Equipment suppliers have been aggressive in meeting member demands for entertainment options on cardio equipment. Whether powered by third-party apps or a club’s proprietary software, these machines provide members with a menu of options to keep them motivated and entertained while training.
But what some club operators overlook is just how much value connectivity can have in providing data-powered improvements in everything from member on-boarding to equipment maintenance. When facility staff, trainers, and members are connected in a single seamless system, clubs can deliver more ancillary services while operating with greater efficiency.
These systems could become even more critical to building membership as the integration of healthcare and exercise increase in the future, as many industry leaders predict. One study noted the potential of “high-tech tools for exercise motivation” for improving the health outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes. Equipment that can track and store member data and access specialized training programs may be part of the solution for those who are prescribed exercise for chronic ailments.
IHRSA’s e-book, Turn Your Health Club into a Smart Gym, addresses some of the other advantages cloud-connected equipment provides health clubs. Let’s look at five of them.