Exploring the Benefits of 24/7 Gym Access Control System

As a gym owner, ensuring the safety of your members and equipment is always a top priority.

With the increasing demand for gyms to offer flexible hours and round-the-clock access, maintaining security without compromising convenience can be challenging. That’s where a 24/7 gym monitoring comes in.

In this blog, we’ll explain what a gym access control system is, how it works, and why implementing one in your gym can significantly enhance both security and your members’ experience.

What is a Gym Access Control System?

A gym access control system is a security solution that regulates who can enter your gym and when. It makes sure only authorised individuals, such as members or staff, can gain access to your facility, enhancing both security and convenience.

These systems can be set up with various access methods, including key cards, fobs, biometric scans, or even mobile apps, allowing gym owners to monitor and control entry easily.

For gym owners, a robust access control system is essential for protecting your equipment and property, particularly when your gym operates outside of regular hours.

For members, it provides peace of mind knowing they can access the gym safely and securely, no matter the time of day or night.

How 24/7 Gym Access Control Systems Work

Secure24’s 24/7 gym access control system is designed to manage who enters your gym and when, ensuring that your facility remains secure at all hours, even without on-site staff.

We implement AI-powered monitoring alongside traditional access methods for seamless and secure entry for members while actively preventing unauthorised access.

Our system detects any unauthorised entry attempts and sends instant alerts to gym owners and staff via live dashboards or WhatsApp notifications. This means you’re always in the loop, whether you’re on-site or not.

Secure24’s AI doesn’t just track who enters; it also provides real-time analysis of usage patterns, helping gym owners understand peak times, member activity, and areas of the gym with the highest traffic. This data can be invaluable for operational planning and improving overall gym efficiency.

Integration with Other Security Systems

Secure24’s access control system is built to integrate seamlessly with existing security tools such as entry cards, fobs, fingerprint scanners and facial recognition.

This integration adds an additional layer of protection, ensuring that every entry point is monitored by both access control and surveillance systems. When a member enters the gym using their access card, fob, or mobile app, our CCTV system will be recording, offering a full audit trail of who entered and when.

By combining AI monitoring with real-time reporting, gym owners can rest assured that their facility is secure around the clock, with no gaps in protection, even during unmanned hours.

Why Your Gym Needs a 24/7 Access Control System

A 24/7 access control system ensures that your gym remains secure, even during late-night hours or when staff aren’t present. 

By limiting entry to authorised individuals, you significantly reduce the risk of theft, vandalism, or other security breaches.

The convenience it offers is a huge benefit for your members too. They can train at any time that suits their schedule, which increases their satisfaction and can improve retention rates.

For gym owners, 24/7 access means you're not confined to typical working hours, and your members have the flexibility to use the facility whenever they need. Whether it’s early morning or late at night, your gym can cater to the needs of a wider range of customers.

AI-Powered Tailgating Detection

With Secure24's AI-powered tailgating detection, your gym gains a cutting-edge solution for preventing unauthorised access. The system uses machine learning to analyse real-time data from your CCTV cameras. As a member scans their access credentials, the AI system tracks the entry patterns and detects if anyone is trying to "tail-in" behind them.

If a person follows a member through an entry point without using their own credentials, the AI system flags it immediately. This process happens without the need for manual review or human intervention, ensuring zero missed incidents.

Secure24’s bespoke AI solution provides real-time alerts, giving gym owners and managers the power to instantly address any tailgating attempts and prevent further security breaches.

Reducing the Need for On-Site Staff

With a 24/7 access control system in place, there's no need for constant staff presence at all hours. This reduces labour costs, especially for gyms that want to stay open during non-peak times. 

Instead of having to schedule staff for every hour of operation, the system allows you to manage access remotely, and staff can be called in only when needed, such as for maintenance or customer service.

The system offers an automated solution that can function smoothly around the clock without needing extra employees, making it a highly efficient choice for gym owners looking to reduce overhead costs.

Enhancing Member Experience

A seamless entry process goes a long way in improving the overall member experience. With access control systems, members can enter and exit the gym without delays, frustrations, or long queues.

