In 2025, gyms are increasingly relying on SMS workflow tools to manage communication, automate tasks, and engage members more effectively. Unlike email, SMS sees higher response rates, making it ideal for reminders, follow-ups, and personalized offers. The right tool can save time, improve retention, and boost revenue. Here’s a quick overview of seven tools that cater to gyms:
- RevText: Fitness-specific templates, automation, compliance, and real-time analytics. Starts at $50/month.
- Podium: General messaging with basic workflows and API integrations. Limited fitness focus.
- Mindbody: Basic SMS for scheduling and reminders, integrated with its fitness platform.
- GymMaster: Pre-built templates and task automation tailored for gyms.
- EZ Texting: Customizable templates with integrations and analytics.
- SlickText: Location-based targeting and automation for gyms of any size.
- SimpleTexting: Flexible workflows with contact segmentation and compliance features.
Each tool offers unique features, so choosing the right one depends on your gym’s size, needs, and budget.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Fitness Features | Automation | Compliance | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevText | Pre-built fitness templates | Advanced workflows | Full TCPA/10DLC | $50/month |
| Podium | General templates | Basic workflows | Opt-in/out controls | Contact vendor |
| Mindbody | Scheduling reminders | Limited options | Basic compliance | Based on plan |
| GymMaster | Pre-built gym templates | Task automation | Included | Contact vendor |
| EZ Texting | Customizable templates | Flexible options | Managed compliance | $29/month |
| SlickText | Location-based messaging | Advanced workflows | Built-in TCPA | $29/month |
| SimpleTexting | Custom workflows | Drag-and-drop builder | Automatic compliance | $29/month |
Selecting the right SMS tool ensures better communication, higher engagement, and streamlined operations for your gym. Let’s dive into the details of each platform.
17 Texting Platforms for SMS Marketing & How to Choose
Why Gyms Need SMS Workflow Tools
Running a gym is no small feat. With packed schedules and constant member interactions, relying on manual communication can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where SMS workflow tools come in – they streamline routine communications, giving staff more time to focus on what truly matters: helping members crush their fitness goals. This shift in efficiency benefits every corner of gym management.
Say goodbye to repetitive tasks. Automated workflows handle the nitty-gritty, like class reminders, trial follow-ups, and reactivation messages. Instead of getting bogged down in these daily details, gym owners and managers can direct their energy toward growing the business and creating a better experience for members.
Consistency builds trust. Automation ensures that every member gets timely, professional communication – whether it’s their first class or their hundredth. This consistency strengthens your gym’s reputation and fosters trust among members.
Member retention gets a boost. Strategic SMS workflows can make all the difference when it comes to keeping members engaged. For example, automated “we miss you” messages can re-engage members who’ve skipped a few visits, reminding them of their goals and encouraging them to return before their fitness routine falls by the wayside.
Lead nurturing becomes effortless. When someone signs up for a trial membership, an automated sequence can guide them through their journey – welcoming them, sharing tips, and eventually introducing upgrade options. This ensures no potential member slips through the cracks, even during the busiest times.
Boost revenue with targeted offers. SMS workflows can identify opportunities to upsell or reward loyalty. For instance, members who frequently attend group classes might receive information about personal training packages. Similarly, members nearing their renewal dates can get special offers or loyalty incentives, all without requiring staff to keep tabs manually.
Efficiency meets professionalism. Automated systems can handle everything from notifying waitlisted members to launching seasonal promotions. This not only reduces the workload for staff but also ensures that communication remains polished and timely. Smaller gyms, in particular, can compete with larger facilities by maintaining high communication standards without adding extra staff.
Scalability without losing the personal touch. Whether you’re managing a single studio or a multi-location franchise, SMS workflows grow with you. They allow you to maintain personalized communication while keeping administrative work in check.
How to Evaluate SMS Workflow Tools
Selecting the right SMS workflow tool for your fitness business is all about finding a platform that fits your unique needs and can grow alongside you. Here’s what to look for:
Ease of use. Choose a tool with an intuitive interface that lets you set up workflows quickly. If it feels overly complicated, it could slow you down instead of helping.
