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Posted by on March 23, 2024 — Updated on August 29, 2025
Compare the best software for small gyms from Exercise.com, Zen Planner, PushPress, and more.
See why Exercise.com is the best small gym software and the best big gym software alike, helping gyms increase revenue and profitability with the best all-in-one gym management software. Finding the best software for small gyms is crucial for owners looking to streamline operations, enhance member engagement, and grow their business efficiently. The ideal small gym software should offer comprehensive features such as booking, membership management, workout programming, and client communication, all tailored to the unique needs of smaller fitness facilities.
In the competitive fitness industry, leveraging the top small gym software like the best small gym membership software can be the key to differentiating your gym and providing exceptional value to your members. You don’t have to be a large gym to run a successful gym business and make money as a gym owner. Using the best small gym software can give you the professional solution that large gyms have, and at a price point that works within your budget.
| Software | Booking | Mobile Apps | Custom Branded | Payments | Waivers | Invoicing | Assessments | Workouts | Messaging | Marketing | Automations | Reports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise.com | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Zen Planner | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| PushPress | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| WellnessLiving | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mindbody | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Vagaro | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
When it comes to managing your gym with the utmost efficiency and delivering unparalleled service to your members, turning to the best gym software is essential. For those gyms that also offer personal training services, incorporating the best personal training software into your arsenal can further elevate the training experience you provide. Exercise.com stands out as the premier software solution for small gyms, offering a robust platform that combines ease of use with powerful features to cover every aspect of gym management and personal training services.
Exercise.com is recognized as the leading fitness software for small gyms and big gyms alike, providing a robust and user-friendly platform that addresses all aspects of gym management and member engagement. Its ability to offer custom-branded mobile apps sets it apart, allowing gyms to maintain their unique identity while offering a professional and cohesive digital experience to their members. The software’s integrated functionalities for booking, payments, waivers, and invoicing streamline administrative tasks, enabling gym owners to focus more on member service and less on paperwork.
With Exercise.com, small gyms can leverage top-rated small gym scheduling software alongside comprehensive workout programming and tracking capabilities. This ensures that members receive personalized fitness plans and regular assessments, fostering a sense of progress and accountability. The platform’s communication tools facilitate direct engagement with members, enhancing the sense of community within the gym. Moreover, Exercise.com’s marketing and automation features assist in attracting new members and retaining existing ones, making it the best software for small gym operations aiming for growth and high member satisfaction.
Here’s just some of what you can do on the Exercise.com platform:
Process payments for open gym, classes, and personal training.
Create gym landing pages easily.
Manage fitness challenges (Read More: 100+ Fitness Challenge Ideas)
Offer on-demand fitness content.
Create classes and fitness groups.
Conduct gym livestreaming easily.
Engage with clients via automations.
Manage leads with a gym CRM.
Create and send fitness assessments with ease.
Use fitness habit tracking to inspire and motivate gym members and clients.
Use fitness progress photos to engage with members.
Use fitness leaderboards to track event performance and inspire healthy competition.
Create exercise supersets in a snap.
Program exercise rep max progressions with ease.
Use the exercise demonstration video library or create your own custom exercise demonstration videos.
Create workout plans for parents and dependents, teams and more.
Cast gym TV workouts to in-gym TV screens quickly and efficiently.
Manage multiple groups and locations with ease.
Manage clients and gym members with ease. An online training software comparison for personal trainers makes it easy to see why Exercise.com offers the best athlete management software and the best client management functionality for in-person and online personal training. The best personal fitness trainer software should work for you on the go, just like in the gym.
Book appointments for parents and dependents with ease. (Read More: Best Gym Booking Software)
Gym check-in software that makes your life easy. (Read More: Best Gym Check-In Software)
Communicate with gym members, athletes, team members, personal training clients, class members, parents, and dependents via SMS, email, and in-app push notification.
View performance over time, track personal records, and other fitness stats with performance reporting dashboards. The best training gym software offers exercise tracking, habit tracking, workout tracking, and more.
And of course, view all of your gym business reports easily too.
All from your custom-branded fitness apps (Read More: Best Gym Mobile Fitness Apps Software)
Running a small gym or boutique fitness studio means balancing tight budgets with high expectations. Owners often ask: What are the top software solutions for small gyms and functional training studios? or How to choose booking software for a small fitness studio? The answer lies in choosing an affordable fitness software platform that manages bookings, payments, and memberships without sacrificing quality.
