As a personal trainer, you’ll already appreciate that it’s a fierce playground out there. Subsequently, you need to make good use of every facility possible. After all, this is the key to gaining the edge over your competitors and will ultimately lead to increased client numbers.
The growth of digital systems has changed the world of business forever, and the PT industry is no different. In particular, client management platforms can be used to enhance your level of service. Meanwhile, it should allow for building even greater connections with those valued customers.
Choosing the right client management software isn’t easy, though. There are dozens of different platforms on the market. Worse still, the untrained eye can struggle to see the differences. But believe me, those variances do exist, and they could make all the difference to your company.
StrengthPortal is one solution that has been on the market for a few years. It is billed to help trainers take those important steps into the 21st century. I tried it out to see whether it delivers on those claims; read my findings below
Choosing the right client management software isn’t easy, though. There are dozens of different platforms on the market. Worse still, the untrained eye can struggle to see the differences. But believe me, those variances do exist, and they could make all the difference to your company.
StrengthPortal is one solution that has been on the market for a few years. It is billed to help trainers take those important steps into the 21st century. I tried it out to see whether it delivers on those claims; read my findings below
Disclaimer: My Personal Trainer Website NOT affiliate with third party sites so rest assured this Strength Portal review is our 100% genuine opinion.
Strength Portal Features
At its core, StrengthPortal isn’t too different from many of the competing products on the market. The software’s primary goal is to provide you, the trainer, with a one-stop outlet for client management needs.
The software has incorporated several features to help achieve this. Here are some of the most notable aspects:
Multi-Tier Pricing
As a personal trainer, you could be at one of the various stages in your development. Let’s face it; the needs of a newbie will differ from someone that has spent 20 years building relationships and client bases.
StrengthPortal hasn’t only taken this into account by offering various prices. But it also offers a full service to all paid members. Unlike some competitors, you don’t need to pay the top tier pricing to use every feature or unlimited programs. The pricing is based solely on the number of clients being served.
The software has incorporated several features to help achieve this. Here are some of the most notable aspects:
Multi-Tier Pricing
As a personal trainer, you could be at one of the various stages in your development. Let’s face it; the needs of a newbie will differ from someone that has spent 20 years building relationships and client bases.
StrengthPortal hasn’t only taken this into account by offering various prices. But it also offers a full service to all paid members. Unlike some competitors, you don’t need to pay the top tier pricing to use every feature or unlimited programs. The pricing is based solely on the number of clients being served.
The free membership is limited to seven programs, but it still boasts all the features. No matter what stage of the journey you’re at, StrengthPortal can accommodate.
Client Management
Client management is pretty much what Strength Portal is all about. It offers much less in the way of exercise libraries and nutrition logs (we'll get to those later) and focuses much more on data entry.
Communication Tools
A lot of trainers have trouble bringing all of the conversations they have with clients together. Rightly so when some clients prefer to email and others message you with the same questions in a Facebook group or via instant message.
Communication tools bring all training related conversations in to one platform. Don't get me wrong, it would take some time to move all of your clients on to the platform and get them used to connecting with you there, but if you could it would be worth it.
Multi-Media Incorporation
One of the greatest benefits to be had from digital communications is that we can use various media types. From a business point of view, this is a great way to engage the clients with increased response.
The StrengthPortal platform doesn’t simply let you build routines. It also allows you to incorporate YouTube videos and other media to ensure that clients are following the right form. This can be especially useful when you are providing an online service rather than one-to-one gym tuition.
Moreover, the fact that StrengthPortal runs through both App and browser allows you to stay connected at all times.
Body Metric Tracking
Ultimately, clients are following your PT instructions because they want a better body. Whether it’s for health or appearances doesn’t matter. Seeing progress is essential, and body metric tracking allows both trainer and client to do that with ease.
By monitoring body metrics, you can see how effective the workouts have been. This can work wonders for client motivation. Meanwhile, it provides you with a clear indicator when routines need a revamp.
The point of any PT software is to help provide a better level of service. This feature does that magnificently.
Strength Portal Strengths
The StrengthPortal App and software doesn’t break too far away from the basic ideas of what a PT software package should achieve. However, it’s clear to see that they’ve placed focus on a number of elements.
Here are three features where the StrengthPortal platform shines.
Great Communication Features
As mentioned in the features section, communication with client can be tricky and providing a better service isn’t solely about the routines. As a PT, you need to strike a positive relationship with all clients. The communication facilities at StrengthPortal provide the perfect outlet to do just that.
Here are three features where the StrengthPortal platform shines.
Great Communication Features
As mentioned in the features section, communication with client can be tricky and providing a better service isn’t solely about the routines. As a PT, you need to strike a positive relationship with all clients. The communication facilities at StrengthPortal provide the perfect outlet to do just that.
Once logged in, the communication side of things is second to none. Conversing with clients couldn’t be easier, and removes the need to use multiple platforms at once. Arranging workouts, giving feedback, and general communication could not be easier. Meanwhile, the notifications alert ensures that you won’t miss important developments.
Additionally, you can group clients together. This can save you the time and hassle of sending repeat messages and data.
Workout Tracking
While most softwares have an extensive exercise library, Strength Portal relies heavily on the trainer to enter workout and exercise data. However, filling out the results of multiple clients can be very time-consuming. The StrengthPortal encourages clients to do it themselves using either a desktop or the mobile app.
