lunacal

Personal Trainer Appointment Software - Free

Drawing from my hands-on experience with 30+ scheduling tools, insights from 50 trainers, and analysis of 150 reviews.

logo

28 December 2024

clockImg

8 min read

Table of Contents

Introduction

Imagine missing your client’s most important session because of a scheduling error. Frustrating, right?


I’ve experienced that disappointment firsthand.


Are you dealing with the same headache? This article is built on my experience with over 30 products, interviews with 50 trainers, and analysis of 150 reviews.

3 scheduling software part of this study

logo

Lunacal

logo

10to8

logo

Vagaro

Top Scheduling software comparison guide

Detailed ComprisonLunacal10to8Vagaro
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. User-friendly Interface When I used scheduling software for personal training, I needed it to be simple. If you spend more time figuring out the program than managing your schedule, it’s not worth it. Look for a clean, intuitive layout.

  • 2. Customization Options In my experience, I found that customizable settings made all the difference. Can you set up sessions for different durations? Can you color-code your calendar? Having these options lets you tailor the software to your needs.

  • 3. Automated Reminders Automated reminders save a ton of stress. I’ve often forgotten to send reminder texts or emails. Does your appointment booking software for personal training offer this feature? It’s a real lifesaver.

  • 4. Client Management This isn't just about scheduling. It's about knowing your clients. Can you track progress, log notes, and manage client info in one place? It can significantly enhance your relationship with them.

  • 5. Integration with Other Tools In today’s tech age, who wants to juggle between different tools? Good scheduling software for personal training should integrate seamlessly with payment systems, email, and other tools you use daily.

  • 6. Reporting and Analytics Data insights help you improve. I found value in seeing which time slots were most popular or sessions that were frequently canceled. Does the software offer comprehensive reports? They can provide valuable feedback.

  • 7. Group Session Booking Some of my clients like group sessions. Does your software support that? Being able to schedule multiple people at once while managing individual needs is crucial.

Lunacal

Imagine turning a simple booking page into an engaging brand experience. That’s what Lunacal does. It’s not just another calendar tool; it’s a personal portfolio. I've used it, and it genuinely makes every booking interaction meaningful. Ideal for freelancers and small businesses, it elevates scheduling to a new level.

img

Features of Lunacal

  • Customizable Scheduling Pages: Personalize every detail. Add bios, images, and client testimonials. Clients get a sense of who you are before meeting you, making every interaction feel more personal.

  • Client Testimonials Integration: Displaying testimonials builds instant credibility. In my experience, this has reassured clients and boosted bookings. Real success stories make a difference.

  • Free Forever Plan: Test Lunacal without cost. Access basic features indefinitely, perfect for discovering its capabilities.

  • Calendar Sync: Keep everything in one place by syncing with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars.

  • Automated Reminders: Set personalized email and SMS reminders, reducing no-shows and keeping clients engaged.

  • Buffer Times: Need breathing room? Set buffers before and after appointments to manage your time effectively.

  • Team Collaboration Tools: Round-robin and lead routing features distribute bookings evenly among team members.

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
    • Deep customization options make your scheduling page unique.
    • Accessible free plan with essential features.
    • Seamless calendar integration keeps everything in sync.
    • Automated reminders save time and reduce no-shows.
    • Effective team management enhances collaboration.
Cons of Lunacal
    • No native integrations with complex CRM tools like Salesforce.
    • May lack complexity for large enterprises.
    • Limited advanced features in the free plan.

Lunacal: Our Verdict

Lunacal provides a truly personalized scheduling experience, setting it apart from options like SavvyCal. Especially beneficial for freelancers and small businesses, it transforms a simple calendar into an engaging touchpoint. In my experience, setup was easy, and it made my booking page more interactive and reflective of my brand. For larger businesses, the paid plans or additional integrations might be necessary.

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

10to8

I’ve tested a lot of scheduling tools, but 10to8 stands out. Perfect for personal trainers, it's user-friendly and efficient. It integrates well with other tools I use. If you're searching for the best appointment booking tool for personal training, 10to8 is worth considering.

Features of 10to8

  • Calendar Sync: Syncs with Google, Outlook, and more, keeping all your appointments organized.

  • Automated Reminders: Sends SMS and email reminders to reduce no-shows.

  • Customizable Booking Pages: Tailor your booking page to reflect your brand.

  • Client Management: Store client details and notes conveniently in one place.

  • Multiple User Support: Great for teams, allowing you to manage multiple trainers' schedules.

  • Payment Integration: Accept payments directly through the booking platform.

Pricing Details

10to8 scheduling software offers flexible pricing plans, including a free version for small teams, with paid options starting at $9.60 per month for more advanced features and customization.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of 10to8
    • User-friendly interface.
    • Strong integration with major calendars.
    • Automated reminders reduce no-shows.
    • Customizable booking pages enhance brand visibility.
    • Supports multiple users and team scheduling.
Cons of 10to8
    • May require some time to set up initially.
    • Limited advanced features on the free plan.
    • Can be overwhelming with too many customization options.
    • Customer support can be slow at times.

