Club Automation, part of the Daxko family of fitness brands, knows there’s far more

to running a gym or health club than setting up shop with equipment and staff. By leveraging its digital prowess with its human-first approach, the solution has established itself as a robust foundation any fitness business can build itself upon. 

“We’re always on the pulse of what’s next,” said Wendy White, Chief Marketing Officer at Daxko. “By leveraging the latest trends we ensure gyms are positioned ahead of the curve. So while they’re focused on running their business and delivering an exceptional member experience, we’re handling the digital side — making sure they’re seen, heard, and growing.”

Paving a Smooth Road

The days of finding a gym by word of mouth or any other non-digital format are long gone. The gym sign-up experience now takes place almost entirely online. There, Club Automation operates like a savvy guide, helping individuals looking for new memberships reach their destination.

“Think about when someone is searching for a gym online,” said White. “They find a gym with a site that’s easy to navigate, filled with great member reviews, where they can sign up for a membership right away. Maybe they take advantage of a special offer and even book their first class — all in one smooth, hassle-free process. That’s where Club Automation steps in. We’re focused on creating that seamless, end-to-end experience from the first click through to their first visit, and well beyond.”

Club Automation accomplishes this first by putting gyms under a proper spotlight. The Club Automation digital marketing team begins by optimizing a client’s website. Doing so makes sites findable with little to no scrolling or page flipping required. After that, a simplification process takes place where Club Automation turns the site into a “central hub” for both current and potential new members. 

“Signing up, booking classes, you name it— that’s all integrated with the club’s management system for real-time updates,” said White. 

The buck doesn’t stop there, however. Club Automation also prioritizes keeping members engaged even after they sign up. Either with a club-branded mobile app or customized communication campaigns, Club Automation feeds members the right information in a timely fashion, prompting them to stick with their chosen gym. 

Seamless on Both Sides

Club Automation’s end-to-end user experience streamlines the process for both operators and members. There’s a clear connection between ease of use on the operator side and a seamless experience for members — once one aspect clicks, the other naturally follows.

“One of our partners recently said something that really stuck with me,” said White. “They mentioned that if their staff is struggling with clunky systems or unnecessary tasks, their members are going to feel that frustration too — and it’s true. A smooth member experience starts with having well-organized operations in the background that’s not only easy for your members, but for your staff as well.”

Club Automation recognizes the chain reaction begins with the implementation of an efficient software solution and ends with an upgraded member experience. 

“At Club Automation, we help facilities simplify their day-to-day so staff can focus on their members,” said White. “We simplify scheduling, automate billing and give staff the tools they need to focus more on the members and less on the paperwork. It’s all connected. When the gym runs smoothly, the members feel it, and that’s what leads to a better experience for everyone.”

Separation from the Pack

For as forward-thinking as Club Automation is, it isn’t the only software supplier that’s come to understand what an upgraded digital infrastructure can do for fitness brands. Regardless, Club Automation still stands out from the crowd with how closely it works with gyms to not just maintain, but empower their brand identity. 

“We’re a one-stop shop for all things digital — from designing websites to SEO optimization and managing paid ads,” said White. “But it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. We work with each gym to figure out their specific goals and build a strategy that fits their needs.” 

Club Automation now offers website plugins that connect important features like scheduling, programming, and member login directly to a client’s existing WordPress website. If needed, they can also rebuild the entire site, starting from the gym’s brand identity and goals to create a tailored solution.

Club Automation’s diligence is well-rewarded. The solution reports that on average, operators with the Club Automation platform fully integrated into gym operations, from website to member management, are able to cut down administrative time by 20% and boost lead conversion by 26%.

“One facility told us they’re now saving over $86,000 per month,” said White. “That’s huge for them, not just in terms of savings, but in how they can reinvest those resources into their staff and member experience. It’s stories like that which really show how much of a difference the right system can make.”

The future of fitness may hinge on the ability of gyms to leverage technology while maintaining a personal touch. Club Automation exemplifies this balance, setting a standard for how fitness brands can enhance operations and member engagement. Those who adapt and embrace these changes will lead the way in creating fitness experiences that resonate with the needs of modern consumers.

This article originally appeared in ATN’s Gym of the Future Report, which explores the technology, equipment and sustainable practices driving a new era of personalized fitness and wellness experiences. Download the free report. 

The post Club Automation Balances the Digital and Human-First Approach as a Software Provider appeared first on Athletech News.

