Why Gyms Need Their Own App
A branded fitness app isn't a luxury — it's how you compete with Peloton, ClassPass, and YouTube. Your members expect to book classes, follow workouts, track progress, and make payments from their phone. A custom app increases retention by 30–40% (ABC Fitness data).
The good news: you don't need to hire developers. White-label fitness app builders create fully branded apps for a fraction of custom development cost.
Quick Comparison
| Platform | Starting Price | White-Label App | Workout Delivery | Class Booking | Payments | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC Glofox | Custom (~$150+/mo) | Yes (iOS + Android) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Gyms + studios |
| Trainerize | $5/mo | Yes (branded) | Yes (core focus) | Basic | Via Stripe | Personal trainers |
| Everfit | Free (basic) | No (Everfit-branded) | Yes | No | Yes | Online coaches |
1. ABC Glofox — Best for Gyms and Studios
Glofox (now part of ABC Fitness Solutions) is the leading gym management platform with a fully branded mobile app. Your members download YOUR app from the App Store — with your logo, colors, and branding.
Key Features
- White-label iOS and Android app — fully branded, no Glofox branding visible
- Class scheduling and booking — members book from the app
- Membership management — sign-ups, renewals, freezes, cancellations
- Payment processing — recurring billing, point-of-sale, family plans
- Member check-in — QR code or PIN at the front desk
- Workout delivery — assign and deliver custom workout plans
- Push notifications — promote classes, events, and offers
- Reporting — revenue, retention, attendance dashboards
- Lead management — capture and nurture prospects
Pricing
Glofox doesn't publish pricing (custom quotes based on member count):
- Typical range: $150–$500+/month depending on features and member count
- App publishing fees may apply separately
- Setup fee for initial configuration
Limitations
- Pricing is not transparent (must request a demo)
- Can be expensive for very small studios
- Workout programming is less advanced than Trainerize
- Some features require higher-tier plans
- Contract terms may apply
Best For
Gyms, yoga studios, CrossFit boxes, and boutique fitness studios that want a fully branded member app with booking, payments, and management.
2. Trainerize — Best for Personal Trainers
Trainerize is built specifically for personal trainers and online coaches. Its core strength is workout and nutrition program delivery — you create programs, clients follow them on their phone, and you track their progress.
Key Features
- Workout builder — drag-and-drop exercise programming with video demos
- Nutrition tracking — meal plans, macro tracking, food logging
- Habit coaching — assign daily habits and track compliance
- In-app messaging — chat with clients directly
- Progress tracking — photos, measurements, strength logs
- Branded app — your logo and colors (on higher plans)
- Integration with wearables — Apple Watch, Fitbit, MyFitnessPal
- Group training — deliver programs to multiple clients at once
- Payment processing — via Stripe, clients pay through the app
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly | Clients | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $5/mo | 1 client | Core features, messaging |
| Grow | $60/mo | Up to 30 | Branded app, nutrition, habits |
| Pro | $100/mo | Unlimited | Custom branding, advanced analytics |
| Studio | $250/mo | Unlimited | Gym features, multiple trainers |
Limitations
- Class booking is basic compared to Glofox
- Not designed for gym management (no front desk, no member check-in)
- Branded app requires Grow plan ($60/month)
- Payment processing limited to Stripe
- No facility access control
Best For
Personal trainers and online coaches who deliver training programs to clients remotely or in-person.
3. Everfit — Best Free Option for Online Coaches
Everfit offers a generous free plan for coaches just starting out. Its focus is online training delivery — workout programs, progress tracking, and client communication.
Key Features
- Free plan for up to 5 clients
- Workout builder with exercise library (1,500+ exercises with video)
- Program templates — save and reuse workout programs
- Progress tracking — photos, measurements, workout logs
- In-app messaging — communicate with clients
- Group programming — deliver workouts to multiple clients
- Client app — clients use the Everfit app (not white-labeled on free plan)
- Integrations — Apple Health, Google Fit, MyFitnessPal
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly | Clients | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 5 clients | Core features, 1,500+ exercises |
| Starter | $19/mo | 20 clients | Custom exercises, automations |
| Pro | $49/mo | Unlimited | Advanced analytics, team features |
| Business | $99/mo | Unlimited | White-label, multiple coaches |
Limitations
- Free plan limited to 5 clients
- No white-label app on lower plans (clients see Everfit branding)
- No gym management features (booking, payments, check-in)
- Nutrition tracking is basic
- Smaller exercise library than Trainerize
Best For
New coaches starting online training who want a free platform to deliver workouts and track client progress.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
| Business Type | Best Platform | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gym / fitness studio | ABC Glofox | $150–$500+ |
| Personal trainer (in-person + online) | Trainerize | $60–$100 |
| Online coach (starting out) | Everfit | Free–$49 |
| CrossFit box / boutique studio | ABC Glofox | $150–$500+ |
| Trainer wanting cheapest option | Trainerize Starter | $5/mo |
All pricing verified from official sources, Q1 2026.
