Class scheduling is the foundation of every studio operation. The right scheduling software reduces no-shows, fills more spots, and creates a seamless booking experience that members love.
We evaluated the top scheduling platforms specifically for their class booking capabilities — not just general features, but how well they handle the unique scheduling needs of fitness and yoga studios.
What Great Class Scheduling Software Does
Core Scheduling Features
Every class scheduling platform should offer:
- Recurring class templates — Set up your weekly schedule once and have it repeat automatically
- Online booking — Members book classes from your website or app 24/7
- Waitlist management — Automatic promotion when spots open, with instant notifications
- Capacity limits — Set maximum participants per class with real-time availability
- Instructor assignment — Assign instructors and manage substitutions
- Multi-room scheduling — Handle different rooms or spaces in your facility
- Calendar sync — Integrate with Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple Calendar
Advanced Features
Top platforms add these capabilities:
- Equipment-based scheduling — Reserve specific equipment (reformers, bikes, etc.)
- Series and workshops — Multi-session events with separate registration
- Private session booking — Appointment-style booking with provider availability
- Dynamic pricing — Different prices for peak vs. off-peak times
- Cancellation policies — Configurable cancel windows with late-cancel fees
- Package restrictions — Limit which classes certain memberships can access
Top Class Scheduling Platforms
| Platform | Best For | Starting Price | Booking Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Momence | Best overall booking UX | $99/mo | ★★★★★ |
| Mindbody | Most powerful scheduling | $139/mo | ★★★★ |
| Vagaro | Best value | $30/mo | ★★★★ |
| Acuity Scheduling | Simple appointment booking | $20/mo | ★★★★ |
| TeamUp | Class-focused businesses | $79/mo | ★★★★ |
| Zen Planner | Community studios | $99/mo | ★★★★ |
| WellnessLiving | All-in-one | $89/mo | ★★★ |
| Calendly | Solo instructors | $12/mo | ★★★★ |
1. Momence — Best Booking Experience
Momence delivers the most polished booking experience for members. The scheduling interface is clean, fast, and mobile-optimized. Class descriptions are well-presented with instructor photos, difficulty levels, and real-time availability.
Scheduling strengths:
- Beautiful member-facing booking pages
- Resource-based scheduling for equipment
- Workshop and event scheduling
- Waitlist with automatic promotion
- Series classes with multi-session registration
- Instructor bios and class descriptions
Why members love it: The booking flow is smooth and requires minimal taps. Members can filter by class type, instructor, or time, and check out in under 30 seconds.
2. Mindbody — Most Powerful Scheduling Engine
Mindbody’s scheduling engine handles the most complex scenarios of any platform. Multi-room, multi-resource, multi-instructor scheduling with advanced conflict resolution makes it the choice for large, complex operations.
Scheduling strengths:
- Multi-resource scheduling (room + equipment + instructor)
- Advanced conflict detection and resolution
- Substitute instructor management
- Workshop and retreat scheduling
- Enrollment-based programs
- Marketplace-driven bookings
Best for: Large studios with complex scheduling needs spanning multiple rooms, equipment types, and instructor pools.
3. Vagaro — Best Value Scheduling
Vagaro includes comprehensive scheduling at its $30/month starting price. While the interface isn’t as polished as Momence, it handles all standard scheduling scenarios effectively.
Scheduling strengths:
- Full scheduling at $30/month
- Group classes and appointments in one system
- Waitlists and capacity management
- Recurring schedule templates
- Automated email and text reminders
- Calendar sync
4. Acuity Scheduling — Best for Appointment-Based Studios
If your studio primarily offers private sessions (one-on-one or small group), Acuity Scheduling provides a focused, appointment-optimized experience.
Best for: Private Pilates instructors, personal trainers, and studios where appointments outnumber group classes.
5. TeamUp — Best for Pure Class-Based Businesses
TeamUp is designed specifically for class-based businesses, without the complexity of appointment scheduling or retail management.
Best for: Studios that primarily run group classes and want clean, focused scheduling software.
Reducing No-Shows with Scheduling Software
No-shows cost studios $200-500 per month on average. Here’s how to use your scheduling software to minimize them:
1. Automated Reminders
Set up a reminder sequence:
- 24 hours before: Email reminder with class details
- 2 hours before: Text message reminder
- 30 minutes before: Push notification (if you have an app)
2. Cancellation Policies
Configure your software to enforce:
- 12-24 hour cancellation window for group classes
- Late cancel fees ($10-25) charged automatically
- No-show fees for members who don’t cancel at all
- Strike policies — 3 no-shows results in booking restrictions
3. Waitlists
Enable waitlists for popular classes:
- Members join the waitlist when class is full
- Automatic promotion when spots open
- Time-limited confirmation (must confirm within 1-2 hours)
- This fills spots that would otherwise go empty
4. Booking Limits
Prevent members from booking too far in advance:
- Open booking 7-14 days ahead
- Creates urgency and reduces forgotten bookings
- Allows more current intent-to-attend bookings
Scheduling Best Practices
Optimal Schedule Design
| Time Slot | Class Type | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00-7:00 AM | Morning flow/strength | Pre-work professionals |
| 9:00-10:00 AM | Gentle/restorative | Stay-at-home parents, retirees |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Express class (45 min) | Lunch-break workers |
| 4:00-5:00 PM | Kids/teen classes | Students |
| 5:30-6:30 PM | Popular classes | After-work crowd |
| 7:00-8:00 PM | Evening specialty | Evening crowd |
Schedule Optimization Tips
- Analyze attendance data — Remove classes with consistently low attendance
- Test new time slots — Run new classes for 6-8 weeks before deciding
- Match instructors to time slots — Your best instructors during peak times
- Create transitions — 15-minute gaps between classes for turnover
- Seasonal adjustments — Modify schedule for summer, holidays, and New Year rush
Our Recommendation
- Best overall: Momence — Beautiful booking experience with powerful features
- Best for complex scheduling: Mindbody — Handles the most complex scenarios
- Best value: Vagaro — Full scheduling from $30/month
- Best for appointments: Acuity Scheduling — Focused, affordable, effective
- Best for classes only: TeamUp — Clean, class-focused platform