5 Top Zen Planner Alternatives: Finding the Right Fitness Management Solution

According to Statista, the health and fitness club market is estimated to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.67% between 2023 and 2030. It is anticipated the market will be worth $169 billion by 2030. With such perspectives in the open, fitness businesses look for better software solutions that can help them manage their business better than competitors. If you’re considering using the Zen Planner, you might also want to research the Zen Planner alternatives.

We have selected several key factors to guide the search for Zen Planner alternatives to prove the market does not rely on Zen Planner only. In such a case, let’s take a closer look at solutions that fitness clubs, gyms, martial arts schools, dance, and yoga studies can use as a substitute for Zen Planner.

How to choose gym management software?

You must focus on several key aspects to choose software to improve your business management. The important thing is to find management software that can help various stakeholders – fitness business owners, personal trainers, gym members, and martial arts school staff. In other words, the solution should come with various capabilities and apply to distinct users. At this point, to choose the right gym management software, consider these:

• Features
• User interface
• Customer service
• Pricing
• Reviews

Features

In short, good gym management software must have these features:

1. Membership management to help manage member data, billing information, contact information, and membership status.
2. Billing and payment processing features allow for automating different billing payments and billing processes like recurrent payments along with payment reminders.
3. Attendance tracking feature encompasses attendance tracking for staff and members, including check-ins
4. Point-of-sale (POS) system used for selling products and services, for instance, classes, subscriptions, and merchandise.
5. Marketing and retention tools you can use to engage in email campaigns, SMS messaging, and loyalty programs.
6. Scheduling feature allows users to create and manage appointments, classes, and staff.
7. Reporting and analytics features provide deep insights into your business by tracking key metrics – revenue, retention, and attendance.
8. Integrations are crucial for any gym management software looking to expand its toolkit via accounting and email marketing software.

Overall, the features above are the must-haves for a good Zen Planner alternative.

User Interface

Next, when choosing gym management software, pay attention to its user interface. Look for solutions that have an intuitive and user-friendly interface. A user should be able to navigate the software easily. Besides, ensure the gym management software you are looking for is compatible with various devices such as desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Customer Service

Good customer service is a sign of good gym management software. A comprehensive solution comes with phone and email support. Besides, a high-end business management software platform offers live chat and online tutorials and is available round the clock. The most advanced software solutions offer AI-based chatbots tapping into Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology. 

Pricing

According to the IHRSA report, about 40% of all gym-goes globally pay below $25/month. Price is a major factor in choosing gym management software. Most users look for solutions offering the most balanced quality-to-cost ratio. Respectively, look for gym management software with flexible pricing plans for options matching your needs. Besides, ensure a free trial or a money-back guarantee is available. 

Reviews

Finally, to choose a gym management software, look at reviews from other gym owners and users. These can be valuable sources of information. In most cases, look at reviews posted on third-party sites like G2, GetApp, and Software Advice.

Top 5 Zen Planner alternatives

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 5 Zen Planner alternatives that can help aid gyms, fitness studios, yoga studios, martial arts schools, and dancing schools. 

1. Gymdesk

Gymdesk is a modern business management software fitting the needs of gyms, martial arts schools, yoga studios, and more. The platform made its debut in 2016. Since then, it has been improving along the way. Now, Gymdesk is one of the top contenders and Zen Planner alternatives. This platform is known for its slick user interface, responsive communication, and functionality focused on business growth. 

Originally, Gymdesk was the best fit for martial arts schools. Founded by a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, the platform primarily had the best user experience in mind instead of flooding users with a massive toolkit. This approach worked. That is why, years later, Gymdesk now serves many gym types and is still true to its core emphasis on user experience. 

Overview of features

The software includes member management tools for keeping digital records, managing attendance, and tracking training progress. Automated billing, attendance tracking, and a point-of-sale system are also included, along with marketing features, reporting tools, and integrations with various platforms. 

Gymdesk also offers a branded mobile app for class scheduling, booking, and account management, as well as a fast setup and onboarding process, a 30-day free trial, and a customizable skill and rank progression tracking tool. Pros and cons

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive interface
• Fast and easy setup
• Automation features
• Free gym website

Cons:

• Limited integrations

Pricing

1. Micro Gym at $75/month
2. Small Gym at $100/month
3. Medium Gym at $150/month
4. Large Gym at $200/month
5. Enterprise with custom pricing

Reviews

g2: 4.8 

GetApp: 4.9

Software Advice: 4.85

2. Mindbody

Mindbody has been a prominent player in the gym management software market for a long time. As a Zen Planner alternative, this platform offers a comprehensive platform with distinct fitness, spa, salon, and integrative health programs. 

