From open gym to premium studio — eight years of evolution
When Bodywise Gym and Studios opened in Horsham eight years ago, it was a traditional bodybuilding-style open gym. Then the 24/7 gym chains arrived in the area, and it became clear that competing on that model wasn't the future.
COVID gave the team space to think differently. The decision was made to pivot toward small group personal training and premium class packages, and to find the right software to support that transformation. ClubRight was already in place, and it stayed.
By mid-2026, more than half of members are on small group PT or class packages. By the end of the year, the open gym model will be phased out entirely. The business has completely reinvented itself, and ClubRight has been there throughout.
Every competitor came calling. None of them got the business.
Over eight years, Bodywise has been approached by virtually every major gym management software provider on the market. The answer has always been the same.
“All the companies that I spoke to before, they still kind of follow up with an email or phone call. And I would say, no, I am not switching. ClubRight has upgraded, fits everything what we need. And I do not see any need to change.”— The team at Bodywise Gym and Studios
The Pelican update was the moment that turned an eight-year loyalty into something closer to advocacy. The initial concern was about the team, but that concern evaporated quickly.
“My biggest fear was how the team will take it, because they were still struggling with the previous interface. And I started using it and in a second, actually, that is everything more logical, easier, less going in and out and everything in one place.”— The team at Bodywise Gym and Studios
Being heard matters
As a beta tester, Bodywise experienced the product development at close quarters. What stood out wasn't the features, it was the feeling that feedback was genuinely being acted on.
“Someone is listening, they hear our feedback, and they are trying to improve. We use the system every single day. As long as that communication goes both ways — you submit something and you know that it does not go somewhere in a cloud and gets left — that is what matters.”— The team at Bodywise Gym and Studios
That sense of being heard extends to the support experience too, including ClubRight's AI assistant, Clifford, which the team describe as a near-complete transformation.
“Our lovely Clifford used to get on our nerves — Clifford does not know anything, just connect to the human. But now I kind of enjoy interacting with Clifford, because he gives answers to the point. Instead of a frustration it became more like a fun part as well. Almost a 360 degree shift. Positive in a good way.”— The team at Bodywise Gym and Studios
Can you outgrow ClubRight?
With the pivot to small group PT nearly complete and plans to grow the team in 2027, Bodywise is in a period of intentional, focused growth. The view on ClubRight is clear.
“You always need a good product and good software to run the business. Without that you are kind of stuck. I do not think we can outgrow ClubRight. That is probably not possible.”— The team at Bodywise Gym and Studios