As a gym owner, keeping your members engaged while growing your business is always top of mind. The fitness industry is evolving fast, and one thing is clear: online workout programs are no longer just a trend, they’re a necessity.
Offering online training alongside your in-person services creates a hybrid model that gives members the flexibility they want, while helping you boost retention and revenue. Let’s dive into why this shift matters and how you can make it work for your gym.
The Rise of the Hybrid Gym
Your members love the energy of in-person classes, but busy schedules, travel, and life’s curveballs mean they can’t always make it to the studio. By offering online workouts, you give them options: join live in the gym, stream from home, or catch up later on-demand.
For you, hybrid means more consistent engagement, stronger loyalty, and the ability to serve members beyond your four walls.
Why Online Workout Programs are a Game-Changer
Still deciding whether it’s worth the effort? Here’s what online programs bring to your business:
- Expand Your Reach - Break free from geography. Attract new members from anywhere and open a fresh revenue stream.
- Boost Retention - When members can’t attend in person, an online option keeps them connected to your gym, and less likely to cancel.
- Increase Revenue - Tiered memberships, specialty online programs, and virtual personal training can grow your bottom line.
Two Paths to Offering Online Workouts
1. Partner with an Existing Platform
If you don’t want to create your own content, a partnership with a platform like Les Mills can be a quick way to get started.
Pros:
- World-class, trusted content with immediate credibility.
- No need to produce your own workouts.
- Simple to set up and manage.
Cons:
- Limited control over branding and user experience.
- Revenue-sharing with the platform.
2. Create Your Own Branded Platform
If you want full control, you can create a custom website or app to host your workouts and community.
Pros:
- 100% control over branding, programming, and experience.
- Keep all of the revenue you generate.
- Build a loyal, engaged online community.
Cons:
- Requires upfront time, effort, and resources.
- You’re responsible for ongoing content creation.
The payoff? A truly unique offering that sets your gym apart.
How Recess Helps You Run It All
Whether you choose to partner with a platform or go fully branded, you’ll need a way to manage bookings, payments, and member engagement across in-person and online offerings. That’s where Recess comes in.
Our free gym management software helps you:
- Schedule and host classes (online and in-person).
- Manage memberships and billing seamlessly.
- Keep your community engaged with communication tools.
This way, you can focus on what matters most - coaching and growing your gym, without drowning in admin.
The Future is Hybrid
The shift to hybrid fitness isn’t going anywhere. By embracing online workout programs now, you’re not just adding a feature - you’re future-proofing your gym. Members get the convenience they want, and you build a stronger, more resilient business.
At Recess, we’ve seen first-hand how gyms that adapt thrive. The tools are here, and the time is now.