Daxko, a leading software and integrated payments solutions provider in the health, fitness, and wellness industry, recently announced the appointment of Jeff VanDixhorn as its Chief Executive Officer, signaling a new era for the fit tech brand and its flagship fitness club management product, Club Automation.

VanDixhorn’s background is steeped in the fitness industry; having owned numerous multi-purpose fitness and racquet sports facilities in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, and co-founding Club Automation which was later acquired by Daxko, he is uniquely positioned to continue to build on the company’s success.

Powering nearly 40% of member-based health and wellness organizations, including large clubs, boutique studios, YMCAs, and JCCs, Daxko offers services to 19,000 health and wellness facilities and has served more than 25,000,000 members in 55 countries.

Athletech News sat down with VanDixhorn to get his thoughts on the impact he’d like to have on the industry through Daxko and his new role there.

Athletech News: Can you tell us about your journey from club operator to founder of Club Automation to CEO of Daxko?

Jeff VanDixhorn: I got into the club business in 1995. From the beginning, I loved being able to make an impact on people’s lives. I built out a club group and had good success in growing the business.

About fifteen years ago I started seeing a gap. The industry needed software that went beyond just club operations and focused more on the customer. I wanted to have a bigger impact. I decided to develop a platform with my then-business partner Max Longin.

We built a web-based application called Club Automation that took out the manual work when it came to member and prospect interaction and transactions. It was then acquired by Daxko in 2018, and in due course, I took on the role of Chief Revenue Officer. At that time I  still owned two clubs, and spending time in those facilities was very beneficial. Seeing the industry and business from both sides is important.

After this long sprint of a career, I took a break and went back to my entrepreneurial roots, starting Picklehaus while serving on the Daxko board. A few months ago, I was presented with the opportunity to take on the CEO role and it’s a great fit. The company has a tremendous breadth of impact on health and wellness. I see incredible opportunity here.

ATN: What does Daxko offer that is unique to the market?

JV: A few things. First, we see across all of health and wellness due to the breadth of types of facilities we serve. This gives us the opportunity to get ahead of trends and use best and proven practices.  Second is the investment we’ve made in the industry, and the commitment to offer cutting-edge innovation.

ATN: What trends do you see in the fitness industry when it comes to tech?

JV: A couple. First is the idea of offering a broader ecosystem. It’s necessary and important to offer an open platform that integrates with others in order to serve all the needs of the industry. We’ve spent a lot of time building out our integration ability to this end.

Second, ease of interaction for consumers is a top priority. People manage all parts of their daily lives on their phones, and there is a lot of opportunity for businesses that make this a focus.

ATN: How does Daxko plan to use AI to solve problems for fitness businesses?

JV: We’re fully embracing AI to transform how we support fitness businesses. There are a lot of eyes on AI so it’s crucial that the AI solutions we adopt truly deliver value to our customers. That’s why we’re leveraging Generative AI to help our customers craft personalized messages for their members, enhancing engagement like never before. 

Additionally, we’re exploring AI program recommenders to further personalize member experiences and streamline operations. We’ve introduced AI bots across some of our platforms to automate and improve customer interactions, making their onboarding smoother. This allows our team to focus more on helping our customers succeed and grow. For any software company not considering AI to drive innovation, improve customer service, and streamline operations, they risk falling behind in today’s market.

ATN: What pitfalls fitness clubs should look out for when it comes to using software and tech?

JV: As someone who’s been in the club owner’s shoes, I’ve seen firsthand how hidden costs and overly complex tech systems can throw off your budget and bog down your team. You think you’re getting an all-in-one solution, but then you find out it needs additional systems to actually work right. And of course, data security is huge—you have to make sure any software you use is rock-solid on protecting member info and meets all the privacy rules. Getting these things right is crucial for keeping everything running smoothly and keeping your members’ trust.

ATN: What challenges does Daxko solve for operators?

JV: We solve managing the business from an operational standpoint. We manage billing, staff, programs, offerings, and scheduling all very well.  We do a good job with CRM, driving revenue, attracting new members and facilitating ongoing engagement.

Our platform also serves up a lot of data. The question with data then becomes, what do clubs do with it? So we are working on building behavior triggers and corresponding automated action that impacts the people participating. This will take more of the heavy lifting off of operators and enhance brand loyalty and engagement.

