lunacal

Free Fitness Studio Scheduling Software (2025)

Based on my direct experience with over 30 tools, conversations with 80+ professionals, and insights from 250 reviews.

logo

28 December 2024

clockImg

8 min read

Table of Contents

Introduction

Did you know poor scheduling can ruin your fitness studio’s success?


I’ve experienced this firsthand. My quest led me to explore over 50 scheduling tools.


Speaking with more than 70 industry experts and scanning 300 reviews felt overwhelming.


This article aims to save you from the same frustration.

3 scheduling software part of this study

logo

Lunacal

logo

SimplyBook.me

logo

Booksy

Top Scheduling software comparison guide

Detailed ComprisonLunacalSimplyBook.meBooksy
Scheduling Page
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Customization
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Teams
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Support
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Ease of use
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
3rd party integrations
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
User interface
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Calendar sync
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Free plan
yes
no
no

Features your scheduling tool should have

  • 1. Easy-to-Use Interface

  • Ever struggled with clunky software? I have. When I used clunky systems, it took forever to book a class. Make sure your Scheduling Software for Fitness Studios is user-friendly. Simplify your life and focus more on your clients, not the software.

  • 2. Integration with Calendar Systems

  • In my experience, integrating with calendars like Google Calendar was a lifesaver. It syncs everything seamlessly. No more double booking or missed appointments. Your clients can see real-time availability and book their preferred slots.

  • 3. Client Management

  • Imagine having all your client information in one place. Well, this is crucial. Appointment booking Software for Fitness Studios should help manage client profiles, track attendance, and even store notes on preferences. It makes personalized service easier.

  • 4. Automated Reminders

  • I can't tell you how many times automated reminders have saved my skin. They help reduce no-shows and ensure classes are filled. Scheduling software must send automatic reminders via email or text. It keeps everyone informed and engaged.

  • 5. Payment Processing

  • Handling payments manually is a headache. Trust me. Ensure the software you pick can process payments smoothly. It should handle memberships, packages, and even single sessions. Secure and fast transactions make life simpler for both you and your clients.

  • 6. Class and Trainer Scheduling

  • When I used certain software, scheduling trainers alongside classes was chaotic. Look for software that allows you to schedule and assign trainers efficiently. This ensures that the right trainer is available for the right class at the right time.

  • 7. Waitlist Management

  • Ever had clients hassle you about fully booked classes? I have, and it’s not fun. Good scheduling software should manage waitlists automatically. It can notify clients if a spot opens up, making everyone happier.

  • 8. Reporting and Analytics

  • Data is gold. With detailed reporting, you can see which classes are popular and who shows up regularly. When I had access to insightful reports, planning became easier and smarter. Make sure the software provides clear and useful analytics.

Lunacal

Have you ever wished your calendar could do more than just book appointments? I have. Lunacal turns a simple scheduling page into a dynamic brand experience. This tool allows you to personalize every aspect, making it feel like a personal portfolio. Ideal for freelancers, small businesses, and anyone who values brand identity in every interaction.

img

Features of Lunacal

  • Customizable Scheduling Pages: Add bios, images, videos, and client testimonials to make your scheduling page an extension of yourself. Clients get a feel for who you are before they even meet you, building trust.

  • Client Testimonials Integration: Show positive feedback from others directly on your page. In my experience, having this visible trust-builder boosts conversions even before meetings start.

  • Branding Options: Personalize everything from colors to logos, creating a cohesive look that matches your brand. Clients will know your brand at every step.

  • Calendar Sync: Sync with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars effortlessly. All your bookings in one place makes life a lot simpler.

  • Automated Reminders: Set up personalized email and SMS reminders. Reduce no-shows and keep clients engaged without lifting a finger.

  • Free Forever Plan: Test Lunacal at no cost. The basic features come without an expiration date, perfect for trial runs.

