3 min
A new global customer survey asked fitness business owners to reveal how they are continuing to use technology to run their operations and engage with members
13 July 2022, Amsterdam, Netherlands
A new 2022 global customer survey from Virtuagym, the leading fitness technology provider, has found that a majority of clubs, studios and trainers (94%) are now using mobile apps as core components of their fitness businesses.
The survey, which was distributed across Virtuagym’s 9,000 fitness business customer base, correlates with recent company data which has also demonstrated a 44% increase in the use of its fitness app compared to February 2020.
The results underline how app usage is part of an ongoing shift to hybrid physical and digital offerings focused on providing personalised, flexible and on-demand services. Almost one third (31%) of fitness business owners are now using personalised content and / or combined online and offline lessons, with a quarter (25%) utilising flexible hybrid memberships to recruit new and existing members.
Furthermore, over half (53%) of respondents said they are continuing to use technological solutions such as digital booking and check-in systems, community features and video workouts now that they are able to continue operating normally. Meanwhile, 1 in 4 (28%) said that enabling members to book classes and 1-1 sessions online is a primary change moving forwards.
“The ever advancing digital innovation within our industry offers exciting opportunities to make health and fitness more accessible than ever before, so we are happy to see that fitness businesses are viewing technology as an important part of their long-term growth, and not just a short-term solution,” said Hugo Braam, CEO and Co-Founder of Virtuagym*.*
The findings also paint an increasingly positive picture for the growth and development of the technology-driven fitness industry of the future. Indeed, three quarters (77%) stated that member numbers have either increased or stayed the same since the COVID-19 pandemic started, whilst a quarter (24%) have seen memberships increase during the most recent peak periods of January 2022 and September 2021. However, the analysis did also show that over a third (38%) are facing problems with member retention due to cost and scheduling.
“There is still more work we as an industry can be doing to help fitness businesses to overcome the major challenges that can impact development,” furthered Hugo Braam. “A hybrid approach, combining physical services with digital technology - from wearables and gamification to video workouts and integrated club apps - can deliver a cost-effective solution. What’s more, it can enable clubs and studios to diversify their offering to fit the different wants and needs of a wider demographic, ultimately fuelling growth.
To support further innovation in health and fitness technology, Virtuagym recently announced a 3 million Euro investment from Icecat, an Amsterdam-based technology company which invests in innovative technology organisations. This represents a new stage of international growth for the company as it looks to support fitness and corporate health businesses.
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Contact information
Joe Baker
Senior Global PR Manager, Virtuagym
press@virtuagym.com
+447961511459
About Virtuagym
Virtuagym is a global provider of health and fitness technology for coaching, engagement and management for the fitness industry and corporate wellness. The platform delivers a complete ecosystem of integrated mobile apps with solutions for exercise and nutrition guidance, progress tracking, wearables, online coaching, scheduling, billing and more.
Virtuagym supports more than 20 million consumers, over 9,000 fitness businesses, and 45,000+ trainers worldwide, including Mrs Sporty, XSport, Fit20, Fitness Park and many more.
Virtuagym currently has 200+ employees across their offices in Amsterdam and the Americas.
For more details, visit virtuagym.com