Features tailored to fitness. Look for tools that offer templates for tasks like trial follow-ups, class reminders, and membership renewals. Integration with fitness management systems and automated triggers based on member actions can save you time and effort.
Compliance support. Make sure the platform automatically handles compliance with TCPA and 10DLC rules. Built-in opt-in/opt-out options and message frequency controls can help you avoid fines and stay on the right side of the law.
Room to grow. Whether you’re running a small studio or managing multiple locations, your SMS tool should scale with your business. Think about your current member base and your goals for the future. A system that works for 100 members should also handle thousands as you expand.
Reporting and analytics. Metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversions are key. A good tool will show you which messages work best so you can fine-tune your strategy for better results.
Seamless integrations. Your SMS tool should connect easily with your gym management software, payment systems, and scheduling platforms. This eliminates duplicate work and ensures workflows are triggered by real-time member activity.
Support and training. Even simple systems can require some guidance. Look for providers that offer onboarding, training sessions, and responsive customer support to help you maximize the tool’s potential.
Pricing structure. Understand how the platform charges – whether it’s per message, per contact, or a flat monthly fee. Consider your average message volume and member count, and check for features like rollover credits to handle seasonal changes in activity.
Mobile-friendly access. A platform that allows you to send messages, monitor performance, and respond from your phone can be a game-changer for busy gym owners.
Keep these factors in mind as you evaluate your options to find the best fit for your fitness business.
1. RevText
RevText is the only SMS workflow tool designed specifically for gym owners and fitness businesses. Unlike generic messaging platforms, RevText caters exclusively to the unique needs of fitness professionals, whether you’re running a boutique studio or managing a large franchise. Here’s a closer look at how RevText simplifies communication for gyms.
Features Tailored for Fitness
RevText comes loaded with 15 pre-built gym SMS templates crafted specifically for fitness businesses. These templates cover everything from class reminders and personal training promotions to membership offers, onboarding messages, and referral campaigns – no generic, one-size-fits-all templates here.
The platform also integrates effortlessly with fitness management systems via Zapier, enabling workflows triggered by real-time member activities like missed classes, membership renewals, or trial sign-ups. Plus, it supports MMS messaging, so you can share workout videos, form tips, or promotional graphics that truly connect with your fitness audience.
Built-In Compliance
Staying compliant with messaging regulations is crucial, and RevText has you covered. It’s fully aligned with TCPA and 10DLC requirements, offering built-in safeguards and expert advice to ensure your messages meet legal standards. As one user shared:
"Super helpful on the tech side and knowing what type of message will be acceptable for the text messaging." – Andrea Samantha, Ecommerce
This attention to compliance lets gym owners focus on engaging members instead of worrying about legal risks.
Scalable Plans for All Gym Sizes
Whether you’re just starting out or managing multiple locations, RevText offers flexible pricing to suit your needs. Plans start at $50/month for 500 messages and up to 250 contacts (Start Up plan). As your business grows, you can scale up to the Business ($90/month), Pro ($300/month), or Premium ($500/month) plans. For larger operations, custom enterprise options are also available.
One standout feature? All paid plans include unlimited contacts, so your member database can grow without limits – your only cap is on message volume.
Real-Time Reporting and Analytics
RevText provides detailed reporting to help you track campaign performance. Delivery rates, open rates, click-through rates, and conversion metrics are all available in real time, so you can adjust your strategies as needed. The link tracking feature is especially useful, showing exactly which promotions drive the most member engagement. And with the iOS app, you can stay connected and monitor results from anywhere.
2. Podium
Podium is a messaging platform that supports both SMS and web chat, offering tools for streamlined communication. While it provides general SMS workflow capabilities, it doesn’t cater specifically to the unique needs of fitness businesses. Let’s take a closer look at how it measures up for gyms and fitness centers.
Fitness-specific Features
Podium includes basic SMS workflows that can be used for gym communications, but it doesn’t come with ready-made templates tailored for fitness businesses. For example, there are no pre-designed options for sending class reminders, promoting personal training sessions, or managing membership renewals. However, it does allow API integrations to connect with existing gym management systems.
