You don’t need a luxury spa buildout to make recovery a profitable part of your business. With Club Automation, a few strategically placed self-service stations—compression, HydroMassage, infrared, cold, or contrast—can transform underused space into a recurring revenue engine.
The real key isn’t the equipment; it’s the configuration. Who has access, how they book, what rules you set, and how seamlessly the experience fits into your operations all determine whether recovery feels like a hassle or a highlight.
Reducing friction with smart integrations
The smoother the member experience, the more likely recovery will become a habit. That’s why integrations are such a powerful driver of adoption.
Take HydroMassage, for example. Clubs can launch in two ways:
1. Front-desk unlock: The quickest to implement, with staff granting access manually.
2. API-driven, at-device access: Members scan a barcode or enter their ID at the unit. Entitlements are verified instantly, usage posts to the member record, and staff are freed from managing the process.
Most operators find the second option pays off quickly: fewer bottlenecks, better labor efficiency, and a more seamless experience for members. And it doesn’t stop there. Club Automation can also surface Technogym training and recovery prompts inside your member app—so the same place members check schedules or book classes is where they’re reminded to recover.
Choosing the right business model
A recovery zone can create revenue in more than one way. The key is to pick a model that fits your membership mix and test it before scaling.
Successful operators typically take one of two paths:
1. Premium-tier bundle — include recovery in higher tiers to drive upgrades.
2. Universal access — include recovery for all members with a modest dues increase (common in higher-priced clubs and Y-style settings).
Whichever you choose, run a 90-day pilot and evaluate member response before deciding how to expand.
Letting recovery sell itself
Recovery works best when it’s visible, not hidden away. The goal is to make every tour and walk-through a soft sell. Think about placing recovery stations in a front-of-house location, using glass walls, or combining multiple modalities in one visible space. Done well, recovery becomes a statement that wellness sits at the heart of your brand.
Matching modalities to member segments
Not every recovery tool appeals to every member. The secret is picking the right mix for your population and educating them on the benefits.
- HydroMassage: Broad appeal, quick, self-service.
- Infrared/red light: Popular with wellness seekers looking for relaxation.
- Cold/contrast: Appeals to performance-driven or biohacking members—education and staff guidance are critical.
Using the science to your advantage
Science gives staff credibility and helps members feel confident in trying something new. For example, WellnessSpace cites an Arizona State study showing HydroMassage or CryoLounge users experienced 32–48% less fatigue and soreness at 24 hours compared to a control group. Combine insights like these with your own member testimonials to strengthen your sales story.
Configuring the journey in Club Automation
Recovery only scales when the details are dialed in. With Club Automation, you can configure every step of the journey to run smoothly:
- Membership & entitlements — tiers or credits, with fair-use rules
- Reservations & waitlists — buffers and no-show policies
- Access control — mobile or RFID, with credits enforced automatically
- Waivers & flags — digital waivers and contraindication checks
- Automation — onboarding nudges, upgrade prompts, lapsed-use saves
- Dashboards — track attach rate, usage per device/day, and churn delta vs. non-recovery members
(Need a step-by-step guide? Check out The Recovery Playbook.)
Building a 90-day launch plan
Launching recovery doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right setup, you can test and refine your model in 12 weeks.
- Weeks 1–4: Configure products, credits, access, and waivers. Train staff, finalize signage, and establish SOPs.
- Weeks 5–8: Launch with a short trial. Send two onboarding nudges. Collect member feedback.
- Weeks 9–12: Adjust credits, buffers, and promos. Review attach and retention metrics. Decide on expansion.
(Need a one-pager for your team? Use our Recovery Pilot Checklist.)
The takeaway
Launching recovery doesn’t require heavy buildouts or new headcount. With Club Automation, you can create a profitable, self-sustaining recovery zone that members love—and that reinforces your brand’s commitment to whole-person wellness.