1club blog

Gym and studio management tips & trends, delivered

Tennis player booking a court with the 1club member app
Racket Sports
July 30, 2026

How to Set Up Online Court Booking for Your Tennis Club (2026 Guide)

A tennis court booking system is software that lets your members see real-time court availability and reserve slots themselves, online, while your club keeps control of the schedule and the member relationship. The right setup blocks double bookings before they happen, handles recurring reservations automatically, and works from any phone. Here is how to put one in place for your club in 2026.

Martin Kirov co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer
Martin Kirov
Teacher tying the belt of a kid student in her first martial arts class
Martial artsRunning a gymGrowing a gym
July 24, 2026

How to Set Up a Trial Class Booking System for Your Martial Arts Studio

To set up a trial class booking system for your martial arts studio, use gym management software with a self-service sign-up form. Create a trial program, choose which plans it offers, add a digital waiver, and share the form link on your website. New members then pick a time, sign the waiver, and book their first class online, with no phone calls or paperwork for you to chase.

Martin Kirov co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer
Martin Kirov
3 girls practicing at a martial arts dojo
Martial arts
July 17, 2026

The Best Ways to Track Student Attendance in a Martial Arts School (2026 Guide)

Martial arts schools track attendance in several ways: paper attendance cards, front-desk sign-in sheets, tablet kiosks, QR codes, mobile-app check-in, and full school-management software. The best method depends on your size and on how much you want attendance to do for you. For most schools, digital check-in tied to each student's profile is the most reliable, because it turns attendance from a record into an early warning system for the students who are about to quit.

Deyan Peev - software engineer at 1club
Deyan Peev
Gym owner looking at 1club member retention data
Running a gymGymYogaMartial artsPilatesRacket Sports
July 10, 2026

How to Improve Gym Member Retention in 2026

To improve gym member retention, focus on the first 90 days, when most members decide whether to stay. Onboard everyone with a clear plan, track attendance to spot who's drifting, and reach out before they cancel. Build community through group classes and milestones, keep billing reliable so payments don't fail silently, and act on feedback. Small, well-timed touches keep members coming back.

Martin Kirov co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer
Martin Kirov
Kids at martial arts practice
Martial arts
July 3, 2026

How to Choose a Martial Art: 7 Steps to Find Your Fit

Start with your goal. Want high-energy fitness and striking skill? Look at Muay Thai, Karate, or Taekwondo. Want practical self-defense through leverage and control? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Krav Maga fit better. Want structure and tradition? Judo, Aikido, and traditional Karate emphasize discipline and long-term progression. From there, weigh your physical situation, your schedule, and a trial class before committing.

Martin Kirov co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer
Martin Kirov
A 1club gym member checking out a push notification on their phone
Industry insightsGymStarting a gymRunning a gym
June 26, 2026

Best Gym CRM Software in 2026: Top 6 Tools Compared

The best gym CRM software captures leads, automates follow-up, and shows your sales pipeline on one screen, so prospects don't slip through the cracks and members don't quietly churn. For most independent fitness businesses, the strongest 2026 option is 1club, an AI-native platform where the CRM is built into the gym management system. The right pick depends on your size, niche, and how much you market.

Martin Kirov co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer
Martin Kirov
Tennis player hitting a serve
Industry insightsRacket Sports
May 8, 2026

Best Tennis Club Management Software 2026 | Compare 6 Platforms

The best tennis club management software in 2026 depends on your club's size, budget, and how much you want to automate. Top picks: 1club (AI-native, dynamic pricing, reputation management, and you own your members and data), Playtomic (booking-network reach for padel and tennis), CourtReserve (court-booking depth for larger facilities), ClubSpark (UK LTA clubs), and EZFacility (multi-sport venues). Prioritise court-specific features, pricing transparency, and ownership of the member relationship.

Miro Miroslavov
Miro Miroslavov
Pilates studio exercise
PilatesIndustry insights
March 25, 2026

Pilates Studio Software: 5 Best Platforms Compared for 2026

ilates studio software handles class scheduling, private session booking, session pack management, automated billing, and client communication. The best option in 2026 depends on studio size: 1club for small to mid-sized studios (free up to 100 members, paid from $63/month), WellnessLiving for studios prioritising loyalty and marketing automation (~$89/month), and Mindbody for large multi-location operations (~$129/month+).

Martin Kirov co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer
Martin Kirov
Best gym management software for 2026 - comprehensive review
GymIndustry insights
December 19, 2025

Best Gym Management Software: 10 Platforms Compared for 2026

Gym management software centralizes member management, billing, scheduling, and reporting for fitness businesses in one platform. The best option in 2026 depends on your gym type: 1club for small and mid-sized gyms that want a modern system that’s easy to use, Glofox for boutique studios, Mindbody for large multi-location operators, and PushPress for CrossFit and functional training gyms. Key factors when choosing: pricing transparency, ease of setup, and whether the platform is built for your gym type or adapted from a generic tool.

Martin Kirov co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer
Martin Kirov
Modern gym interior with fitness equipment showing successful gym business management in 2026
GymStarting a gym
November 28, 2025

How to Build and Grow a Successful Gym Business in 2026

Building a successful gym business in 2026 comes down to seven fundamentals: choosing an accessible, well-matched location; a business model that diversifies revenue beyond memberships; multi-channel marketing that tracks cost per acquisition; retention built on strong onboarding and community; hiring for culture fit; modern, AI-native gym management software; and disciplined financial management. Prioritise retention over acquisition (it costs 5-7x less) and expect profitability in 12-24 months.

Martin Kirov co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer
Martin Kirov