship or with limited physical space, an online fitness platform can offer flexibility and scalability. Embracing technology and leveraging social media (read our gym social media marketing guide) can help attract a broader customer base and optimize revenue potential.

Another option to consider is the hybrid gym model, which combines elements of both a traditional gym and a boutique studio. This model allows you to offer a variety of fitness services and cater to different customer preferences. For example, you can have a dedicated area for group classes and personal training sessions, while also providing access to a range of gym equipment for individual workouts. This flexibility can attract a wider audience and provide a well-rounded fitness experience for your members.

The Basics of Gym Business Models

Regardless of the specific gym business model you choose, there are fundamental elements that contribute to success. These include:

1. Location

Finding the right location is crucial, as it determines accessibility, visibility, and the potential customer base. Consider factors such as proximity to residential areas, parking availability, and competition in the vicinity.

2. Target audience

Identifying your gym target audience is essential in tailoring your services, marketing strategies, and overall gym experience. Conduct gym target market research to understand the demographics, preferences, and needs of your potential customers.

3. Unique selling proposition (USP)

Differentiate your fitness center from competitors by offering a unique value proposition. Whether it’s state-of-the-art equipment, specialized classes, or exceptional customer service, having a compelling USP will help attract and retain customers.

4. Pricing structure

Determine a pricing structure that aligns with your business goals, target audience, and the services provided. Consider offering flexible membership options, packages, and add-on services to cater to different customer needs.

5. Marketing and promotion

Develop a robust gym marketing and promotion strategy to create awareness and attract customers to your fitness center. Utilize online and offline marketing channels, engage with the local community, and leverage social media platforms to enhance visibility and reach.

A Comprehensive Guide to Gym Business Models

As mentioned earlier, selecting the right gym business model involves careful evaluation and consideration of all relevant factors. To provide you with a comprehensive guide, we will dive deeper into each gym business model, discussing the pros and cons, key considerations, and revenue optimization strategies in separate articles dedicated to each model.

Stay tuned as we explore membership-based gyms, boutique studios, franchise gyms, and online fitness platforms in exhaustive detail. Each article will equip you with the necessary knowledge and insights to help you make an informed decision when it comes to implementing a profitable gym business model.

Pros and Cons of Different Gym Business Models

Understanding the pros and cons of each gym business model is vital in determining the best fit for your fitness center. In the upcoming articles, we will provide an in-depth analysis of the advantages and challenges associated with membership-based gyms, boutique studios, franchise gyms, and online fitness platforms. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and vision.

Finding the Ideal Gym Business Model for Your Fitness Center

Choosing the ideal gym business model for your fitness center requires careful evaluation and analysis of various factors. In the next article, we will discuss key considerations to keep in mind when making this important decision. From understanding your target audience to assessing market demand and financial feasibility, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect gym business model that aligns with your fitness center’s goals.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Gym Business Model

When it comes to selecting a gym business model, several key considerations come into play. In the upcoming article, we will delve into the nitty-gritty details, discussing factors such as market demand, competition analysis, financial projections, and operational requirements. By analyzing these key considerations, you can make a well-informed decision that lays the foundation for a successful fitness center.

How to Evaluate and Select the Best Gym Business Model for Success

Choosing the best gym business model for success requires a systematic evaluation process. In this article, we will outline a step-by-step guide to help you evaluate each gym business model based on your fitness center’s goals, target audience, financial capabilities, and overall business vision. By following this evaluation framework, you can ensure that you select the gym business model that sets your fitness center up for long-term success.

Breaking Down the Most Popular Gym Business Models

To provide a comprehensive understanding of gym business models, we will take an in-depth look at the most popular options available in the fitness industry. In the following articles, we will break down membership-based gyms, boutique studios, franchise gyms, and online fitness platforms, discussing their unique features, revenue potential, challenges, and success stories. Stay tuned as we uncover the intricacies of each gym business model, allowing you to make an informed decision based on a thorough understanding of the industry landscape.

