You run a gym, not a software lab, so the real question we’ll answer in this Gymdesk review, is whether this platform actually lets you drop the busywork and how it stacks up as part of the top coaching tools shaping the fitness industry.
Image Credit: Gymdesk
Born in Austin, Texas, launched in early 2016 as Martial Arts on Rails and rebranded to Gymdesk in 2021, it’s now a cloud platform with a members app and even a ready-made website, backed by a 30-day free trial with no credit card so you can road-test it before committing, but we comming back to that later on.
In the pages ahead we’ll give you a clean, unspoiled look at Gymdesk pricing list, the setup flow, the navigation that helps owners get moving fast, and the trade-offs real users mention (like wanting deeper reporting) so you can decide in minutes whether it fits your operation.
Image Credit: Gymdesk
Table of Contents
A Straightforward Overview Of Gymdesk
For owners and coaches, daily operations often feel like a balancing act: managing class bookings, keeping track of memberships, processing payments, and staying connected with clients—all while trying to maintain a professional environment that keeps members motivated and coming back.
Media from Gymdesk
Now you might be wondering what this whole Gymdesk actually is. First of all, this sustainable platform has been a huge success, an outstanding success right from the beginning. The platform was designed to simplify the moving parts, bringing scheduling, billing, and communication into one place that feels natural for businesses that want to grow without drowning in administration.
RELATED: See how our – Zen Planner Review helps gyms cut down on admin work.
Plus when you read through Gymdesk reviews, you start to see a common thread of professionals who struggled with scattered tools suddenly discover that having everything under one roof gives them the freedom to focus on training, community. but we are going to show you more about those reviews later on.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
- Modern all-in-one dashboard for scheduling, billing, and member communication
- Ready-made gym website included, mobile-optimized and SEO-friendly
- Lead capture with forms, email/SMS automation, and referral tracking
- Attendance tracking with built-in progression monitoring
- Automated billing with recurring and on-demand payments
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
✅ Easy to use, intuitive design with clean interface
✅ Outstanding customer support, responsive and personal
✅ Transparent pricing with great value, website included
✅ Strong integrations with Stripe, Square, Zapier, Kisi
❌ Cons
❌ No built-in payroll module for staff compensation
❌ Family-account pricing can feel complicated
Before You Subscribe
- Start with a 30-day free trial—no credit card required—then plans begin at $75/month for Micro Gyms (up to 50 members), scaling up to $200/month for larger facilities.
- Gymdesk’s pricing is intentionally straightforward. You’re not locked into contracts, there are no setup fees, and the cost only increases as your member base grows. This makes it easier for small gyms to start without a heavy upfront investment, while larger facilities know exactly what to expect as they expand.
Is Gymdesk Worth It?
Whether or not Gymdesk is really worth it can be quite difficult to decide at the last minute, as you always want to make sure that you choose a system capable of bringing together client engagement, financial oversight, staff coordination, and overall gym operations in one seamless flow that allows your business to move forward with confidence while keeping the true focus on coaching quality, and a great community building.
Media from Gymdesk
For many gym owners and personal trainers the real question is whether the investment pays off in daily operations, and when you look at how the platform simplifies billing, scheduling, communication, and even provides a ready-made website—similar to how Zen Planner helps gyms streamline payments and class schedules.
The value becomes very clear, by exploring Gymdesk.com you see that the pricing model scales fairly with your growth.
So which means smaller gyms avoid heavy upfront costs while larger facilities gain a reliable system that supports expansion without the burden of hidden fees or complicated contracts.
Media from Gymdesk
Great For:
- Independent gym owners
- Boutique fitness studios
- Martial arts schools
- Personal trainers running their own programs
- Growing facilities needing an all-in-one solution
Not Recommended For:
- Large corporate gyms with complex payroll systems
- Owners looking for a free, entry-level tool
Gymdesk App – Specs
| Price | $75–$200/month |
| Available On | Web, iOS, Android |
| Integrations | Stripe, Square, Zapier, Kisi |
| Trial | 30-day free trial |
| Support | Live chat & email |
Quick Quide: How To Get Started With Gymdesk
The real bonus with Gymdesk is how easy it is to navigate, with a setup that takes less than five minutes.
Everything start, once you complete the signup, your real process begins at the gymdesk login screen, after entering your credentials, you’re met with a clean, guided onboarding flow that prompts you to share key details about your gym, programs offered, operating hours, payment preferences, and pricing structure.
