Author: Emily Duty

A part of what makes EZFacility so great is all the like-minded companies we get to partner up with. When our clients sign up for our EZFacility management software, they also gain access to a ton of other companies. Our partners help our clients with better attracting, managing, and engaging their customers. They also help them with enhancing their overall brand.

If you aren’t familiar with our EZFacility partners, they include 97Display, Authentic8, Brivo Systems, Constellation Payments, Passport Technologies, Perkville, Plastic Printers, QuickBooks, Smartwaiver, Textmunication, Rapid Gun Systems, CoachMePlus, SportsLife X, and Trainingym.

Here is a bit about each of them.

97Display offers website solutions and digital marketing services for health and fitness businesses.

Authentic8 helps protect businesses from all web-borne threats. They also supply specialised RFID cards, keyfobs, stickers, wristbands, and barcodes.

Brivo Systems provides a 24/7 cloud-based access control system. Plus, video surveillance products for physical security.

Simplify and streamline your payment processing with none other than Constellation Payments.

Passport Technologies helps deliver customised and integrated client-access solutions.

Are you thinking of finally creating that loyalty program? Sign up with Perkville. They have a plan to grow your business through loyalty points awarded for check-ins, referrals, birthdays, and more.

Plastic Printers is your go-to for member key cards, POS hardware, ID card printers, and any other printing needs.

QuickBooks provides a streamlined accounting system with financial management and sale tracking.

Now clients can sign waivers digitally (and securely), on their own electronic devices thanks to Smartwaiver.

With Textmunication, build brand recognition and improve engagement, retention, and member loyalty with targeted SMS messages and campaigns.

Rapid Gun Systems is a certified NCR Counterpoint POS reseller and systems integrator.

CoachMePlus is a coaching management software for coaches, trainers, and athletes.

SportsLife X is a social media platform designed for athletes with schedules, scores, standings, and stats. It’s a way for clients to further engage their players.

Trainingym makes sure gyms get their hands on some specialised tools. They have 3-d workout videos, body composition analysis, and satisfaction surveys.

Identity One’s IDlink will revolutionise the way check-ins are done at your place of business by making it completely cardless. To learn more in depth about our list of EZFacility partners, click here. The list is always expanding. That’s because it’s super easy to integrate with existing and future partners. Also- we just love doing it! So, if you are interested in being our partner and believe we could be a good match for you, please contact us to learn more.

Combing through a variety of management software programs in search of one that’s both good and trustworthy can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming.

We could give you a list of reasons why to choose us or tell you the many benefits of using EZFacility, but we believe our satisfied clients say it best. So, we’ve created a reviews page filled with multiple customer success stories straight from the source.

Our customers are from different industries including community centers, gyms & health clubs, shooting ranges, sports facilities and universities plus more but their level of contentment is always the same.

Take a peek at what some of them have to say about us:

“Brilliant. The system itself, I cannot fault. The customer service has also been excellent. Any question or queries I’ve had have been fully answered straight away.” – Sam House, Testlands

“EZ takes away lots of front desk scheduling which creates time for the team to spend with members. The backend is full of great reports to aid business decisions and can get instant information at the press of a button.” – Spencer Fanstone, Barn Fitness Club

“We started with another system which was horrendous and not user friendly… A recommendation to EZ Facility has made the clouds disappear and alot easier to use! The back office assistance by staff is second to none…(I’ve made a few mistakes!) which have been fixed no problem” – Southampton Fives

To keep reading more about the benefits of EZFacility and our customer success stories, click here. Or if you’re more of a visual person and would like to watch video reviews instead, you can find a list here.

Most people can agree tennis is one of the most underrated sports of all time, but nobody knows for sure why. It’s safe, it’s fun, it’s affordable. It’s also a full-body exercise, great for the mind, social, competitive and can be played all year-round on a variety of tennis court surfaces. So, what’s not to love, right? Here are some tips to consider for growing your tennis club at any time, even during the pandemic.

Find Your Strength

Every sport has its strength. You just have to find it and use it.

In general, tennis’ strength is that it can be played all year long. So, if someone is looking to join a club that’s always active, tennis clubs are certainly appealing.