While some gyms start with simple gym software or experiment with affordable gym software options, these often lack scalability. Others invest in multiple apps—CRM, billing, scheduling—which increases costs and complexity. The most successful owners use an all-in-one software for gyms that handles everything from client engagement to reporting.
That’s why Exercise.com is the best solution. As the leading small business fitness software, it combines booking, CRM, billing, and reporting into one platform, making it the most powerful yet cost-effective choice for small gyms and studios.
| Platform | Scheduling & Booking | CRM & Communication | Billing & Payments | Branded App | Reporting | Pricing Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise.com | Yes – gym booking software for small businesses | Yes – full CRM, email/SMS | Yes – automated billing | Yes – custom fitness app for small business owner | Advanced | Scalable, affordable |
| Mindbody | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Higher tiers expensive |
| Vagaro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Mid-range |
| Zen Planner | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Mid-range |
| WellnessLiving | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Tiered pricing |
| Free/Basic Options | Limited | No | Limited | No | No | Cheap, not scalable |
As affordable fitness center software, Exercise.com is priced to fit small gyms while offering features usually reserved for enterprise platforms. Unlike fragmented tools, it provides everything in one package.
For owners asking how to choose booking software for a small fitness studio?—Exercise.com provides easy gym studio software for class scheduling, reservations, and waitlist management, all tied directly to payments.
Exercise.com doubles as the best gym membership software and best CRM for gyms, giving you tools to manage leads, automate follow-ups, and track client retention.
Instead of juggling spreadsheets, you get robust gym reporting software that integrates with your billing and scheduling. As true gym operations software, it helps owners understand revenue, attendance, and retention metrics.
Exercise.com functions as both online gym software and a custom mobile app. This means members can book, check in, and pay from their phones, while staff can manage operations from anywhere.
Whether you’re running a new gym or an established studio, Exercise.com works as both the best software for a new gym and the best software for small fitness studios—scaling up as your membership grows.
Small gyms need software that is affordable, easy to use, and powerful enough to grow with them. Free tools and basic fitness center software programs may seem tempting but lack the features needed to compete.
Exercise.com is the ultimate solution—it’s easy gym management software that doubles as gym owner software, gym studio software, and fitness studio software all in one. From CRM to billing, scheduling to reporting, it’s the most complete fitness industry software for small gyms.
Get a demo today and see why Exercise.com is the best choice for small gyms, boutique fitness studios, and new gym startups.
Zen Planner emerges as a top software for managing small gyms, offering a suite of features designed to simplify day-to-day operations and enhance member experience. Its user-friendly interface allows gym owners and staff to easily manage class schedules, bookings, and member accounts, ensuring smooth operations even during peak hours. The software’s integrated payment system reduces administrative burden by automating billing processes and membership renewals.
While Zen Planner provides a solid foundation for small gym management, its relatively basic workout tracking and lack of custom branding options might not meet the needs of gyms looking to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Nonetheless, for small gyms focused on operational efficiency and straightforward member management, Zen Planner stands as a reliable choice.
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PushPress is recognized for its high-quality small gym software systems, focusing on simplicity and efficiency. The platform’s strength lies in its streamlined approach to gym management, with features like automated billing and member check-ins that reduce the administrative load on staff. The option for a custom-branded mobile app allows gyms to maintain their unique identity and improve member communication.
However, gyms with a strong emphasis on personalized training programs and detailed fitness assessments might find PushPress’s capabilities in these areas slightly limited. Despite this, PushPress’s core functionalities make it a valuable tool for small gyms prioritizing ease of use and essential management features.
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WellnessLiving offers a leading small gym management software solution, boasting a wide array of features aimed at enhancing both the member experience and operational efficiency. Its all-in-one approach covers everything from schedule management to automated marketing campaigns, making it a versatile tool for gym owners. The software’s focus on client engagement, through features like loyalty programs and targeted communications, helps gyms build strong relationships with their members.
Despite its comprehensive offerings, small gyms looking for highly customized software tailored to their specific brand might find WellnessLiving’s customization capabilities somewhat restricted. Nonetheless, its strong foundation in booking, payments, and member management secures its position as a top contender for small gyms seeking a robust management platform.
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Mindbody is renowned as one of the best-rated small gym management platforms, offering a comprehensive suite of features designed to support every aspect of gym operation. Its extensive marketplace not only provides gyms with the tools they need to manage their business but also connects them with a larger community of potential clients. The platform’s mobile app and online portal ensure that members can easily book classes, manage their memberships, and stay engaged with their fitness journey.
