If you are a gym owner and are looking for simple ways to earn even better, it’s good that you found this article.
Every gym has its most busy time. Yes, you earn a lot then because you have many clients. But did you know that you can still increase your incomes then?
You just need to make even better use of the busiest hours in the gym. Our tips and ideas rely on gym statistics. Find out what to do to earn even more.
Key Takeaways
- There are many ideas on how to increase your earnings even more during already profitable times when large numbers of customers come.
- The ideas are, for example: higher prices (VIP entrances) for personalized attention and more available devices or room space, upselling fitness merchandise, express training or splitting training outdoors and indoors so that more people can use the gym during these busy periods.
- All activities during this busy time must also focus on not discouraging customers who do not like crowds. Therefore, it is worth ensuring a better member experience, e.g. through comfortable locker rooms, additional towels, and small freebies.
- To make it easier for gym members to sign up for classes, get on the waitlist and improve client-gym communication, a great idea is to introduce gym management software.
10 Tips to Make the Most of the Busiest Gym Times
Busiest Times at the Gym and What to Do?
According to IBISWorld, 5 PM to 8 PM accounts for 60% of gym attendance during weekdays.
Gym owners can schedule more staff via their gym staff management software during these times to assist members and ensure a smooth experience.
Remember that your customers go to the gym with some personal fitness goals in mind, but also to have fun. Most people avoid crowds and prefer quieter times, but on the other hand – they don’t have time for workouts at night or on the weekends. So, what can you do?
Make their life AT the gym and WITH the gym as comfortable as possible. Use the ideas from our 10 main tips list, and a huge bonus at the end of the article.
Here are the first 10 big ideas to boost your gym’s revenue during busy hours.
1. Sell Exclusive Membership Upgrades
Offer VIP memberships that provide priority access to equipment, faster check-ins, or premium locker rooms during busy times. Just like in top luxury gyms.
2. Improve the Gym Experience
Invest in customer service, faster check-ins, and better gym amenities (like towels, lockers) to make the busiest gym times enjoyable, encouraging return visits.
3. Upsell Merchandise and Supplements
Set up retail stations with fitness gear, water bottles, and supplements to capitalize on the increased foot traffic. You can also consider opening a gym juice bar for extra income.
4. Promote Small Group Training
Organize small group training sessions with a higher price point to optimize space and provide personalized attention.
5. Maximize Personal Trainers’ Availability
Schedule personal trainers during peak times to offer quick consultations or book future one-on-one sessions.
6. Offer Nutrition and Wellness Add-Ons
Introduce short consultations with nutritionists or wellness experts, available exclusively during busy times.
7. Offer Premium Classes
Introduce specialized classes (HIIT, spin, yoga) during peak times with an additional fee for high-demand sessions.
8. Be there for Customers Even If the Gym is Busy
Whenever the weather allows, make use of outdoor spaces. Let a warm-up outside be part of the training session, and then conduct the rest inside. This way you can handle twice as many group classes at the prime time.
9. Create an ‘Express Workout’ Offer
Create 20- to 30-minute high-intensity classes that cater to members with limited time during peak hours, allowing more people to participate.
10. Encourage Off-Peak Visits
Incentivize members to attend during quieter times (early morning, mid morning, late afternoon, Sunday mornings, Sunday evening, Monday morning, etc) by offering discounts, flexible membership options, or additional perks for attending outside peak times.
11. Maximize Use of Space
Rearrange equipment or install additional machines that allow for higher traffic flow and efficient use of floor space during peak times.
Use a gym membership app or a gym booking system that allow members to book spots in classes or on equipment in advance to reduce crowding and waiting times.
BONUS: Gym Peak Hours Statistics & What to Do
We would like to show you some busy gym membership statistics. They provide a snapshot of gym attendance trends in the USA for 2024.
And below we add ideas which are helping fitness business owners optimize their operations during the most busy moments at the gym.
Weekend Participation
40% of gym-goers prefer to work out on Saturdays, with the busiest hours from 10 AM to 12 PM. Source: Statista
What to Do as a Gym Owner? Introduce special weekend classes or promotions to attract more members during these busy hours.
Early Bird Gym-Goers
As for the morning, 30% of members attend gyms between 6 AM and 8 AM on weekdays.
Source: Fitness Business Association
What to Do as a Gym Owner? Offer early morning classes or incentives for members who work out during these hours to boost attendance.
Post-Work Surge
70% of gym members prefer to work out after work hours, specifically between 5 PM and 7 PM. Source: American Council on Exercise
What to Do as a Gym Owner? Implement quick, high-intensity workout options that fit into a busy schedule for those coming in after work.
Monthly Membership Trends
Gyms see a 20% increase in membership sign-ups in January, leading to busier peak hours.
Source: Club Industry
What to Do as a Gym Owner? Launch targeted marketing campaigns in late December to attract new members during the New Year rush.
Average Wait Times
During peak hours, members experience an average wait time of 10-15 minutes for equipment. Source: MyZone
What to Do as a Gym Owner? Invest in more equipment or streamline entrance-leaving processes thanks to a gym check-in system, to minimize wait times and enhance member satisfaction.
Impact of Holidays
Gym attendance increases by 25% during the first week of the new year due to New Year’s resolutions. Source: IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association)
What to Do as a Gym Owner? Prepare for spikes in attendance by offering special holiday challenges or classes to engage new and existing members.
Group Class Attendance
Group fitness classes see a 50% higher attendance rate during busiest hours compared to non-peak times. Source: Les Mills International
What to Do as a Gym Owner? Expand the variety of group fitness classes offered during busy gym time to cater to diverse interests and keep classes full.
Digital Check-In Reports
85% of gyms report that digital check-in systems show peak attendance during weekday evenings. Source: GymLaunch
What to Do as a Gym Owner? Use real time data from the digital gym check-in system and gym reports to track peak times and optimize staffing and class schedules accordingly.
Membership Retention Rates
Gyms report a 30% higher gym member retention rate for members who consistently attend during peak hours. Source: Mindbody
What to Do as a Gym Owner? Develop loyalty programs or incentives for members who consistently attend during peak hours to encourage gym membership retention.
FAQ
The busiest time at the gym is typically between 5 PM and 8 PM on weekdays, as people visit after work.
Gyms are least busy during mid-afternoon, typically between 10 AM and 3 PM on weekdays, as most people are at work or school.
The most popular gym class times are early mornings (around 6 AM to 8 AM) and evenings (5 PM to 7 PM) on weekdays, as these slots fit into most people’s work schedules.
The quietest time to go to the gym is typically late morning to early afternoon, between 10 AM and 3 PM on weekdays, when most people are at work or school.