Implementing a Profitable Gym Business Model

Once you have selected the gym business model that best aligns with your fitness center’s goals, it’s time to implement and optimize it for profitability. In this article, we will discuss essential steps and strategies to successfully implement your chosen gym business model. From pricing strategies to membership retention techniques, we will delve into the practical aspects of turning your fitness center into a profitable venture.

Maximizing Revenue with the Right Gym Business Model

Maximizing revenue is a top priority for any fitness center owner. In the upcoming article, we will explore revenue optimization strategies specific to each gym business model. Whether it’s introducing additional revenue streams, upselling services, or implementing strategic partnerships, we will provide practical tips and insights to help you maximize revenue potential and ensure the long-term financial success of your fitness center.

Navigating the Challenges of Different Gym Business Models

Every gym business model comes with its own set of challenges. In this article, we will discuss the common challenges faced by fitness center owners in each gym business model and provide actionable solutions to overcome them. By proactively addressing these challenges, you can steer your fitness center towards success and ensure its sustainability in a competitive industry.

Building a Successful Fitness Center with the Perfect Gym Business Model

Building a successful fitness center requires more than just choosing the right gym business model. It involves careful planning, effective execution, and continuous adaptation to industry trends and customer demands. In the upcoming article, we will provide a comprehensive roadmap for building a successful fitness center, taking into account factors such as branding, customer experience, employee management, and community engagement. By following this roadmap, you can set your fitness center up for success and make a lasting impact in the lives of your customers.

Essential Components of a Successful Gym Business Model

An effective gym business model comprises various essential components that contribute to success. In this article, we will deep-dive into these components, discussing aspects such as revenue streams, cost management, marketing strategies, customer retention, and operational efficiency. By optimizing these essential components, you can build a successful and sustainable fitness center that stands out in the competitive market.

Adapting and Expanding Your Gym with the Right Business Model

The fitness industry is constantly evolving, and as a business owner, it is essential to adapt and expand your gym to stay ahead of the curve. In the final article of this series, we will discuss how to leverage the right gym business model to adapt to changing market dynamics and scale your fitness center. From innovating your services to expanding your physical footprint or exploring new digital avenues, we will provide insights to help you future-proof your gym operations and navigate the ever-evolving fitness market.

By thoroughly exploring and understanding the various gym business models, you can make an informed decision that sets your fitness center up for success. Stay tuned as we dig deeper into each gym business model, providing a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of gym business models and build a thriving fitness center.

Getting Practical: Which Fitness Business Model is Best?

Take time to research all aspects of your business before choosing a fitness business model.
There are three primary sources of income and three supplemental sources of income.
Successful businesses choose one primary income and layer it with a supplemental source of income.

Owning your own fitness business is equal parts exciting and terrifying. As the boss, you get to decide the rules…but only within the walls of your fitness center. You must abide by legal and environmental standards and taxation, plus make dozens of other choices about legal entities, liability insurance, to rent or own the facility, lease or own equipment, and so much more!

Your business must obviously make enough revenue to cover the bills, salaries, and to (hopefully!) turn a profit. But, if you think there’s only one best fitness business model, think again! The world of fitness centers is evolving, and a successful fitness business stays with trending patterns.

We’re here to explore the changing practices of business models so you can decide which fitness business model is best for your business. And with dozens of automated services, in-depth reports, and personalized software to fit your needs, the Exercise.com Fitness Business Management Software Platform supports the success of your business no matter which model you choose! Book a demo today to learn more!

What Is a Business Model?

When you’re passionate about fitness, it’s easy to get swept up in the dream of owning your own fitness center and skip creating a concrete business plan. But a lot goes into starting or owning your business!

It’s crucial to start at the very beginning: have a thorough understanding of businesses, do lots of research, and ask tough questions before embarking on an ownership journey, such as:

Who is your target market?
What sets your gym apart from others?
What is your niche?
Where is the best location to engage your target clientele?
What is the best business structure for a gym?

