Fitness at your fingertips: YMCA360 and Traction Rec bring hybrid health to life

Want to work out from home and schedule your next personal training session at the same time?

There’s an app for that.

YMCA360 is an innovative virtual fitness platform that provides access to on-demand classes and live workouts from anywhere at any time. Not just as an app on your phone but also as an online video platform accessed from any device. This experience, which integrates with Traction Rec’s recreational management platform, satisfies the growing need for hybrid fitness solutions.

Fitness in the digital era

From waterproof earbuds for the pool, to gamified workout plans for motivation, technology is far reaching when it comes to its influence on fitness. Technology makes our exercises more fun (tolerable?) and YMCA360 is yet another way to add to the breadth of our fitness experience. Users can access different types of workouts and other programs, as well as keep the paperwork of their fitness journey organized in one place. This makes it easier than ever before to stay committed and achieve fitness goals no matter where you are.

👋 Hi, we’re Traction Rec and we use innovative tech

Traction Rec is a leading membership management software built specifically for YMCAs, JCCs and recreation centers. It streamlines operations, automates processes, and provides valuable insights into member engagement and retention. With Traction Rec, YMCAs can easily manage everything—from membership sign-ups to program registration to facility scheduling.

We’re excited to partner with YMCA360

This partnership combines Traction Rec's comprehensive facility management system with YMCA360's virtual platform, allowing YMCAs to seamlessly blend their in-person amenities with online offerings. It creates a unique opportunity for Ys to expand their reach beyond their physical locations. YMCA360 provides members with virtual programming experiences, which is what people have come to expect from the organizations they interact with.

Understanding that each YMCA location is unique, the online platform is customized in a way that serves those constituents best. This bridge between physical and digital fitness experiences not only increases convenience but also offers a more well-rounded approach to health and wellness. This integration between Traction Rec and YMCA360 is key to providing a seamless experience that members will enjoy.

Bridging the gap between in-person and virtual fitness

Once we all realized we could work from home, we all then realized that we could work out from home! In the same way that people are now searching for jobs based on the flexibility of location, we are coming to expect this from our gyms and community centers. For this reason, the ability to offer hybrid programming is crucial. There are several reasons why hybrid programming is important for members.

Convenience: Workout anytime, anywhere

What does this desire for hybrid flexibility mean for places like YMCAs, JCCs, and recreation centers that traditionally engage with members face-to-face? It really changes how we think about gym memberships and the services they provide. Now, it’s all about meeting members where they want to be. No longer do we have to stick to a strict schedule, head out in rainy weather, or deal with crowded gyms. Now, you can work out while your banana bread is baking in the oven.

Flexibility: Choose your own fitness adventure

Apart from the benefit of convenience, virtual fitness platforms also offer a wide variety of options for individuals looking to take charge of their health journeys. From yoga and pilates, to high-intensity interval training and dance cardio, there is something for everyone at any time. There may be an option for a live Zumba class in an hour but maybe you’re just not feeling it today. Check out the library of classes available instead, and maybe you’ll find something a little more suited to tapping into your inner Zen.

Engagement: Continue to create community

Convenience and flexibility come together to take the stress out of fitness and make it more fun. Just because we aren’t physically able to join Joanne’s Zumba class doesn’t mean we have to miss out! And while there are a million (give or take) Zumba classes online on various streaming platforms, it really is Joanne’s class that we’d like to join, so don’t underestimate the loyalty your members have for their favorite instructors or classes—even online.

Psst… come take a look behind the scenes: The integration between YMCA360 and Traction Rec

Recognizing the growing demand for personalized fitness experiences, YMCA360 has introduced a Paid Sessions feature. Now, users can schedule in-person sessions for personal training, group workouts, swim lessons, and other activities.

The integration with Traction Rec means the Ys can keep tabs on the scheduling, participation, and usage of paid sessions on the backend. This data will flow seamlessly between the two systems so the organization will always have the most up to date information. Plus, for members, it's easy to hop to the Ys websites, browse schedules and register for programs—straight from the app.

Solving a problem: Where all good ideas come from

The collaboration between Traction Rec and YMCA360 was born out of a shared vision to simplify operations for YMCAs. Initially connected by YUSA, and further developed with the Greater Wichita YMCA, the integration aimed to consolidate tools and eliminate the need for third-party vendors. This streamlines the user experience for members and reduces administrative overhead for YMCA staff.

Traction Rec developed specific APIs (software communications) tailored to YMCA360’s needs in order to facilitate a seamless integration. It was a true partner effort with regular back-and-forth collaboration to ensure both platforms could offer a cohesive and user-friendly solution as one overarching entity. The initial rollout is being closely supported by Traction Rec to guarantee successful implementation and integration for the first few YMCAs coming onboard.

Benefits of the integration between YMCA360 and Traction Rec

The integration between YMCA360 and Traction Rec brings numerous benefits to YMCAs and their members.

Seamless Data Flow

• All data related to Paid Sessions flows seamlessly between YMCA360 and Traction Rec, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information in the YMCA's CRM.
• No need for manual data entry, reducing the risk of errors and saving time for YMCA staff.

Enhanced Member Experience

• Members can access their Y’s website, browse schedules and register for programs—right from the app.
• Members enjoy an easy seamless experience when scheduling and participating in paid sessions.

Operational Efficiency

• YMCAs can efficiently manage scheduling, participation, and usage of paid sessions through a single integrated platform.
• This integration allows YMCAs to focus more on delivering exceptional services rather than managing multiple tools and processes.

Mutual Benefits

• Traction Rec can confidently recommend YMCA360 to their customers, knowing it integrates seamlessly and meets the unique needs of YMCAs.
• YMCA360 gains access to Traction Rec's extensive customer base, helping them expand their reach and impact.

The future is a 360 member experience

The partnership between Traction Rec and YMCA360 signifies a step forward in the evolution of YMCA services. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of YMCA operations, this integration enhances both member experience and operational efficiency. YMCAs can now offer a more streamlined and engaging service, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—building stronger communities.

Ready to elevate your YMCA experience? Let's show you more about how you can utilize Traction Rec and YMCA360 to help meet your members where they're at.

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