Not only does this feature save time, but it encourages greater participation. This can promote the growing relationship between trainer and client. More importantly, increased interaction will naturally keep them on track too.
Ultimately, a happy client results in a happy trainer. By using the two-way partnership of their input and your feedback, this should not be an issue.
Advanced Program Creation
Again, the Strength Portal software is less of an online training software or exercise library and more of a client management system so the system relies heavily on your input. With that said, no two trainers are the same. Likewise, no two clients are identical. Therefore, it’s imperative that you have the flexibility to tailor things to your preferences. The advanced program creator certainly provides that versatility.
You can make it as simple or as difficult as you like. The level of detail you include may even differ from client to client. Either way, you can always translate those routines from your brain to the platform with accurate results.
Being a personal trainer is all about understanding the individual client. The importance of this customization should not be underestimated for a second. It’s one area where you can see the whole ‘by trainers, for trainers’ motto in full swing.
Strength Portal Weaknesses
The StrengthPortal package certainly has a lot going for it. But it would be inaccurate to write a review without looking at the negative aspects too.
Here are the areas where I think StrengthPortal leaves the biggest room for improvement.
Lack Of Exercise & Nutritional Data
Exercise and nutrition come as a package. Much like personal training software and exercise libraries come as a package. Not providing an exercise library could have a damaging impact on your ability to convert interest into signups. Consequently, the absence of these features on StrengthPortal stand out like a sore thumb.
It's ind of like they're trying to be an online PT software but are way more client management and they've got themselves stuck somewhere in the middle. Here's the default exercise library:
Here are the areas where I think StrengthPortal leaves the biggest room for improvement.
Lack Of Exercise & Nutritional Data
Exercise and nutrition come as a package. Much like personal training software and exercise libraries come as a package. Not providing an exercise library could have a damaging impact on your ability to convert interest into signups. Consequently, the absence of these features on StrengthPortal stand out like a sore thumb.
It's ind of like they're trying to be an online PT software but are way more client management and they've got themselves stuck somewhere in the middle. Here's the default exercise library:
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t provide that information elsewhere or even upload all of your own videos. However, it does undermine the idea that Strength Portal is meant to place everything in one destination.
As well as losing new customers, it can limit your profit making opportunities from current clients. After all, exercise and nutritional are the bread and butter of traning clients. It’s not something that will impact every PT, but it is a noticeable omission.
Appearance
I’m not quite sure why, but the website filled me with pessimism for the software and App. I was right to be skeptical.
When it comes to the communication hub, there can be no complaints. In fact, I’d go as far to say that it’s the clearest and best looking feature I used but the rest of the set is well... meh. You can judge for yourself by looking at the images or checking out the software for yourself.
In truth, most trainers can learn to deal with this quite quickly. But you have to think of the customer too. If those aesthetics put them off, then there’s no point in having the App or software.
Price
At a glance, the multi-tiered pricing is a definite bonus. However, if you are planning to manage more than 15 clients, you’ll be paying at least $100 a month for the service so you'd need to be charging each of those clients an extra $6-7 to get your money back.
For smaller business operations, the pricing structure is perfect. The fact you get every feature included even on the Personal level is something that many competing packages don’t offer. Personal trainers just starting out could do a lot worse. For those bigger ventures, though, it’s possible to do a lot better too.
Ultimately, if the package is going to help boost your business, then you shouldn’t resent paying for it. My main issue is that StrengthPortal doesn’t do anything that warrants a larger cost than some of the alternative solutions.
The Verdict
This Strength Portal review is all about honesty; if it wasn’t for the fact I was doing this review, I would’ve left the website straight away. There’s nothing fundamentally wrong with the StrengthPortal website, but it just doesn’t look right to me. This is a platform built by trainers, so perhaps web design isn’t their strength. Nevertheless, it shows how important first impressions can be.
Maybe I’ve been influenced by my initial first impressions of the website, but the aesthetic of the platform doesn’t do it for me either. The mechanics of the software are fine. However, the claims that StrengthPortal puts the trainer first fall a little flat due to those poor appearances and lack of basic features.
Having said that, anyone that likes the overall look and feel should have a fantastic time using the platform. More than ever, I believe this is one that will boil down largely to personal preference.
Would I use it? No.
Should you use it? If you're a self sufficient, experienced personal trainer with clients who are happy to manage themselves, then maybe, yes. If you are interested, I would suggest signing up for the free version first.
It's not all bad though. I've seen Strength Portal get better and better and in a short space of time so I'll be keeping my eye on them and hopefully updating this review with some more positive feedback.
Have you used Strength Portal? Have you had any experiences with the software? Let me kow in the comments!
Maybe I’ve been influenced by my initial first impressions of the website, but the aesthetic of the platform doesn’t do it for me either. The mechanics of the software are fine. However, the claims that StrengthPortal puts the trainer first fall a little flat due to those poor appearances and lack of basic features.
Having said that, anyone that likes the overall look and feel should have a fantastic time using the platform. More than ever, I believe this is one that will boil down largely to personal preference.
Would I use it? No.
Should you use it? If you're a self sufficient, experienced personal trainer with clients who are happy to manage themselves, then maybe, yes. If you are interested, I would suggest signing up for the free version first.
It's not all bad though. I've seen Strength Portal get better and better and in a short space of time so I'll be keeping my eye on them and hopefully updating this review with some more positive feedback.
Have you used Strength Portal? Have you had any experiences with the software? Let me kow in the comments!