ATN: What overall impact do you want Daxko to have on the health/fitness industry?

JV: We service a significant part of the industry and with that comes a huge responsibility that we don’t take lightly. We are deeply committed to our partners with boots on the ground – those who show up every day and impact people’s lives.

We are inspired to work alongside these people and give them the best tools possible. If we can get members into facilities and provide best-in-class service that drives them to stay, we can improve their physical and mental health and have real human impact. That is what this industry is all about.

The post New Daxko CEO Talks Trends, Human Impact & What’s Next for the Company appeared first on Athletech News.

Daxko, a leading software and integrated payments solution provider for the health, fitness and wellness space, has named Jeff VanDixhorn its new CEO, signaling its next chapter, including a planned expansion into “adjacent markets.”

VanDixhorn, co-founder and former CEO of Club Automation, will lead Daxko’s innovation and growth. He brings 25 years of leadership experience, including the role of club operator, expanding from a single club in 1995 to multi-purpose fitness and racquet sports facilities in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.

“Jeff’s expertise in the health and wellness sector, both as an operator and a software leader, is unmatched,” Travis Pearson and Eli Weiss, co-chairs of Daxko’s board of directors, said in a joint statement. “His leadership, proven track record in building teams and growing businesses and deep customer-centric approach make him the perfect fit to lead Daxko into its next phase of growth.”

Since its inception in 1998, Daxko has grown to serve 40% of member-based health and wellness organizations and has made numerous strategic acquisitions, including Motionsoft, CSI, ReClique, Zen Planner and SugarWOD. The company acquired Club Automation in 2018, at which point VanDixhorn served as Daxko’s chief revenue officer until 2022 before serving on the board of directors.

Reflecting on his many years in the health and fitness industry, VanDixhorn noted that he’s seen the transformative power of life-changing software firsthand.

“At Daxko, our core values are founded on community, and as CEO, I’m committed to strengthening our ties, enhancing our legacy and fostering deeper partnerships,” he said. “With our broad market reach, there’s significant growth potential. I’m dedicated to positioning Daxko to better serve our communities and to expand into adjacent markets.”

Last fall, Daxko partnered with Epifany, a custom online survey builder that helps businesses gather high-quality customer data and feedback. The member-enhancing solution was integrated with Club Automation and allows fitness brands to create tailored questions that target new clients, trial members or lapsed members — all in an effort to receive actionable insights and drive business. 

The post Daxko Names New CEO, Plans Expansion Into Adjacent Markets appeared first on Athletech News.

Innovation in gym and studio software management tools has emerged as a key trend at recent fitness industry trade shows including IHRSA, with the market becoming increasingly competitive. 

This year’s IHRSA 2024 will showcase what’s next for some of the biggest software players in the space, with some exciting announcements and unveilings planned. 

Athletech News spoke with Xplor Technologies, Club OS, ABC Fitness, Club Automation and ClubReady to give you a sense of what’s coming at IHRSA 2024, and what the future will hold for fitness brands looking to leverage the best software tools to grow their businesses and connect with their members. 

Xplor Plans Industry’s ‘First True Growth Platform’

Xplor Technologies has already had a big year but is looking towards more announcements. It recently acquired Membr, a top management software platform for gyms and health clubs. The acquisition expanded Xplor’s purview beyond just the boutique studio space, which it serves with its Mariana Tek product, and into gyms and health clubs. 

However, Andy Swansburg, Xplor’s Chief Product Officer for Fitness and Wellbeing, told Athletech News that the company still has a “maniacal” focus on becoming a growth platform for boutique studios and is building a product called Xplor Growth. 

“There are not a lot of people who are making a data model that is flexible and accessible and then empowering the entire stack with it,” Swansburg said of the new launch. 

Fitness brands are trying to grow through the consumer journey, ensuring that at every touchpoint, users have the best chance of becoming brand evangelists. 

“We’ve built the first true growth platform in the industry with a few different layers,” Swansburg explained. “The first layer is the fitness industry’s first consumer data platform. Without a unified view of your consumer, it’s difficult to create a customer journey.” 

Bringing a consumer data platform to the fitness world can unlock new potential by allowing users to rate experiences, so businesses can evaluate their operations more easily. Xplor also added gamification to drive even more engagement. 

“Brands can set up challenges, consumer streaks and milestones,” Swansburg said. “We’re going to be building an analytics platform on top of that. The trend is towards, ‘Every touchpoint matters in this world.’” 

