booking system for self-service gyms

Self-service and unstaffed gyms are among the fastest-growing concepts in the fitness market. They offer clients the opportunity to work out at any time without being restricted by opening hours, while allowing operators to run the facility with minimal staffing costs. However, the entire concept depends on technology—all the work handled by reception staff elsewhere must be managed reliably and continuously by the booking and operations system.

What needs to be addressed ...
  • Providing access to the premises without staff being physically present.
  • Monitoring occupancy at specific times to prevent overcrowding.
  • Automated sales and payments for individual entries, passes, or memberships.
  • Verifying that only customers with a valid, paid booking enter the premises.
  • Communicating with customers (confirmations, access details, operating instructions) without personal contact.
  • Ensuring the security and reliability of the access system even in the event of an internet outage or when fully offline.
  • Enabling hybrid operation, combining automated access with regular staff during selected hours.

The reenio booking system is a suitable choice for this type of operation. It connects various online tools—such as booking creation, payment, access management, and physical entry to the premises—into a single automated process. A key feature is its integration with smart locks—once a booking is made and paid for, an access PIN is generated automatically, allowing the client to unlock the door without keys, cards, or staff being present.

From a business perspective, this model transforms the economics of running a gym. Without the need to pay staff for shifts, the facility can remain open virtually around the clock, serve more clients, and offer an attractive, sustainable price. In this model, the booking system is a key component, not an optional feature—in practice, it replaces both the reception desk and the cash register while managing access control. For self-service gym operators, the deciding factors are therefore not only the system’s price and ease of use, but above all whether it can cover the entire operational cycle (booking, payment, access, customer records) within a single solution. At the same time, such a system must operate reliably even without staff being physically present on-site.

Key features for a self-service gym

The reenio booking system addresses the operational needs of a modern gym as a single, integrated solution. Booking, payment, and access to the premises are all part of one process, so operators do not have to manage individual areas of operation separately or rely on manual coordination between different tools and systems.

Smart lock integration

Connecting reservations with smart locks from Igloohome, Nuki, or the Unifi Access system allows customer access to be automated with PIN codes – without any need for personal contact or handing over keys.

Smart lock integration

more in the documentation

You can connect reservations in the reenio system directly with supported smart locks and thus automatically control customer access.

Supported locks include Igloohome (offline operation is also possible thanks to algoPIN technology), Nuki, and the Unifi Access system from Ubiquiti. Each has its own specifics and is an ideal solution for different types of operation and scenarios.

  • Igloohome

    Not just online operation via an internet gateway, but also a standard offline mode using the algoPIN algorithm.

  • Nuki

    A well-known and proven smart lock brand with an online cloud solution.

  • Unifi Access

    A professional solution for demanding operations, enabling full access control and integration with, for example, a camera system.

The whole process can work according to your specific settings, but typically, for example 1 hour before a paid reservation begins, a unique PIN code valid only for that customer and for the duration of their reservation is automatically generated and sent to them. With Igloohome there is an option where the lock doesn't need to be connected to the internet and the customer still receives a unique PIN code. However, an online connection offers greater flexibility and control over access.

To use this integration, you need to have the REENIO Connect feature active in the administration and the ability to use Custom messages, through which the automation itself takes place. The unique PIN code is then sent to the customer via e-mail or SMS.

Online payments

Being able to pay for a reserved service through an online payment gateway is now the standard. Customers today are used to paying quickly and securely in online shops and expect the same comfort when booking or ordering services online.

Online payments

more in the documentation

Let customers pay for their reservation or tickets online right away, before the service is provided – faster, more convenient, and with the certainty that the reservation will be paid, and therefore used.

The reenio system allows you to require prepayment as part of the booking process, so a customer's reservation only becomes valid once paid. You decide yourself whether online payment is mandatory, or whether you leave it up to the customer to pay on site. With mandatory payment, you can set a deadline by which a new reservation must be paid, otherwise it is automatically cancelled and the slot is released for another customer.

For online payments you can choose from several supported payment gateways. The reservation system then handles the technical connection and communication with the chosen gateway, but all business and formal matters are handled directly with the payment gateway provider – you keep the money you receive under your own control, in your own merchant account.

  • GoPay

    An online payment gateway offering a wide range of payment methods, from card payments to fast bank transfers, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

  • Comgate

    Another Czech payment gateway that also operates in other European countries. Its payment methods vary and cover common needs.

  • Stripe

    A global payment gateway that is becoming increasingly popular. It offers fast integration and approval, so you can start accepting payments within minutes.

  • Bank transfer

    A special type of payment method where the reservation system itself can generate a QR code for payment and then automatically verify and match received payments.

