Posted by on January 25, 2025 — Updated on January 25, 2025
Mindbody brings detailed client management to fitness studios, contrasting with Arketa’s minimalist approach, yet Exercise.com leads with comprehensive features.

When comparing Mindbody and Arketa, the key differences lie in their target audiences, feature sets, and scalability. Mindbody is a comprehensive business management platform designed for fitness studios, gyms, and wellness businesses, offering tools for scheduling, payments, and client management. Arketa (formerly “Sutra“), on the other hand, caters primarily to online fitness professionals and digital-first businesses, with a strong focus on virtual class delivery and branding. For fitness businesses looking for a fully customizable, all-in-one solution, the best Mindbody alternative for fitness, Exercise.com, combines the best of both platforms and more.
| Feature | Mindbody | Arketa | Exercise.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Market | Fitness studios, gyms, wellness businesses | Online fitness professionals and virtual studios | Gyms, yoga, martial arts, personal training, online fitness |
| Scheduling | In-person and online classes, appointments | Primarily virtual classes | Advanced scheduling for in-person and virtual classes |
| Payment Processing | Integrated with Stripe | Integrated with Stripe | Fully integrated and customizable payment workflows |
| Customization | Limited branding options | Strong branding focus | Fully customizable |
| Scalability | Suited for boutique fitness and wellness | Best for digital-first businesses | Highly scalable for all business models |
| Virtual Training Features | Basic virtual tools | Strong focus on virtual classes and branding | Comprehensive virtual and in-person tools |
For those looking for a platform that seamlessly integrates scheduling, custom branding, workout delivery, and client management, Exercise.com is the clear winner.
Exercise.com is widely recognized as the best gym software, the best personal training software, and the best boutique fitness software, offering tools that empower fitness professionals to grow their businesses efficiently.
| Feature | Mindbody | Arketa | Exercise.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Apps | Yes | Limited | Yes (custom-branded) |
| Custom Branded | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Payments | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Workouts | No | Yes | Yes |
| Waivers | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Invoicing | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Assessments | No | No | Yes |
| Messaging | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Marketing | Basic | Basic | Advanced |
| Automations | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reports | Yes | Basic | Yes (customizable) |
Mindbody and Arketa cater to different markets, but their limitations in customization and scalability may leave some fitness businesses underserved. For an all-in-one platform that combines virtual and in-person tools, customization, and scalability, Exercise.com is the best gym management software for your fitness business. Schedule a demo today to see how Exercise.com can transform your operations and help you grow!

Mindbody is a comprehensive business management software widely used by fitness and wellness businesses. Its key features include:
Mindbody is a reliable option for boutique fitness studios, yoga studios, and wellness centers. However, it may fall short for businesses prioritizing robust virtual tools or deep customization.
For a more customizable and scalable solution, the best gym management software is a stronger choice.
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Arketa is a digital-first platform designed for fitness professionals offering virtual services. Its standout features include:
Arketa is ideal for fitness entrepreneurs focusing on virtual classes and branding.
Mindbody is designed for traditional fitness and wellness businesses, including gyms and boutique studios. Arketa focuses on online fitness professionals, offering tools for virtual classes and digital branding.
Mindbody provides broader tools for in-person and online operations, while Arketa excels in delivering virtual fitness services. Both platforms integrate with Stripe for payment processing, but neither offers the full range of customization that Exercise.com provides.
Mindbody’s pricing starts at $129 per month and can exceed $599 for advanced plans. Arketa offers more affordable plans but is limited in scope. Exercise.com delivers a cost-effective solution with transparent pricing and more comprehensive features.
Exercise.com stands out as the best Mindbody alternative for fitness because it combines the best features of both platforms while addressing their limitations.
Exercise.com provides tools for managing both in-person and virtual fitness operations:
Unlike Mindbody and Arketa, Exercise.com allows full customization:
Exercise.com offers competitive and transparent pricing, eliminating hidden fees and providing excellent value for fitness businesses of all sizes.
When comparing Mindbody vs Arketa, it’s essential to understand the strengths and limitations of both platforms and how they align with your business goals. Mindbody has long been a popular choice for boutique fitness studios and wellness centers, offering comprehensive management tools for scheduling, payments, and marketing. Arketa, on the other hand, is a newer player in the fitness tech industry, focusing on helping creators, coaches, and small fitness businesses scale their online offerings. While both platforms offer valuable features, neither can match the flexibility and robust capabilities of Exercise.com, which provides the ultimate all-in-one solution for gyms, studios, and personal trainers.
When comparing Arketa vs Mindbody, it’s evident that both platforms have their unique strengths. Mindbody provides a more traditional approach to gym and studio management, focusing on in-person operations. Arketa, meanwhile, excels in supporting online fitness professionals but lacks comprehensive tools for managing in-person or hybrid fitness models. Neither platform, however, offers the all-in-one flexibility needed to scale a fitness business effectively.
Exercise.com is the ultimate solution for fitness businesses of all types. Unlike its competitors, it offers custom-branded mobile apps, workout delivery tools, and detailed performance tracking, making it an ideal choice for gyms, boutique studios, and personal trainers. Its advanced marketing features, automation capabilities, and robust reporting tools ensure that fitness businesses can streamline operations and enhance client experiences.
Ultimately, when comparing Mindbody vs Arketa (or Arketa vs Mindbody), Exercise.com rises to the top as the most comprehensive and versatile platform, empowering fitness professionals to achieve their goals and grow their businesses seamlessly.
Tyler Spraul