Mindbody’s all-in-one gym software boasts extensive features. However, the core product was designed in the early 2000s and falls short of meeting 2023 software expectations regarding user experience.

Overview of features

These are some general Mindbody features:

• Appointment scheduling to book, cancel, and reschedule appointments
• Class management to help gym owners manage workshops, events, and group classes
• Client management feature coming with a CRM tool to manage client profiles and communication history
• POS system for processing payments, tracking sales, and inventory management 
• Reporting and analytics to monitor business performance and track revenue
• Marketing feature to retain clients and attract new ones through promotions, social media integration, and email campaigns
• Staff management feature to track hours, monitor performance, and manage employee schedules
• Integrations with Mailchimp, Google Calendar, Xero, ActiveCampaign, and Birdeye

The platform encompasses these stand-out features:

• Virtual class streaming allows gyms to live stream their sessions and provide on-demand videos with helpful instructions 
• Branded mobile app with logos, colors, and images directed at improving brand awareness

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Live streaming
• Branded mobile app
• Custom client profiles
• Seamless sales monitoring

Cons:

• Hard-to-use
• Steep learning curve
• Complicated onboarding

Pricing

1. Starter at $129/month
2. Accelerate at $259/month
3. Ultimate at $399/month
4. Ultimate Plus at $599/month

Reviews

g2: 3.6

GetApp: 4.0

Software Advice: 4.01

3. Virtualgym

Image source: Comparecamp

Virtualgym is a comprehensive gym management software solution with various features. It helps manage fitness operations, grow clientele, and engage new leads. Among Zen Planner alternatives, Virtualgym is software not that easy to find. Yet, considering all offers, it is worth mentioning. 

Overview of features

From a general standpoint, Virtualgym offers these features:

• Membership management offers a range of opportunities for managing client profits, automating communication, and tracking member attendance
• Payment management entails automated billing, payment processing, and invoicing
• Workout planning tool creates and assigns customized workout plans based on member input data
• Nutrition tracking tool assigns and tracks nutrition plans 
• Online booking allows individual and mass check-ins
• Integrations with PayPal, Mailchimp, GitHub, Keepme, and Paysafe

For standalone features, these are the best candidates:

• Custom mobile app creation platform allowing users to design their branded app with specific features 
• Video platform coming with more than 1,000 workout videos and on-demand classes
• PRO+ membership option encompasses a hybrid membership experience allowing users to find the price tailored-to-their-needs

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Custom app creation platform
• Knowledge base
• Elaborate membership approach
• Nutrition planning feature

Cons:

• Steep learning curve
• Limited customization options
• Almost no reviews to cross-reference

Pricing

Pricing information is available upon request. 

Reviews

g2: 4.4

GetApp: 3.8

Software Advice: 3.7

4. Kicksite

Kitcksite is a specialized gym management software designed specifically for martial arts schools. With over 1,500 schools across 22 countries utilizing their software, this family-owned business boasts a strong reputation for innovative and supportive solutions. 

Kicksite is renowned for its user-friendly interface and commitment to enhancing students’ educational experiences while providing owners with the necessary tools for growth without unnecessary complications.  At this point, as a Zen Planner alternative, Kicksite is the option for gym owners who want to avoid any pains and complications when using gym membership software. 

Overview of features

As to the Kicksite general toolkit, these are the features to mention:

• Student management to deal with detailed student profiles including information on contacts, belt rank, attendance, and progress
• Attendance tracking through either manual input or barcode scanning
• Communication via SMS, in-app messaging, and email for keeping members and staff updated
• Billing and payment tools to manage payment, invoices, and recurring charges
• Event management to schedule belt testing, tournaments, and seminars
• Mobile app running on both iOS and Android
• Integrations with Stripe

In terms of standout features, keep in mind these ones:

• Automated communication allowing gym owners to automate messages and alerts – randing from session reminders to cancelation notifications
• Tailored martial arts tools helping users to adopt their curriculum to the style of their dojo
• Business reporting aiding in handling complex managing tasks such as automatic report generation and attendance tracking

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive toolkit
• User-friendly interface
• Advanced business analytics
• Automated communication
• Great customer support

Cons:

• Only Stripe integration
• Limited reporting capabilities 

Pricing

1. 0-50 students at $85/month
2. 51-100 students at $125/month
3. 100+ students at $165/month

Reviews

g2: 5.0 (2 reviews)

GetApp: 4.8

Software Advice: 4.85

5. Glofox

Glofox is a gym business management software solution and a good Zen Planner alternative. It provides a comprehensive toolkit enabling gym owners to operate their businesses efficiently. 

