How Becky built her business with Zen Planner’s gym management software for semi-private studios
A physiologist with a coach’s heart
When you walk into LifeSport Fitness in San Jose, California, it feels like stepping into a laboratory of movement that is equal parts science and community. The studio may only be 1,100 square feet, but it runs like a well-designed system built on Zen Planner’s gym management software for semi-private studios.
“I realized I didn’t like working with engineers. So, I started training clients before and after work. I needed that daily fix of helping people move better and feel better.”
Four clients move confidently through personalized workouts while Becky, the owner, circles the room like a conductor adjusting form, encouraging effort, and celebrating small wins.
That precision comes from experience. Becky started her career as a NASA research physiologist before realizing her true calling wasn’t in data, but in people.
Those early mornings evolved into in-home personal training, then outdoor bootcamps, and eventually, a boutique studio built on science, coaching, and care.
When Becky opened her own studio, she had a clear vision: a welcoming space for adults over 40 who wanted to train hard, stay strong, and feel supported by a coach who truly understood their needs.
The model evolved naturally from her bootcamp roots to a semi-private format. And it was the one that blended the accountability of personal training with the camaraderie of small groups.
“I wanted the energy of a group but without losing the personalized care that comes from one-on-one training.”
Each session at LifeSport caps at four clients. Every person follows a four-week individualized program written by Becky or one of her coaches.
The result? High-energy sessions that still feel deeply personal, perfect for adults 40+ who want structure, and results without the chaos of a big class.
Streamlining growth with Zen Planner
By 2017, Becky’s studio was thriving, but her admin workload wasn’t. Scheduling sessions, tracking payments, and handling communication by hand left little time for coaching. That’s when she turned to Zen Planner, a gym management software for semi-private studios.
“Software should make your business feel lighter, and Zen Planner does that for me. It lets me spend more time coaching and less time managing.”
Zen Planner now powers her entire operation:
- Self-service scheduling: Members book sessions through the Zen Planner app and can schedule months ahead. The 20-hour cancellation policy keeps the calendar fluid and fair.
- Simple membership setup: Becky offers flexible 3-, 6-, and 12-month contracts with 1x, 2x, or 3x weekly options—plus “family” and “buddy” memberships.
- Set-it-and-forget-it automations: Appointment reminders, billing notices, and renewals run automatically, keeping members informed and Becky free to coach.
In a business built on trust, how quickly you respond can make all the difference.
Whether it’s answering a question, returning a call, or welcoming a new lead, Becky has earned a reputation for being the kind of coach who shows up right away. That personal touch sets her apart in a market where many studios take hours, or even days, to reply.
“A new client told me she picked us because I called her back within half an hour. She’d reached out to two other studios who never replied.”
Every new connection gets a fast, genuine response that shows people she cares before they ever step into the studio. With Zen Planner’s automation and lead tracking, Becky can keep that level of responsiveness without burning out.
The system keeps leads organized, sends reminders, and helps her follow up quickly. It gives her the structure to respond fast and personally, which helps turn first conversations into long-term clients and allows Becky to stay on top of communication without missing a beat.
Looking ahead with Zen Planner Engage
As her business continues to grow, Becky is expanding her use of Zen Planner Engage to simplify marketing and client communication. She’s transitioning from older tools to Engage’s all-in-one system for lead nurture, retention, and workflows.
“I’m using Engage more every week. It’s helping me automate what I used to do manually, and that’s a game-changer.”
She’s also exploring campaign marketplace, which includes ready-to-use templates for landing pages, promotions, and challenges that are all built to save time and track results.
Engage is helping Becky build scalable systems without losing the personal touch that defines her studio.
“I love what I do. But I also want to make sure LifeSport can keep going even when I’m not here every day. Zen Planner and Engage are helping me build that foundation.”
Becky still coaches most sessions herself, but she’s building toward sustainability. Her goal: create a studio that thrives whether she’s on the floor or not.
After more than three decades in fitness, Becky has proven that “small” can mean smart, intentional, and lasting. LifeSport Fitness runs on precision, care, and community, and Zen Planner gives Becky the structure to keep it that way.
Ready to simplify your studio’s operations like LifeSport Fitness?
Book a demo to learn how to streamline scheduling, memberships, and communication for boutique studios in one place with Zen Planner.
I’m Coach Kelli, a devoted CrossFit gym owner with 15 years of experience managing my facility, along with owning yoga studios and wellness centers. Beyond the fitness world, I have a passion for cooking, cherish moments with my children and family, and find joy in spending time outside. Having experienced the highs and lows, I’m dedicated to leveraging my expertise to help you grow and succeed on your fitness journey.
About the Author: Kelli Sweeting
I’m Coach Kelli, a devoted CrossFit gym owner with 15 years of experience managing my facility, along with owning yoga studios and wellness centers. Beyond the fitness world, I have a passion for cooking, cherish moments with my children and family, and find joy in spending time outside. Having experienced the highs and lows, I’m dedicated to leveraging my expertise to help you grow and succeed on your fitness journey.
