Running a gym means juggling member data, class schedules, payments, and communication—often across multiple disconnected tools. When a member's card declines or someone hasn't shown up in weeks, you're the one stuck chasing down the details instead of coaching.
A gym member app consolidates these operations into one platform, automating the repetitive work that eats into your day. This guide breaks down what to look for in membership software, compares the top 10 options for fitness businesses, and helps you identify which platform fits your gym's specific needs.
PushPress is the first and only AI-powered gym management software—built by gym owners, for gym owners. Book a free 1:1 demo with our team today.
What Is a Member App for Gyms?
The best member app for gyms depends on your specific business type. For fitness businesses, top options include PushPress for gyms and martial arts academies, Mindbody for wellness-focused studios, Wodify for CrossFit boxes, and Zen Planner for boutique fitness. Unlike generic membership platforms built for nonprofits or online communities, gym member apps handle the unique operational demands of fitness businesses—class scheduling, attendance tracking, automated billing, and member communication all in one place.
So what exactly is a gym member app? It's a platform that combines member data, billing, scheduling, and communication into one connected system. Think of it as the central nervous system of your gym's operations. Rather than juggling spreadsheets for member info, a separate tool for payments, and yet another app for class bookings, everything lives in one place.
The goal is straightforward: automate the repetitive administrative work so owners and coaches can spend their time on coaching, community, and member results instead of chasing down payments or manually updating attendance records.
Why Gyms Need Membership Management Software
Running a gym without dedicated software creates friction at every turn. What starts as manageable with 20 members quickly becomes chaotic as you grow. The right membership management platform eliminates operational headaches while giving you clear visibility into how your business is actually performing.
Manual Processes Drain Time and Revenue
Spreadsheets and paper sign-in sheets work fine when you're small. But as membership grows, manual tracking becomes a liability. Every hour spent updating member records, reconciling payments, or cross-referencing attendance is an hour not spent coaching or building relationships with your community.
Billing creates its own set of problems. When you're manually tracking who owes what, payments slip through the cracks. And then there's the awkward conversation about a declined card—something most gym owners dread. Automated billing systems handle failed payments quietly, sending reminders and retrying charges without requiring uncomfortable interactions.
Disconnected Tools Create Member Data Gaps
Many gym owners piece together separate systems—one for scheduling, another for payments, a third for email, and maybe a spreadsheet for attendance. The problem? None of them talk to each other.
You might know a member's payment history but have no idea they haven't attended a class in three weeks. When your data lives in silos, you can't see the patterns that predict member churn—particularly critical when 50% of new members quit within the first six months. A connected platform surfaces engagement insights automatically, showing you which members are disengaging before they decide to cancel.
Poor Member Experience Drives Churn
Members expect convenience. They want to book classes from their phone, update their payment method without calling anyone, and receive timely communication about schedule changes. When basic interactions feel clunky or require extra effort, members notice—and they remember.
A smooth member experience directly impacts retention, with just a 5% retention increase potentially boosting profits by 25% to 95%. The easier you make it for members to engage with your gym, the more likely they are to stick around long-term.
Features to Look for in Gym Membership Software
Not all member apps are built for fitness businesses. Generic membership platforms designed for associations or online communities often lack the specific features gyms and studios rely on daily. Here's what to prioritize when evaluating your options.
Automated Billing and Payment Processing
Recurring billing handles monthly dues automatically, eliminating manual invoicing and payment tracking—with automated systems driving up to 25% revenue increases for gyms that implement them. Look for platforms that include failed payment recovery—automated retries and member notifications that resolve declined cards without your involvement.
Pay attention to pricing transparency as well. Some platforms charge transaction fees on top of monthly costs, which can add up quickly as your membership grows.
Class Scheduling and Attendance Tracking
Online class booking lets members reserve their spot from anywhere, while waitlists automatically fill cancellations. But attendance tracking goes beyond knowing who showed up. It creates data you can use to identify your most engaged members and spot those who might be drifting toward cancellation.
Member Communication Tools
In-app messaging, push notifications, and automated reminders keep members informed without requiring manual outreach. Communication tools handle everything from class reminders to re-engagement campaigns for members who haven't visited recently.
Mobile App for Members
A member-facing mobile app gives your community 24/7 access to class schedules, booking, payment management, and account details—features that can increase retention rates by 25% when facilities offer mobile booking.
Reporting and Analytics
Dashboards showing revenue trends, attendance patterns, and retention metrics help you make informed decisions. Rather than guessing which class times are most popular or which membership types perform best, you can see the data clearly and act on it.
Rank and Progression Tracking
For martial arts academies and gyms focused on member milestones, rank tracking is essential. This feature manages belt progressions, skill achievements, and testing schedules—functionality that general fitness apps typically lack entirely.
The 10 Best Member Apps for Gyms and Fitness Studios
The following platforms were evaluated based on features relevant to independent gyms, fitness studios, and martial arts academies. Each serves a slightly different segment of the fitness industry, so the right choice depends on your specific situation.
PushPress
PushPress is an AI-powered platform built specifically for gyms, fitness studios, and martial arts academies. What makes it different is that it was designed by gym owners who understand daily operational challenges firsthand. The platform connects member management, billing, scheduling, and communication in one system, with automation handling repetitive tasks like payment processing and attendance tracking.