Glofox sets itself apart by catering to specific niches like gyms, yoga studios, fitness centers, HIIT, and martial arts facilities. This versatility ensures that Glofox offers something valuable for every gym owner, regardless of their unique needs. 

Overview of features

Within the general toolkit coming with Glofox, you can find these features:

• Member management tool allows gym owners to work with detailed member information and details
• Class scheduling and booking enabling users to create timetables, track class capacities, and book classes online
• Attendance tracking for check-in and attendance history monitoring
• Access control tool to help users set up access permission based on the chosen membership plan
• Billing and payments processing for automated billing, invoicing, and payment collection
• Marketing and engagement tools with email campaigns, and social media integrations to promote the brand and generate new leads
• Integrations with Ripple, Perkville, Gympass, Mailchimp, and Meta Pixel

In terms of Glofox standalone toolkit, focus on these features:

• Integrated CRM system to speed up the sales process and manage onboarding much faster
• Automated communication feature coming with customized and automated emails, as well as push notifications

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Simple migration
• Integrated CRM
• Automated communication

Cons:

• Limited data from reports
• Too many manual operations are required when handling memberships

Pricing

Glofox does not have a free plan, as well as its pricing options are not disclosed.

Reviews

g2: 4.5

GetApp: 4.5

Software Advice: 4.48

Zen Planner alternatives: comparison table

Tool Name	Features	Pricing	Pros & Cons	Recommendations*	Rank
Zen Planner	Simplified billing Marketing tools Attendance tracking Online scheduling Reporting and Dashboards	0-15 users – $49/month16-30 users – $79/month31-45 users – $99/month46-60 users – $129/month61-75 users – $149/month76-100 users – $176/month101-150 users – $209/month151-200 users – $227/month201-250 users – $247/month251+ users – $267/month	Pros: Easy members check-in and check-outSimple integration with an existing systemAutomated billing and scheduling Cons:Limited mobile functionalitySteep learning curveBland user interface	For mid-size gyms and boutique studios	g4: 4.4GetApp: 4.3Software Advice: 4.3
Gymdesk	Member management  Automated billing Attendance tracking POS system Marketing Reporting Branded mobile app Super fast set up and onboarding An up-and-running free gym website Customizable skill and rank progression tracking	Micro Gym at $75/monthSmall Gym at $100/monthMedium Gym at $150/monthLarge Gym at $200/monthEnterprise with custom pricing	Pros: Simple and intuitive interface Fast and easy set up Automated functions Affordability Free gym website Cons: Limited integrations	For small to mid-sized gyms, fitness studios, and martial arts schools	g2: 4.8 GetApp: 4.9Software Advice: 4.85
Mindbody	Appointment scheduling Class management Client management POS system Reporting and analytics Marketing feature Staff management Virtual class streaming Branded mobile app	Pros: Live streaming Branded mobile app Custom client profiles Seamless sales monitoring Cons: Hard-to-use Steep learning curve Complicated onboarding	Starter at $129/monthAccelerate at $259/monthUltimate at $399/monthUltimate Plus at $599/month	From small boutique studies to large fitness centers	g2: 3.6GetApp: 4.0Software Advice: 4.01
Virtualgym	Membership management Payment management Workout planning Nutrition tracking Online booking Custom mobile app Video platform PRO+ membership option	Pros: Custom app creation platform Knowledge base Elaborate membership approach Nutrition planning feature Cons: Steep learning curve Limited customization options Almost no reviews to cross-reference	Pricing information available upon request.	For multi-location fitness facilities	g2: 4.4GetApp: 3.8Software Advice: 3.7
Kicksite	Student management Attendance tracking Billing and payment tools Event management Mobile app Automated communication Tailored martial arts tools Business reporting	Pros: Comprehensive toolkit User-friendly interface Advanced business analytics Automated communication Great customer support Cons: Only Stripe integration Limited reporting capabilities	0-50 students at $85/month51-100 students at $125/month100+ students at $165/month	For martial arts schools of all sizes	g2: 5.0 (2 reviews)GetApp: 4.8Software Advice: 4.85
Glofox	Member management Class schedulingAttendance tracking Access control Billing and payments Marketing and engagement Integrated CRM system Automated communication	Pros: Easy to useSimple migration Integrated CRM Automated communication Cons: Limited data from reports Too many manual operations required when handling memberships	Glofox does not have a free plan, as well as its pricing options are not disclosed.	For small to medium-sized gyms and fitness centers	g2: 4.5GetApp: 4.5Software Advice: 4.48

