Running a multi-site gym with clarity and confidence

Z 24hr Fitness operates two 24-hour gyms across Northland, New Zealand, one in Whangārei and one in Ruakākā. While the sites differ in size and setting, both locations are deliberately designed to feel welcoming and community-focused rather than crowded or overwhelming. Members have space to train comfortably and staff have the time to build genuine connections, which has played a big role in the strong local followings across both gyms. The clubs attract a broad mix of members, from people just starting their fitness journey through to long-term regulars who see the gym as part of their daily routine.

Michael is particularly proud of the diversity of the member base. At one point, their oldest active member was in his late eighties and still attending every day. For Michael, that kind of consistency reflects the environment they have created across both locations. Familiar, supportive and built for long-term participation rather than short-term results.

“We’ve got members from all walks of life. At one point our oldest active member was in his late eighties and still coming in every day.”

A system that felt stuck in the past

When Michael and his wife took over Z 24hr Fitness just over a year ago, they were stepping into gym ownership for the first time. Coming from backgrounds in building and accounting, the change brought welcome flexibility, but it also introduced the reality of managing two locations from day one.

Running a multi-site gym meant needing clear visibility across both clubs without adding unnecessary complexity. As new owners learning the business, Michael and his wife needed confidence that systems, data and processes were consistent across locations. The priority was having a setup that made it easier to manage the business as a whole, rather than juggling separate views or relying on workarounds.

Outgrowing an outdated setup

At the time of the takeover, Z 24hr Fitness was running on Clubware, with DebitSuccess handling payments. While the system combination worked on a basic level, it felt dated and limiting, particularly for a multi-site operation.

“Clubware did the job, but it felt really dated. It was like staring at a spreadsheet all day.”

Everyday tasks often required moving between the two platforms, which slowed things down and added friction for staff. The interface itself felt more like traditional office software than a modern gym management system, making even simple actions feel heavier than they needed to be.

As the business grew and Michael became more involved across both locations, the lack of visual clarity and modern usability became harder to ignore. The system technically worked, but it did not support efficiency, flexibility, or the kind of experience Michael wanted for his team or members.

The transition from Clubware to Xplor Gym

The transition to Xplor Gym was already in motion when Michael purchased the business and it was a change he welcomed. With two locations and a large member base, some early challenges were expected as data and systems were migrated, but these were quickly resolved with support from the local team.

Communication throughout the process was clear and Michael felt informed about what was happening and what to expect at each stage. For him, the responsiveness of the support team made a real difference. Issues were acknowledged quickly and typically resolved within the same day, helping maintain confidence during the early weeks of using the system.

One system across both locations

One of the most noticeable improvements for the team has been having memberships, payments and member information in a single connected system across both gyms. Staff no longer need to switch between platforms to complete basic tasks, which has reduced friction and made workflows more consistent between sites.

Member sign-ups are now handled on tablets, allowing staff to complete the process on the gym floor rather than behind a desk. This has made the experience more conversational for members, while also streamlining onboarding for the team.

From a multi-site perspective, having everything in one system has made oversight far simpler. Michael can view and manage information across both locations from a single login, giving him confidence that both gyms are running as expected, regardless of where he is.

Flexibility for owners and staff

That visibility also translates into practical flexibility day to day. Being able to log in from home means issues can be addressed as they arise, without needing to physically travel to a gym, which is particularly valuable outside staffed hours or when managing two sites.

For staff, the change initially required adjustment, especially for those who had used the previous system for years. The first couple of weeks involved learning new workflows and getting comfortable navigating the platform. Once that period passed, confidence grew through regular use.

“Being able to log in from home has been huge. I can sort things out without needing to be at the gym.”

Today, the team is comfortable using Xplor Gym and appreciates having clearer processes and better visibility in their roles. For Michael, the system supports how the business operates across both locations, helping him spend less time managing systems and more time focused on members, staff and long-term stability.

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