Right now, tennis’s strength is that it’s perfect in a COVID-climate. That’s because, whereas other sports have big teams, tennis does not. It involves two tennis players, sporting on a court that is already spread out, thanks to natural court dimensions. No flooring tape required! Standard court dimensions are somewhere around 78 feet. That’s way more than 6 feet.

This means group size, social distancing, and face coverings aren’t a big concern for tennis. And it’s also the reason why many outdoor courts have been able to open up ahead of gyms and other fitness facilities that may have concerns about larger gatherings and group size.

Of course, health and safety measures should still be used to help stop the spread of COVID-19. For example:

• Tennis players should refrain from shaking hands or hugging after a match.
• Tennis tournaments should wait to resume until things are normal.
• Social distancing should be respected, and face coverings should be worn when passing other members inside of the health club.
• Some tennis court surfaces could require additional cleanings.

Get Online

Old school marketing can still make waves but the easiest way to reach an audience is online. Use social media to promote your tennis club- or any club. 

Did you know, on average, each person spends about 4 hours and 25 minutes browsing the internet every day? And 2 hours and 25 minutes of that time are on a social network.

And think about it: that was pre-pandemic. The numbers are likely double the amount now. That’s why it’s as important as ever to have an attractive and functioning website as well as a strong social media presence.

• Have fun!
• Display it.
• Talk about the endless physical and mental benefits.
• Feature great tennis players, either from your club or celebrities.
• Promote tennis tournaments.
• Let everyone know your outdoor courts are open!
• Offer online classes for tips and techniques.

Implement a Management Software

Anytime is a good time to implement management software. But, if you don’t have one already, now is a good time to research and learn how to use the program. When you’re able to free up time normally spent booking courts and instructors, or billing clients, that’s time away from building up your business. A software management takes over the heavy lifting so you have more time to do other really important things—like perfecting your backhand!

If you are on the fence about recreational sports, do yourself a favour. Join an intramural league at least once in your school lifetime. Intramural leagues are several different things all rolled into one experience. They are exercise, of course, but they are also friendly competition, life skills, and connecting with a community. They are for anyone and everyone who just wants to get together with a group of friends and enjoy sports, camaraderie, and inexpensive fun.

Intramural leagues are not the same thing as school sports. The two are different, though the words are often used interchangeably. In short, intramural sports are organised by students outside of school sanctioned sports programs—basically played for fun and bragging rights! School sports are organized and funded by a university and are a bit more competitive. Intramural teams play against one another while school teams play against other school teams. BUT, that’s another blog for another day!

The question here is- how do student-athletes on intramural teams- or any organised sports- keep their minds and bodies busy when their sport activities are on a break? Because as you know, it’s important to train solo and stay in shape, even during downtime. Here are some at-home workout ideas to get started with.

Virtual Race

Running is always a good go-to option because not only is it good for physical health but it’s also good for mental health. And being home alone doesn’t mean things can’t get a little competitive with some company. Thanks to the internet and many different streaming services, friends and family are just one phone call away from joining a virtual race together. The best news is, it can be done in a variety of places and over and over again.

Planking

When done properly, planking can be a very effective practice. It helps coordination, flexibility, metabolism, cardio training, and even posture and back pain. Do it solo or challenge a group of friends to see who can outlast who.

The Classics

When in doubt, take it back to the basics with some jumping jacks and pushups. They are oldies but goodies for a reason. Jumping jacks get the heart rate going and test the body’s physical endurance. Push-ups strengthen the upper body and core. Plus, there are so many different ways to do them that they never get boring. (Do they? Reader’s poll!)

Swimming

Go for a swim. Swimming is great because it works out a variety of muscles and maintains vital organs, all without any stressful impact on the body. Also, it’s just plain fun, relaxing, and refreshing. So, go on. Dive in.

Dry Swimming

This one might sound silly but don’t skip it over it. Just laugh all the way to the final results. Many professional swimmers use a combination of dry land exercises when they can’t get to the pool, or don’t want to get wet. Breaststrokes, flutter kicks and more can all easily be done on any flooring. All you need are stretch bands, exercise balls, and a little imagination.

Are you involved in recreational sports or sport activities? What’s your take on organised sports? And what exercises would you add to our list? Let us know in the comments! If you need more ideas for at-home or outdoor workouts for fitness levels of every kind, read this next.

