HomeBest Gym Management SoftwareWhat technology is used in the gym?

What technology is used in the gym?

Tyler Spraul

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) on October 17, 2025 — Updated on October 17, 2025

To operate efficiently and profitably, modern gyms use a technology stack of gym management software, wearable fitness technology, smart equipment, access control systems, and AI-powered analytics.

What technology is used in the gym?

The best gyms integrate all these tools into one seamless platform—and the most complete option is Exercise.com, the all-in-one gym management software that eliminates the need for disconnected apps and spreadsheets.

Gym Owner Apps

Most gym owners start with a patchwork of systems: one app for booking, another for payments, a third for workouts. This setup creates chaos—missed payments, duplicate data, and frustrated members. Exercise.com solves these pain points by combining billing automation, membership tracking, performance analytics, and branded mobile apps under one roof. Everything is synced automatically, saving time and maximizing revenue.

#1 Ranked Fitness Business Software: Exercise.com

Based on industry averages, gyms that adopt integrated technology systems report up to 34% higher member retention, 26% faster revenue growth, and 40% fewer administrative errors compared to those using standalone tools. Below are the core types of technology used in gyms today—and how they fit into a modern, connected fitness business model.

Ready for the best gym management software?

APEC
Exercise.com is simply the best. We were using three or four different apps or softwares to do what we can now do all in one with the Exercise.com platform.
Brandon Stroupe
Founder and President, APEC Sports Performance

Get a demo now!

Gym Management Software and Membership Systems

The foundation of any tech-enabled gym is its gym management software, which automates scheduling, billing, and membership administration. Without it, owners face constant manual work, human error, and data silos that make decision-making difficult.

Dashboard - Home 2

Exercise.com acts as the operational hub for fitness businesses—handling everything from recurring payments and check-ins to digital waivers and financial reports. Instead of juggling spreadsheets, gym owners can manage every location and every member from one central dashboard.

Key Functions of Gym Management Software

  • Automates recurring billing and renewals
  • Manages class scheduling and attendance tracking
  • Integrates waivers, contracts, and performance data
  • Syncs financial and operational metrics in real time

Estimated Impact of All-in-One Gym Software

MetricManual/Disjointed Systems (Industry Avg.)With Exercise.com (Based on Client Averages)
Admin hours per week10–122–3
Billing error rate6–9%1%
Member retention68–72%87–90%
Annual revenue growth5–8%18–22%

Exercise.com’s automation replaces repetitive admin work and prevents revenue leakage. Learn how this fits into a successful gym business model and why it’s critical for sustainable scalability.

Wearable Fitness Devices and Tracking Integrations

Wearable fitness technology connects data to motivation. Devices like smartwatches and heart rate monitors provide instant performance feedback, which keeps members engaged and accountable. For gym owners, these devices also create valuable insights into workout trends and participation.

Wearables - Connected Apps All

Exercise.com integrates with major wearable ecosystems, allowing trainers and members to track real-time stats like heart rate, calories burned, and activity volume—all within the branded app. This creates a data-driven coaching experience that improves results and retention.

Benefits of Wearable Tech Integration

  • Provides real-time workout tracking inside the Exercise.com app
  • Automatically logs exercise data for trainer review
  • Personalizes programs based on effort and progress
  • Strengthens accountability and goal adherence

Average Member Engagement Gains from Wearable Integration (Industry Estimates)

MetricWithout WearablesWith Integrated Wearables (Exercise.com Avg.)
Workout completion rate60–65%85–90%
Member retention70–75%88–92%
Trainer follow-up accuracy~55%95%
Average revenue per member (ARPM) growth+5%+18%

These results show how data personalization drives both engagement and profitability. To maximize your tech stack, see our guide on how to increase gym revenue and profitability.

Smart Gym Equipment and IoT Devices

Smart gym equipment—like connected treadmills, sensor-based strength systems, and digital resistance machines—uses Internet of Things (IoT) technology to collect data on usage, performance, and maintenance. This helps gym owners understand which machines are most popular and when maintenance is due, reducing downtime and increasing ROI.

Exercise.com’s integrations connect directly to these systems, allowing performance and utilization data to appear automatically in your management dashboard. This gives gym owners better control over both member experience and equipment investment.