To generate excitement for IHRSA, Xplor is hosting its first Mariana Tek Summit on March 5th in Los Angeles. The event will feature networking opportunities, breakout sessions, and panel discussions. 

“The industry is probably five, if not more, years behind some of the other industries in the world, which is funny because I don’t know another business where someone shows up to a location five days a week,” Swansburg said, noting the high levels of engagement fitness consumers tend to have with brands. “We have so much data. All this innovation is a big step forward to power engagement.” 

Club OS Teases a Major Release

Club OS also has big announcements in the pipeline for IHRSA 2024. 

“This will be the most significant product release announcement in the company’s history, and we’re excited to reveal it for the first time with the fitness community at IHRSA this year,” said Nick Hahn, VP of Product & Development at Club OS.

While the company couldn’t yet provide details about the product launch, Club OS teased how the announcements would tie into the platform’s larger strategic goals and industry trends. 

“There are few solutions to provide a single platform that manages the entire member journey,” Hahn said. “The vision for our team is to provide a comprehensive yet intuitive end-to-end solution that covers as much of the member journey as each customer needs.” 

“Our flexible ecosystem enables our team to take an agile approach to helping our customers overcome key challenges such as member churn, staff turnover, tough competition, and economic uncertainties,” Hahn added.

ABC Fitness Leans Into AI, Personalization

ABC Fitness, the world’s largest fit tech company with a burgeoning portfolio of software platforms catering to clubs, gyms and studios, is planning to showcase exciting advancements in AI and personalization. 

“During IHRSA 2024, we are excited to host an Innovation Lab that will offer a preview into our latest AI investments across our platforms which leverage our leadership in member and club data,” said Cristine Kao, Chief Marketing Officer at ABC. “Our booth will also showcase how automation can drive world-class personalization at scale, from attracting and retaining members to running your club 24/7.” 

ABC will also showcase “some exciting new features” including “tailored habits & nutrition coaching, personalized members goals, and automation to convert more prospects into clients,” Kao shared. 

Kao will be onstage on March 6th at IHRSA, sharing the results of ABC Fitness’ annual consumer research and global membership data as well as discussing the potential of AI in the industry.

“The acceleration of AI is happening at an exciting time in the evolution of fitness technology across an ever-growing digital landscape, such as wearables and tracking devices,” Kao said. “At ABC Fitness, we are carefully evaluating the potential for AI technologies to evolve from supporting simple administrative tasks to far more powerful applications.”

ClubReady Empowers Brands To Connect With Their Members

ClubReady is focusing on the potential of customization and connection. With customers like Pure Barre, YogaSix, and CycleBar, the software platform helps streamline brands’ operations through lead management, member retention and billing solutions. 

“New integrations continue to increase the power and value of ClubReady for growing entrepreneurs,” said Devin Meister, a Demand Generation Manager for Clubessential Holdings, the parent company of ClubReady. “For example, integrations between ClubReady Connect messaging system and Concierge services enable fitness operators to optimize their staff hours for both presale and post-sale lead conversion in a seamless solution with proven workflows.”

“Our mobile app offerings enable brands to take control of their brand and extend their connections and engagement with push notifications to members anywhere, and extensive reporting for staff,” Meister added.

ClubReady plans to make announcements about reporting features and its mobile app in the near future. 

“ClubReady continues to build and expand our industry-leading solutions and services, enhancing operators’ ability to engage members and prospects, empower staff members, and drive actions for success,” Meister said. 

Club Automation Gets Personal 

Club Automation, an all-in-one club software management system, will provide an innovative, interactive experience at IHRSA. 

“How often has a fitness software company invited you to try what it feels like to become a new member, purchase personal training, schedule sessions, book spaces, and explore a mobile app – as seen from the eyes of your members?” said Tom Antosik, VP at Club Automation. 

Club operators can step into their members’ shoes and try Club Automation’s online registration and mobile experience. The brand is focused on personalized, interactive touchpoints that showcase how its offerings elevate experiences through innovations. 

“From checking in at the club and purchasing packages to scheduling sessions and updating payment information, our team is ready to show off an end-to-end sign-up process that creates that smooth onboarding journey prospective members can expect with Club Automation,” Antosik said.

The post IHRSA 2024 Software Rundown: All About the Member Experience appeared first on Athletech News.