People have been taking a seat at their yoga mats for thousands of years. Whether it’s to clear thoughts and become more mindful or to increase flexibility and improve muscle tone, yoga does it all. That’s why practicing yoga isn’t just a workout, it’s a lifestyle.

In recent years, a new wave of yogi’s has rolled onto the scene and brought a handful of modern practices with them to yoga studios everywhere. They’re more dedicated than ever before to finding their om, even if it means experimenting a little. Here are 5 of the hottest (and weirdest) yoga trends right now, plus one less popular one.

Animal Yoga

Move over, downward dog. There are more animals in town; The get-up goat, bending bunny and swaying snake.

Okay, those poses are made-up. But the yoga classes are completely real. People are paying good money to do yoga with animals for different reasons. For example, pet therapy, like bunny and goat yoga, is said to be relaxing and uplifting, especially when dealing with grief or sadness. Snake yoga, on the other hand, is all about creating energy and facing fears.

You should bring an open mind to your mat- and maybe some eco-friendly wipes. Because no matter how enlightened they are, when animals gotta go, they gotta go. Furry friends tend to leave furry dropping during bunny yoga and goat yoga.

Online Yoga

Anything can pretty much be found on the internet today. So, it only makes sense that a lot of businesses and influencers have increased their online presence.

Want to take yoga classes but you’re too afraid to do them in front of other people? Or, you keep missing the classes because of your schedule? No worries. Hop online and look for free instructionals on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. There are a ton of people there to follow and workout with including Jessamyn Stanley, Rachel Brathen, Adriene Mishler, and Rebekah Borucki, to name a few.

Acro Yoga

Much like in snake yoga, acro yoga is about facing your fears. It’s a mixture of traditional yoga meets acrobatics. So, while it’s a tad more playful, it also knows when to be serious. The primary objective is about vulnerability and communication. You will need to be in constant communication with your partner whether you’re the base, the flyer or any other position. It’s

about challenging yourself, opening up and trusting another person. You can show up with a partner but don’t skip out if you can’t find anyone. People go to class solo all of the time. It could be an opportunity to meet someone new and build a unique relationship from the ground up.

Gin Yoga

There’s been wine yoga and beer yoga, but now there’s gin yoga.

The idea is, if you’re feeling nervous about attending a class, these beverages will give you a boost of liquid courage to get you by. Not only that but gin is especially known for having a calming effect. But be careful not to sip too quickly because it’s also known for creeping up and causing unpleasant feelings -or nausea- as well.

When done the right way, think of gin yoga as a total body experience. The class will teach you to tune in to and appreciate what’s going on in your body. Everything from the way the gin feels as it touches your lips to the journey it takes until you feel that warming sensation in your stomach, and well hopefully, your soul.

Yoga Wheel

Yoga is no stranger to props. Sometimes to achieve a certain posture, or properly support your technique, the instructor will gently slide a yoga block underneath you. Rolled up mats or towels can have the same benefits.

Now there are yoga wheels to help you out also. They’re great for aiding with your backbends flexibility.

Yin Yoga

You’re likely familiar with the yin-yang. They’re two complementary forces in Chinese philosophy that represent the light and dark in all things. While yang is thought of as more of an active energy, yin is much calmer.

What you’re probably unfamiliar with, however, is Yin Yoga. It’s a much slower-paced style of yoga that includes dim lights and guided meditation. Sounds kind of wonderful, right? So, why isn’t it more popular? Yoga studios are stumped too.

This style is different from traditional yoga because it focuses more on the connective tissues in the body versus muscle groups. Also, each pose is held longer than in other classes, often for several minutes at a time.

Though holding each stance can be a bit of a challenge, the real workout is what’s going on in the mind. Everyone stores emotions in their body and yin yoga is able to tap directly into them. It’s not uncommon to cry during a class (never from pain!). Keep in mind each pose should challenge you, but not hurt you. Listen to your body and follow its signals. This is a great practice for anyone in therapy or who suffers from anxiety.

Have you tried these yoga trends before or incorporated any of them into your lifestyle? We’d love to hear all about how you’re practicing yoga.

But ultimately, it doesn’t matter how you downward dog, all that matters is that you enjoy doing it. Namaste! To see more blogs like this one, come back and visit our site often.