CoverMe’s algorithm works by matching qualified and insured freelance instructors with gyms and studios to minimise timetable disruption, factoring in skills, proximity and availability –in real time – so managers can source and book class cover in less than 30 seconds and three steps. 

The technology was created as a prototype in 2018 and has since attracted the attention of industry heavyweights including The Gym Group founder and executive chair, John Treharne, and Emma Barry, global fitness authority and co-founder of Good Soul Hunting, who have both joined CoverMe as non-executive directors.  

“This is a fantastic concept and exactly what all class operators need to enhance efficiency, member satisfaction levels and avoid the frustration of classes being cancelled or changed at short notice,” says Treharne.

On joining the app, all instructors' qualifications and insurance certificates are verified by CoverMe’s in-house team. The app’s QR code system enables instructors to scan in at the club, meaning managers can track who is in the building and when, and can produce class cover reports and generate automatic invoices to save time and administration.

“We know that members who take part in group exercise are 20 per cent more likely to be loyal than those who only use the gym*, so keeping group exercisers happy is key for retention. We also know that instructors are critical to the group exercise experience, yet finding cover for them is one of the few areas of the fitness industry that has yet to benefit from technology. Most managers still rely on out-of-date ways to source cover, such as WhatsApp groups and archaic paper lists, which are hugely time-consuming, inefficient and very likely breach GDPR,” explains Nik Leeke, CoverMe’s head of sales.

In an ongoing pilot study at a club with 150 live classes a week, jobs were posted within 72 hours of the CoverMe app going live with 95 per cent of cover roles accepted in less than 20 minutes of posting. On average, 97 per cent of group exercise classes that require cover, get cover. 

*TRP Customer Engagement Academy 2017