• 26 Dec, 2025 *

The Why

As a product-minded software engineer, I am constantly on the lookout for real problems to solve in every environment I find myself. Beyond software, fitness is a core part of my routine, and I spend considerable amounts of time in gym environments. This dual perspective has revealed several inefficiencies in the design and execution of workflows in the gym.

My aim with FitSynQ is to streamline these workflows and use software to reduce friction while strengthening engagement between gyms and their members.

The Problems

Through direct observation and conversations with gym owners, several core issues became clear:

Non-local software dependency. Many gyms rely on foreign software solutions, paying hundreds of dollars to companies outside the country to build, maintain, and host their systems, along with their data. These tools are often disconnected from local realities and operational needs.

Poor support experience. After interviewing several gym owners, it became clear that getting timely and effective support for non-local platforms is often slow, difficult, or expensive.

Low member engagement and high churn. In a lot of gyms, there is no strong system in place to keep members engaged over time, making churn feel almost inevitable.

Outdated platforms. Many existing solutions feel dated and lack modern user experiences.

Operational inefficiencies. I have observed slow and manual processes that negatively affect owners, staff, instructors, and members alike.

Invasive biometric requirements. Some platforms require gyms to collect biometric data such as fingerprints for access and attendance. I do not believe my gym, or some external software provider, should have access to something this sensitive. In 2025, smoother and less invasive identification methods should be the norm.

Reimagining Gym Operations

I want to reimagine the operational flow of modern Ghanaian gyms. My aim is to streamline everything from new member registration and attendance tracking to class discovery and booking, workout guidance, marketing, member engagement, and payment management.

To make this vision tangible, I have architected the platform as a four-part system, with each component serving a specific role in the gym ecosystem.

The Platform Architecture

The platform consists of:

A robust, role-based backend powered by Supabase and NestJS

A Progressive Web App for gym members

An admin panel for gym staff and owners

A kiosk application designed specifically for registration and check-ins

Each component is designed to work together seamlessly, while remaining simple and focused on its primary purpose.

The Member Experience

The member application is the entry point into the gym’s digital experience. Members access it directly through their mobile browser, without the friction of app store downloads. Upon registering, they fill in their profile information and gain access to a personalized dashboard.

The app becomes the home for everything related to their gym journey, including:

Subscriptions and membership status

Attendance history and activity analytics

Payment tracking and receipts

Direct communication with the gym

It gives members clarity, ownership, and visibility into their fitness experience.

Seamless Check-Ins with the Kiosk App

The kiosk application is built to make entry and attendance as seamless as possible. Every member receives a unique QR token after registering, which functions as their personal digital key to the gym.

On arrival, the member scans their QR code at the front desk to mark the start of their session. During the session, front desk staff can make updates such as adding in-session purchases. When the session ends, the member scans their QR code again to record their exit.

If the session was a walk-in, or if unpaid purchases exist, the member is prompted, both on the kiosk and in the member app, to complete payment. Payments can be made directly in the member app via card or mobile money, keeping the entire flow smooth and uninterrupted.

Empowering Staff Through the Admin Panel

The admin panel is built to simplify and accelerate staff workflows. It presents real-time gym data through clean, intuitive dashboards and allows staff to take action based on their roles:

Front desk staff manage daily operations such as sessions, complaints, in-session purchases, subscriptions, and renewals.

Instructors manage class schedules, bookings, and attendance.

Owners access reporting and analytics that provide clear insights into business performance.

The focus is speed, clarity, and control, without overwhelming the people using the system.

The Goal

The ultimate goal of this platform is to make gym operations easier for everyone involved:

Gym owners can manage multiple locations from a single admin panel and gain meaningful insights into performance.

Gym staff can handle day-to-day tasks efficiently and confidently.

Instructors can create, manage, and promote their classes with ease.

Members enjoy a smoother, more engaging gym experience through simpler registration, faster check-ins, easier payments, and better activity tracking.

My dream is to onboard as many local gyms as possible and make this platform the default operating system for gyms across the country. The vision extends beyond these initial applications. I intend to continue building products for the wider fitness community and investing in tools that improve how people train, operate, and connect around fitness.

Collaboration

I am not a designer, and I am not a marketer. I could try to wear all of these hats, and I probably will, but I know I will not be equally effective in every role.

If you are reading this and feel excited by the vision, I would love to hear from you. Whether you are a designer, marketer, or simply someone passionate about fitness and technology, feel free to reach out. I strongly believe there is a real market for this suite of products if it is built and marketed with intention.