10to8: Our Verdict

10to8 is a solid choice for personal trainers who need efficient scheduling. In my experience, it was easy to use and integrated well with other tools. The customization options allowed me to make my booking page unique. Good for individual trainers and teams alike. If you want to explore more options, then check out our article on best 10to8 alternatives.

Overall Score: 7.1/10

Detailed score breakdown:

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

Vagaro

I’ve tried my fair share of scheduling software, and Vagaro is one that definitely caught my eye. Tailored for personal trainers, its features help streamline booking and client management. If you're looking for the best appointment booking tool for personal training, Vagaro deserves a hard look.

Features of Vagaro

  • Online Booking: Allows clients to book online anytime, offering convenience.

  • Automated Notifications: Sends reminders through email and SMS to reduce no-shows.

  • Customizable Forms: Create intake forms to collect client information before appointments.

  • Payments and POS: Integrated payment processing and point of sale for easy transactions.

  • Client Management: Stores client notes, history, and preferences in one place.

  • Class and Group Booking: Manage multiple clients in classes or group sessions.

Pricing Details

Vagaro starts at $25/month for a single user and scales up depending on additional features and users. The price can rise quickly if you add POS or extra users.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of Vagaro
    • Automated reminders help reduce no-shows.
    • Integrated payments streamline transactions.
    • User-friendly interface.
    • Supports both individual and group bookings.
Cons of Vagaro
    • Initial setup can be time-consuming.
    • Some features locked behind higher pricing tiers.
    • Customer support can be slow to respond.
    • Mobile app can be glitchy at times.

Vagaro: Our Verdict

Vagaro stands out as a versatile tool for personal trainers. In my experience, it was straightforward to set up and manage. I loved the automated notifications and integrated payments. While the setup took some time, the robust features made it worthwhile. Good for solo trainers and those managing classes.

Overall Score: 7.5/10

Detailed score breakdown:

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

Factors you shouldn't miss

  • Scheduling Page: An impressive scheduling page can attract clients. Look for options to add your profile, images, and even videos to give it a personal touch.

  • Customization: Ensure the software lets you tailor features to your needs. Customizable settings can enhance your brand's identity.

  • Teams: If you manage multiple trainers, team management features are a must. Look for options like shared calendars and team-specific settings.

  • Support: Reliable customer support is crucial. Check if the software offers timely assistance through chat, email, or phone.

  • Ease of Use: Opt for user-friendly software. If it’s too complicated, you’ll spend more time figuring it out than managing your schedule.

What no one will tell you

**Test Drive It First: **Trust me, always make use of the free trial. It's the best way to understand if the tool suits your needs without spending a dime. Don’t just assume it’ll work for you; experience it firsthand. For example, scheduling software for yoga studios often offers trial versions to showcase features like class management and member scheduling.


Evaluate Customer Support: When things go wrong, fast support is crucial. Don’t just skim over this. Look for reviews or forums where people talk about their experiences with customer service. Your future self will thank you.


Think Long-Term: It’s tempting to go for a cheaper tool. But consider how your needs might grow. Investing in a good tool from the beginning can save you the pain of switching later. I’ve made this mistake; don’t be me.


Check for Hidden Costs: Keep an eye out for extra fees. Will you need to pay for additional features later? Make sure you understand the full pricing structure. It can save you from future budgeting headaches.


Read Real Reviews: User reviews are gold. Look for honest reviews from personal trainers like you. What works for a large business may not work for a solo trainer. Tools like Pilates studio booking software can often have niche features that cater specifically to your type of business. Get the real scoop before committing.

Conclusion: Which is the best scheduling tool for Personal training?

For me, Lunacal is miles ahead of any other scheduling tool I've used. It gives you a personalized touch with scheduling pages featuring bios, testimonials, and more. User-friendly and quick to set up, it's perfect for personal trainers.


For large companies, consider demoing Calendly or Acuity Scheduling. While they can be difficult to use and sometimes overpriced, their deep integrations make them suitable for bigger teams.


Lunacal’s rapid growth shows it’s attracting users from traditional tools. With a free forever plan, guided onboarding, and excellent support, it’s my top pick for personal trainers looking for a hassle-free scheduling solution.

FAQs

  • 1. What features should I look for in the best scheduling software for personal training?

    Look for automated reminders, easy client management, integration with calendars, and customizable scheduling pages. If your studio offers group workouts, ensure the tool includes features like gym class booking software for managing multiple participants efficiently.

  • 2. Is it important for the scheduling software to have mobile access for personal training?

    Yes, having mobile access lets you manage appointments on the go. It’s crucial for trainers who need flexibility and quick access to their schedules anywhere, anytime.

  • 3. How do I choose the best appointment booking tool for my personal training business?

    Evaluate your specific needs, test free trials, read user reviews, and make sure it offers essential features like calendar sync and client reminders. Additionally, consider user-friendliness, customer support, and compatibility with broader fitness studio booking software for better scalability.

  • 4. Can scheduling software help reduce no-shows in personal training sessions?

    Yes, most effective tools offer automated reminders via SMS or email. This keeps clients informed and reduces no-shows, saving you time and ensuring a more consistent schedule.