How the published evaluation criteria considered se Platforms
BizTechScout's evaluation criteria for fitness app builders weight the following factors, based on publicly available product documentation, G2 and Capterra review aggregates, and vendor-published feature lists:
White-label capability — Does the platform publish a fully branded app under your name to the App Store and Google Play, or do clients see the platform's branding? This is the single most important factor for gyms building a member-facing product.
Core fitness functionality — Workout delivery, class scheduling, progress tracking, and nutrition tools. Platforms are scored on depth, not just presence, of each feature.
Business management tools — Membership billing, recurring payments, lead capture, and staff management. A fitness app that can't handle payments or automate renewals creates admin overhead.
Scalability — Can the platform grow from 50 members to 5,000 without forcing a platform migration? Pricing tiers, API access, and integration options all factor in here.
Integration ecosystem — Connections to tools like Zapier, Mailchimp, or ActiveCampaign Email for marketing automation; QuickBooks Online or Xero for accounting; and wearables like Apple Watch and Fitbit.
Pricing transparency — Platforms that publish clear pricing score higher. Hidden pricing that requires a sales call introduces friction for independent operators making budget decisions.
User sentiment — G2 and Capterra ratings and review patterns are incorporated to reflect real operator and trainer experiences, particularly around customer support quality and onboarding complexity.
4. Mindbody — Best for Multi-Location Studios
Mindbody is one of the most widely recognized names in fitness business software. It serves yoga studios, spas, fitness centers, and wellness businesses — and it doubles as a consumer marketplace where potential members can discover your studio directly.
Key Features
- Branded mobile app — white-label iOS and Android app available on higher tiers
- Online booking — classes, appointments, and events
- Membership management — tiered memberships, intro offers, family plans
- Mindbody marketplace — consumer discovery platform with millions of active users, according to Mindbody's published figures
- Marketing suite — automated email campaigns, referral programs, and promotions
- Staff management — scheduling, payroll reporting, and permissions
- Point-of-sale — retail, supplements, and merchandise sales in-app
- Reporting dashboards — revenue, class fill rates, client retention metrics
- Integration with Zapier — enables workflow automation across your tech stack
Pricing
Mindbody uses tiered pricing based on plan level and business size. Per Mindbody's published pricing (Q1 2026):
| Plan | Starting Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | ~$139/mo | Booking, scheduling, basic reporting |
| Accelerate | ~$279/mo | Marketing tools, automated campaigns |
| Ultimate | ~$499/mo | Branded app, advanced analytics |
| Ultimate Plus | Custom | Multi-location, API access |
Pricing scales with number of staff users and locations. The branded mobile app is gated behind Ultimate tier and above.
Limitations
- The branded app requires a higher-tier plan, which raises the entry cost significantly
- G2 reviewers frequently cite customer support response times and billing complexity as friction points
- Marketplace discovery is primarily US-focused, limiting value for international studios
- Contract lengths and cancellation terms are noted concerns in Capterra reviews
- Less suited to pure online coaching or remote personal training
Verdict
Well-suited for established multi-location studios or wellness centers that want both a managed member app and the organic discovery benefit of the Mindbody consumer marketplace. Smaller single-location studios may find the cost-to-feature ratio challenging at entry-level tiers.
5. TeamUp — Best for Class-Based Fitness Businesses on a Budget
TeamUp is a gym and studio management platform with transparent, usage-based pricing. It's particularly popular among CrossFit affiliates, martial arts schools, and yoga studios that prioritize class management over advanced workout delivery.
Key Features
- Online class booking — members book classes, courses, and appointments via web or app
- Membership and billing management — recurring payments, trial memberships, and cancellation workflows
- Customer-facing app — members access booking through a branded web experience and the TeamUp app; full white-label iOS/Android publishing is available at higher tiers
- Staff scheduling and payroll reports — track hours and class assignments
- Automated communications — booking confirmations, waitlist alerts, and payment reminders
- Reporting — attendance trends, revenue reports, and retention data
- Integration support — connects with Mailchimp and Zapier for marketing automation
Pricing
TeamUp's pricing (per the company's published pricing page, Q1 2026) is based on active member count, which makes it more predictable than flat-rate plans for small studios:
| Active Members | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 | ~$99/mo |
| Up to 200 | ~$139/mo |
| Up to 500 | ~$179/mo |
| 500+ | Custom |
No setup fees are advertised, and a free trial is available per TeamUp's published documentation.
Limitations
- Workout delivery and programming tools are not a core feature — not suitable for personal trainers who need structured program building
- White-label app publishing is not available on entry-level plans
- Nutrition tracking and habit coaching are absent — pure class management focus
- Smaller integration ecosystem than Mindbody or Glofox
Verdict
Recommended for budget-conscious class-based fitness businesses — particularly CrossFit boxes, martial arts schools, and yoga studios — that need reliable booking and billing without the complexity or cost of enterprise-tier platforms.
6. Vagaro — Best for Fitness Studios Combining Wellness Services
Vagaro serves a wide market: salons, spas, and fitness studios that offer both group classes and individual appointments. For gym owners who also run massage, physiotherapy, or nutrition consultations, Vagaro brings all booking under one platform.