However, the extensive capabilities and services offered by Mindbody come at a cost, which may be prohibitive for smaller gyms with tighter budgets. Additionally, the platform’s sophisticated interface might require a more significant investment of time and resources to master, potentially posing a hurdle for gym owners and staff seeking simplicity.
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Vagaro stands out as a premier software solution for small gyms, offering flexibility and a broad feature set that caters to the diverse needs of fitness businesses. Its emphasis on user experience is evident in its intuitive design, which simplifies tasks such as scheduling, client management, and marketing. The platform’s customization options allow small gyms to tailor the software to their specific branding, enhancing their market presence and member engagement.
While Vagaro’s comprehensive feature set makes it an attractive option for small gyms looking to manage multiple aspects of their business in one place, the breadth of its offerings might be more than some very small or niche fitness studios require. This can lead to a scenario where gym owners are paying for functionalities they seldom use. Additionally, accessing some of Vagaro’s more advanced features, such as detailed analytics or enhanced marketing tools, may necessitate upgrading to more expensive subscription tiers, which could be a consideration for gyms with limited budgets.
Despite these considerations, Vagaro’s adaptability makes it a top choice for small gyms that anticipate growth and diversification of their services. Its ability to scale with the business, combined with strong support for booking, customer relationship management, and marketing, positions Vagaro as a leading fitness software for small gyms. The platform’s commitment to providing a seamless and engaging user experience for both gym owners and members alike underscores its value in a competitive fitness market.
Read More: Vagaro
Running a small gym or fitness studio means wearing every hat—trainer, marketer, admin, and tech support. Whether you’re managing memberships, booking classes, selling sessions, or chasing down payments, you don’t have time to juggle five different systems that don’t speak to each other. You need one platform that’s simple, powerful, and built to grow with your business.
While there are several excellent software options available for small gyms, choosing the right one depends on the specific needs, goals, and budget of your gym. From comprehensive, all-in-one platforms like Exercise.com that offer custom branding and extensive management features, to more streamlined solutions like Vagaro that provide essential functionalities with a focus on user experience, there’s a software solution to fit every small gym’s requirements. Assessing the pros and cons of each, along with considering the long-term scalability and support offered by the software provider, will help you make the best choice for your gym’s success.
Exercise.com is the best software for small gyms—a fully integrated platform that makes managing your fitness business easier, not harder.
If you’ve been asking what are the top software solutions for small gyms and functional training studios? or what is the best CRM system for a small gym or yoga studio?—the answer starts with consolidation. Most small fitness businesses are using one tool for scheduling, another for billing, a separate CRM, and possibly spreadsheets to track attendance or revenue. That’s not sustainable.
Exercise.com replaces all of that with one easy-to-use, branded platform. It’s affordable gym software that includes:
Whether you’re running a strength studio, HIIT gym, personal training business, or yoga/fitness hybrid, you need software that supports your unique model—not just a watered-down enterprise tool.
Exercise.com is:
If you’ve been searching for small business fitness software, fitness app for small business owners, or even what software do small gyms use for management, this is your answer.
Many gym owners ask, how to choose booking software for a small fitness studio? or what’s the best software for a new gym? The biggest mistake is choosing the cheapest option—only to outgrow it within a year.
Exercise.com offers affordable fitness software that doesn’t cut corners. From day one, you get full access to the same tools used by multi-location fitness businesses and high-performance coaching platforms. But it’s all tailored to your needs as a small studio or solo trainer.
That means you can:
Whether you’re comparing fitness center software programs, looking for gym studio software, or researching the best CRM for gyms, Exercise.com is the all-in-one solution that gives you room to grow—without overwhelming your systems or your staff.
Book your free demo today and see why more small gym owners are switching to Exercise.com to run their business, engage their members, and save hours every week.
The best software for managing a small gym is one that offers comprehensive features tailored to the needs of gym owners, trainers, and clients. Exercise.com stands out as a top choice, providing a robust platform that includes membership management, scheduling, workout creation and delivery, billing and invoicing, and customizable gym websites. Its user-friendly interface and customizable options make it ideal for small gyms looking to streamline operations, enhance client engagement, and grow their business efficiently.
Read More: Best Gym Management Software
Small gyms often start with simple gym software or piecemeal tools, but these quickly become inefficient. The most effective choice is an all-in-one gym owner software like Exercise.com, which combines scheduling, billing, CRM, reporting, and a branded app into a single platform.
