As the fitness world flexes into the future, you don’t want your gym stuck doing bicep curls in the past. So if you are open… to opening your gym – at any time for your clients, for example, if you’re thinking of running one of the profitable 24 hours gyms or slimming down your front desk gym staff (hey, not everyone needs a receptionist spotting them), it’s time to check out a gym access system.
Key Takeaways
- A gym access system is a set of entry systems that control who enters your fitness facility.
- There are many possibilities to manage access to your gym: one popular option is a gym membership card system.
- Key benefits of a 24-hour gym access are enhanced security features for both the equipment and gym staff, and convenience for the members.
- Some disadvantages of automatic door entry may be dependence on a stable internet connection and the price depending on how many entry points you wish to have.
- Mobile access to fitness facilities is most often provided by companies such as: WodGuru, GymMaster, Kisi.
Gym Entry Systems In a Nutshell:
1. WodGuru
2. Gantner
3. Brivo
4. GymMaster
5. Swiftlane
6. Exercise.com
7. EZFacility
8. Motionsoft
9. Wellyx
10. HID
11. Kisi
What Is a Gym Access Control System
A gym access control system is a combination of hardware and software that manages who can enter your gym, when, and how – typically enabling automated, secure, and 24/7 access for members and staff.
Core Components of a Gym Access System:
- Authentication Devices (Hardware):
- RFID card readers / key fobs
- Mobile access (Bluetooth, NFC, QR code)
- Biometric scanners (fingerprint, facial recognition)
- Turnstiles, doors, gates, or lockers
- RFID card readers / key fobs
- Access Control Software:
- Entry systems consist of a cloud or local system that:
- Links to member profiles
- Sets time/day access permissions
- Tracks entries/exits
- Sends alerts for unauthorized access or tailgating
- Can integrate with gym management systems (fitness scheduling software, gym billing software)
- Links to member profiles
- Entry systems consist of a cloud or local system that:
- Member Identification Method:
- In a gym access system, each user is assigned a credential (e.g., a key fob or app login) that the system recognizes.
Why Gyms Use Access Control Systems
Let’s take a look at the summary and find out why gym access control systems are the future for gym earnings and convenience.
Benefits of Entry Systems | How They Help |
24/7 hour gym access for members | Let members gain entry and work out outside staff hours. |
Improved security | Restrict access to paying members only; the security features, like security cameras may also help increase trainer safety and equipment care. |
Track attendance | Know who enters and when; prevent sharing access thanks to access logs. |
Automated operations | No need for front-desk staff all the time thanks to the entry points. |
Integration with gym management software | Seamless billing, class booking, and door access |
Tailgating detection | Prevent unauthorized entry for people without a valid gym membership. |
Gym Entry Systems - Example Use Case:
A member signs up → receives a mobile app or RFID card → swipes at the front door → system checks if they have a valid membership (a stable internet connection is necessary) → security doors unlock → system logs the time → if expired, entry is denied.
Access Control vs Traditional Keys
Feature | Access Control System | Traditional Keys |
Track usage | ✅ | ❌ |
Limit time-based entry | ✅ (e.g. 9am–5pm only) | ❌ |
Easy to revoke access | ✅ (just remove credentials) | ❌ (need to rekey locks) |
Automation | ✅ | ❌ |
If you’re one of the gym owners or fitness managers, be sure that having an access control system will help you with scalability, security, and convenience.
Top 10+ Gym Access Control Companies
Here are 11 top-rated gym access control system providers in the U.S. for 2025, focusing on hardware and/or software integration. Each offers different approaches – RFID fobs, mobile, biometric, turnstiles – these access systems are suited to varying gym sizes and budgets.
1. WodGuru
Type: comprehensive gym management software: QR code mobile based access software provider
Pros: Multiple operational options if a proper implementing company is hired:
- entry and time passes – to block the doors if something is wrong,
- open gym – which allows you to remove the entrance from the entry pass in such a situation if the club does not use the schedule,
- QR codes in the app refreshed every few seconds to prevent fraud and scanning and entering someone else’s code,
- configuration of registrations, withdrawals, automatic cancellations of classes – everything so that you do nothing and that it deletes itself or blocks the options of adding,or entering,
- analytics and booking in an app via QR codes thanks to the gym check in system.
Cons: you need an external specialized company that will supply and configure the equipment, and you also need to purchase a QR code reader yourself.