Compliance and Reporting
The platform ensures compliance by including essential opt-in and opt-out features that meet industry standards. It also provides analytics to monitor messaging performance. That said, the metrics are general and don’t offer insights specific to fitness-related campaigns, such as tracking member engagement or class attendance rates.
Scalability
Details about Podium’s ability to scale for single-location gyms versus larger franchises are not readily available. Fitness businesses interested in this feature should reach out to Podium directly for more information on scalability and pricing options.
3. Mindbody
Mindbody is a well-known platform in the fitness industry, offering a wide range of management tools, including basic SMS capabilities. However, its messaging features don’t quite match the depth of those found in specialized SMS platforms.
Fitness-specific Features
Mindbody simplifies communication by automating appointment confirmations and sending 24-hour class reminders based on booking activity. While this is helpful for routine notifications, it falls short when it comes to more advanced features like multi-step nurture sequences or automated promotions.
The system integrates smoothly with its own scheduling and membership tools, allowing messages to be triggered by booking activity. That said, the available templates are quite limited. They don’t cater to more targeted marketing efforts, such as promoting fitness challenges, seasonal membership offers, or personal training packages. Essentially, while Mindbody’s SMS features handle basic communication well, they lack the flexibility and creativity needed for dynamic fitness marketing. This simplicity also reflects in its compliance approach.
Compliance Readiness
Mindbody includes basic compliance measures, such as built-in opt-in and opt-out systems, ensuring users can manage their preferences. However, it doesn’t provide much guidance on TCPA regulations, which might be a drawback for gyms looking to run more sophisticated or large-scale campaigns.
Scalability
Mindbody works for both single-location and multi-location gyms, with pricing that adjusts based on usage. Unfortunately, the SMS features remain fairly basic, regardless of the plan you choose.
Reporting and Analytics
The platform provides SMS analytics focused on delivery and engagement metrics, such as confirmation rates. However, it lacks deeper insights into marketing performance, like conversion rates or revenue generated from campaigns. Additionally, there’s little data available on member behavior, which could be valuable for fine-tuning messaging strategies and improving results.
In short, while Mindbody’s SMS tools are reliable for operational tasks, they don’t offer the advanced capabilities needed for more dynamic and data-driven fitness marketing.
4. GymMaster
GymMaster is a platform tailored for fitness businesses, offering SMS automation tools to streamline member communication. With its easy-to-use templates and task automation features, it simplifies how gyms stay connected with their members.
Fitness-specific Features
GymMaster includes pre-built SMS templates designed for automated, personalized communication. These templates can be adjusted to reflect your gym’s tone and style. Whether it’s sending confirmation messages for sign-ups, purchases, or bookings, the system ensures your members stay informed at every step.
The platform’s Task Automation feature takes things further by allowing you to link customizable SMS templates to specific tasks. With the ‘Auto Send’ option, you can automate messages through either the ‘Communication Settings’ or ‘Task Automation’ tools. GymMaster even provides ready-made combinations for common scenarios, making it easy to set up and manage automated workflows. This system adapts effortlessly as your gym grows.
Scalability
Whether you’re running a single-location studio or managing a chain of gyms, GymMaster is built to handle it all. Its automation features remain consistent across all plan levels, ensuring reliability as your business expands. Plus, the system can manage higher message volumes as your membership base increases.
Reporting and Analytics
GymMaster doesn’t just stop at automation – it also offers detailed reporting and analytics. With tools to track marketing performance, gym owners can evaluate how their SMS campaigns are engaging members and driving results. These insights help you fine-tune your strategies for better outcomes.
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5. EZ Texting
EZ Texting is a versatile SMS marketing platform that gym owners can tailor to fit their communication needs. While it’s not specifically designed for the fitness industry, its range of features makes it a valuable tool for engaging members and streamlining workflows.