Common Smart Equipment Examples

  • Connected resistance systems that track reps and sets
  • Smart cardio machines that record pace, incline, and heart rate
  • Digital weight stacks and smart mirrors for guided training
  • Recovery and body composition scanners for member assessments

Estimated ROI Improvements with Smart Equipment Integration

MetricTraditional EquipmentSmart/Connected Equipment (Industry Avg.)
Average utilization rate50–60%80–85%
Preventative maintenance schedulingManualAutomated
Data recorded per sessionNone20–30 data points
Payback period on equipment investment4 years2.5 years

IoT integration isn’t just for high-end franchises—independent gyms are now using it to optimize layout, plan equipment upgrades, and build premium member experiences. Learn more about how to open a gym with a tech-forward model that scales from day one.

Access Control and Member Check-In Systems

Access control systems are one of the most essential pieces of gym technology, especially for facilities that operate 24/7 or across multiple locations. Key fobs, barcode scanners, or mobile app check-ins ensure secure, automated entry while tracking attendance data.

24/7 Gym Door Access

Exercise.com integrates directly with door access control hardware, syncing live with member status. If a membership expires or a payment fails, the system automatically restricts access—protecting revenue and maintaining security. This integration also removes the need for front-desk staff during off-hours.

Advantages of Integrated Access Control

  • Links directly to the membership database in real time
  • Tracks member attendance for retention insights
  • Eliminates manual check-ins and reduces staffing costs
  • Prevents unauthorized access and revenue leakage

Average Operational Impact of Access Control Integration

MetricManual EntryAutomated AccessExercise.com Integration (Client Avg.)
Entry time per member14 sec5 sec2 sec
Unauthorized entries/month10–153–50
Staff hours saved/month01230–40
Attendance tracking accuracy60–70%85%99%

A connected system like this is crucial for hybrid or multi-location operations. For a deeper breakdown, see the best gym software with door access control.

Gym Data Analytics, Reporting, and Business Intelligence

Gym data analytics technology helps gym owners make informed decisions about growth, staffing, and profitability. However, most small gym operators either don’t track their key metrics or use multiple spreadsheets that quickly become outdated. Exercise.com automates this process with real-time dashboards that display key gym KPIs like revenue per member, churn rate, and class utilization.

Top Metrics Automatically Tracked in Exercise.com

  • Monthly recurring revenue (MRR)
  • ARPM and member lifetime value (LTV)
  • Retention and churn trends
  • Class, coach, and facility utilization

Reporting Efficiency Estimates

MetricManual TrackingGeneric SoftwareExercise.com Dashboard
Time to generate reports4 hours1 hourInstant
Financial accuracy margin±15%±8%±2%
Retention insightsManualBasicPredictive
Payroll-to-revenue ratio trackingDifficultModerateAutomatic

For more detail on how to interpret these metrics, check out how profitable is owning a gym and gym owner average salary chart.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Gyms

AI is rapidly becoming one of the most transformative technologies in the fitness industry. From predictive analytics to automated coaching, AI helps gym owners make smarter, faster decisions while improving member personalization.

Common Gym AI Applications

  • Predictive churn analysis and retention automation
  • AI-generated workout programs and progress tracking
  • Intelligent scheduling for peak hours and coach utilization
  • Automated lead scoring and follow-up systems

Estimated Efficiency Gains from AI Automation

FunctionManual Process TimeAI-Assisted Time (Industry Estimate)Improvement
Lead follow-up2–3 days<1 hour95% faster
Scheduling optimization2 hours/weekInstantSaves 100+ hrs/year
Personalized marketing segmentation4 hours/weekAutomated10× efficiency
Retention forecasting accuracy70%92%+22 pts

AI technology allows fitness businesses to transition from reactive management to predictive, proactive operations. It’s a key component for those building future-ready gyms. For broader strategic insight, see how to start a fitness business.

Why Integrated Technology Matters for Gym Growth

Technology in the gym is no longer optional—it’s the foundation of growth, retention, and profitability. Exercise.com brings every major gym technology into one system: membership management, billing, workouts, engagement, analytics, and AI-driven insights. This not only simplifies operations but amplifies the return on every piece of hardware and every staff hour you invest.

Whether you’re optimizing your gym business model, expanding to new locations, or adding hybrid memberships, Exercise.com gives you full visibility and control over your entire operation in one place.

If you’re ready to streamline your tech stack, improve retention, and future-proof your fitness business, book a demo with Exercise.com and see how integrated technology turns complexity into clarity and profitability.

Jimmy Myers Relentless Sports Performance
If you want to offer an elite service for the end user you need to get with the times and use elite level software that is intuitive, visually appealing, and effective. That is exactly what Exercise.com delivers to its clients.
Jimmy Myers
Owner/Trainer, Relentless Sports Performance

Get a demo now!


Tyler SpraulTyler Spraul
is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®). He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life.