Pricing: $49-$149 (possible option of $0 on trial basis)
2. Gantner
Type: RFID wristbands/fobs, biometric lockers, turnstiles
Pros: High throughput for high-traffic gyms; integrated locker access; robust hardware
Cons: Higher capital expenditure; may need specialist integrator
Pricing: Custom; expect $5,000+ including hardware
3. Brivo
Type: Cloud-based (cards, mobile, remote unlock)
Pros: Remote management; integrates with video systems; analytics-rich
Cons: Access control only – gym management is separate; monthly cloud fees
Pricing: ~$20-$50 per door/month; door readers ~$500–$800
4. GymMaster
Type: All-in-one gym management system + RFID + Bluetooth door access
Pros: Fully integrated: billing, POS, app, 24/7 access, tailgating detection
Cons: Tailgating hardware adds cost; less powerful analytics than Kisi/Brivo
Pricing: $89-$189/month per facility (Foundation → Professional, includes access)
5. Swiftlane
Type: Multi-credential (face, QR, PIN, key‑card, app) intercom + door controller
Pros: Face recognition & intercom built-in; supports elevator access; 24/7 remote control
Cons: Biometrics raise privacy concerns; higher upfront hardware costs
Pricing: Hardware $500-$1,500+; monthly platform ~$10-$30 per unit
6. Exercise.com (via Kisi integration)
Type: Gym management software with door control via Kisi
Pros: Unified flow from booking → check‑in; mobile/key fob support; 24/7 access
Cons: Relies on third-party Kisi; may cost more than standalone management tools
Pricing: Exercise.com base ~$100+/month + Kisi access per door
7. EZFacility (Auth.ID + Brivo integration)
Type: Brivo-powered door control + gym software
Pros: PCI‑DSS certified; remote access management; RFID/mobile device support
Cons: Non-transparent pricing; dependent on partnerships
Pricing: Contact vendor – likely $50-$150 per month per door
8. Motionsoft (with Gantner integration)
Type: Enterprise gym ops + key/fob/biometric entry
Pros: Enterprise-grade; multi-location sync; Gantner hardware compatible
Cons: Designed for large gyms; likely high implementation cost
Pricing: Custom; expect $$$/year licensing + hardware costs
9. Wellyx
Type: Gym/studio management + integrated access control
Pros: All-in-one setup; hardware included; fast onboarding
Cons: Advanced features need learning time; hardware options may be limited
Pricing: Tiered plans – software + hardware; estimated $50–$150/month
10. HID Global
Type: RFID, smart cards, biometric readers; OEM for gym integrators
Pros: Enterprise-grade security; broad reader ecosystem; biometric options
Cons: No turnkey gym software; needs integration by third-party
Pricing: Reader $300-$700+ each; software/cloud service extra
11. Kisi
Type: Cloud-based access control (mobile apps, keycards, PINs)
Pros: Intuitive cloud dashboard; real-time alerts and analytics; scalable for multi-site gyms
Cons: Requires compatible door hardware; subscription may add up with scaling
Pricing: Custom quotes – likely $50-$100 per reader/month plus hardware costs
Gym Access Control: Summary Comparison Table
Provider | Entry Types | Key Strengths | Price Range |
WodGuru | Mobile (QR code from a membership app), proximity cards, barcode cards | Gym membership app integration, booking integration, analytics, entry report, | $49-$149 + QR equipment |
Kisi | Mobile device, keycard, PIN | Cloud control, analytics, scalability | $50–$100+/reader |
Gantner | RFID, biometric, wristband | High-traffic ready, locker integration | $5,000+/door hardware |
Brivo | Card, mobile | Remote + video integration, analytics | ~$20–$50/door |
GymMaster | RFID, Bluetooth | Full integration, tailgating detection | $89–$189 |
Swiftlane | Face, QR, PIN, card, app | Biometric intercom, elevator control | $500–$1,500+/device |
Exercise.com | App, RFID (via Kisi) | Booking → entry workflow | $100+/mo + Kisi |
EZFacility | RFID, Brivo | Certified security, remote admin | TBD |
Motionsoft | RFID, biometric | Enterprise, synced systems | Custom |
Wellyx | RFID, mobile? | Quick onboard, integrated | $50–$150 |
HID Global | RFID, smart cards, biometrics | OEM-grade, flexible readers | $300–$700 per reader |
Control Access to Your Gym: Summing Up
- For small-to-mid gyms: WodGuru offers a great integrated package at an affordable monthly rate.
Get to know more about this comprehensive software solution, remember there is a trial mode possibility, no strings attached:
Manage your gym
like a pro
Get more online bookings and increase your gym profit
- For multi-location or tech-focused gyms: HID Global gives flexibility and powerful analytics.
- For biometric/face recognition: Swiftlane offers advanced access control but be mindful of privacy and cost.
- For enterprise-level: Gantner or Motionsoft deliver high-volume hardware, yet with higher investment.
FAQ
An access control system is a security system that manages who can enter your fitness facilities and when. It helps keep your gym open to authorized clients, using tools like gym key fobs or pin code and grants access for those who have an active membership status in the membership system.
A gym fob is a small device used by gym members to unlock doors or check into fitness facilities. It’s part of an automated entry and security system that grants access every time the gym owners decide to make it open, and helps the system integrate with other gym management tools.
A gym system refers to the software and hardware that help fitness facilities run smoothly. It can include scheduling, billing, and various automated access methods integrated. When a system integrates access control with member management, it improves the gym experience for both staff and gym users.
Multiple gym access means gym users can use multiple locations under the same membership. This is ideal for chains or franchises. It often relies on a unified security system and gym key fobs, RFID or pin code to keep all locations gym accessible, even during peak hours, through automated getting in.
Key tags are digital access devices, often attached to a keychain, that use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or barcode technology to identify and authenticate a gym member when they scan or tap the tag at an access point (like a turnstile, door, or check-in terminal).
