One of the new fitness trends – online fitness classes have transformed the way people approach health and exercise. Unlike traditional gyms, personal training sessions or meetings with a fitness coach, this business model relies entirely on virtual interactions.
This lack of direct contact presents unique challenges for both customers and service providers. To succeed, online classes instructors and businesses must understand and meet customer expectations effectively.
Read our article and learn how to take care of your clients and your professional image as an online fitness classes instructor.
Key Takeaways
- Meeting the clients’ expectations about gym online classes, like flexibility, easy payments or video content to watch later, can significantly enhance the success of an online fitness business.
- Online fitness classes professionals can build a loyal client base and stand out in a competitive online fitness industry by leveraging technology, offering convenience, and maintaining strong engagement.
- Offering online fitness classes and keeping the clients is a result of making the experience as smooth, enjoyable, and as effective as possible for clients.
What Are People Looking for in Online Fitness Classes?
Below we present a list of people’s expectations about online fitness classes. Each point contains an immediate solution. Learn what people expect & how to deliver it.
1. Easy Registration Process
Customers expect a seamless sign-up process without unnecessary complications.
What to do: Provide an intuitive membership app or gym management software integrated with your website, to make class registration as easy as possible – allowing users to book with just a few clicks.
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2. Flexible Scheduling & On-Demand Classes
Many participants juggle work, family, and personal commitments.
What to do: Offer live sessions at different times and provide on-demand recordings for flexible access. The access may be made through a custom branded fitness app, which would additionally also contain your logo and the whole visual identity of your brand, making the clients more committed and dedicated to your brand.
3. Clear and Reliable Communication
People want to stay informed about class schedules, changes, and updates.
What to do: Use email fitness newsletters, push notifications from your gym software, or messaging apps to keep clients updated in real-time.
4. Easy Payment Options
Customers expect hassle-free payment methods with no hidden fees.
What to do: Use secure and automated gym payment software that supports multiple payment options like credit cards, PayPal, and subscription plans.
5. Professional-Looking Video & Audio Quality
Poor video or sound quality can make workouts frustrating and unengaging.
What to do: Invest in a high-quality camera, microphone, and stable internet connection to deliver clear and smooth sessions.
6. Interactive & Engaging Sessions
Clients seek motivation and a sense of connection, even in a virtual setting.
What to do: Encourage real-time participation through Q&A sessions, personalized feedback, and interactive chat features. Read more about questions to ask gym members if you want to know how to engage clients and gain valuable information from their responses.
7. Varied Fitness Classes
Not everyone prefers the same type of exercise.
What to do: Offer a mix of workouts such as yoga, HIIT, strength training, and dance to cater to different fitness levels and preferences.
8. Progress Tracking & Performance Analytics
Many users want to track their progress and improvements.
What to do: Integrate fitness tracking software or apps that allow users to log workouts, monitor stats, and set goals.
9. Accessible and Mobile-Friendly Platform
Customers want the freedom to join from different devices.
What to do: Ensure that your platform works seamlessly on smartphones, tablets, and computers.
10. Personalized Experience
People appreciate tailored workouts that fit their goals.
What to do: Offer consultation calls, pre-recorded sessions with modifications, and AI-based recommendations for a personalized fitness journey. Personalization can even apply to gym music – find out what music customers like and don’t like. This is a way to build the image of the best online fitness classes for your meetings.
11. Motivational & Supportive Community
Many users seek accountability and encouragement from others.
What to do: Use your gym social media channels. Create private Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, or online forums where members can connect, share progress, and motivate each other.
12. Free Trial Options & Referrals
Customers often hesitate to commit without trying the service first.
What to do: Provide free classes, discounts, or flexible pricing plans to attract and retain members. Your online gym referral program could, for example, look like this: the referred client gets the first of the online sessions for free and the referrer also receives a gift (yoga mat, yoga cubes, a free meeting with a massage therapist or anything you like).
Let’s Switch It: What Online Gym Owners May Expect from Clients?
- minimum gym equipment, like yoga mat and weights
- a lot of involvement in virtual workouts
- being true to their word and punctual despite a busy schedule
- and that’s it!
FAQ
Best online fitness classes consist of helping clients achieve their fitness goals, creating a pleasant atmosphere and facilitating contact, payments and flexibility in meeting arrangements.
- Create a structured online fitness classes program with clear goals and values.
- Offer multiple pricing tiers (subscriptions, one-time purchases, or memberships).
- Use an app or website for easy sign-ups and payments.
- Provide free trials or sample sessions to attract clients.
- Leverage testimonials and success stories to build trust.
… and say about it all in your advertising!
- Use social media ads (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) to target your audience.
- Offer referral discounts to encourage word-of-mouth marketing.
- Collaborate with influencers or fitness bloggers.
- Utilize email marketing and newsletters for engagement.
- Create engaging video content showcasing your online fitness classes and client results.
