The sports sector in Spain is experiencing a golden era. From boutique gyms to massive sports clubs, sustained growth reflects a cultural change: physical activity has become a priority for millions. But, as the industry expands, it also faces significant challenges. One of the main ones is the supply management, a need that can be the Achilles' heel or the engine of profitability for these businesses.

Managing a gym isn't just worrying about machinery or staff; basic supplies such as electricity, water, gas, internet and insurance they play a fundamental role in everyday life. But what happens when bills arrive in disarray, with high costs and little control?

This not only affects your budget, but also your ability to focus on what matters most: your customers. According to recent studies, between 5% and 15% of operating costs in gyms correspond to basic services and insurance. Optimizing these expenses can be the difference between success and loss of competitiveness.

This is where Polaroo enters the scene, a technological solution that not only alleviates the administrative burden, but also transforms the way gyms and clubs manage resources such as electricity, water, internet and more.

Let's see how technology can make a difference in efficient supply management.

The impact of the growth of the sports sector on resource management

Based on global data, the global fitness industry will reach a value of 300 billion dollars in 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%, driven by the growing preference for healthy lifestyles and the digitalization of sports services. This highlights the importance of integrating digital solutions into operations to stay competitive.

As for Spain, it is a leading country in the fitness and sports sector. According to Statista, with about 4,000 gyms and more than 5.5 million members in Spain, the fitness sector has reached pre-pandemic levels, generating additional revenues of around 500 million euros in 2022. This growth has brought with it the need to optimally manage the increasing consumption of resources.

The average gym in Spain spends more than €20,000 per year only in electricity and water, especially in large facilities with swimming pools or heated areas. Added to this is the internet, essential for reservation systems, and insurance, an obligation that often represents a high percentage of the budget.

For example, a typical gym can consume a significant amount of electricity for lighting, cardio machines, and climate systems. Now, multiply that consumption by a chain with 10 or 15 locations. Without efficient control, costs soar and profitability decreases.

Main challenges in the management of basic supplies in sports chains

1. High volumes of consumption

From water for showers to internet for online reservation systems, gyms need resources to operate without interruption. These volumes are difficult to manage manually.

2. Multiple contracts and suppliers

Sports networks usually work with different suppliers for water, electricity, gas and internet. This complicates the task of reviewing rates, renegotiating contracts or identifying inconsistencies in invoices.

3. Fluctuation of rates‍

Electricity and gas prices are constantly changing. This, in addition to the lack of time to negotiate better rates, leaves gyms paying more than they need to.

4. Administrative burden

The team responsible for managing invoices and contracts is often overloaded with tasks that don't add direct value to the business. Not only is this time-consuming, but it increases the risk of errors.

The role of technology in supply management

Digitalization is one of the main tools to face these challenges. It's not just about automating processes, but about gaining visibility and control over resources. Software such as Polaroo centralizes all supply management on a single platform, offering solutions that transform daily operation.

Practical example:

Imagine a chain of gyms with 10 locations. Without using Polaroo, your administrative team spends 10 to 20 hours a month reviewing and organizing invoices, in addition to any inconsistencies that may exist. With Polaroo, that entire process is automated, freeing up the team to focus on strategic tasks such as customer service.

Polaroo's key benefits for gym chains

1. Billing automation and centralization

With Polaroo, all invoices are unified in one place. What does this mean in practice? No more hours spent searching for individual bills or reconciling payments. La automation reduces errors and simplifies accounting.

For example, an average gym may receive 15 bills a month for electricity, water, internet and other services. Without an automated system, this involves a tedious manual process that the Polaroo software completely eliminates.

2. Contract optimization

Gyms often sign supply contracts and forget about them, missing out on renegotiation opportunities. Polaroo performs continuous analysis to ensure that the most competitive price in the market is paid.

By offering comprehensive support through the team of Polaroo experts, who are responsible for optimizing the costs associated with each supply with regular reviews ensuring the best rates in the electricity, gas and internet market, among others, you can achieve savings of up to 40% in costs.

3. Data Intelligence

Access to accurate metrics on energy, water and internet consumption allows gyms to identify inefficiencies. For example, if a location is using more electricity than expected, the Polaroo platform can pinpoint the problem, helping to correct it quickly.

Finally, saving using Polaroo is not only economic, but it can help you contribute to sustainability, since managing supplies efficiently also contributes to lower environmental impact. With Polaroo, gyms can reduce their carbon footprint by consuming only what they need and avoiding waste. These types of practices not only benefit the business, but they also reinforce commitment to the environment.

Future trends: Intelligent resource management in sports

With a growth of more than 8.4% in turnover of the wellness and physical activity sector in 2023, according to the Global Wellness Institute, digitalization and personalization are fundamental elements for improving the competitiveness of sports companies. In addition, the trend towards responsible and sustainable consumption practices indicates that, in the future, platforms that allow centralized and efficient management of resources will be increasingly in demand.

Therefore, considering digitalization and sustainability as key trends in the sports sector, more and more companies are adopting technological solutions to remain competitive in a demanding market. In the coming years, gyms will compete, in addition to services, in efficiency. Those who know how to manage their resources more intelligently will be able to offer better prices and services without sacrificing their profitability and improving the customer experience.