Maximising Studio Class Attendance: How Technology Reduces No-Shows & Boosts Engagement

January through March marks the busiest period for health clubs. Driven by New Year's resolutions, members flood in with goals to kick-start their fitness journeys. Studio classes, offering variety and motivation, become a focal point of this surge in activity. However, alongside this influx comes the challenge of managing attendance effectively—ensuring classes are full while minimising no-shows.

In this blog, we explore how technology and booking platforms can transform health club operations during this crucial period, creating seamless experiences that benefit both members and clubs.

Understanding the January Surge

The New Year is synonymous with fresh starts, making health clubs prime destinations. But with increased memberships come logistical challenges:

1. High Demand: Studio classes often reach capacity, creating disappointment for members unable to secure spots.
2. No-Show Impact: Many classes suffer from no-shows, leaving unused spaces despite demand.
3. Retention Pressure: Keeping new members engaged requires delivering a great experience from day one.

The Role of Technology & Ez-Runner in Attendance Management

Implementing a robust booking platform is a game-changer for addressing these challenges. Here’s how it works:

Simple Online Booking

Ez-Runner allows members to book studio classes anytime, anywhere. Features like real-time availability and user-friendly interfaces make it convenient, encouraging commitment.

• Ability to search by class type, class instructor, time of day to ensure a easy booking
• Class timetable and booking platform is mobile optimised for easy display on phone
• Gamification Member usage widget so you can see how many times you have been to the gym and how many classes you have attended
• Ability to book ‘Master Classes’ on top of standard memberships at an additional cost
• You can invite prospects/ friends to the club by easily purchasing a guest pass and sending it to them for different classes
• Ability to book multiple classes within a single journey
• Ability to book yourself and other linked members into classes within a single booking

Automated Reminders

Missed classes are often due to forgetfulness. Automated reminders via email, SMS, or push notifications ensure members remember their bookings.

• Impact: Studies suggest that reminders can reduce no-shows by up to 30%.

Waitlist Features

Dynamic waitlist systems optimise attendance. When a member cancels, the spot is immediately offered to the next person on the waitlist via SMS or email.

• Benefit: This ensures maximum class occupancy without requiring manual intervention.
• Sophisticated time management for waiting list acceptance based upon how close the cancellation is to the class start. For example, if a member books four days in advance, they have two days to accept their place. Whereas, if a place becomes available 24 hours before, they have 12 hours to accept. 

No-Show Policies and Engagement Tools

Platforms can enforce cancellation policies or incentives to boost accountability. For example:

• Penalties for No-Shows: Encouraging timely cancellations if plans change.
• Penalties can include:
  • Financial penalty
  • Restriction of booking classes online (fixed period of time)
  • Restriction of booking classes in house or online (Fixed period of time)

Data-Driven Insights: Turning Information into Action

Data analytics empower health clubs to optimise operations and drive attendance. Automated reports highlight trends like popular class times, attendance rates, and scheduling gaps, allowing clubs to tailor offerings to member demand. Low-attendance classes can trigger proactive marketing messages, such as personalised emails or SMS notifications with incentives to fill spots. Visual tools, like real-time class calendars, display fully booked sessions, available spaces, and white space opportunities, helping clubs maximise attendance through last-minute promotions. By leveraging these insights, clubs can enhance member experiences, boost engagement, and ensure studio schedules are utilised efficiently.

Why This Matters…

Maximising studio class attendance isn’t just about logistics—it’s about member satisfaction and retention. With a polished booking system, clubs can:

• Welcome more participants into each session.
• Deliver a smooth, frustration-free experience.
• Build stronger connections with both new and existing members.
• A great class timetable with inspiring instructors drives retention and club usage
• Instructors have the ability to digitally show members up to a class to support the no show policies

By leveraging the power of technology and advanced booking platforms, health clubs can overcome basic booking challenges, ensuring seamless operations, higher attendance, and better member engagement. From automated reminders and waitlist management to data-driven insights, Ez-Runner provides the tools you need to deliver exceptional experiences and retain members year-round.

Ready to elevate your health club's potential? Explore how Ez-Runner leisure management software can help your club thrive during peak times and beyond 👉 Find out more today.