SMS messages get opened far faster than email on average, which makes texting a genuinely effective channel for gyms — and one that's easy to damage through overuse.
Reserve it for time-sensitive, relevant messages
A class cancellation, a renewal reminder, a same-day schedule change — these are exactly the kind of messages SMS is well suited for, unlike routine promotional content.
Frequency discipline protects the channel's effectiveness
Texting too often for low-value updates trains members to ignore or opt out of the channel entirely — reserving it for what genuinely needs immediate attention keeps it effective long-term.