Fitness-Specific Features
Though EZ Texting doesn’t come with pre-built fitness templates, its AI Compose feature offers customizable templates that can be adapted for gym communications. For instance, gym owners can schedule daily texts with personalized workout plans, complete with exercise details and motivational messages, to help members prepare for their sessions. Need to share diet advice? You can send a series of texts throughout the day with recipes and nutrition tips. The platform also allows gyms to send mass texts to members within a specific radius, letting them know when the gym is less crowded – perfect for encouraging visits during off-peak hours. Additionally, it’s great for sending quick updates, like last-minute class cancellations or schedule changes. These flexible messaging options integrate smoothly with other tools, enhancing your communication strategy.
Scalability for Single and Multi-Location Gyms
Whether you run a single location or oversee multiple gyms, EZ Texting’s integration capabilities make it a solid choice. The platform connects with popular tools like HubSpot and Constant Contact to simplify operations. It automates contact management across various platforms, including CRMs, email marketing systems, and more. With 920 CRM integrations and 36 fitness-specific options, it ensures your tech stack works seamlessly, regardless of your gym’s size or complexity. On top of that, the platform provides detailed analytics to help you fine-tune your messaging approach.
Reporting and Analytics for Campaign Performance
EZ Texting includes analytics tools to measure the success of your campaigns and track member engagement across different channels. For example, you can create targeted lists of members interested in specific services, like massage therapy, and send them focused messages when those services are available. This data-driven approach helps you craft more effective promotional strategies based on real engagement insights.
6. SlickText
SlickText is a powerful SMS marketing platform that gives gym owners the flexibility to create customized workflows, even without pre-made templates specifically for gyms.
Fitness-Specific Features
Although SlickText doesn’t come with pre-built gym templates, it shines with its location-based targeting. Gym owners can segment their audience by state, city, or zip code using web sign-up forms and automated workflows. For example, you could create textwords like SOUTHYOGA or NORTHYOGA to automatically group members by location for more tailored communication.
Its automation tools let gyms add location-specific questions to workflows, helping you gather insights about member preferences, like favorite class times or facilities. Plus, geo-targeting campaigns allow you to send messages to members based on their current location – perfect for promoting special offers when someone is near your gym.
Compliance Readiness
SlickText takes the hassle out of compliance with built-in TCPA safeguards, ensuring your gym stays within legal guidelines without requiring technical expertise. This feature is especially valuable for gyms sending high volumes of promotional texts or automated reminders. The platform handles compliance automatically, so you can focus on your business without worrying about potential legal risks.
On top of that, SlickText is designed to grow alongside your gym, whether you’re running a single studio or managing a large franchise.
Scalability for Single and Multi-Location Gyms
Whether you operate a single-location gym or a multi-site franchise, SlickText is built to scale with your needs. Its robust cloud infrastructure supports everything from small campaigns with a few dozen texts to massive operations sending millions of messages. Plus, remote access makes it easy to manage communications across various locations.
"The platform is designed to support businesses of all sizes in running effective SMS campaigns." – Emitrr
For multi-location gyms, role-based permissions simplify team collaboration. Incoming messages can be routed to the right team members, ensuring smooth communication across all locations. Pricing is flexible too, starting at $29/month for 500 credits and scaling up to $939 for 50,000 credits, with an Enterprise plan available for larger operations.
Reporting and Analytics for Campaign Performance
SlickText also provides detailed reporting tools to help gym owners track the success of their campaigns. You can measure response rates, analyze member engagement patterns, and fine-tune your messaging strategy based on real-world data.
"Its cloud infrastructure supports scalability and remote access, while role-based permissions facilitate teamwork within organizations." – Research.com
With a 4.8/5 rating from Research.com, SlickText is a favorite among health and wellness businesses, including gyms and yoga studios. Its combination of automation, compliance features, and reliable customer support consistently delivers strong results for users.
7. SimpleTexting
SimpleTexting rounds out our list as a straightforward SMS platform that focuses on reliable marketing and automation. While it doesn’t come with fitness-specific bells and whistles, it offers gym owners a practical solution for staying connected with their members. It’s a no-fuss tool that gets the job done.
Fitness-Specific Features
Instead of pre-built fitness templates, SimpleTexting takes a more general approach, offering flexible automation tools that you can adapt to your gym’s needs. For example, you can set up keyword opt-ins like "GYMTRIAL" or "FITNESS" to kick off welcome sequences when potential members text in. From there, use the drag-and-drop builder to create custom workflows for trial follow-ups, membership renewals, or even class reminders.
