Nomophobia in the gym: Why do your members panic without batteries?

“Nomophobia”: real stress... which also happens in your club

We often think that “more battery” = small inconvenience. In reality, it is a well-identified anxiety: Nomophobia (fear of being separated from your phone/of breaking down). Studies show that about 1 user out of 3 is “nomophobic”, and that The low battery triggers stress not very compatible with the state of well-being sought in the room.

For a manager, this point is important: this stress is unseen (no one will necessarily complain at the reception), but it has a direct impact on the experience.

And this stress is even more observed among ultra-connected profiles (especially 18—25 year olds). If you want to better understand how they are used in clubs (music, apps, monitoring, social), you can read this article: Generation Z and Fitness: Deciphering the habits of a hyper-connected generation.

Why is a weak battery “ruining” a session in 2026

The smartphone is no longer an accessory. For many members, it has become the center of training:

• Music/motivation (headphones, playlist, rhythm)
• Tracking apps (program, timer, tracking)
• Social (sharing, messages, coordination)
  

Switch off the smartphone, and you cut off part of the session.

The 5 typical situations you see... without seeing them

1. The member shortens his session “just in case” (urgent pro, child, etc.).
2. He avoids certain workouts (HIIT/timed circuits) because he needs his chrono/app.
3. It monopolizes a catch in a corner, telephone “at risk” (forgotten, stolen, cable on the ground).
4. He gets frustrated : no music, no tracking, no freedom.
5. He associates the irritant with the club : “It's a hassle here.”
   

These are micro-frictions... but repeated, they end up weighing on global perception.

Why banning the telephone is rarely the right answer

Some rooms dream of a “no phone policy”. The problem: you are going against the tide of customs (especially among younger people), and you risk creating a cultural conflict. Instead, the right angle is: support the use and make it fluid (connectivity + energy), because “technology must disappear in favor of use”.

Nomophobia + safety: the combo that hurts

Another key topic: The robbery. Locker rooms are sensitive areas, and leaving your phone away from you is anxiety-provoking.

Hence the interest of a solution where the member Keep his phone with him while it's charging.

What you can implement right now (even without a dedicated solution)

• Simple message : “We know that your phone is used for your session: we thought of you.”
• Clean “quick charge” area (secure cables, not on the ground)
• Stable WiFi (the room becomes a “connectivity hub”)
• “Nomad battery” option : the member in charge In motion (tray, machines, co courses).
  

The business point (franchise/freelancers)

Your advantage is not “the recharge”: it is the suppression of an irritant that impacts satisfaction, retention, and word-of-mouth. However, retention is becoming critical in a market where practices are hybridising.

If you want to treat the subject as a real lever of experience (not as a gimmick), we can help you frame a “plug & play” solution designed for the flow of a club. Discover our smartphone charging stations for gyms.