Media from Gymdesk
This early configuration sets the foundation for everything in your account, and you can always adjust those settings from the “Settings” tab later on.
Next, you’ll arrive at the Dashboard, the intuitive command center that presents a getting-started checklist designed to launch your operations efficiently.
underscoring why a strategic, well-designed onboarding process is a key competitive advantage
From there, you can dive directly into adding programs (complete with customizable levels or Belt-style progressions if you offer martial arts classes), creating your class schedules on a drag-and-drop calendar view, inviting managers or staff with tailored access, and enabling billing with your choice of integrated payment providers like Stripe, Square, Authorize.net, or GoCardless.
Media from Gymdesk
Gymdesk App
From the moment you open the app, what stands out immediately is the rhythm of its mobile-first design, built for quick session bookings, effortless class cancellations, and instant check-ins via QR codes or barcodes, all without the awkward taps or unclear menus other apps force you through. The app builds member momentum by tracking progression toward belts or skill levels and nudging you forward with reminders the moment you’re ready for the next test.
For members, the app transforms your phone into a personal gym assistant—manage payments, view upcoming classes, switch between profiles on family memberships, explore exclusive content, and even flash a barcode or QR for smooth check-in.
Media from Gymdesk
And from a trainer or admin perspective, it’s a messaging strong point, push notifications reach your members directly, instantly—no spam folders, no delays. Plus, the option to upgrade to a fully whitelabeled branded member app means your app can reflect your studio’s identity in every visual detail—and not be just some generic app on your member’s phone.
RELATED: See how FitBudd helps trainers build fully branded fitness apps
Media from Gymdesk
What Sets The Gymdesk App Apart
- Native iOS & Android apps – members can check in, book classes, update payments, view progress, and even access a barcode/QR digital membership card with effortless speed.
- Mobile-first communication tools – push notifications reach members instantly, bypassing spam folders and ensuring timely engagement directly from your phone.
- Access exclusive member content on the go – your members can unlock training videos, PDFs, or program guides tailored by rank or membership tier.
- Account management anywhere – members can update payment info, manage family accounts, and adjust personal preferences, all from their mobile device.
Pros & Cons – Gymdesk App
✅ Pros
✅ Native iOS & Android apps with smooth navigation
✅ Instant push notifications that never hit spam folders
✅ Members can manage accounts, payments, and content anywhere
❌Cons
❌ Limited offline functionality without internet connection
❌ Branding features like a white-labeled app come at an extra cost
Gymdesk Pricing Explained
When it comes to Gymdesk pricing, what really shines is how clearly the cost scales with your growth, plans start at $75/month for Micro Gyms (up to 50 members), then increase to $100 for Small Gyms (51–100 members), $150 for Medium (101–200), and as we said earlier $200 for Large Gyms (201–400). Each tier includes all features, a ready-made website, and access for unlimited staff.
You also get a 30-day free trial—no credit card required—and can cancel anytime with no contracts or hidden fees.
Media from Gymdesk
This straightforward model means you’re never paying for features you don’t need, and the built-in website alone can save you hundreds, if not thousands, in startup costs—making it a smart, scalable option for both small studios and gyms on the rise.
Creating Accountability Through Online Workout Groups
Gymdesk magnifies accountability in a way that truly stands out, by enabling gyms and trainers to build private online workout communities, where members can participate in live sessions, share progress, and support each other even when they can’t be there in person. It’s more than a tool—it creates a social glue that keeps motivation high, fosters consistency, and helps members feel connected to their fitness goals on a deeper level.
Gymdesk VS Exercise.com
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS – Exercise.com
- Custom-branded iOS & Android apps tailored to your gym’s identity
- Automated workout plans and assessments delivered directly through the app
- Built-in eCommerce, CRM and automation for streamlined business management
- Progress tracking and workout analytics to keep members accountable
- Multi-location and membership billing for both in-person and online operations
✅ Pros
✅ Exceptional customization—owners get branded apps on the app stores
✅ Powerful automation for workouts, messaging, and retention tools
✅ Integrated CRM and eCommerce for seamless business growth
❌ Cons
❌ Steep learning curve due to platform’s feature density
❌ Some users report app glitches like crashes when switching apps mid-workout
Gymdesk Vs Exercise.com Quick Comparison
Right when you check out, both Gymdesk and Exercise.com they acyally offer the same promise, one platform to manage scheduling, membership, communication, and mobile apps. But the deeper you look, the more their true identities start to show through.
