Australian gym pioneer adopts CoverMe to boost staff efficiency

Mel Tempest, a figure recognised for her contributions to the fitness sector in Australia, has adopted the CoverMe platform at her independent facility in Ballarat, Victoria. This move marks the first implementation of CoverMe by an independent gym owner in the country, aiming to address operational challenges and staff management within her business.

Operational efficiency

Genesis Health and Fitness, established in 2003 and now spanning 1,500 square metres, offers a range of facilities and services, including dedicated group fitness studios and on-demand exercise sessions. The club operates with 26 staff and offers 55 live group classes weekly. As the business has grown, so too has the demand for more sophisticated workforce management and streamlined operations.

CoverMe is designed as a centralised workforce platform, automating and simplifying key functions for clubs and studios. According to users, it can help operators save significant hours each week and reduce administrative overheads, while offering tools for maintaining compliance and effective communication among team members.

Management challenges

Tempest highlighted that group fitness is a crucial component for member retention, yet many gyms face ongoing issues with scheduling and internal communications. The fragmentation of these processes often creates inefficiencies, affecting continuity of service and the overall member experience. Tempest stated that CoverMe's ability to consolidate these activities is a valuable asset for her business.

"CoverMe gives me immediate visibility across my team and the tools I need to take action quickly. It's a live platform where everyone stays aligned, so I don't need to waste time calling people, texting or posting in social groups every time there's a change to the schedule. The flexibility of the dashboard also means I can work from anywhere in the world. I don't need to be on the premises or glued to social media to manage my team efficiently," said Mel Tempest, Owner, Genesis Health and Fitness.

She also identified scheduling and staffing as pillars of a successful group fitness business. Streamlining these behind-the-scenes operations not only aids internal workflows but could also enhance member satisfaction by minimising class disruptions.

Industry perspectives

CoverMe was established by Rosanna Tucker and Beverlee Brinkworth, who both have extensive experience in the fitness industry. Their careers span competitive athletics and operation of fitness businesses, laying the foundation for the creation and international scale-up of the CoverMe platform.

The platform supports studios and clubs by managing communications, scheduling, and class management under one system. It also helps fitness professionals access local work opportunities more efficiently and track compliance where required.

Global footprint

Since its launch, CoverMe has become available to operators in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Europe, and the UAE. The company reports that more than 50 fitness brands, encompassing over 1,000 clubs and studios, currently use its services. These include operators such as Virgin Active, GoodLife, Village Health Clubs and Spas, Lift Brands, PureGym, Arch Amenities, Serco and Total Fitness.

"Programmeming, staffing and marketing are the key pillars of successful group fitness models, and I believe CoverMe will become the fourth. The more connected and efficient our back-of-house systems are, the more consistent and enjoyable the member experience becomes. When clubs run efficiently, everyone wins," said Tempest.