The focus here is on member retention and coach efficiency rather than just feature checklists. PushPress surfaces engagement data that helps owners identify at-risk members before they cancel. Rank and progression tracking makes it particularly well-suited for martial arts academies.
See how PushPress can accelerate your gym growth. Book a 1:1 demo today.
Mindbody
Mindbody serves the broader wellness industry, including spas, salons, and fitness studios. Its consumer-facing app creates a marketplace where potential members can discover local businesses, which can drive new leads. However, because Mindbody serves such a wide range of business types, its features aren't always tailored to gym-specific operations.
Wodify
Wodify emerged from the CrossFit community and excels at workout tracking and performance data. Athletes can log their lifts, track PRs, and compare results over time. For gyms that prioritize performance metrics, Wodify offers depth that general platforms lack. That said, this feature richness may feel excessive for simpler gym models.
Zen Planner
Zen Planner has an established presence in the boutique fitness space, with solid billing and member management capabilities. The platform handles core operational tasks for small to mid-sized studios reliably, though it may lack some of the automation features found in newer platforms.
Glofox
Glofox emphasizes branded member apps, allowing studios to present a polished, customized experience to their community. For owners who prioritize brand consistency and marketing tools, Glofox offers strong options—particularly for studios focused on growth and member acquisition.
Mariana Tek
Mariana Tek targets premium boutique fitness brands and enterprise-level studio networks. The platform offers sophisticated integrations and scalability for multi-location operations. Its positioning and pricing reflect this enterprise focus.
Pike13
Pike13 works well for appointment-based fitness businesses like personal training studios or one-on-one coaching practices. Its scheduling and client management features suit businesses where individual appointments matter more than group class capacity.
ClubReady
ClubReady serves larger fitness operations and franchise networks, offering full-service features for complex organizational structures. Independent gym owners may find it more robust than necessary, but growing multi-location businesses often appreciate its scalability.
Gymdesk
Gymdesk offers a straightforward, budget-friendly option for owners who want core functionality without complexity. Its simplicity is both a strength and limitation—easy to set up and use, but potentially lacking advanced features as your business grows.
TeamUp
TeamUp focuses on class-based fitness businesses, with strong booking and scheduling features for group fitness studios. The platform handles the logistics of managing class capacity, waitlists, and member attendance effectively.
How to Choose the Right Member App for Your Gym
The best member app depends on your business type, size, and priorities. Rather than picking the platform with the most features, focus on finding one that matches how you actually operate.
Best for Small and Boutique Gyms
Look for platforms with simple setup, affordable pricing, and core features without overwhelming complexity. You want software that handles billing, scheduling, and member management without requiring a dedicated admin to operate it. PushPress was designed specifically for this segment—powerful enough to grow with you, simple enough to use from day one.
Best for Martial Arts Academies
Rank tracking, family billing, and progression systems are non-negotiable for academies. Many general fitness apps lack these features entirely, forcing owners to maintain separate systems for belt management and testing schedules. Prioritize platforms built with martial arts operations in mind.
Best for Multi-Location Fitness Businesses
Centralized reporting, location-based permissions, and consistent member experience across locations become critical as you scale. Look for platforms that can handle organizational complexity without sacrificing usability for your staff.
Best for Budget-Conscious Owners
Transparent pricing matters more than the lowest advertised rate. Some platforms advertise low monthly fees but charge transaction fees on every payment processed, which can significantly increase your actual costs. Be wary of "free" tiers with limitations that force upgrades as you grow.
Find the Member App That Fits Your Gym
The right member app reduces administrative burden while improving the experience for your members. Rather than settling for generic membership software designed for nonprofits or online communities, prioritize platforms built specifically for fitness businesses.
Your gym has unique operational demands—from class scheduling and attendance tracking to the member communication that drives retention. Software designed by people who understand these challenges will serve you better than tools adapted from other industries.
Book a demo to see how PushPress works for gyms like yours.
FAQs About Gym Member Apps
How much does gym membership software typically cost?
Pricing varies widely based on features and member count. Budget-friendly options start around $50-100 per month, while enterprise platforms can run several hundred dollars monthly. Watch for transaction fees—some platforms charge 2-3% on every payment processed, which adds up quickly.
Can I migrate existing member data to a new gym management app?
Most platforms offer data import tools or dedicated migration support. Before committing, ask specifically about the migration process during your demo. Some platforms handle this seamlessly while others require significant manual work.
Do gym member apps integrate with other fitness tools?
Many platforms connect with heart rate monitors, marketing tools, accounting software, and other systems. Integration capabilities vary significantly between platforms, so check specific integration lists if you rely on particular tools.
What is the difference between a member app and a CRM?
A member app handles day-to-day operations like billing, scheduling, and attendance. A CRM (customer relationship management) focuses on sales pipelines, lead tracking, and prospect communication. Some gym platforms include both capabilities, while others specialize in one area.
Which member app is best for martial arts academies?
Academies typically require rank tracking, belt progression management, and family billing features that general fitness apps lack. PushPress includes these capabilities as core features, making it well-suited for martial arts operations.
Do gym member apps support both online and in-person classes?
Most modern platforms handle hybrid scheduling, allowing you to offer both in-person and virtual classes through the same system. If virtual classes are a priority, look for integrated video capabilities or native Zoom connections.