Discussing these and other business structures and strategies are beyond the scope of this article, but must be taken seriously and understood thoroughly. For the purpose of this article, we will be looking at the different and trending ways to generate revenue as a fitness center or studio. This is often referred to as a business model and is an expanded part of your business plan.

Successful Businesses Have This in Common

IHRSA reports that 81% of studios close or fail within their first year. They remark that in order to run a successful business, owners must be equally passionate about business management as well as fitness.

This may seem like an intimidating statistic, but it simply means that business owners must understand why certain businesses fail to learn from those common gym owner mistakes and generate their own successful business.

There are many reasons that fitness businesses fail, here are a few elements that successful businesses possess:

The Business Is Rooted in an Abundant, Profitable Market

Although it’s a trendy idea to cater to a very specific niche, this doesn’t always work for a fitness center or studio. A too-narrow clientele base can box you in with a lack of demand and cut your dream short. Even though it’s important to define your target audience, there needs to be enough diversity that your business has a timeless appeal.

To avoid this pitfall, utilize in-depth research to help uncover the sweet spot between excelling in your niche and potentially eliminating a profitable sphere of your fitness audience. Additionally, research the best location and price point for your niche. If you’re not conveniently located or too expensive for your target audience, your business won’t survive, even with a golden idea.

The Business Has a Well-Defined Vision

Based on your research, determine your target audience, the specific services you wish to provide, and what sets your business apart. Determining a clear business identity will help make other decisions easier by simply asking: does this fulfill or support the vision of my business? In the end, this helps customers know your brand and aids in retention.

The Business Has a Clear, Simple Fitness Business Model That Is Refined as the Business Grows

We will discuss business models in more detail below, but it’s crucial to have a clear business model that is flexible to the changing trends of fitness. Just as humans mature, adapt, and change over time, your business needs wiggle room to grow. A too-rigid business model will not only limit your growth but potentially deter customers as newer fitness centers and models come along.

Optimize All Fitness Business Functions to Stay in Front of the Pack

Administration, accounting and finance, sales, marketing, services management, and the rest of your owner and managerial duties will fluctuate year-to-year. Don’t get comfortable with the way your business is run! Keep your nose in the research to find the upcoming ways to further engage current or potential customers.

Choose Your Fitness Business Model

Put simply, a business model is how your fitness business makes money from fitness. But there are more factors than just how to earn cash. Your business model will determine:

How much investment you attract for startup costs
Manager and staff motivational strategies
The experience level of trainers and instructors you attract
Marketing strategies
Revenue projections
Overall expenses

As stated above, careful research and analysis are crucial to the success of your business! Research must be specific to your location and target audience. A business model might be intriguing but not feasible for your gym’s location, or a price point may be out of reach for your target audience.

If your business isn’t as profitable as you hoped, change your business model! Experiment and try something new or try a combination of business models, but make sure to track and analyze your profit under different models to find which fits your needs best.

This flexibility can be intimidating for many business owners, but with Exercise.com’s comprehensive business platform, you can have the confidence to try new things!

Exercise.com is a completely customizable business management software. Not only do we create and personalize a website and app that’s specific to your brand, but we also offer a host of management tools like marketing integration, memberships, and reports to track which classes and trainers are filling slots (and which aren’t).

Because our platform is personalized to fit your business, it can work with any business model! And if you decide to try a different business model, we can modify the software to your needs so your business doesn’t skip a beat.

These are just a few of the exciting ways in which Exercise.com’s platform can not only manage your fitness business but also help it grow! Keep reading to learn how our platform flawlessly integrates with business models, or book a demo today!

Types of Fitness Business Models

After you’ve written a solid business plan for a targeted audience, it’s time to find the best business model to achieve your goals!

