Provider Spotlight: Apex Pro Fitness

TeamUp partners with thousands of fitness studios, boxes, and gyms around the world. From high-performance training programs to tight-knit community events, these businesses are known for creating experiences that keep members coming back.

We got the opportunity to chat with Danny Ponton, Owner of Apex Pro Fitness, a small group personal training and group fitness facility in Newcastle, UK. We spoke about building a brand, keeping members engaged, and how a Custom Branded App has changed the day to day for his team and his community.

Tell us about your gym. What made you want to start it?

I'm the owner of Apex Pro Fitness, and we specialise in small group personal training and larger group fitness sessions. I'd spent years as a 1:1 PT coach and outgrown where I was based. Opening my own business was just the next step.

What made a Custom Branded App such a priority for you?

As a high-end small group personal training gym, brand identity matters. We wanted a smart, efficient journey where members could book a session and find everything they needed in one place. Some of our members aren't on social media, so it was important to bring all our updates under one roof instead of scattering them across channels. The Custom Branded App we built using TeamUp makes us look heads and shoulders above a commercial gym.

How does the Custom Branded App bring your gym's brand to life for members?

New members go through a 30-day trial, and it's important they're wowed from day one. A coach walks them through the app, starting with the homepage: news, events, everything going on in the facility, updated any time.

From there, it's the booking system, which is the key to the door. Members book with ease and can see exactly what they're booked in for. We've also added a standards board for goals and PBs, and a nutrition section with recipes and meal planning. No more separate apps or Facebook groups. One app, no excuses not to find what you need.

Which features in your Custom Branded App keep members engaged beyond class time?

The homepage does the heavy lifting. We often give members 2 or 3 months notice for social events (like our wellness weekend or the Apex Summer Games) because our members are busy with work, family, and everything else. The earlier members know about class times, the more likely they'll get involved, and that's what drives retention when it comes to our socials.

What impact has the TeamUp and the Custom Branded App had on retention and on your day-to-day business?

Where it's really changed things is day-to-day. Before TeamUp, I didn't know it was possible to have payments, bookings, and member information all under one roof. Managing 150+ members personally is hard. Having a polished, professional Custom Branded App that we can keep building on has been an absolute dream for the business. Members tell us the experience feels cleaner, fresher, and easier to manage, from booking to browsing everything we offer.

Your top three tips for keeping members engaged?

1. Build a strong community
2. Make the experience personal
3. Keep communication clear

Ready to take your gym or fitness studio to the next level?

See how TeamUp's Custom Branded App can bring your gym's brand to life across the member lifecycling, from booking and payments to building lasting community.

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