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Posted by on January 12, 2025 — Updated on January 13, 2025
Yes, Zen Planner functions as a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platform, but it is specifically designed for gyms, fitness studios, martial arts schools, and other fitness businesses.
As a fitness CRM, Zen Planner helps manage member relationships by organizing member data, tracking interactions, and automating administrative tasks such as billing and attendance. However, its features extend beyond a traditional CRM to include tools tailored to fitness business operations, like class scheduling and member progress tracking.
While Zen Planner does provide CRM-like functionality, fitness professionals looking for a comprehensive and highly customizable solution may find Exercise.com to be a superior choice for managing and growing their fitness business.
Here’s a detailed table comparing Zen Planner and Exercise.com for fitness businesses, focusing on key features and considerations:
| Feature/Factor | Zen Planner | Exercise.com |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Gym management software with CRM capabilities tailored for fitness businesses. | All-in-one platform that integrates CRM functionality with advanced tools for managing and growing fitness businesses. |
| Ease of Setup | Requires setup and some learning curve for new users. | Intuitive setup with dedicated onboarding and implementation tailored to your gym’s needs. |
| Class Scheduling | Offers basic class scheduling tools but with limited customization. | Comprehensive scheduling features, including classes, personal training, events, and automated reminders. |
| Workout Programming | Does not include workout programming or delivery tools. | Includes built-in workout creation, tracking, and delivery for personal trainers and clients. |
| Billing and Payments | Automates billing and supports various payment methods but offers limited pricing customization. | Advanced billing options, including custom membership plans, pay-per-session models, and more. |
| CRM Capabilities | Basic CRM tools for managing member data, attendance, and communications. | Advanced CRM features integrated with fitness-specific tools, such as member progress tracking and automated engagement. |
| Member Management | Tracks member profiles, attendance, and payments. | Tracks detailed member data, including performance metrics, attendance, and engagement insights. |
| Marketing Tools | Basic email marketing and lead management capabilities. | Robust marketing automation, including email, SMS, and in-app messaging tailored for fitness businesses. |
| Reporting and Analytics | Provides standard reports on attendance, membership, and revenue. | Offers advanced reporting dashboards specific to fitness KPIs like retention, revenue growth, and class popularity. |
| Mobile App | Includes a branded app for scheduling and payments. | Fully customizable mobile app with class bookings, workout tracking, and member engagement features. |
| Customization | Limited customization options for workflows and member experiences. | Highly customizable to fit your gym’s branding, operations, and specific business needs. |
| Integration Options | Works with select third-party tools, but integration options are limited. | Seamlessly integrates with various fitness and business tools, offering more flexibility. |
| Customer Support | Offers standard support, but fitness-specific expertise may be limited. | Dedicated support team with extensive experience in fitness business management. |
| Cost | Affordable for smaller gyms but may require additional tools to meet advanced needs. | Competitive pricing with all-in-one functionality, eliminating the need for additional platforms. |
| Industry Focus | Primarily designed for smaller gyms, martial arts studios, and yoga studios. | Exclusively focused on fitness businesses of all sizes, including gyms, fitness studios, and personal trainers. |
Zen Planner: Offers basic CRM and gym management features, making it a solid option for smaller fitness businesses. However, it may lack the advanced tools and flexibility needed for larger or rapidly growing gyms.
Exercise.com: Provides a comprehensive, all-in-one solution for fitness businesses, combining advanced CRM functionality with features like workout programming, customizable apps, and robust reporting.
For fitness professionals seeking an upgrade, Exercise.com is the superior choice, offering unmatched functionality and customization to meet the demands of modern fitness businesses.
Zen Planner’s CRM tools are centered around managing member relationships and tracking key data for gym operations. These features help gym owners streamline member interactions and improve retention.
For those new to Zen Planner, you can learn more about how to use Zen Planner to maximize its CRM capabilities. However, if your business needs more advanced features, alternatives like Exercise.com may be a better fit.
Although Zen Planner functions as a CRM, its tools are fitness-specific and may not cover broader customer relationship management needs.
For gym owners considering a switch, it’s also worth reviewing Zen Planner pricing to determine whether its cost aligns with your business’s needs and budget.
Exercise.com offers CRM functionality integrated with fitness-specific tools, providing gym owners with a more robust solution for managing member relationships and business operations.
For those exploring options, Exercise.com stands out as one of the best Zen Planner alternatives for fitness due to its versatility and industry focus.
If your primary goal is to manage member relationships and fitness operations efficiently, Zen Planner may be a suitable option for smaller fitness businesses. However, for gym owners and fitness professionals seeking an all-in-one platform with advanced CRM capabilities, Exercise.com is the better choice.
If Zen Planner no longer meets your business needs, learn how to cancel Zen Planner and transition to a more comprehensive platform like Exercise.com.
Zen Planner functions as a CRM, but Exercise.com takes it further by combining CRM functionality with fitness-focused tools to help you manage and grow your business more effectively. For fitness professionals seeking a seamless and robust solution, Exercise.com is the ultimate choice.
To cancel your Zen Planner subscription, contact Zen Planner’s customer support team directly via their provided contact methods. Review your contract to understand any required notice periods, cancellation fees, or specific procedures for terminating your subscription.
Read More: How to Cancel Zen Planner
Zen Planner is a gym management software platform designed for fitness businesses like gyms, yoga studios, martial arts schools, and CrossFit gyms. It offers tools for scheduling, membership management, payment processing, and performance tracking.
Zen Planner starts at $117 per month for smaller businesses, with pricing increasing based on the number of members and the inclusion of additional features.
Read More: Zen Planner Pricing
To turn off autopay in Zen Planner, log in to your account, navigate to the billing or membership settings, and disable the autopay option. For specific guidance, consult Zen Planner’s support resources or contact their customer service team.
To refund someone on Zen Planner, go to the billing section in your admin dashboard, locate the transaction to be refunded, and select the refund option. Follow the prompts to complete the process. Contact Zen Planner support if additional assistance is needed.
To use the Zen Planner app, download it from the App Store or Google Play, log in with your account credentials, and access features like class scheduling, attendance tracking, and member management. Members can also book classes and view their progress through the app.
Read More: How to Use Zen Planner
To pause a membership in Zen Planner, navigate to the member’s profile in the admin dashboard, adjust their membership status to “paused,” and set a resume date if applicable. Contact Zen Planner support for detailed instructions.
Zen Planner streamlines gym operations by providing tools for scheduling, membership management, payment processing, performance tracking, and reporting. It’s widely used by fitness businesses to improve efficiency and member engagement.
Read More: What does Zen Planner do?
The best Zen Planner alternative for fitness is Exercise.com, offering a fully customizable platform that integrates scheduling, payments, branded apps, and advanced fitness-specific features. Its all-in-one solution is ideal for fitness businesses seeking to streamline operations and enhance member engagement.
