The gym experience is more digital than ever. From member apps to digital rewards programmes, gym operators are investing heavily in tech. Yet many operators are struggling to get members using the tech now available to them. Read on for practical ways to overcome this challenge.
The UK Gym Operator Insights Report shows that gyms are investing in technology to make life easier for members and teams. Many operators are using multiple types of tech – both behind the scenes and member facing.
82% report experiencing at least one tech-related challenge. The most widely reported challenge is slow adoption from members.
Even operators who see themselves as the most technologically advanced aren’t immune to this challenge. In fact, this only amplifies it. Of those who rated their tech adoption a 10 out of 10, 75% say they struggle with member adoption.
Members engage with a mix of booking tools, access systems, connected equipment, and other tech. Yet many feel unsure, overwhelmed, or even unaware of the value these solutions can add to their gym experience.
Read on to find out:
- Why members fail to adopt tech
- What to avoid when introducing digital solutions
- How to increase member adoption of tech
Let’s get stuck in!
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Why gym members fail to adopt tech
For most members, slow tech adoption when it comes to the gym isn’t simply about resistance. It’s about the wider context. Common barriers include:
- Digital fatigue – A growing challenge, digital fatigue is a state of mental and physical exhaustion caused by excessive use of devices and tech. With members already using dozens of apps in their daily lives, expecting them to use another or even multiple gym-related apps can feel a step too far
- Lack of clarity – If members don’t understand how a tool can help them reach their goals or improve their experience, they won’t use it consistently
- Lack of awareness – Likewise, if members don’t know about an app, a feature available, or how smart gym equipment works, they won’t use it
- Overwhelm – If members are having to navigate multiple systems or solutions that are overly complicated, overwhelm can quickly set in
- Old habits die hard – Some members are used to speaking to staff or picking up the phone when they want to do things like book a class. Without prompting they’ll stick to what they know
- Perceived effort – It can seem like a lot of effort to set up an account or learn how something works. ‘I’ll do it later’ can quickly become ‘I’ve never used it’
Recognising these psychological barriers will help you tackle the right problems. So, you can build member experiences where digital tools and tech feel easy, intuitive, and genuinely helpful.
Why more tech can create more friction for members
Most gym operators introduce more tech to remove friction – not add it. Whether you run one gym or one hundred gyms, the goal is the same – a smoother experience for members and staff alike.
But if members don’t engage with your digital tools, or struggle remembering multiple passwords, the value gets lost.
Staff spend more time explaining systems or helping members reset passwords. Members get frustrated. Tech gets overlooked or used inconsistently.
The answer isn’t necessarily less tech. It usually means members need a simpler, more connected experience that’s easier to understand.
What you can do to maximise member adoption of tech solutions
Positively, there’s lots you can do to make it easy for members to use new and existing digital solutions and tech your gym business has on offer.
Create clarity with one member app
The easiest way to help members feel more confident and to encourage use is to bring as much as possible into one place.
A single gym member app reduces confusion and makes everyday actions straightforward. Members should be able to use one app to:
- Book classes
- Check-in
- Manage their membership
- Follow personalised training and/or nutrition plans
- Access special perks or discounts
- And more
As an operator, this means your app will be used by more members, more often. And ultimately, members should be able to self-serve more, meaning fewer interruptions for your team.
For your members, this means fewer apps to switch between and less complication.
Stay top of mind for your members
TipAvailable on Apple iOS and Android, the Xplor Active app gives your members access to everything they need to get more from their membership.
Learn moreShow members how tech helps them succeed
Members are more likely to use the tech you have on offer if they understand why it matters. What will they get from it?
For new members, connect each feature to a personal goal or preference.
For example, if a new joiner wants structure, show them how to use your app to create a training plan. If they want to attend specific classes, show them how to use the app to view timetables and save their spot.
When new members see how the tech you have in place helps them get value from their membership, they’re far more motivated to use it.
The same principle applies for rolling out new solutions. Whether you’re adding connected equipment or a new app feature, make the why clear before explaining the how.
Show members who the new tech will make their visits easier, their training more effective, or their experience more rewarding.
Your team plays a critical role here. Simple, confident explanations will help members feel comfortable trying something new. When your staff communicate benefits clearly and consistently, members are far more willing to adopt both new and existing tech.
Make the first week count
The first few days of a membership are the ideal time to start embracing digital solutions. This is when members are most open to learning something new.
Use inductions to walk members through essential features within your app and any other tech you have in place. Help them check-in with the QR code, book their first class, or access personalised workouts.
Include follow-up email messages in your onboarding journey to guide new members through specific features at a comfortable pace. Introducing tools gradually makes the whole experience less daunting.
The power of personalised digital fitness experiences
Go deeperEmbrace tech and create digital fitness experiences that engage members wherever they are – at home, on the move, and in-club. Get the lowdown and learn how to select the right technologies for your business.
Get stuck in!Keep members engaged with features they’ll use regularly
83% of UK gym operators have a member app of some kind. How do you get members to actually use your app? As well as making sure you’re not asking members to switch between different apps, features matter.
Certain features naturally bring members back again and again. Think:
- Push notifications that keep members up to speed with what’s happening at your club(s)
- Dynamic QR codes that give them access to your facilities
- Perks and discounts that get members to open your app outside the gym
- Personalised training and nutrition plans that help members train with purpose, moving towards their goals
Member experience boosting integrations
TipAs well as the features you’d expect from a gym member app, Xplor Active gives you access to a range of integrations to level up your member experience and even create new revenue streams.
Learn moreUse simple, visual education
Sometimes, the quickest way to boost adoption is to show members exactly what to do. Short video clips – 15-30 seconds long – are ideal for explaining common actions.
Put these on your social channels. Add them to an FAQs section on your website. And even make them accessible via QR codes strategically placed throughout your facilities.
Your team can direct members to these videos for consistent guidance every time.
Empower your team to be tech champions
A confident team builds confident members. When your staff understand the tech you have for members to use, they can explain it clearly and naturally.
Support your team with:
- Short training sessions covering the what, why, and how of each solution
- Quick-reference guides that they can refer to
- Activation goals to make your team accountable for increasing use of solutions (where appropriate)
You could also appoint digital champions to act as go-to team members for specific solutions.
No matter how big or small your business is, the more your staff believe in the tech you have in place, the more your members will too.
Track what matters, keep improving
Successful tech adoption by members doesn’t happen overnight. It’s something you need to build over time by paying attention to how your members use your tools.
- Monitor app downloads along with active usage
- Review which features members use the most – and which ones they ignore
- Look for points where members drop off or stop engaging
- Gather feedback via surveys and in club
- Compare performance across locations to identify consistency gaps
These insights will help you refine onboarding, simplify digital journeys, and keep improving your member experience.
The wrap up…
If you want higher member adoption, the key isn’t more tech – it’s making every digital moment simple, connected, and goal-driven.
Understand the tech adoption barriers your members face and you can build experiences that feel intuitive and natural. A single member app reduces friction. Strong onboarding, for both new joiners and new tech rollouts, helps members see the value from day one.
Your team plays a crucial role in getting members to adopt tech too. When your people can speak confidently about your solutions, members will listen and follow. For consistency and to reach more members, use visual and written education.
Finally, keep tracking what matters. Usage data and member feedback will show you what’s working and where to improve. So, you can continue to strengthen your digital member experience.
Do this well and your tech will elevate your member experience.
With Xplor Gym, you’ll get much more than just software. You’ll get access to a member app and a whole host of integrations that members will love.
by James Barter Head of Partnerships at Xplor Gym
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First published: 16 February 2026
Written by: James Barter