*Recommendations based on gym size and needs

Why do you need a Zen Planner alternative?

In short, you might need Zen Planner alternatives for these reasons:

1. Zen Planner might be expensive for smaller businesses, which urges you to look for more affordable solutions
2. Zen Planner might not have the features you need to run a business effectively
3. Zen Planner might not offer the user interface and user experience you expect
4. Zen Planner might not have the integrations you need
5. Zen Planner might not fit the rate of your business growth
6. Zen Planner might not be the tool coinciding with your personal preferences, which means it might not just “feel” right

As of 2023, there are more than 115,000 gyms and fitness businesses in the United States alone. All these businesses need some business management software at some point. Overall, with the reasons above, looking for Zen Planner alternatives is always worth a shot. 

Conclusion

Now you know the top 5 Zen Planner alternatives. As you might have noticed, each one has some unique features. Essentially, it means any Zen Planner alternatives mentioned previously might be a good fit for your business and its needs.  

We think Gymdesk is the tool worth being coined as the best Zen Planner alternative out there. It exists to deliver top-notch user experience and comes with features that don’t just create an impression of a massive toolkit but are designed to meet all your needs. 

If you need software to live stream your sessions, Minbody is a good candidate. If building a custom app to promote your brand is the top priority, consider Virtualgym. If you are all about automated communication, there is a point for choosing Kicksite. Finally, if you are looking for software with an integrated CRM to view all business processes comprehensively, Glofox can be your choice. 

If there are too many options, you can always ask for help. Sign up, and we will provide so-needed advice or offer up-and-running gym management software in only a few clicks. 

FAQ

How much is Zen Planner a month?

Zen Planner pricing comes in different shapes and forms. In a nutshell, the final cost of this gym business management software depends on the number of users. Respectively, the numbers are the following:

• 0-15 users – $49/month
• 16-30 users – $79/month
• 31-45 users – $99/month
• 46-60 users – $129/month
• 61-75 users – $149/month
• 76-100 users – $176/month
• 101-150 users – $209/month
• 151-200 users – $227/month
• 201-250 users – $247/month
• 251+ users – $267/month

Does Zen Planner have an app?

Yes, Zen Planner is a business management software coming with a mobile app that runs both on iOS and Android. In short, the app was designed for both business owners and gym members. One can use it for class schedules and workout progress tracking. Besides, the app helps businesses manage their day-to-day operations associated with gym and fitness businesses.

How do I cancel Zen Planner membership?

To cancel your Zen Planner membership, follow these steps:

1. Log into your account.
2. Go to Setup>Account Info>Cancel.
3. Go to the email account you used to register with Zen Planner and look for an email with the Cancellation Request Form.
4. If there is no such email, contact the Support Team via help@zenplanner.com and ask for the Cancellation Request Form
5. Keep in mind that the form should be submitted with a 30-day advance. For example, if you want to cancel your Zen Planner membership on August 1, the form should be submitted on July 1.
6. Finally, when submitting the form, you automatically agree to pay all fees due through the effective date of cancelation.

How can I migrate from Zen Planner?

If you choose to migrate from Zen Planner to a different business management software, follow these steps:

1. Choose a Zen Planner alternative meeting your needs the most. Besides, this solution must support data migration support from Zen Planner. Gymdesk is the best solution available that allows migrating easily.
2. Consult with the support team from the gym management software you have chosen. Try to understand the entire migration process and consider key requirements and limitations.
3. Export your data from Zen Planner. The information will be in Excel or CSV format. Besides, the data include billing details, class schedules, attendance records, and member information.
4. Contact the Zen Planner alternative’s support team with them by importing data into a new system.
5. Have a training session with your staff to understand how to use new business management software effectively.
6. Finally, communicate the migration to the new software to your members. Offer guides, tips, and resources members can access to understand new member management capabilities better.