SWOT Analysis

I've broken down the LA Fitness app to illustrate one part of my research process: mapping out industry competitors to approach solutions with detail and awareness. During a group project in my Spring 2024 semester at UT, my teammates and I completed SWOT analyses, which involved examining an existing app’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to gather insight. With our mission to design a smart gym application to optimize gym spaces for all users, I decided to look at LA Fitness because of the presence the chain holds in the exercise industry and my previous experience with the app.

LA Fitness App

  • Strengths

    • Displays reservations/bookings at the top of the page for immediate user access

    • Easy access to users’ membership cards through a centralized menu at the bottom of the page that displays the main app functions

    • Access to at-home workouts

    • Check-ins for specialized services built into the app

    • Allows users to favorite clubs, classes, and instructors

      • Maybe we do that so users can access their favorite pieces of equipment faster?

    • Displays class schedule

    • Built-in navigation tool to get to the nearest location

  • Weaknesses

    • The majority of the landing page is visually occupied by an image of a general LA Fitness Gym that does not link to any functionalities

      • Transitions to cycling ads that are too small to read and switch quickly (extremely sensitive swiping)

    • Weak internet connections mean that it may be difficult to load a member’s ID and scan their code to get into the gym

      • This means that locations need to have guest wifi

      • Maybe a function to add to Apple Wallet?

    • The “My Account” page displays a lot of information without clear prioritization

    • Dual menus (select features at the bottom and hidden menu) may cause users confusion because things are doubly displayed

  • Opportunities

    • Seasonal increase in membership

      • LA Fitness can take advantage of this trend similar to Planet Fitness’ summer membership and price

    • Enhanced connection with user technology like smartwatches or fitness trackers (Apple Watch, Oura Ring, etc.)

    • Expansion of product range into at-home workouts or digital trainers since they have in-house trainers already

  • Threats

    • The gym market is quite competitive

      • My local area has a Lifetime, LA Fitness, and 24-hour Connection within a few miles of one another

    • At-home workout equipment and programs, such as Peloton

    • A shift to remote productivity following COVID as well as anxiety around gyms due to the pandemic