SHC vs Zen Planner: What’s Right for Your Gym?
Zen Planner Helped You Start. SHC Helps You Scale.
Zen Planner helped many gyms get online - but today’s fitness operations need more. SHC is built for modern gym operators who want one platform to manage everything: bookings, family accounts, recovery services, personal training, events, and branded member engagement.
If Zen Planner feels dated, that’s because it is.
Why Gyms Are Switching from Zen Planner to SHC
Not Just For Scheduling
Zen Planner focuses on class scheduling and payments. SHC covers every operational layer - from group classes and PT to court bookings and swim lanes.
Fewer Bugs, Fewer Headaches
Reports of bugs, reporting issues, and pricing confusion come up regularly in Zen Planner reviews. SHC is built to be more stable, transparent, and intuitive for both staff and members.
Designed for More Than Solo Studios
Zen Planner works well for solo-owner gyms. But if you have teams, departments, or family memberships to manage, SHC gives you the tools to do it.
Real Support When You Need It
Zen Planner users often mention slow response times and limited onboarding help. Many also cite challenges with the user interface, saying it's not very intuitive for front desk or part-time staff. SHC pairs every gym with a dedicated onboarding manager and offers 24/7 support.
SHC vs. ZenPlanner
What You Need to Know
FEATURE
ZenPlanner
Branded Member App
ZenPlanner
Basic member app with limited branding.
Class & Program Bookings
Advanced booking for group classes, events, camps, and more.
ZenPlanner
Class scheduling and attendance.
Personal Training
Smart trainer assignments, payroll, and availability settings.
ZenPlanner
Supported but limited in customization.
Recovery & Amenity Booking
Book recovery equipment, lap lanes, or courts with custom rules.
ZenPlanner
Not supported.
Family Management
One account for the whole family. Shared billing and booking.
ZenPlanner
No support for family accounts.
Check-in & Access
Tamper-proof barcodes with usage rules and real-time tracking.
ZenPlanner
Barcode check-in with limited controls.
Marketing & Notifications
Push notifications, in-app banners, email campaigns.
ZenPlanner
Limited marketing automation.
Reporting & Analytics
Real-time dashboards with actionable club insights.
ZenPlanner
Static reports with limited flexibility.
Staff Ease of Use
Clean, modern interface. Easy for front desk teams.
ZenPlanner
Users report a dated interface and learning curve.
Pricing
Clear, transparent pricing based on size and features.
ZenPlanner
Price tiers vary and increase quickly with add-ons.
Support & Onboarding
Dedicated onboarding manager, live training, 24/7 support.
ZenPlanner
Slower support with basic training resources.
Switching to SHC is Easier Than You Think
Worried about switching from Zen Planner?
Don’t be.
Our onboarding team handles data transfer, account setup, and app configuration for you. You’ll get a dedicated Account Manager who knows your gym, and access to live training, recordings, and 24/7 support.
You’ll be up and running with less hassle than you think - and your staff and members will feel the difference immediately.
Expect
- Live trainings with your staff
- Ongoing access to recordings
- 24/7 support for questions, fixes, or just peace of mind
Hear It from Gyms Like Yours
Kevin McHugh,
The Atlantic Club
“Utilising our SHC App, The Atlantic Club has been able to have a comprehensive reservation system involving all of our pools as well as our live and virtual classes throughout the week. Our members embraced the SHC app… due to its simplicity to understand and ease of use.”
Don’t Let Dated Tools Limit Your Gym
SHC gives you everything you need to run and grow a modern gym from one powerful platform. If Zen Planner no longer fits, we’re ready when you are.
Book a Discovery Call
Let’s walk you through what SHC can do and why more gyms are leaving Zen Planner behind.