Membership Model

Membership fees are the most traditional business model for fitness centers. Members pay a monthly or annual fee and have access to the fitness center and its equipment. Generally, trainer or instructor assistance and group classes require an additional fee for participation.

The membership model is the most straightforward model and the easiest for customers and staff alike to understand, but it doesn’t have to be cut-and-dry. Many fitness centers allow perks, like bringing a non-member friend, the first month of membership for free, regular promotions, or payment plans. This model can be customized to your needs or given a twist to set you apart!

Some advantages of the membership model include:

A consistent stream of revenue that is easily tracked.
Signing a contract promotes commitment.
The convenience of all-access membership and financial accountability may encourage customers to regularly check-in.
Avoids revenue fluctuations of a pay-per-service model.

Among others, some common disadvantages to the membership model include:

Customers may avoid signing a contract if the investment feels too risky or binding.
Customers drop their membership quickly once they perceive their investment doesn’t match their commitment.
The staff must constantly push memberships, both to gain new members and to retain current members.
Highly competitive with other fitness centers

Even though it’s an older model, the membership model remains the most common model because it’s a consistent, predictable form of revenue with little risk to the owner.

Pay-As-You-Play Model

This model is perhaps the least used out of fitness business models, but it could be an up-and-coming trend and appeal to the millennial generation who have an aversion to contractual commitments.

Pay-as-you-play lowers the reluctance to a locked-in commitment by only charging customers for what they use, or per visit. Perhaps some members only want access to the gym floor, while others want group classes. Some members don’t want to pay for the spa or massage amenities.

Others who can only make it to the gym once or twice a month might prefer to pay for each check-in. There are nearly endless ways to customize pay-as-you-play!

Some perks to the pay-as-you-play model are:

Potentially more customers since members don’t feel overwhelmed by a contractual commitment.
Owners can charge a premium for this model, which can lead to greater revenue.
Members may feel a greater sense of satisfaction and freedom from not paying for what they don’t use.
Eliminates or reduces the pressure to sell memberships.

Some risks involved with the pay-as-you-play model include:

Revenue is less predictable, as revenue depends upon seasonal trends and the lifestyle patterns of the customer.
Marketing the various pay-as-you-play packages can be time-consuming and confusing to customers.
Members might initially sign up for per-visit fees only to be deterred or less committed by per-visit charges, further lowering your revenue.

Pay-as-you-play might be a rocky start as you and your staff figure out what packages work best for your customers. But in the end, many customers are pleased with this model.

Integrated Model

The integrated model takes the best of the membership and pay-as-you-play models and combines them. Customers can choose between an all-access membership, a personalized membership, a per-visit fee, or an all-access membership with added customizable services.

This model requires greater managerial skills because it is challenging to promote and oversee multiple models at once. The staff must be able to clearly explain the various memberships offered to avoid customer confusion and frustration. However, when executed correctly, it can develop significantly profitable layers of revenue.

The traditional memberships bring in predictable revenue while the pay-as-you-play premiums give a substantial revenue boost! With the integrated model, there’s more financial security between slow and busy seasons. There’s also less pressure to meet membership goals because you can temporarily rely on other modes of revenue.

The advantages and disadvantages of this model are similar to those for membership or pay-as-you-play models. The ambition of greater profit must be weighed with the risk of poorly executing the model. Considering this model will depend on the capabilities and experience of your staff.

ClassPass Model

This startup from New York has gained steam and has become a largely popular fitness business model. ClassPass is a hybrid of a search engine and reservation system. ClassPass users pay a monthly subscription fee so they can book any class offered by various gyms and studios in the ClassPass network.

ClassPass is helpful for customers to explore their gym options before committing to a contract. Being in the ClassPass network sets your business up for more customers by first getting more class bookings, and then winning them over with exceptional customer service so your gym makes the top of their gym list.

Participating in ClassPass offers some unique advantages:

ClassPass does most of your class marketing for you, saving you the time and effort!
Instant exposure to thousands of users who might otherwise not find your facility.
ClassPass users are prompted to leave a review of your class, improving your ratings inside ClassPass (which leads to higher rankings, more bookings, and more members).

