During the COVID-19 lockdown, fitness operators had to pivot to digital workout classes, which served as an excellent alternative to the in-person class experience. While this is likely to play a smaller role once operations resume, it may have set the stage for the future. In fact, a study by fitness industry insights company Club Intel found that 72% of clubs now offer digital services. This includes live streaming, on-demand programming and one-on-one coaching. Let’s take a closer look at each type of digital fitness offering and how you can make your platform stand out from the competition.
Live streaming enables members to attend virtual workout sessions from the comfort of their homes, making it more convenient and accessible than traditional in-person gym classes. This can attract users who are routine-oriented and enjoy the consistency of on-demand workouts with familiar programming and instructors. In addition to the convenience factor, many fitness apps also have the ability to track and record workouts for on-demand viewing later.
On-demand content offers a range of workout programs designed for every fitness level and goal, from strength and conditioning to hypertrophy, bodybuilding and fat loss. These programs are often created by experienced personal trainers and offer an effective way to train at home. They can also offer the flexibility to do a workout at a time that suits your lifestyle, with many workouts available on demand as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 6:30 p.m.
Fitness app developers can offer users a personalized experience by integrating the software with their social media accounts and providing a login option to track workout progress. In addition, some apps feature interactive workouts that allow users to interact with their peers and coaches. While these features are not as immersive as a live in-person class, they can help to increase user engagement and retention.
One-on-one coaching is another digital fitness option that aims to provide users with the same high-quality training they would receive at a club. While this type of program is typically offered at a premium, it can be an effective way to engage and retain users, especially when the business model allows it to compete with other options in the market.
Creating a digital fitness platform can be a significant investment, so it’s important to choose a system that provides the features you need. A SaaS (Software as a Service) platform, for example, will offer an end-to-end solution from the initial design to implementation and ongoing maintenance. It can include a mobile app, web portal, video hosting and support, as well as backend integration and analytics. It can also help to reduce the risk of technical issues that could damage a brand’s reputation and deter users. It also has the potential to save fitness businesses money by eliminating the cost of in-person staff and equipment. A SaaS platform can also be hosted on a private cloud, allowing it to be used by multiple businesses. fitness platform