The best CRM system for a small gym or yoga studio is one that tracks leads, automates follow-ups, and integrates with scheduling and billing. Exercise.com serves as both a gym CRM and yoga client management software, helping small businesses improve retention and grow memberships.
When evaluating gym booking software for small businesses, look for ease of use, integration with payments, and mobile access. Exercise.com offers a branded fitness app for small business owners, making it simple for members to reserve classes, join waitlists, and pay all in one system.
The best software for a new gym balances affordability with scalability. Exercise.com provides affordable gym software that supports new gyms with booking, payments, CRM, and marketing, then scales as the membership base grows.
The top software solutions for small gyms and functional training studios include Exercise.com, Mindbody, Vagaro, and Zen Planner. While each has strengths, Exercise.com is the only all-in-one platform that combines fitness studio software, reporting, marketing, and client engagement into one system.
Modern gym studio software should include mobile-friendly check-in. With Exercise.com, members use a custom-branded app to scan in, reserve classes, and manage memberships, streamlining the entire gym experience.
The best payment solutions for small gyms are those that automate recurring billing, handle class packages, and integrate with reporting. Exercise.com includes built-in yoga and gym studio payment software that reduces missed payments and simplifies financial management.
Managing a small gym involves various tasks including membership management, scheduling classes and personal training sessions, equipment maintenance, and financial management. Whether you manage a small gym or one of the largest, most expensive gyms, successful gym management requires a focus on creating a welcoming community atmosphere, maintaining high levels of cleanliness, offering diverse and engaging fitness programs, and employing qualified and friendly staff. Utilizing management software like Exercise.com can significantly ease these responsibilities by automating many administrative tasks.
To make a small gym successful, focus on delivering exceptional customer service, maintaining a clean and inviting facility, and offering a variety of engaging fitness programs tailored to your members’ needs. Building a strong community through events, challenges, and social media can also enhance member retention. Implementing a reliable gym management software like Exercise.com can streamline operations, allowing more time to focus on growth strategies and member satisfaction.
Read More: How to Have a Successful Gym
Starting a small fitness gym involves conducting market research, creating a solid business plan, securing financing, finding the right location, purchasing equipment, and obtaining necessary permits and licenses. It’s also crucial to develop a strong branding and marketing strategy to attract your target audience. Implementing efficient gym management software from the start can set a solid foundation for operational success.
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The profitability of a small gym depends on various factors such as location, membership fees, operational costs, and the services offered. By optimizing membership retention, offering personal training and group classes, and managing expenses effectively, a small gym can be quite profitable. Utilizing management software can also contribute to profitability by improving efficiency and member engagement.
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The minimum size for a small gym typically ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 square feet, depending on the types of activities offered and the equipment needed. Efficient layout planning and the use of space-saving equipment can maximize the functionality of a small gym space, allowing for a variety of workout options for members.
Read More: What is the minimum size for a small gym?
The number of members a gym needs to be successful varies based on factors like membership fees, operational costs, and the size of the facility. A small gym can be successful with a few hundred members if it maintains high retention rates and offers additional revenue-generating services like personal training and group classes.
Read More: How many members does a gym need to be successful?
Opening a small gym can be challenging due to initial financial investment, market competition, and the need for effective marketing strategies. However, with thorough planning, a clear vision, and the use of efficient tools like gym management software, it is possible to overcome these challenges and establish a successful gym.
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The best small gym check-in software is user-friendly, efficient, and integrates seamlessly with other management functions. Exercise.com offers an excellent check-in system as part of its all-inclusive platform, making it easy for members to check in and for gym owners to track attendance and member engagement.
Read More: Best Gym Check-In Software
The best small gym scheduling software offers flexible scheduling options for classes and personal training sessions, easy booking and cancellation processes, and integration with other management tools. Exercise.com’s scheduling feature is designed to meet these needs, providing a streamlined experience for both gym staff and members.
Read More: Best Gym Scheduling Software
The best small gym payments software ensures secure and reliable processing of membership fees, personal training payments, and other transactions. It should offer automated billing, various payment methods, and financial reporting. Exercise.com includes a comprehensive payment system that simplifies financial management for gym owners.
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Exercise.com can help run a successful small gym by providing a comprehensive suite of management tools tailored to the fitness industry. Its platform includes membership management, scheduling, billing, workout creation, and a customizable website, all designed to streamline operations, enhance member engagement, and drive growth. With Exercise.com, gym owners can focus on what they do best—helping their members achieve their fitness goals.
Read More: How to Run a Successful Gym Business
