Running a gym with limited operating hours can hold your business back – missed workouts frustrate members, staffing costs rise, and growth stalls when access is restricted. According to our research, there are 81% of gyms going out of business within their first year of operation. Ooops?
As a gym owner, how do you offer true 24/7 access without sacrificing security, control, or your bottom line?
The solution is choosing the right 24/7 gym access system: a secure, automated platform that manages door entry, verifies membership status in real time, reduces staffing needs, and enhances the gym experience for members while your business continues to grow around the clock.
Key Takeaways
- A 24/7 gym access control system is software and hardware that lets members enter a gym anytime using secure, automated door access based on their membership status.
- It’s a good idea because it increases revenue, reduces staffing costs, improves security, and gives members convenient 24/7 access - helping the fitness facility grow without adding more staff.
- Some US-based or widely used software providers for gym access and management include: WodGuru, GymMaster, Mindbody, or Zen Planner.
- To choose the best software, compare features, integrations, ease of use, security, cost, support, and how well the system fits your gym’s size and business model.
What Is 24/7 Gym Access?
24 7 gym access allows gym members to gain entry to a gym or fitness center at any time, regardless of traditional operating hours. Using a 24 hours gym management system and a gym access control system, members enter through a gym door using key fobs, key tags, a QR code, or a mobile app.
This automated gym access control system verifies membership status, applies time restrictions, and ensures secure access without requiring a staff member on site. The access control system works through an internet connection, allowing gym owners to manage doors, entry, and control remotely.
Benefits of 24/7 Gym Access
The biggest benefit of 24 7 gym access is convenience. For both parties.
Gym members can train during off-busiest gym times, avoid peak hours, and enjoy a better member experience. When members enter on their own schedule, the gym attracts more members, retains more clients, and creates a new revenue stream.
For fitness facility owners, a secure gym access control solution means more control, fewer employees, and lower cost over time. Security features such as video surveillance, real time monitoring, and controlled door access protect the facility, advanced and common gym equipment, and space.
As the business grows, gyms can operate longer hours without hiring more staff, increasing revenue while keeping operations efficient.
Types of Gym Access Software
There are so many options when choosing gym software, but not every system is the right one for you.
Think carefully what you need and compare with what’s available on the market. Common types of gym access control systems include:
- Gym check in system based on key fobs and key tags connected to gym doors
- QR code or mobile app entry
- Biometric or smart device access
- Cloud-based access control software with real time monitoring
The best solutions are part of a fully integrated gym management software platform. These systems combine key features like:
- access control,
- membership management (read more about gym membership software, it’s an amazing tool!),
- member management,
- payment processing (thanks to gym billing software),
- and member experience tools.
Advanced features allow gym owners to unlock a door remotely, track access, manage operating hours, monitor security, and control gym door entry from a website or app.
Key factors to consider include:
- upfront costs,
- hardware requirements,
- internet connection,
- support,
- security features,
- and whether the system integrates with existing gym equipment and business tools.
Choosing the wrong solution can limit growth, reduce control, and increase long-term cost.
Gym Access Control System Options
Here’s a concise list of popular gym access software systems, each with a short description.
- WodGuru – Fully integrated gym management software with 24/7 gym access, membership management, payment processing, and automated door access control. Designed by fitness professionals for fitness professionals, perfect for gyms, fitness clubs, crossfit boxes, martial arts school, boutique studios or yoga places.
- GymMaster – A robust gym access control system offering key fobs, QR code entry, door access, and strong member management features.
- Glofox – Gym software focused on fitness studios, combining access control, booking, membership management, and gym membership app access.
- Mindbody – Well-known gym management software with scheduling, payment processing, and integrated access control through third-party hardware.
- Zen Planner – Designed for gyms and fitness centers, offering membership management, billing, and access control integrations.
- Club Automation – Enterprise-level system for large gyms with advanced access control, member management, and reporting features.
- PushPress – Popular with CrossFit gyms, combining gym software, payment processing, and third-party 24 hour gym software integrations.
- Kisi – A cloud-based access control system that provides secure access, mobile entry, real time monitoring, and door control for gyms.