Media from Exercise.com
The Gymdesk price is refreshingly transparent—starting at $75/month for Micro Gyms and scaling up to $200/month for those with 201–400 members, with everything (including a mobile-ready website) bundled in and a 30-day free trial without needing a credit card.
In contrast, Exercise.com starts at approximately $239/month, based on independent profiles from Capterra and Software Advice, and requires you to request a quote for precise customization, showing that it’s clearly aimed at more established, larger businesses.
So what sets them apart? Gymdesk thrives on clarity, speed, and accessibility—get up and running fast and easy. Exercise.com, on the other hand, leans into depth, custom branding, advanced CRM, multi-location support, and high-powered automation tools. Both aim to simplify gym management, but Gymdesk wins on Scalability Without Stress, while Exercise.com is for those who demand Enterprise-Level Customization.
Media from Gymdesk
| Gymdesk | Exercise.com |
|---|---|
| $75–$200/month | ~$239+/month (quote-based) |
| 30-day free trial, no credit card | No free trial, demo on request |
| Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Website included, branding options | Fully custom-branded apps |
| Stripe, Square, Zapier, Kisi | Zapier, Stripe, PayPal, more |
Customer Experience
“Gymdesk is an easy-to-use platform. There are no crashes, lags, or interruptions between the client and the gym. It’s worth the price.”
— Jerry Stensness, Owner and Head Coach, Rogue Training Centre
Capterra
At Nutrition Ports, we feel that statement really resonates — stability and simplicity are not just features, but a promise delivered in the everyday reality of running and owning a gym. But we also want to show both sides of the coin, to keep things honest.
“Terrible customer service and support – simply terrible. For one, they do not provide a phone number at ALL… a pain.”
— Mark B.
Capterra
That’s a first-hand account we can’t and won’t ignore at Nutrition Ports fast, direct support is absolutely critical, and not everyone experienced it that way.
Our Take At Nutrition Ports
Gymdesk shines with clear ease of use and strong platform performance — it feels like a steady hand once everything is in motion. At the same time, the customer experience isn’t flawless across the board, especially when it comes to support channels. These nuances create credibility and help you, the reader, make a truly informed decision.
Customer Reviews
Across different platforms, Gymdesk reviews reveal a consistent pattern. On Capterra, the software holds a strong 4.8/5 rating, with many owners praising the clean setup and responsive support, though some point out gaps like limited reporting and no payroll features.
On the App Store, the Gymdesk – Members App stands even higher at 4.9/5 from 14 reviews, where members highlight the convenience of checking into classes, booking sessions, and tracking progress directly from their phone.
Our Last Final Words Of This Gym Desk Review
At the end of the day, Gymdesk stands out as a platform built on clarity, speed, and trust. With pricing from $75–$200/month and a 30-day free trial with no credit card required, it offers an accessible entry point for gyms that want professional tools without hidden costs. Its reputation is strong across platforms—4.8/5 on Capterra from business owners and an impressive 4.9/5 on the App Store from members—showing both sides find real value.
What makes it unique is how incredibly fast owners and coaches can get started; the navigation feels so natural that many describe being “set up in minutes,” freeing them to focus on training and community rather than admin.
A couple Of Things Worth Noting Before Sign up
Reporting and payroll features are not as advanced as some enterprise systems.
Its strength lies in simplicity, perfect for gyms that want clean growth, but less tailored for complex corporate setups.
Our Final Words
Gymdesk has earned its reputation as one of the most intuitive, reliable gym management apps on the market, fast to adopt, fairly priced, and trusted by both owners and members.
Full Rating
Gymdesk App
Gymdesk is a cloud-based gym management platform created by Martial Arts on Rails LLC, designed to help gyms, studios, and personal trainers handle memberships, payments, scheduling, and member engagement through an all-in-one system with web and mobile apps.
Full Rating
Product Brand: Gymdesk (Martial Arts on Rails LLC)
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: $75–$200/month
Product Availability: Web, iOS, Android
Editor’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.9/5
Gymdesk FAQs
Exactly What Can I Import Into Gymdesk From My Old System?
Migrating data always sounds like a pain, but with Gymdesk it’s actually simple. You can pull in members, payments, attendance, even products with a quick CSV upload. Match the fields, hit import, and you’re good to go.
Are There Hidden Fees Or Long-Term Contracts I Should Know About?”
Nope, no hidden fees here. You get a free 30-day trial, plans run $75–$200 depending on size, and you can cancel anytime. The only extra costs are what Stripe or Square charge for payments. Super transparent.
