Retaining its members in 2026: how smartphone charging improves the club experience

In 2026, a Fitness club no longer differentiates itself only on the cardio/strength platform or the price. The real battle is being played out on theexperiment : fluidity, comfort, digital coherence, perceived quality, and the club's ability to become a place where you stay (before/after training).

In this context, “micro-frictions” are expensive: a battery glitch at the wrong time, a member who can no longer scan their QR, listen to their program, film their PR, or post their content... and the session loses in quality. Conversely, a service that is simple, visible and useful (such as charging) becomes a premium marker that directly supports retention.

Plug'Heur fits exactly there: self-service charging, connected, controllable, and integrable into your ecosystem (app/CRM/member path). All without adding any burden to the staff.

The real subject: the battery has become a “breaking point” in the sports experience

The smartphone is now at the center of training:

• programs, tracking apps, music/podcasts,
• QR codes/access/check-in,
• social content (networks, challenges, “proof”),
• nutrition/recovery monitoring,
• communication with coach/community.

When the battery goes down, it's not a detail: it's a Breach of use. And a break in use = a degraded experience = a higher risk of churn, especially in a market where the member compares everything.

What is Plug'Heur (concretely)?

Plug'Heur is a charging solution in self-service via terminal + powerbanks, designed for high-traffic places (including fitness clubs):

• Simple for the member : he takes a powerbank, recharges everywhere, then returns it.
• Simple for the staff : no daily management “by hand”.
• Connected : remote control and monitoring.
• Integrable : possibility of integrating it into your member journey (via app/identification/advantages), according to your strategy.
• Brandable : the terminal can become a support consistent with your identity.

What fitness clubs are looking for in 2026 (and how a charging station really helps)

The challenges are clear: increase retention, improve perceived quality, create a seamless experience, and optimize exploitation without adding complexity.

1) Unclog the reception desk (without hiring)

Charging “at the counter” = interruptions. In self-service, the team focuses on what matters: sales, retention, support, animation.

2) Reinforcing perceived quality (immediate premium effect)

A visible terminal that is consistent with your branding becomes a signal: “here, we think about details”. It is a marker of hospitality in the same way as wifi, coffee or a towel.

3) Make the club stay longer (and live better)

The longer the member stays (recovery zone, coffee, social), the more attached they are to the place. Recharging makes that easier: less “I have to leave, I'm at 3%.”

4) Support an e-reputation strategy (Google)

In 2026, Google reviews are a local growth asset. The terminal can become a useful contact point to activate your local Google listing with satisfied members (depending on your strategy).

5) Exploit data and personalization (without complicating)

If you have a member journey logic (VIP offers, advantages, gamification), recharging can be integrated into it: easy access, advantages, targeted scenarios.

6) Standardize the experience across several clubs

When you manage a network, the objective is simple: to offer the same experience everywhere. A standardized service component is more easily deployed than a “human process”.

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ROI: how to measure impact without telling stories

Loyalty cannot be “proven” in 10 days. On the other hand, we can pilot serious signals: satisfaction (CSAT/NPS, verbatims), e-reputation (volume and review score), operations (staff time saved, fewer interruptions), retention (cohorts, monthly churn), in-club engagement (time spent, lounge/recovery use if measured), retention (cohorts, monthly churn), in-club engagement (time spent, lounge/recovery use if measured).

Where to install the kiosk to maximize adoption

In a fitness club, location makes 50% of the success.

Home/entry: maximum visibility and premium effect.

Lounge/café/recovery zone: consistent with hospitality, promotes “stay longer”.

Functional training zone: useful for intensive uses (chrono, video, music).

FAQ (frequent objections)

Does it add operational aspects?
The objective is the opposite: for it to be autonomous. The challenge is to choose a solution designed for self-service.

What if the powerbanks disappear?
According to the model (guarantee, accountability, borrowing rules), the risk must be anticipated and controlled. A good device does not suffer: it controls.

Do members really use it?
Yes, if it is visible, simple and well placed. Fitness is a very “battery intensive” context: music, tracking, content, QR codes.

Is that enough to build loyalty?
It is not the only lever. It is a brick that reduces irritants and increases perceived quality, and therefore strengthens your retention strategy.

An expert accompanies you: 50,000 satisfied members

Do you want to validate if Plug'Heur is relevant for your club (or your network)? Plan an exchange: we help you frame the location, the access model, and the indicators to follow to objectively impact the experience and retention.

👉 Plan an exchange with a Plug'Heur expert