- Brivo – Access control software focused on security features, video surveillance integration, and remote door access.
- Openpath – Mobile-first access control system using smartphones, QR codes, and key tags for secure facility entry.
A short comparison with pros and cons? Here you are!
System | Best For | Access Methods | Key Strength | Limitation |
WodGuru | Gyms & fitness studios, CrossFit boxes, yoga places | QR code, key fobs, app | Fully integrated gym management + access control | Fewer hardware-only options |
GymMaster | Gyms | Key fobs, QR code | Strong access control + automation | Interface less modern |
Glofox | Boutique studios | App, QR code | Great member experience & branding | Limited native door control |
Mindbody | Multi-location studios | 3rd-party access | Powerful scheduling & payments | Access control not native |
Zen Planner | Functional training gyms | 3rd-party access | Member management & billing | Extra cost for access |
Club Automation | Large fitness centers | Key tags, cards | Enterprise features & reporting | High upfront cost |
PushPress | CrossFit gyms | 3rd-party access | Simple billing & workflows | Relies on integrations |
Kisi | Modern facilities | Mobile, QR code | Strong security & real-time monitoring | Not gym-specific |
Brivo | Security-focused gyms | Cards, mobile | Advanced security features | Limited gym tools |
Openpath | Tech-forward gyms | Mobile, QR code | Fast, touchless entry | Requires modern hardware |
Gym Access Software Checklist (What to Look For)
1. Access & Security
☐ 24/7 gym access support
☐ Secure access with key fobs, key tags, QR code, or app
☐ Automated access control system
☐ Time restrictions by membership status
☐ Real-time monitoring & video surveillance
☐ Ability to open doors remotely
2. Gym Management Features
☐ Membership management
☐ Member management & tracking
☐ Payment processing (fully integrated)
☐ Staff member & employee controls
☐ Operating hours automation
☐ Reports to track access, usage, and peak hours
3. Business & Growth
☐ Enhances member experience & convenience
☐ Helps attract more members
☐ Creates a new revenue stream
☐ Reduces need for more staff
☐ Scales as the business grows
4. Technical & Cost Factors
☐ Reliable internet connection support
☐ Compatible hardware & devices
☐ Reasonable upfront costs
☐ Ongoing support & updates
☐ Easy-to-use app and website
☐ Avoids locking you into the wrong system
Downloadable Gym Access Software Checklist:
One System to Rule Them All 😉
If you want one system that combines gym access control, membership, payments, and security without juggling multiple tools, a fully integrated solution like WodGuru is often the best system.
Hardware-first platforms work well for security-heavy facilities, but gym-specific software delivers better long-term control, revenue, and member experience.
Why Is WodGuru the Best Gym Access Control System?
WodGuru is the best system for gyms, fitness studios, and fitness centers because it is fully integrated and designed specifically for growing gym businesses. It combines 24 hour gym software, gym access control, membership management, payment processing, and real time monitoring into one powerful platform.
With WodGuru, gym owners can control doors, manage membership, track access, monitor security, and use a gym reporting software module from one app or website. Members gain entry using key fobs, QR codes, or mobile access, ensuring secure access and a smooth member experience. The system supports video surveillance, automated time restrictions, and instant updates to membership status.
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As an example of the right system, WodGuru helps gyms avoid the wrong software choice, reduce upfront costs, protect their facility, and scale efficiently. With strong customer support (reported in many reviews!), smart features, and reliable hardware, WodGuru helps businesses grow revenue, serve more members, and succeed long-term.
Built for fitness, perfected for management. WodGuru gives you complete control over every aspect of your gym, from door access to detailed reporting. See the power of smart software.
FAQ
Members use an access control system (key fobs, key tags, QR code, or app) to enter anytime; the system checks membership status and unlocks the gym without a staff member.
Gym software is a management system that handles memberships, payments, scheduling, member tracking, and often access control and security features.
A 24 hour gym is a fitness facility open around the clock, allowing members to train anytime without being limited by traditional operating hours.
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WodGuru is more than software; it’s a growth partner. Reliable support, powerful features, and a commitment to saving you time. It’s time for a smarter system.