Pricing Details

Lunacal offers a free plan with basic features that never expires. Paid plans start at $10/month per user, unlocking advanced features like custom branding and team scheduling. If you need more functionality, higher-tier options are available.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of Lunacal
    • Customization: Personalize your scheduling page to match your brand.
    • Accessible Free Plan: Essential features at no cost.
    • Seamless Integration: Syncs with major platforms like Google and Outlook.
    • Automated Reminders: Keeps clients informed, reduces no-shows.
    • Team Management: Lead routing and round-robin scheduling enhance efficiency.
Cons of Lunacal
    • Lacks native integration with complex CRM tools like Salesforce.
    • May not be complex enough for large enterprises.

Lunacal: Our Verdict

Lunacal offers a unique and personalized scheduling experience. It stands out, especially when compared to older tools like SavvyCal. It's fantastic for freelancers and small businesses wanting their booking page to reflect their brand. When I used it, setting up was simple, turning my scheduling page into a meaningful interaction.


However, larger businesses might find themselves needing the paid plans or additional integrations to meet their needs fully. Still, for those valuing deep personalization and a more engaging booking experience, Lunacal is worth a look.

Overall Score: 9.2/10

Detailed score breakdown:

  • Scheduling Page : 3/3
  • Customization : 3/3
  • Teams : 2/3
  • Support : 3/3
  • Ease of use : 3/3
  • 3rd party integrations : 2/3
  • User interface : 3/3
  • Calendar sync : 3/3

SimplyBook.me

Have you ever felt overwhelmed managing your fitness studio’s schedule? I have. That's where SimplyBook.me swoops in. This tool is often touted as one of the best scheduling software for fitness studios. It simplifies booking, making life easier for both you and your clients.

Features of SimplyBook.me

  • Online Booking System: Allow clients to book classes or personal training sessions anytime.

  • Customizable Booking Pages: Personalize your booking page with logos, colors, and images.

  • Client Management: Store client info, track attendance, and manage payments all in one place.

  • Automated Reminders: Send SMS or email reminders to reduce no-shows.

  • Membership Management: Handle memberships and subscriptions seamlessly.

  • Reporting Tools: Generate reports to track the success of your classes and services.

Pricing Details

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of SimplyBook.me
    • Easy-to-use interface.
    • Effective client management features.
    • Customizable scheduling pages.
    • Automated reminders.
    • Detailed reporting and analytics.
Cons of SimplyBook.me
    • Free plan has limited features.
    • Learning curve for advanced features.
    • Basic design customization.
    • Limited integration with some third-party tools.

SimplyBook.me: Our Verdict

SimplyBook.me stands out for its user-friendly interface and robust features, making it one of the best appointment booking tools for fitness studios. In my experience, it simplified my scheduling system and kept clients engaged with automated reminders. Perfect for small to mid-sized studios needing straightforward scheduling and client management.

Overall Score: 7.1/10

Detailed score breakdown:

  • Scheduling page : 1/3
  • Customization : 2/3
  • Teams : 2/3
  • Support : 3/3
  • Ease of use : 2/3
  • 3rd party integrations : 2/3
  • User interface : 2/3
  • Calendar sync : 3/3

Booksy

Managing a fitness studio’s schedule can be a real headache. I’ve been there. That's why Booksy caught my eye. It's often considered among the best scheduling software for fitness studios. It streamlines booking and client management, making your life simpler and more efficient.

Features of Booksy

  • Online Booking System: Clients can book classes or sessions anytime, anywhere.

  • Client Management: Store all client info, track attendance, and manage memberships easily.

  • Automated Reminders: Send out email or SMS reminders automatically to reduce no-shows.

  • Inventory Management: Keep track of your stock, from fitness gear to supplements.

  • Financial Reporting: Generate detailed reports on sales and bookings to monitor your studio's performance.

  • Customizable Booking Page: Personalize your page with your brand's logo and colors.

Pricing Details

Booksy offers a free plan, but most businesses will need the paid plans that start around $29.99 per month. There are also add-ons that can push the cost higher depending on what features you need.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of Booksy
    • User-friendly interface.
    • Effective client and inventory management.
    • Automated reminders.
    • Financial reporting tools.
    • Customizable booking pages.
Cons of Booksy
    • Limited free plan features.
    • Learning curve for advanced functionalities.
    • Can be costlier for larger studios.
    • Limited integration with some niche third-party tools.