The platform’s contact segmentation feature is a game-changer for targeting the right audience. Organize your members by factors like membership type, class preferences, or engagement levels. This makes it easy to send tailored messages – such as personal training promotions to premium members or yoga schedule updates to specific groups.
Compliance Made Easy
Navigating compliance can be tricky, but SimpleTexting takes care of it for you. The platform automatically handles TCPA and carrier regulations, including opt-in confirmations and required legal language. It also blocks messages to numbers that have opted out, helping you avoid potential violations.
These built-in safeguards mean you can focus on your campaigns without worrying about the legal side of things. Whether you’re sending promotional texts or automated reminders, SimpleTexting keeps you covered.
Scalable for Any Gym Size
Whether you’re running a single gym or managing multiple locations, SimpleTexting has you covered. Its team collaboration features and cloud-based system make it easy to coordinate across locations. Plus, the pricing is accessible for smaller gyms just starting out with SMS marketing.
The cloud-based infrastructure ensures messages are delivered reliably, even during high-traffic times like New Year’s resolutions or summer prep seasons. This reliability is invaluable when you’re running high-volume campaigns.
Analytics to Measure Success
Automation is only half the battle – tracking performance is just as important. SimpleTexting offers essential analytics to help you monitor your campaigns. The reporting dashboard provides insights like delivery rates, click-through rates, and opt-out stats, giving you a clear view of what’s working.
You can also track engagement metrics over time, helping you fine-tune your strategy. For instance, if workout tips get more responses than promotional offers, you can shift your focus to content that resonates better with your audience.
While the analytics might not be as detailed as those offered by some niche platforms, SimpleTexting delivers the core metrics gym owners need to evaluate ROI and improve their messaging efforts.
Feature Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick look at the standout features of RevText, an SMS marketing platform tailored specifically for the fitness industry:
| Feature | RevText |
|---|---|
| Fitness-Specific Templates | Ready-to-use, gym-focused message templates for quick communication. |
| Automated Workflows | Advanced automation to handle messaging workflows effortlessly. |
| Member Segmentation | Targeted messaging through behavior-based member segmentation. |
| CRM Integration | Smooth data flow with Zapier integration. |
| Compliance Support | TCPA compliant with guidance for 10DLC regulations. |
| Mobile App | iOS app for easy, on-the-go campaign management. |
| Analytics & Reporting | Detailed analytics focused on ROI, plus comprehensive reporting tools. |
| Starting Price | $50/month for 500 SMS messages (up to 250 contacts). |
| Message Limits | Scalable plans ranging from 500 SMS/month to over 10,000 for larger needs. |
| Setup Complexity | Low – user-friendly and simple to get started. |
| Dedicated Support | Weekly optimization calls for tailored assistance. |
RevText is designed with gym owners in mind. It simplifies communication with pre-built templates and behavior-based segmentation, making it easier to engage members effectively. Its seamless integration with CRM systems via Zapier ensures smooth data management, while compliance with TCPA and 10DLC regulations helps keep your messages on the right side of the law.
With a dedicated iOS app, you can manage campaigns anytime, anywhere. Plus, the platform’s robust analytics tools let you track ROI and fine-tune your strategies. Whether your gym is just starting out or scaling up, RevText provides the tools you need to streamline operations and enhance member engagement.
How to Pick the Right SMS Tool for Your Gym
When choosing an SMS tool for your gym, it’s important to match the features to your gym’s size and stage of growth. For instance, a boutique gym with 200 members will have very different needs compared to a multi-location franchise. RevText offers flexible pricing plans that grow with your business, ensuring you only pay for what you need. Whether you’re running a smaller operation or managing a growing enterprise, there’s a plan that fits your message volume.
Cost is just one piece of the puzzle. Think about the time you’ll save with features like RevText’s fitness-specific templates and regular strategy calls to optimize your campaigns. These touches make managing communications much more efficient.
Next, evaluate how well the tool integrates with your current systems. RevText, for example, connects seamlessly with thousands of apps through Zapier, allowing your gym’s member data to flow automatically between your SMS platform, gym management software, CRM, and payment systems. No more manual data entry – just smooth, automated processes.
