Posted by on January 10, 2025 — Updated on January 10, 2025
The difference between Zen Planner and Gymdesk is that Zen Planner offers a robust feature set for complex gym operations and martial arts, while Gymdesk focuses on simplicity and ease of use for smaller fitness businesses.

The primary difference between Zen Planner and Gymdesk lies in their focus and feature sets. Zen Planner is a robust gym management software designed to handle complex operations for gyms, martial arts, and fitness studios, offering tools like membership management, scheduling, and performance tracking. Gymdesk, on the other hand, is a more streamlined platform focused on simplicity and ease of use, making it ideal for smaller fitness businesses with less complex needs.
| Feature | Zen Planner | Gymdesk | Exercise.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| Membership Management | Advanced tools for tracking attendance, renewals, and more. | Basic tools for tracking members and attendance. | Fully customizable tools for memberships of all sizes. |
| Class Scheduling | Detailed scheduling with online booking options. | Simple scheduling for basic class management. | Comprehensive scheduling with flexible options for group classes, personal training, and more. |
| Workout Tracking | Performance tracking for members. | No built-in workout tracking. | Advanced workout programming and tracking integrated with member profiles. |
| Billing and Payments | Automated recurring payments and invoicing. | Basic invoicing and automated payments. | Advanced billing options, including automated invoicing, custom payment plans, and seamless integration. |
| Reporting and Analytics | Detailed reporting for attendance and revenue. | Basic reporting for revenue and activity. | Advanced analytics with customizable reports for deeper business insights. |
| Custom Branding | Branded mobile app for members. | Limited branding options. | Fully customizable branding for apps, portals, and more. |
| Ease of Use | Moderate learning curve for setup and use. | User-friendly and easy to set up. | Intuitive interface with in-depth onboarding and support. |
| Scalability | Suitable for medium to large gyms. | Best for small gyms or businesses with simple needs. | Scales seamlessly for small gyms, large franchises, and multi-location businesses. |
| Customer Support | Standard support with limited customization help. | Basic support for setup and troubleshooting. | Dedicated support with personalized assistance and ongoing updates. |
| Best For | Medium to large gyms with complex needs. | Small gyms with straightforward operations. | Gyms of all sizes looking for a fully customizable, all-in-one solution. |
Exercise.com combines the robust tools of Zen Planner with the simplicity of Gymdesk while adding unmatched customization, scalability, and support. Whether you’re managing a boutique studio or a growing franchise, Exercise.com offers an all-in-one platform that adapts to your needs and empowers your gym to thrive. Book a demo today to experience the best gym management software firsthand!
Both platforms aim to simplify gym operations but cater to slightly different audiences. For gyms looking for the most comprehensive and customizable solution, Exercise.com stands out as the best gym management software, offering unmatched flexibility and features that can scale with any fitness business, whether large or small.
Zen Planner is known for its comprehensive toolset designed to meet the needs of gyms, fitness studios, and martial arts schools. Here are some of its key features:
Zen Planner is best suited for gyms that require advanced features and are willing to invest time in training staff to navigate its robust interface.
Gymdesk, previously known as Martialytics, emphasizes simplicity and ease of use. It’s designed to get fitness businesses up and running quickly with minimal training. Its key features include:
Gymdesk is a great choice for small gyms or fitness businesses with straightforward needs but may lack the depth required for larger or growing operations.
While Zen Planner and Gymdesk each have their strengths, Exercise.com combines the best of both worlds, offering a highly customizable and comprehensive platform with an intuitive interface. Here’s why Exercise.com is the superior choice:
When comparing Zen Planner, Gymdesk, and Exercise.com, consider the following factors:
Exercise.com excels in all these areas, making it the ideal choice for gyms seeking an all-in-one solution that adapts to their needs.
Zen Planner and Gymdesk each have their place in the fitness industry, but for a truly comprehensive and flexible solution, Exercise.com leads the way. Whether you’re running a small studio or managing a multi-location gym, Exercise.com provides the tools and support needed to grow your fitness business. Book a demo today to see why it’s the best gym management software for gyms of all sizes!
Zen Planner is used for managing fitness businesses, including gyms, martial arts studios, yoga studios, and CrossFit boxes. It provides tools for scheduling, membership management, payment processing, and performance tracking, helping businesses streamline operations and enhance client experiences.
Yes, Zen Planner includes CRM (Customer Relationship Management) features, enabling businesses to manage member interactions, track attendance, and maintain communication through email and notifications.
Zen Planner costs start at $117 per month for small businesses, with pricing increasing based on the number of members and additional features. Custom quotes are available for businesses with specific needs.
The best Zen Planner alternatives include Exercise.com, Glofox, and Mindbody. Exercise.com stands out with its customizable features, branded apps, and all-in-one functionality for managing fitness businesses.
Both Zen Planner and Gymdesk are suitable for martial arts businesses, but Zen Planner offers more robust performance tracking and class scheduling tools. However, Exercise.com is a superior alternative, offering customizable features tailored specifically to martial arts studios.
To use the Zen Planner app, download it from the App Store or Google Play, log in with your business credentials, and access features such as class schedules, member check-ins, and attendance tracking. Members can also use the app to book classes and manage their accounts.
Gymdesk is used for managing fitness facilities, martial arts studios, and small gyms. It offers tools for class scheduling, member management, payment processing, and reporting, focusing on simplicity and ease of use for smaller businesses.
Yes, Gymdesk includes basic CRM functionality, allowing businesses to manage client relationships, track attendance, and send automated reminders or notifications.
Gymdesk pricing starts at $75 per month for small businesses, with plans scaling based on the number of members and additional features. It is an affordable option for smaller studios or gyms.
The best Gymdesk alternatives include Exercise.com, Zen Planner, and PushPress. Exercise.com offers more robust tools, including branded apps, customizable features, and advanced reporting, making it ideal for fitness businesses seeking scalability.
To use the Gymdesk app, log in with your account credentials to access tools like class schedules, member check-ins, and payment processing. The app provides a user-friendly interface for both staff and members.
Exercise.com is the best gym software because it provides an all-in-one, fully customizable platform for fitness businesses. Unlike other platforms, Exercise.com integrates advanced features like branded apps, workout delivery, scheduling, and payment processing without additional fees. Its scalability and excellent customer support make it a top choice for gyms, studios, and personal trainers.