Booksy: Our Verdict

Booksy is a robust and user-friendly option, making it one of the best appointment booking tools for fitness studios. In my experience, it streamlined my scheduling and client management, improving efficiency. Perfect for small to mid-sized studios looking for comprehensive scheduling and financial features. We have handpicked Best Booksy alternatives that you would want to check before choosing the right one.

Overall Score: 7.1/10

Detailed score breakdown:

  • Scheduling page : 2/3
  • Customization : 3/3
  • Teams : 2/3
  • Support : 1/3
  • Ease of use : 3/3
  • 3rd party integrations : 2/3
  • User interface : 2/3
  • Calendar sync : 2/3

Factors you shouldn't miss

  • 1. Scheduling Page How impressive is the scheduling page? Look for options to add details like your profile, images, documents, and videos. It’s important to make that first touchpoint engaging.

  • 2. Customization Can you personalize colors, logos, and other elements? Customization options help align the software with your brand, creating a cohesive experience for your clients.

  • 3. Support What kind of customer support is available? Make sure there’s reliable and quick support for troubleshooting to keep your operations running smoothly.

  • 4. Ease of Use Is the software user-friendly? You and your team should be able to navigate it easily without needing extensive training.

  • 5. Free Plan Does the software offer a free plan? Having a no-cost option allows you to test features and ensure it meets your needs before committing financially.

What no one will tell you

Check Trial Periods Thoroughly: Don't just sign up for the free trial and forget about it. Use it intensely. Schedule fake appointments, explore every feature, and ask yourself if it truly fits your studio’s needs. Whether you're managing general fitness clients or using a Pilates class scheduling software, this step is crucial.


Get Your Team's Feedback: Involve your trainers and staff in the decision-making process. They're the ones who'll use it daily. In my experience, their insights can reveal potential pitfalls you might overlook.


Look Beyond Features Fancy: features are great, but consider the user interface too. If navigating the software feels like a chore, it’s not the right fit. Ease of use is as crucial as the functionality itself. A good personal trainer calendar app is an example of blending simplicity with functionality.


Test Customer Support: Before committing, ask a few tough questions to customer support. Their response time and usefulness can be a deal-breaker. You need to know they'll have your back when issues arise.


Think About Scalability: How does the software grow with you? Today it fits perfectly, but will it handle your demands as your studio expands? Make sure it can scale without needing a costly switch down the line.

Conclusion: Which is the best scheduling tool for Fitness studios?

In my experience, Lunacal stands miles ahead of other scheduling tools. Its personalization options and user-friendly design make it a joy to use. Perfect for strengthening your brand and building trust with clients. For larger companies with 500+ users, consider demos of Calendly or Cal.com. They offer deep integrations, although they can sometimes be clunky or unreasonably priced, and support might be limited.


Lunacal, the fastest-growing calendar scheduling platform, allows you to personalize scheduling pages with bios, client testimonials, and multimedia content. Quick support, a free forever plan, and guided onboarding make it a smooth, hassle-free choice for instant use.

FAQs

  • Q1: What features should I look for in the best scheduling software for fitness studios?

    Look for user-friendly interfaces, customization options, client management tools, automated reminders, and calendar sync capabilities. For specialized needs, such as yoga studios, the best yoga studio booking software often includes features like recurring class scheduling and membership management.

  • Q2: How important is customer support when choosing scheduling software for my fitness studio?

    Very important. Reliable support ensures that any issues are quickly resolved, keeping your studio running smoothly without interruptions. Test the support before committing, especially if you're investing in the best gym scheduling software for your business.

  • Q3: Can scheduling software handle memberships and recurring appointments?

    Yes, the best scheduling software for fitness studios can manage memberships and recurring appointments, allowing clients to easily book sessions and pay for memberships seamlessly.

  • Q4: Is a free plan enough for managing my fitness studio's scheduling needs?

    A free plan can be sufficient for small studios or testing purposes. However, for more advanced features like detailed reporting and deeper integrations, you'll likely need a paid plan.