Gym app: 2 vital functions

The best apps don't try to do everything. They excel at what matters to your revenue and your time. For a gym app, two features drive most of the growth: in-app booking and payment. Properly implemented, they reduce no-shows, streamline your schedules and increase value per customer.

If you're looking for a simple tool to do so, discover EKKLO here: https://info.ekklo.com/

And if you're just starting out, this guide can help you fill your first slots: land your first 3 clients when you start as a sports coach.

Why these 2 functions drive 80% of your results

What your clients want (and when they want)

The majority of reservations are made outside opening hours. A gym app that allows you to book and pay 24/7 captures these intentions. No “I’ll see tomorrow”, so fewer losses.

Less friction = more purchases

Each extra step costs reservations. Combine booking + payment in a single flow. Result: more conversions and fewer abandonments.

Direct impact on your P&L

• No-shows: -30 to -50% with reminders + bank footprint.
• Occupancy rate: +10 to +25% thanks to waiting lists.
• Average basket: +15 to +35% via cross-selling at the time of booking.

Unify for better management

Bringing together reservation, planning and collection in the same gym application avoids double entries, errors and loss of information. You track your numbers in real time from one place: https://info.ekklo.com/

Feature #1 - Smart booking

Remove the friction that makes you abandon

• Slots visible in real time, by location and by coach.
• 3 taps maximum to reserve a session.
• Immediate confirmation + “add to calendar” button.
• Clear cancellation policy from the reservation screen.

Example: for a 6 p.m. class, cancellations close at D‑3 and the waiting list opens at D‑2.

Access rules that protect you

• Cap on simultaneous reservations per customer.
• Subscriber priority vs. visitors.
• 5-10 minute buffer between sessions for installation and hygiene.
• Check-in by QR code to track attendance.

Reduce no-shows without being punitive

• Automatic reminders (D‑1, H‑3, H‑1).
• Bank imprint or credits debited if absent.
• Waiting list with instant notification when a place becomes available.

Objective: get under 5% no-show on group sessions.

Good indicators to follow

• Rate occupancy per slot.
• Average time to fill a course.
• No-show / late cancellation.
• Mobile bookings vs. desktop.
id="">Packs of sessions (5, 10, 20) with clear discount.
• Options (mat, gloves, towel) for rental or purchase.
• Upsell to unlimited subscription if 3 recurring reservations/month.

A frictionless checkout

• Apple Pay / Google Pay in 1 tap.
• Secure card backup.
• Clear summary: session, location, coach, price, conditions.
• Automatic invoice sent by email.

Subscriptions, packs, one-shot: choose according to your objectives

• Subscription: predictable income, loyalty.
• Pack: flexibility, lower barrier to entry.
• Single session: ideal for trials and tourists.

Winning mix: subscription + “guest” pack + drop-in at premium price.

The metrics that guide your prices

• Trial → subscription activation rate.
• Customer lifetime value (LTV) per offer.
• Credit utilization rate.
• Average basket at checkout.

Tip: test 2 prices on drop‑in for 2 weeks to find local elasticity.

Concrete scenarios according to your activity

Independent coach

• Agenda visible on 2 locations (park + partner studio).
• Light deposit on prime-time sessions to limit rabbits.
• Pack 10 sessions with an end date at 12 weeks to accelerate commitment.

Expected result: +20% of sessions sold in off-peak hours with “midday” rates.

Yoga / Pilates studio

• Recurring booking (same slot each week).
• Intelligent waiting list that takes into account the level.
• Sale of mats/props as an add‑on at checkout.

Expected result: no‑show < 4%, basket +25% thanks to accessories.

Cross‑training box

• Capacity per WOD + material buffer.
• Drop-in visitors with quick health form.
• Auto-renewed subscriptions + limit of 5 active reservations.

Expected result: reduction in queues at reception and better security.

Fitness club

• Reservation of “sensitive” machines (rower, Assault Bike) in 20 min slots.
• Group lessons with waiting list and check-in.
• Upsell to individual coaching from the app after 3 lessons taken.

Expected result: +15% course conversion → PT over 90 days.

Set up in 7 days: action plan

J1 - Map the existing

List your offers, slots, cancellation rules, payment methods. Decide on priorities: no‑show, cart, filling.

J2-J3 - Configure and create your offers

• Create your courses/templates.
• Configure cancellation policies and ceilings.
• Build 3 offers: flagship subscription, discovery pack, drop‑in premium.
customer journey: reservation, payment, emails, check-in. Correct each friction detected.

D5-D7 - Launch and communicate

• Email announcement + networks, direct link to the slots.
• Limited launch offer (ex: -20% on pack 10).
• Measure from D+7: occupancy, no-show, basket.

Everything can be controlled from a single dashboard on https://info.ekklo.com/

Frequent errors and how to avoid them

Let everyone book everywhere

Result: traffic jams on the same slots. Solution: quotas and subscriber priority.

Blurred prices and hidden conditions

Show total price, cancellation rules, duration and location before payment. Clarity sells.

Multiply tools that don't talk to each other

Avoid separate “planning app” + “payment app”. Opt for a gym application that unifies reservation, collection and monitoring.

Do not track data

Without KPIs, we navigate by sight. Set 3 quantified objectives/30 days and adjust each week.

Conclusion - Takeaway and next step

Knowledge

• Integrated reservation and payment are the #1 levers for income and time saved.
• Simple rules (reminders, waiting list, card imprint) are enough to divide no-shows.
• The best time to sell a pack or subscription is during the reservation.
• Unify your tools to measure everything in real time and decide quickly.

Take action now

• Create your 3 key offers, configure your rules, test 1 complete course.
• Put your priority slots online and track 4 metrics: occupancy, no-show, trial→subscription conversion, cart.
• Need a simple tool to do it? Get started with EKKLO: https://info.ekklo.com/

To boost conversion from the moment you create your offers, read: build attractive offers and packages for your clients.

Useful resources to go further

• Get started and find your commercial dynamic: https://info.ekklo.com/
• Optimize your sessions with technology: use technology to optimize your sessions