Friday 29 March 2024 | fitness-kit.net: The search engine for fitness buyers

21 Oct 2021

GLL Better UK App passes 1 million downloads

Supplier: Innovatise

More Innovatise details
A core part of GLL’s services, app downloads are running at over 100,000 downloads per month as our customers get back into fitness post lockdown
GLL and its app partner Innovatise (myFitApp) have today announced the Better UK App has been downloaded over 1 million times since it was launched in November 2019.

Steve Ward, associate director of marketing, sales and digital at GLL reflects on his experience with Innovatise’s myFitApp platform.

Can you tell us a little bit about GLL?

GLL is the largest public-sector fitness provider in the UK, managing 280 leisure centres in partnership with more than 50 local councils and sporting bodies. We host a huge range of facilities and activities and with more than 13,000 staff and 58 million visitors a year, GLL really makes a difference to fitness in the UK. We exist to make community services and spaces better for everyone and to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities.

What led you to bring myFitApp onboard as your app partner?

Before working with myFitApp, we developed an app from scratch using a low-code/no-code platform. We wanted a unique solution specific to our requirements, but this solution did not provide us with the quality and maturity that was required for our brand. We wanted a solution that could keep up with the accelerating pace of innovation and changing technology trends, but this wasn’t possible with this platform.

We scanned the market for a partner that would be able to provide us with fast and continuous innovation with a solution that focuses on a great user experience for our members. We also needed a ‘toolbox approach’ allowing us to change anything in the app ourselves.

So, how did the switch to the new app go?

We had only four weeks left on the contract with our prior solution, so we asked the Innovatise team if they could achieve the rollout in this time. They committed to it and dedicated key resources to getting our 280 sites onto a new Better UK App. Our management board were sceptical it could be done, but Innovatise proved us wrong and successfully launched the new Better UK within the deadline. Thanks to their efforts and the flexibility and architecture of the myFitApp platform, our new app went live within three weeks, fully integrated with our Leisure Management System.

Your new app launched just before the pandemic hit, how did this affect GLL?

When the pandemic struck, we realised our new app could play a critical part in keeping members engaged and healthy when they couldn’t attend our centres in person. With myFitApp we were able to add new functionality and content including nutrition and @home fitness workouts. The flexibility of the app meant we could do this ourselves, under our control and on our schedule.

How did the app perform during lockdown?

The app assumed a critical role in our ability to deliver services to members during the pandemic and beyond – it transformed how we interact with our customers. With the built-in @home video platform, members were able to work out from home, via both on-demand workouts and live streams from their favourite trainers. They could also easily stay up to date with the latest COVID-related club news. Plus, the app helped us keep our members engaged and healthy whilst they couldn’t come into physical GLL centres.

And, with the new digital world we now live in, what position did the app take post lockdown?

The uptake of the app continued to grow after lockdown and when gyms re-opened, GLL made all activities including swimming and gym sessions bookable. We also used the app to keep members informed on the changing COVID guidelines and entry requirements. Reaching over 1 million downloads is a testament to the usability and strength of the platform.

Congratulations on passing 1 million app downloads! How does this make you and the GLL team feel?

To get to 1 million downloads in the last 18 months is a terrific achievement, showing how valuable the app is. A core part of GLL’s services, app downloads are running at over 100,000 downloads per month as our customers get back into fitness post lockdown. It’s great to know that our members love the app as much as we do. Moreover, myFitApp allows us to serve our members both inside and outside our facilities, adapting to the hybrid fitness world.

What is the most important thing with your app now?

Our app has transformed how we interact with our customers, allowing us to react quickly to changing circumstances. Before, we couldn’t change anything on our app – but now, with the myFitApp platform we’re in full control, and we can change everything ourselves. The platform is easy to use and adaptable, meaning we can update navigation and content in real-time, ensure our app design is consistent with our branding and remain open to integrating anything at any time.

Looking back, did you get what you wanted?

We got exactly what we wanted, an off the shelf, innovative solution paired with the flexibility that you could normally only achieve with your own in-house development. Innovatise is more than a vendor, the team is always there and care about our success.

More about myFitApp

The Better UK App is built and managed by Innovatise’s myFitApp platform – the all-in-one hybrid business platform, providing marketing, commerce and hybrid fitness to GLL members.

Flexibility and configurability are at the heart of the myFitApp solution, two characteristics that were vital during the past 18 months as centres closed and then reopened with often-varying restrictions.

To find out more head to myFitApp’s official website.


Supplier: Innovatise

Innovatise is a pioneer in mobile marketing and the creator of myFitApp, an open, flexible, independent and digital marketing platform for the fitness industry. Gyms and Health Clubs use myFitApp to strengthen their brand, retain members, attract new ones and increase sales with the unique power of mobile.
Web: https://www.myfitapp.com

Click here to visit Innovatise's leisure-kit listing


Connect with
fitness-kit.net
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

Find the right products and services for your company
News search
 
Advertise your products
on the leisure-kit Product Report
And reach over 57,000 leisure buyers

Call
+44 (0)1462 431385
 
Opinion

Searching questions

Paul Bedford discusses the ‘double-edged sword’ of the growing trend for strength training, and his ambitions for the health and fitness sector
View feature>>
Catalogue gallery
 
Company profile
 
Safe Space Lockers

We provide a full turn-key solution for clients from design and consultation, through to bespoke manufacture, installation, aftersales and servicing solutions.
View full profile>>
 

To advertise your product and reach over 57,000 leisure buyers call
+44 (0)1462 431385 or email [email protected]
Fitness jobs
Powered by
leisureopportunities.com
Contract Customer Services Manager
Salary: £27,500 - £28,500pa
Location:Horfield, Bristol, UK
Company: Everyone Active
More>>
Swim Teacher
Salary: Competitive
Location:Basildon
Company: Everyone Active
More>>
Recreation Assistant/Lifeguard (NPLQ required)
Salary: 9.50 ph
Location:Basildon
Company: Everyone Active
More>>
Team Leader
Salary: Competitive salary, excellent benefits
Location:Basildon
Company: Everyone Active
More>>
 
Fitness news
Powered by
leisureopportunities.com
28 Mar 2024
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science

A new urban city centre in Gothenburg, Sweden is in development with the aim of accelerating health innovation.
More>>
28 Mar 2024
4Global and UK Active launch private sector health club benchmarking

The first annual Private Sector Benchmarking report was released today (27 March). A collaboration between UK Active and 4Global, the aim of the research is to provide accurate insight into the state of UK-based private sector health clubs.
More>>
 
Diary dates
Powered by
leisurediary.com
08-09 Apr 2024
Medical Wellness Congress

St. Martins Spa & Lodge Frauenkirchen
Austria
More>>
11-14 Apr 2024
FIBO Global Fitness

Exhibition Centre Cologne
Germany
More>>
22-24 Apr 2024
UK Aufguss Championships

Galgorm Resort York

More>>
 
Property & tenders
Powered by
leisureproperty.com
30 acres at Clays Lane, Debden Green, Loughton
Location: Loughton, IG10
Company:Knight Frank
More>>
Tender: retail units at The Engine Yard, Belvoir Castle
Location: Grantham, Leicestershire
Company:Belvoir Castle
More>>
To Let – Potterne Park Sports Ground
Location: Verwood, Dorset
Company:AVISON YOUNG
More>>

 
To advertise your product and
reach over 57,000 leisure buyers
call
+44 (0)1462 431385

Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd