Access control in fitness studios: suitable solutions

Like all other buildings, the gym also needs access control. After all, people can't just go in and out as they please. But what is the best way to regulate access control for the gym? This article shows what needs to be considered when choosing and what solutions there are.

Access control in the gym – why so important?

Flexibility is a top priority for most gyms . This means that members can train whenever they want. There is usually someone at the reception. But there are also studios where no one is on site at certain times  , but you can still train.

This is accompanied by a major problem: How do you separate the people who pay for a membership and are allowed to train there at any time from those who want to gain unauthorized access?

What's more, not every area of a gym should be accessible to everyone, whether they're a member or not. Certain areas, such as the office, where sensitive data is stored and processed, are off-limits to the public.

Access control for the gym is needed! With an appropriate solution, it is clearly regulated which people have access to which areas and which do not.

Electronic access control – the game changer for fitness studios

There are different types of access controls. From manual solutions to digital methods, everything is possible. Electronic access control in particular is proving to be practical for fitness studios. It comes with numerous benefits, allowing gyms to reduce resources and increase efficiency. In addition, electronic access controls offer increased security in the gym.

With digital access control, gym members are often given transponders in the form of key fobs or wristbands. It is also possible to use a PIN code. And some studios rely on biometric parameters such as a fingerprint or iris scan.

Advantages of access control in the gym

Access control in the gym is important and useful for many reasons. It comes with various advantages.

• Security: Access control increases security in the gym. When only authorized users have access, property, employees, other members, and revenue are protected.
• ‍Better customer support: When on-site employees have to take care of access control, they can spend less time registering and servicing customers. With access control, the working hours of employees can be made more efficient and customer satisfaction increases. ‍
• High comfort: Thanks to access control, users can enter the gym quickly and easily. You don't have to talk to a person in advance to sign up. ‍
• Extended opening hours: With good access control, the opening hours of the gym can be extended. Some studios can be open around the clock without any safety risk. This increases customer satisfaction and increases revenue. It also keeps studios competitive. ‍
• Comprehensive control: Especially with electronic access control, there is full control over who is in the gym and when. This data can also be easily viewed – for example, via software or an app. ‍
• Insights into usage patterns: This also makes it possible to track at what times most users are on site. This helps the gym to optimize itself. Employees can also be deployed much more efficiently.

What requirements do gyms place on access control systems?

In order for access control to really be of use to the gym, you should pay attention to the requirements of the studio when making a purchase  . There are certainly individual aspects to consider. As a rule, however, the need is very similar.

Safety

Like other commercial establishments, gyms also have a need for security. Both the facility, which is not exactly cheap, and the employees must be protected. In addition, there are also valuables of the members in the studio. Not to forget the personal data that is processed in a gym and requires special protection.

With an electronic access control system, fitness studios are optimally protected. Unauthorized persons are not allowed to enter and both members and employees can feel safe.

Control 24/7

Many gyms need to be open around the clock to stay competitive. But who monitors the studio during the time when no one occupies the registration desk? With an access control system, this is easily possible. Digital solutions allow access to be recorded. Abnormalities can be detected immediately, so that appropriate measures can be taken.

Comfortable use

Anyone who enters a gym to train there wants to  gain access as quickly and comfortably as possible. With electronic access control, members don't have to spend a lot of time logging in. With an access card or wristband with an RFID chip, they don't even have to talk to anyone to enter the studio.

Easy to manage

The simpler and less complicated the administration, the better – because time is money. With electronic access control, the gym can  be flexibly managed at any time. No matter how big or small the studio is, automation options are in demand everywhere.

Recording of data

In establishments such as gyms, it is very important to keep thorough records. Electronic access control helps with this. This makes it possible to monitor whether members use the studio as part of their membership, or whether there is fraudulent use.  

Components of access control for fitness studios

What is the composition of access control for fitness studios? If you decide to use an electronic system, you should  consider the following components:

• Reader
• Access medium
• Software

The reader is attached to the lock where access control is to take place. It communicates with an access medium such as a transponder. As soon as the reader detects that someone is using an access medium that has access authorization, the lock opens. Otherwise, it will remain locked.

Each individual digital key can be managed via management software. This is practical, for example, if a membership ends, but the key card is not returned. It can be easily blocked via the system so that access is no longer possible.

With BlueID , you get a complete solution for your gym that can be used to implement access control. We adapt our products individually to your needs: - so you get a system that is optimally suited to your studio.

Result

Like other facilities, gyms also require access control. Electronic solutions offer a number of great benefits for the members, the employees, and the operator of the gym. It is important to pay attention to your own needs when choosing a system. In this way, the requirements of the studio are met to a high degree.