Though these sound exciting, they must be weighed with these uncertainties:

This shouldn’t be a primary or only source of revenue due to booking fluctuations
ClassPass customers often try a variety of classes in different studios, so there’s no guarantee they will return to your gym
Classes are listed by the highest ratings; it may take a long time to boost your rating high enough to be seen among top competitors.
Bookings could be sporadic or non-existent if your location is competitive.

Depending on your location and competition, ClassPass can offer great exposure to your business — and it just so happens that Exercise.com’s software integrates with ClassPass!

Class Package or Pay-As-You-Go Model

The class package model is similar to the pay-as-you-play model, but with a slight twist. Customers can purchase a package of classes without a gym membership, such as 5 yoga classes for $80. This appeals to customers who want to try your gym with little commitment, are infrequent gym-goers, or might attend another gym but like one of your classes.

Class packages are an excellent way to bring customers into your gym who might balk otherwise. As they explore your gym, meet the staff, and become incorporated into your positive gym culture, you can win them over so they’re inclined to become a long-term member.

Class packages offer a nice addition to your revenue but are generally unpredictable. They are largely dependent upon the lifestyle of the customer. For this reason, class packages should only be a supplementary source of income. Marketing class packages can also take extra time, effort, and expenses that might not pay off. However, the potential to win over customers is usually beneficial to a business.

Dynamic Pricing Model

Every gym has a dead time of day where class bookings are sparse, and then a busy period where classes are busting at the seams. Both extremes can create customer dissatisfaction and discourage participation, further lowering revenue.

Dynamic pricing aims to regulate classes by incentivizing less popular classes with price cuts. For instance, offering $10 off a poorly-attended 1 PM dance class encourages participants of the popular 6 PM dance class to take a late lunch break and save some cash.

You earn extra money to warrant hiring an instructor and providing the class, and participants are pleased with having more space for their workout!

General gym access also experiences dull and busy periods. Most customers don’t have all day to spend at the gym; they have a certain block of time they allot to working out, and customers get frustrated if they can’t complete their whole workout due to equipment wait time.

This is especially problematic for smaller studios, as frustrated and discouraged customers might seek out a larger gym where they perceive wait time is less.

While a bit more challenging to execute, the dynamic pricing model can also be applied to general gym access. Similar to airlines offering a premium or cheaper price depending on the demand for the flight time, you can charge a premium for gym use during busier hours and a discounted price during slower hours.

This spreads out when members attend, allowing there to be enough room and equipment for everyone (and it can add to your revenue!).

Another way to leverage dynamic pricing is by layering your business models and by offering dynamically-priced classes through ClassPass or a class package. This takes organization skills and adds more marketing to your plate, but if done effectively, it can add revenue and boost your gym’s exposure!

Dynamic pricing can benefit your business by:

Encouraging participants and gym floor users to attend the gym at slower times, thus creating a better gym experience for everyone.
Boosting revenue.
Helping retain customers by having enough equipment and space for everyone.
It can be incorporated with ClassPass or class packages for added business exposure and revenue.

Dynamic pricing involves the following challenges:

It builds upon an existing business model (usually membership or pay-as-you-play) and shouldn’t be the primary source of income.
It can be challenging for staff to track the premium versus discounted prices.
It might confuse or frustrate customers who don’t understand the premium hours.
It might deter customers who can only come to the gym during peak business hours and don’t want to pay the premium price.
There’s no projection of how the premium versus discounted prices will alter the traffic patterns of your facility; the slow hours may become the new busy hours!

There are definite pros and cons to dynamic pricing, but as technology advances and other customer services offer dynamic pricing, this will be a popular business model in the future. It’s worth considering how you can incorporate dynamic pricing into your business model so that you can stay in front of the fitness business pack!

