How Mobile Technology Is Creating New Opportunities For The Health Club Industry

Jan2014 How Mobile Technology Is Creating New Opportunities For The Health Club Industry 0 Flares 0 Flares × The fitness industry has been growing steadily during the past few decades. If we look at the growth numbers from 2009 we can see a clear upward trend. The US health club industry revenue reached $21.4 billion as memberships totaled 51.4 million in 2011, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). Industry revenue increased from 2010 by 5%, while memberships grew by 2.4%. After growing from 26,830 in 2009 to 29,890 in 2010, the total number of health clubs saw a marginal increase to 29,960 in 2011. For 2012 IHRSA announced that US health club industry revenue reached $21.8 billion as more than 58 million Americans used a health club in 2012. Approximately 50.2 million Americans were members of a health club in 2012. The total number of health clubs posted a modest increase of 29,960 in 2011 to 30,500 in 2012. As seen from these statisctics and from the Health & Fitness Clubs market research report, the demand for gyms and health and fitness clubs will continue to rise over the next five years, as the general public becomes more health-conscious and the aging population places a greater emphasis on staying fit. The rise in memberships has a very positive effect on the fitness industry with new programs, products and services as an outcome of this growth. For years now we are witnessing how new technology has made interactive workout programs incorporated into gym equipment possible as they help exercisers track mileage, speed, number of workouts, calorie burn, and more. With mobile subscriptions worldwide rising up to 6+ billion we are seeing a new trend that is spreading and is here to stay. If we go back and look at the numbers, 50% of mobile users in USA have smartphones. Your members are constantly connected and an app can be a great way for you to provide added value and convenience for members. How? A mobile app customized for your fitness club can provide members with convenient ways to check in to the facility, track their workouts, learn about promotions and more. But don’t take our word on that one. The 2012 Fitness and Technology Survey interviewed 745 exercisers who work out minimally twice per week and own a smartphone or tablet. The survey was conducted in US, UK, Canada, Australia, Italy, Germany and Brazil on the subject how technology supports a better workout. And this is what they found: So getting back to the bottom line, how can a mobile app increase your revenue? Well, to start with, gym apps have proved to be a great recruitment tool. Simply ask prospects to download the app as part of the facility tour and you will discover how those that download the app are much more likely to enroll as members. Features on the app can serve to support additional revenue streams as well including personal training offers, member referral programs, day passes and special promotions. Another useful features your clients would absolutely love are for example the ability to see their daily or weekly diet plan or perhaps an access to their monthly and year report of what they have achieved over the year. Exciting, isn’t it? How can you increase retention levels with a mobile app? As seen from the findings of the Fitness and Technology Survey, 33 % of gym members would switch clubs for better access to technology. In relation to this, they would prefer access to following content during a workout: music (42%), music videos (33%), workout videos (18%), movies (16%) and internet access (14%), live sports (13%), sitcoms (13%) and workout progress screens (11%). With an app, members will see your club’s logo every time they look at their phone, keeping you top of mind. An app can also tie your member’s personal life and goals to your specific gym. For example, MiGym has a workout tracking features that integrate with LFopen so members can track their Life Fitness cardio workouts right along side of their fitness classes and other workouts. Furthermore, the social features available on apps also mean more personal relationships with other members, staff and personal trainers. These features and relationships will make your club unique and valuable to your members – not just a collection of gym equipment. Another example are devices and mobile apps such as MapMyRun—for schools, sports and health clubs and related businesses to utilize wearable technology and mobile health software to build consumer, customer and member loyalty and deeper fitness awareness. To sum it up, the future of fitness in now. Leverage on the countless ways a mobile app can support a better workout and thus creating a more satisfying experience for your clients. Do they want to use your app as a weight and measurement tracker or perhaps see their exercise plan with guided videos or record their gyming time and calculate burned calories? You know your clients best and from there, professional mobile app developers will make sure that your app delivers to your business requirements and your client needs. – See more at: http://www.appheros.com/mobile-technology-opportunitie-health-club-industry/#sthash.l7F0Mjfq.dpuf