Key Features
- Branded booking app — clients book via the Vagaro consumer app or your own embeddable booking widget; white-label app available as an add-on per Vagaro's documentation
- Class and appointment scheduling — supports both group fitness and one-on-one sessions
- Membership and package management — recurring billing, punch cards, class packs
- Point-of-sale — retail product sales, gift cards, and tipping
- Email and SMS marketing — built-in campaign tools; integrates with Mailchimp for extended reach
- Staff management — individual calendars, commission tracking, and payroll exports
- Online store — sell merchandise, supplements, or digital products
- Forms and waivers — digital intake forms and liability waivers
Pricing
Per Vagaro's published pricing page (Q1 2026), base plans start at $30/month for one bookable calendar, with additional calendars priced per seat. The white-label branded app is available as a paid add-on rather than included in base plans.
Limitations
- The business model is primarily appointment-booking-focused; workout delivery and program building are not native features
- White-label app requires an additional subscription fee on top of the base plan
- G2 reviewers note that the interface can feel complex for users only needing fitness booking
- Not suited for online-only coaching businesses
Verdict
Well-suited for hybrid fitness and wellness studios — think yoga studios that also offer massage therapy, or gyms with a physiotherapy clinic — where a single booking system covering all service types reduces administrative overhead.
Fitness App Builder Buying Guide
Do You Actually Need a White-Label App?
The term "fitness app" gets used loosely. There's a meaningful difference between:
- A white-label mobile app — your members download an app from the App Store or Google Play under your studio's name and branding. This is the highest-trust option for member retention and brand recognition.
- A branded web portal — members access booking and workouts through a branded URL in their browser. Lower cost, no app store approval process.
- A provider-branded app — members download the platform's own app (Everfit, Trainerize, etc.) and log in with their account linked to your coaching profile.
For gyms and studios with 50+ members, the white-label app is worth the premium. For coaches just starting out, a branded web experience or provider app is a pragmatic starting point.
What Integrations Matter Most?
A fitness platform doesn't operate in isolation. Evaluate whether the platform connects with:
- Email marketing — ActiveCampaign Email, Mailchimp, Brevo (Sendinblue), or Kit (formerly ConvertKit) for member nurture sequences and re-engagement campaigns
- CRM and lead management — HubSpot CRM Main or Pipedrive Main for tracking prospects through the sales pipeline
- Accounting software — QuickBooks Online, Xero, or Zoho Books for reconciling membership revenue
- Automation platforms — Zapier or Make.com to connect your fitness platform to the rest of your stack without custom development
- Communication tools — Slack or Zoom for team coordination and virtual class delivery
Most platforms on this list support Zapier at minimum, which unlocks hundreds of downstream connections even when native integrations are limited.
How to Think About Pricing and Total Cost
The advertised monthly rate is rarely the full cost. When evaluating platforms, account for:
- Setup and onboarding fees — some platforms charge a one-time implementation cost
- App publishing fees — white-label iOS and Android publishing sometimes incurs additional annual costs related to Apple and Google developer accounts
- Payment processing rates — platforms that handle billing typically take a percentage of transactions on top of the monthly SaaS fee
- Per-seat costs — platforms that charge per trainer or staff member can scale expensively as your team grows
- Tier-locked features — the branded app, advanced analytics, or automation features are often gated behind mid or enterprise tiers
For marketing and CRM beyond the fitness platform itself, tools like HubSpot Marketing Hub, Mailchimp, or GetResponse Main can complement your fitness app without requiring a full enterprise suite.
Security and Data Considerations
Member data — health metrics, payment details, progress photos — requires appropriate data handling. Look for platforms that offer:
- PCI-compliant payment processing (standard for reputable platforms)
- GDPR and CCPA compliance documentation for international or California-based member bases
- Role-based access control to limit staff access to sensitive member data
- Data export capability so you're not locked in if you switch platforms
For broader business password and credential security, tools like 1Password or Bitwarden are worth deploying alongside any fitness platform to protect staff access to admin accounts.
Final Verdict
The right fitness app builder depends almost entirely on your business model and current scale:
- Running a gym or studio with 50+ members? ABC Glofox delivers the most complete white-label member experience — branded app, booking, billing, and check-in under one roof.
- Personal trainer or online coach? Trainerize's workout delivery and client programming tools are the industry benchmark. The $5/month Starter plan makes it accessible at any stage.
- Just launching your coaching business? Everfit's free plan for up to five clients is the lowest-risk way to build your process before committing to a paid platform.
- Multi-location studio or wellness hybrid? Mindbody's marketplace reach and Vagaro's multi-service booking both serve these use cases well, though each carries higher entry costs.
- Class-based fitness on a tight budget? TeamUp's member-count pricing keeps costs predictable as you grow.
No single platform dominates every category. Prioritize white-label app access if brand recognition matters to your retention strategy, and verify integration compatibility with your existing email and accounting tools before committing. Most platforms offer a free trial or demo — use them to evaluate the member-facing experience directly before signing a contract.
All pricing sourced from official vendor websites and product documentation, Q1 2026. Pricing is subject to change; verify directly with vendors before purchasing.