Exercise.com Supports Every Fitness Business Model

It’s great to have business model options to experiment and find what works best for your business! But the freedom to switch between business models depends largely on your business software. Many scheduling and booking systems will not support these business models. In fact, most of them are only effective with the standard membership model.

Is your management software limiting your business growth? Let’s take a look at how Exercise.com supports every fitness business model so your business can achieve its maximum potential!

Benefits of Exercise.com Software

Exercise.com highlights your brand by creating a completely customized website and app for your fitness business! Instead of customers downloading another brand’s booking or workout app, they download one custom-made for yours, which keeps your business front and center.

Our extensive scheduling and booking capabilities allow one or multiple models to run at once while avoiding scheduling confusion. Accept payments securely and easily through Stripe, either in-person, online, or via your app.

Increase your business’s efficiency and effectiveness by tracking and analyzing your business from all angles, such as tax and payroll reports, e-commerce commission reports, trainer, class, and member insights, revenue analysis, transaction tracking, and more!

Boost your revenue by tracking expiring memberships to encourage renewal, increase member engagement with dozens of automated reminders and promotions, and advertise to new customers with unlimited marketing integrations!

These are just a few ways in which Exercise.com not only manages but grows your business. And there’s so much more to our comprehensive software, like workout creation and delivery, a customized exercise library, endless e-commerce possibilities, health and fitness assessments, exclusive exercise groups, and more!

Primary Income Sources

Research indicates that predictable revenue sources are membership, pay-as-you-play, and integrated models. These would be primary sources of income you can build your business on.

Though the membership model is fairly easy to track, pay-as-you-play and the integrated model are more complicated because each customer has different privileges and payment plans. But Exercise.com’s system can effectively manage any of these models and take the brunt of managerial duties through automatic services and reminders.

Exercise.com is especially beneficial for the integrated model, which takes extra managerial skills to effectively execute. Our software does many mundane tasks automatically and gives easy access to admin duties so you can focus on quality customer service and engagement. This helps build your revenue without added stress!

With our in-depth reporting features, you can examine and track revenue so you can monitor revenue fluctuations and make appropriate predictions for the future. And our endless marketing integrations make advertising to the millennial generation effortless and effective!

Secondary Income Sources

Less predictable sources of income include class packages, ClassPass, and dynamic pricing models. Although it’s unwise to make these the foundational revenue for your business, they are still profitable and worth incorporating if possible.

As technology advances, more and more fitness customers expect to have a personalized fitness experience. This can be a headache to track manually or simply not be possible with a standard booking software. But with Exercise.com, we offer personalization for your brand and for your customers! Watch this video to learn why personalized customer experience should be a top business priority:

Not many management software can handle coordinating with an outside reservation service, but Exercise.com can! We integrate with ClassPass so your fitness center can be publicized in multiple marketing platforms. Class packages can be easily promoted and tracked.

Exercise.com also supports your creativity in the dynamic pricing model. Since we customize to meet your business, we can specially design tracking and check-in services as part of the best gym check-in software solution to fit your managerial and customer needs!

What are the different fitness business models?

Primary sources of income include membership, pay-as-you-play, and integrated models. Secondary or supplementary sources of income include class packages (or pay-as-you-go), ClassPass, and dynamic pricing models.

What business model is right for your business?

Before choosing your pricing model, it’s crucial to set business goals and write a business plan and vision. As these are made concrete, the most effective business model often emerges. To further boost your revenue, consider layering several business models.

What makes a fitness business successful?

The business must be rooted in an abundant market, have a well-defined vision and business plan, and optimize all business functions. It also has the best management software that has features to grow the business, like Exercise.com’s All-In-One Business Platform!

And there’s our comprehensive comparison of standard and trending fitness business models! Don’t forget to check out how Exercise.com can support and grow your business no matter what business model you choose! Book a demo today to learn more!

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

Ready to see what the the best software for fitness business owners can do to take your fitness business to the next level?