After a successful payment, the system automatically marks the reservation as paid and generates and sends the customer a payment document. The reenio system offers a wide range of options and features for working with payments, including exports, refunds, and more. However, it should be noted that reenio itself is not an accounting system.

Event: Interval

This event type allows opening hours to be split into regular time slots. Customers book one or more consecutive time slots according to their own needs. One of the most widely used and most efficient event types.

Interval event type

more in the documentation

If you offer services in regular time slots (60 minutes, 90 minutes, etc.), this is the ideal event type, offering a simple and clear booking process.

The Interval event type lets you define a time range within a single day and split it into smaller, regular chunks. On the reservation page, a customer chooses these specific time slots, which can also follow on from one another, extending their reservation according to the defined rules.

This event type is typically suitable for sports facilities and sports complexes, consulting and advisory services, wellness, or a sauna.

Punch cards and customer credit

Customers who use your services repeatedly and regularly will welcome an efficient way to pay for them, including a discount. Whether it's a punch card for a certain number of visits or a set value, or top-up credit that customers draw down, this feature has you covered.

Punch cards and customer credit

more in the documentation

Offer loyal customers a more convenient way to pay for repeat visits – a punch card for a set number of visits or value, or top-up customer credit.

The reenio system offers several ways to let customers pay for reservations based on a previously prepaid value, instead of individual direct payments.

Punch cards work as a special type of coupon with a set number of visits or a gradually drawn-down amount (credit-based punch card). Applying the punch card code adjusts the reservation price accordingly, either by subtracting a defined amount or applying a discount of up to 100%. These codes don't have to be tied to a specific registered customer account, so they can be used easily and flexibly. They can also be restricted to specific events, so you clearly define which offered activities a punch card can be used for and which not.

Customer credit, on the other hand, works as a virtual wallet linked to a registered and logged-in customer account. A customer can top up their credit themselves online via a payment gateway (potentially with a bonus), or you can top it up manually in the administration, for example when paying in cash at reception. A credit wallet can in principle also have an expiration set.

Both solutions can be used effectively together with online payments, where the whole process of purchasing punch cards or credit can be fully automated. There are many possibilities, and it always depends on your specific settings and how you think through how and under what rules these customer-loyalty tools will work for your particular type of business.

Notifications

Keeping customers informed is one of the key functions of any system. The ability to send a customer confirmation of a reservation being created, cancelled, or paid, or a reminder about it, is thus an integral part of the reenio system.

The reservation system can automatically inform customers, as well as admins and employees, about what's happening around reservations – you can set up system notifications according to your needs and the way you operate.

System notifications are automatic e-mails and SMS messages that the system sends on behalf of your reservation page without any further action on your part. These include confirmation of a successful reservation, confirmation of cancellation, confirmation of payment, reservation approval, a PDF with reservation codes, a reminder of an upcoming event, and more.

For each event type in the settings, you determine which channel it should be sent through – e-mail, SMS, or both – and, if relevant, how far in advance. For example, a reminder about an upcoming event can be sent 24 hours and also 3 hours in advance. Sending, of course, assumes you have the corresponding customer contact details available.

  • For customers

    All communication and information from the system to the customer, including a reminder so a reservation doesn't lapse unnecessarily.

  • For administrators

    To provide a basic overview of what's happening in the system without needing to constantly check and log into the administration.

  • For employees

    Ideal when a specific employee needs to be notified that a reservation for their services has been made and they need to plan for it.

Unlike custom messages, these are messages with a fixed, predefined content reflecting reservation information – their content or form cannot be freely edited, only when and to whom they are sent can be configured.

API and automation

If the reservation system's built-in options aren't enough, you can use the API and implement the functionality you need yourself, using the data provided by the system. Using the API brings a new dimension of process and data automation in connection with the reservation system.

API and automation

more in the documentation

Connect the reservation system to other applications, smart devices, or automation processes according to your own needs, using the API (Application Programming Interface).

Being able to use the API interface brings a completely new perspective on how you can work with the data managed and provided by the reservation system. Using HTTP-based queries, you can retrieve specific data about reservations, customer overviews, accounting documents, code lists, and more.

Another important element in this regard is so-called Webhooks. These are notifications that can notify any external system, based on an event that has occurred, that a new reservation has been made, that a payment has been received, and so on. Combining Webhook notifications with subsequently retrieving data via the API can result in a comprehensive implementation of your own data-processing logic.

So if you need to build your own statistics dashboards, control lighting in a hall based on ongoing reservations, turn on sauna heating, or communicate with a smart lock, and so on, then using the API offered by the reservation system is essential. A typical use is also a direct connection to automation services such as Make or Home Assistant. What data and methods the API provides (mostly access to data) is described in detail in the documentation.

