So you’ve found a list of the best personal trainer software apps out there, but which do you go for? Before you charge right in, you’ll want to focus on understanding the features that will support effective business management. As a coach, you need to focus on training your clients, not getting bogged down in time-consuming admin.

The right software will offer premium features that make running your business smooth, efficient and more successful than you ever thought possible. Fortunately, we’ve supplied a thorough breakdown in the following blog for you to get you started.

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Key Features to Look for in Software for a Fitness Trainer

Fitness coaching is way more than just putting together exercise plans. It’s about connecting with your clients. In the background, you need to seamlessly manage your business and grow your brand. This is where the right software for personal trainers comes into play.

Here’s our top 10 list of must-have features that are designed to take your coaching to the next level.

1. Client Management Tools

With 1 client or 100, you need the right tools to effectively manage their data. At the core of any coaching software will be comprehensive client management tools. As a platform that allows you to store data, track progress, schedule sessions and keep detailed records, it’s the most basic function you’ll make use of.

Look for software that provides:

• A client database with contact details, health information and fitness goals
• Progress tracking that includes training history, measurements and milestones
• Simple client communication options like messaging, reminders and notifications
• Health assessments, goal-setting features and forms

Whatever your clients’ needs, you need to be equipped with the right tools to offer personalised coaching and to build strong relationships with your clients.

2. Scheduling and Calendar Management

Organisation helps smooth out any wrinkles in your workflow. Keeps clients happy and your business operating as it should with the right PT scheduling software. Scheduling tools give you the power to manage all your training sessions without overlap or confusion.

The features to look out for include:

• A calendar with upcoming client sessions
• Automated reminders for both you and your clients
• Different appointment type capabilities (if you run one-on-one sessions and group classes, for example, or in-person and virtual training)
• Class management features, which might include booking limits and waiting lists
• Availability management (you can’t be everywhere)
• Facilities and resource scheduling

Coaches and fitness trainers come in all types, so it’s important to focus on the features that work for you.

3. Payment Processing

No one likes chasing down unpaid invoices. You’ve also got much better things to do with your time, especially if you’re looking to scale your business. PT software that includes payment processing completely removes this headache.

Payment processing features can include:

• Secure payment gateways for sessions or packages
• Automatic invoicing, receipts and record-keeping
• Multiple payment options to suit different client preferences (if you offer tiered packages, for example)
• Membership and package management options
• Payment reminders (if not using automatic renewals)

By making use of an integrated payment system, you can maintain a professional service for your clients and keep your cash flow steady.

4. Programme and Workout Planning

Even if you’ve got all your clients’ data and can take payments from them, they’re not getting much in return without tailored programmes. The next most important feature is the platform’s ability to create and share these workouts.

Enhanced workout planning can come from:

• Drag-and-drop interfaces
• Access to a library of exercises and videos
• Customisable templates that can be reused
• Tools for completion progress and real-time feedback

Creating and adapting workout programmes can save you hours of admin with the most efficient tools.

5. Nutrition Tracking

With your diet accounting for around 80% of your fitness results, tracking the nutrition of clients is vital. You can keep and eye on what they’re eating and actively encourage them to think about the macros they’re eating.

Features for nutrition tracking can include:

• Food logging tools for daily consumption
• Goals and progress tracking with metrics
• Integration with third-party apps, like MyFitnessPal and Nutracheck
• Visual progress charts for nutrition data over time

As a coach, you can offer your clients a more holistic package by looking after all aspects of their health. This can help make informed decisions about adjustments to their plans.

6. Reporting and Analytics

Now we’re moving onto the features that will provide genuine value to your clients. Understanding progress through reporting and analytics gives you the means to understand your progress – both for your clients and your business.

Reporting and analytics allow you to:

• View client progress over time, so you can make informed decisions about their training
• Understand business performance in terms of revenue, active clients and lead conversion rates
• Discover trends in session attendance or programme popularity, helping identify areas for growth
• Automate progress reports, which you can share with clients to keep them motivated

The benefits of making data-driven decisions means you’ll always be providing value for your clients. You can’t do this without the right software.

7. Marketing and Lead Generation Features

Whether you’re starting out or are already established, you’ll need a business plan for a personal trainer if you want to experience growth. With the right tools, you can attract new clients and retain existing ones.

These features can include:

• Lead gen capture forms to collect potential client information
• Automated email campaigns to nurture new leads and keep client engaged
• Integration with social media platforms
• Referral programmes
• Custom-branded promotional material and landing pages

Not all software, apps or platforms will offer the same amount of support or features like these. It depends how much support you think you might benefit from.

8. Automated Pre and Post-Class Notifications

Accountability is much easier when you’ve got notifications to help you out. Pre and post-class notifications remind clients of upcoming sessions and encourage engagement. It can reduce the chance of missed sessions while reinforcing their commitment.

9. Client Self-Booking Options

Depending on your coaching type, you may want to consider providing clients with the ability to manage their own bookings. This could be invaluable for an online personal trainer platform or someone who runs classes and in-person training sessions. Self-booking allows clients to view your availability and book sessions based on their convenience, eliminating the needless back-and-forth.

10. Flexible Membership and Payment Options

Offering flexibility in terms of membership and payment options allows you to cater for the diverse needs of your clients. The right software could give you the means to provide different membership plans, recurring payment options and different package choices. As client experiences go, they’ve got complete control over their membership. This can help you create a more predictable revenue stream for your coaching business.

Choosing the Right Software for Your Fitness Training Business

Now that you know what features to look out for, you’ll have to think about what the right software for a fitness trainer looks like for your needs. From efficient scheduling and payment processing to client engagement and lead gen support, having the right solution at your disposal can be that make-or-break moment you’re looking for.

If anything, focus on the essential features and build up from there. You will need to scale your business in future, so any additional value-adds you can give to your clients can set you apart from the competition.

Get Started with Software Designed for Fitness Trainers

If you’ve come this far, why not take a look at what 1FIT can offer you? As a platform built by trainers, for trainers, it provides everything you need to manage your clients, grow your brand and deliver an exceptional coaching experience.

Explore our pricing options to find a package that works for you.