Compliance is another essential factor. Tools like RevText simplify this with built-in features to manage 10DLC registration and ensure adherence to TCPA guidelines, so you can focus on your members without worrying about legal headaches.
Ease of use is equally important, especially if your team isn’t particularly tech-savvy. RevText makes things simple with pre-built templates tailored to fitness businesses and a drag-and-drop workflow builder. This means you can launch effective SMS campaigns without needing advanced technical skills.
Support is another area that can set a tool apart. RevText provides dedicated weekly optimization calls to help refine your strategies and improve campaign performance over time. Usability also matters – features like mobile access let you stay connected no matter where you are. With the RevText iOS app, you can manage campaigns on the go, whether you’re hopping between gym locations or handling member needs in real time.
Planning your SMS volume is crucial for selecting the right plan. For example, if you have 500 members receiving weekly class reminders, promotions, and follow-ups, you’ll likely need around 2,000–3,000 messages per month. A plan like RevText’s Pro option, which includes 5,000 messages with rollover, ensures you have plenty of capacity to grow your outreach.
Ultimately, the best SMS tool should simplify communication, not complicate it. Look for a solution that understands the fitness industry’s unique challenges and delivers features you’ll actually use to make running your gym smoother and more efficient.
Conclusion
SMS tools have become a cornerstone of modern gym operations, simplifying tasks like class reminders, lead follow-ups, and member reactivation. By automating these processes, gyms can save time and focus on delivering a better experience for their members.
Among the tools discussed, RevText stands out with its fitness-specific features. It offers pre-built templates, advanced automation, and weekly optimization calls, all designed to meet the unique needs of gym owners.
When choosing the right SMS tool, think about factors like how many messages you’ll send, whether it integrates with your current systems, and its compliance features. These considerations should align with your gym’s size and growth goals.
The right SMS platform doesn’t just pay for itself – it adds value. Automated workflows can drive higher conversion rates and keep members coming back, making a noticeable impact on your bottom line.
Lastly, integration and support are critical. Your SMS tool should work seamlessly with your gym management software, CRMs, and payment systems. Look for platforms that provide robust training resources and ongoing support to help your team make the most of every feature.
FAQs
How can SMS workflow tools help gyms boost member retention and engagement?
SMS workflow tools are a game-changer for gyms looking to boost member retention and engagement. They take the hassle out of staying connected by automating essential communications like class reminders, follow-ups, and special offers. This means members stay in the loop without staff needing to spend hours on manual outreach.
With automation, gyms can send personalized messages tailored to member behavior – whether it’s reminding someone about a missed visit or inviting them to an upcoming event. This approach not only keeps communication consistent but also makes members feel valued and understood, fostering stronger relationships and encouraging long-term loyalty.
What should gym owners look for in an SMS workflow tool?
When selecting an SMS workflow tool, gym owners should keep a few critical factors in mind to ensure it aligns with their business needs. First, ease of use is key – opt for a platform that offers a quick setup process and makes adjustments straightforward. Next, focus on fitness-specific features like pre-built message templates, CRM integrations, and attendance-based triggers. These can simplify communication and save time. It’s also essential to consider compliance support for regulations such as TCPA and 10DLC to steer clear of potential legal issues. Additionally, look for a tool that offers scalability, so it can adapt as your business grows, whether you’re managing one gym or a larger franchise. Lastly, robust reporting and analytics are vital for tracking performance and ensuring your messaging strategy delivers a solid return on investment.
By choosing a tool that checks these boxes, gym owners can streamline operations, maintain compliance, and enhance member engagement with automated, targeted SMS campaigns.
How does RevText help gyms stay compliant with SMS regulations?
RevText helps your gym stay on the right side of SMS regulations by requiring explicit consent from members before sending any messages. It aligns with TCPA and 10DLC standards, reducing the risk of legal issues for your business. Plus, managing opt-out requests is a breeze with RevText, as they’re handled quickly and within the necessary timeframes. This means you can focus on strengthening connections with your members while staying compliant.