Custom messages

Automating communication with customers based on specific requirements and events brings a powerful tool that supports and improves how well informed your customers are, simplifies processes, and also improves your marketing work and how you gather feedback.

Custom messages

more in the documentation

Automate communication with customers exactly to your needs – from reminders, through satisfaction surveys, to marketing offers, in the form of e-mails or SMS messages. The possibilities of custom messages are, however, far broader. Custom messages can also be used to notify an external system or device, or to inform administrators or employees.

Custom messages allow you to set up sending of messages tied to a specific event in the reservation process and a corresponding moment in time. The event can be automatic (creation of a reservation, end of an event, etc.) or tied to a manual change of a reservation's status in the administration or mobile app.

  • E-mail

    The basic type of custom message, where a text e-mail message with your own content is sent.

  • SMS

    A popular message type which, although limited in size and format, offers greater delivery certainty.

  • Webhook

    A technical solution for notifying an external system that some event has occurred. Typically used for various automations.

  • Mobile app

    A quick way to send a notification directly into a specific reenio mobile app.

  • Smartemailing

    If simple text content for an e-mail isn't enough, you can use templates and sending via the Smartemailing tool.

Unlike system notifications, which have a fixed structure and content, with custom messages you decide the content and purpose yourself – typically these are used for a thank-you or a request for feedback after an event ends, a reminder before an upcoming event, a marketing offer, booking instructions, birthday or name-day wishes (even with a gift coupon), or a reminder to a customer who hasn't booked for a while.

The content of custom messages can also contain so-called placeholder variables, which are replaced with the corresponding value when the message is actually sent, e.g. the customer's name or the reservation's start time. Custom messages are assigned to events via message groups, so there's no need to set up rules for every event separately, while still keeping flexibility for different situations and needs.

A special feature of certain message types and specific events is the ability to add dynamic elements to a custom message – a satisfaction survey or a generated coupon code. It's entirely up to you how you integrate these options into your marketing activities.

Customer database

An overview of your customers, their details, and history is key to any business. The customer database not only records this data but also provides tools for communication, data export, and meeting GDPR requirements.

Customer database

more in the documentation

Keep a clear customer database with a reservation history and a whole range of related tools. The reenio system automatically builds the customer database based on reservations made or direct registration. A registered customer gains the ability to log in and manage their reservations directly within the reservation page. If customer credit is used, they can see their balance within their account and top it up online.

Depending on your settings, a reservation can also be allowed without registration, simply by entering an e-mail address or phone number, which is especially suitable where you don't expect one specific customer to use the reservation system regularly and often.

A well-maintained, extensive customer database is an important marketing tool. The system offers the option of bulk sending e-mail or SMS messages, which is useful for reaching customers with a new offer, a discount campaign, but also operational information or as part of crisis management.

The customer database naturally contains personal data, which today requires a certain approach to how it's handled and protected. The reservation system allows you to set up automatic deletion of personal data after a chosen period, and also keeps track of customer requests to have their data deleted. This makes it easier to meet GDPR requirements in line with the rules defined for your particular business.

If you need to import a customer database from another system or a manually maintained spreadsheet, that's no problem – an existing customer list can be easily and smartly imported into the reenio system.

Custom booking forms

When the standard details collected from a customer during booking aren't enough, the solution is simple. Booking forms can be extended with custom fields that a customer may or must fill in while booking.

Custom booking forms

more in the documentation

Find out everything you need about customers right at the time of booking – extend the standard form with your own fields and tailor the form to a specific event and type of service.

Custom booking forms let you extend the standard reservation form (name, e-mail, phone) with any additional fields your business needs – from checkboxes, through selecting from options, entering text, all the way to uploading a file (e.g. a photo of the customer or a scanned confirmation). It's also possible to collect specialized data, where the system takes care of validating the correct format.

Individual custom fields can be required, or only shown based on the reserved capacity or a previously selected value. A special group is formed by form fields that affect the reservation price – which makes it easy to handle, for example, a surcharge for renting equipment, a discount for members, or a price adjustment for an above-standard scope of service.

A form can be assigned to a single event, or set globally so it automatically applies to all events on the reservation page. Working with custom forms is therefore very simple while also offering very broad possibilities for use.

Data entered in a custom booking form is saved as part of the specific reservation and can also be included in an export to Excel, and worked with further as needed.

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Are you wondering if an online reservation system is right for you? Check out the FREQUENT QUESTIONS or the DOCUMENTATION pages and try out the reenio system.