Whether they're using a mobile app, fob, or biometric scan, the process is quick and efficient, which helps keep them engaged and satisfied with your services.

Additionally, knowing their gym is secure, even during late hours, boosts confidence and trust among your members. A positive experience in terms of convenience and security encourages member loyalty and helps promote the gym as a safe and accessible place to work out.

Cost-Effective 24/7 Gym Access Control Systems

Operating a gym 24/7 can quickly become expensive, particularly when factoring in staffing costs for late hours or overnight shifts. With Secure24’s gym access control system, you can eliminate the need for additional staff during these hours, which translates to significant cost savings.

This system automates access, allowing your gym to stay open without the overhead of paying staff to monitor the doors or manage entry. As a result, you can maintain a high level of security without the added labor costs.

Secure24 makes this solution incredibly affordable, starting from just £1.57 per hour for continuous monitoring. Additionally, if you need to make short-notice overrides (e.g., for extended hours or special events), these are priced at £3 per hour.

You only pay for the hours you actually use, making it a flexible and cost-effective solution for gyms of all sizes.

In the long term, the reduced labor costs, combined with operational efficiencies, make Secure24’s 24/7 gym access control system a smart investment.

This system not only helps streamline operations but also ensures you’re optimising your budget while maintaining top-tier security for your gym.

How to Ensure Your System Meets Security Standards

When implementing a 24/7 gym access control system, it’s important to ensure that the system complies with all relevant security standards and industry regulations. This includes protecting personal data, especially if it uses biometric features, in accordance with data protection laws like GDPR.

Additionally, check that the system complies with any local building or fire safety codes, which may require specific access provisions for emergency evacuations.

By working with a reputable provider like Secure24, you can ensure that your access control system meets all necessary compliance requirements, giving you peace of mind and reducing the risk of any legal or regulatory issues.

24/7 Gym Access Control Systems FAQs

• What is the cost of a 24/7 gym access control system?

  The cost of a 24/7 gym access control system can vary widely depending on the system’s complexity, features, and size of your gym.

  Typically, you’ll have to account for installation costs, which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds, depending on the type of system and the number of access points.

  In addition to installation, there are monthly fees for system maintenance, software updates, and possibly cloud storage if your system stores data online.

  These fees typically range from £20 to £100 per month, depending on the service provider and the level of support you require.

  Maintenance costs are also important to consider, especially for more complex systems like biometric or mobile app-based access. Regular maintenance can help ensure the system continues to function properly, and it may involve periodic check-ups or updates.

• Can I integrate my gym access system with my existing security systems?

  Yes, many modern gym access control systems can be easily integrated with your existing CCTV, alarm systems, and other security tools. This integration can help create a comprehensive security setup that manages both entry and surveillance.

  For example, when a member enters using their access card, the system can trigger the CCTV to start recording, providing a complete security solution.

  It's important to check with your access control provider to ensure compatibility with your current systems. Some access control solutions are more flexible than others when it comes to integration, so it’s worth confirming this upfront.

• Are there any membership management features in these systems?

  Yes, many advanced access control systems offer membership management features that go beyond simply controlling entry. These systems can be used to track member attendance, manage membership renewals, and even send automated reminders for upcoming renewals or cancellations.

  Some systems also allow for member data storage, where you can maintain profiles that include membership status, access rights, and payment history. These features streamline administrative tasks, reducing the need for separate membership management software.

• How secure is biometric access compared to other methods?

  Biometric access control systems, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, are generally considered more secure than traditional methods like card or key fob access. Since biometrics are unique to each individual, they are much harder to share, lose, or steal compared to physical cards or fobs.

  That said, no system is entirely foolproof. Biometric systems are highly reliable, but they require careful calibration to ensure accuracy and reduce the risk of false positives or negatives. In terms of security, biometrics offer a higher level of assurance, especially for gyms looking for robust protection.

• Do 24/7 access control systems offer remote monitoring?

  Yes, most modern 24/7 access control systems allow for remote monitoring, giving gym owners the ability to manage their facility from anywhere.

  Whether you're at home, on vacation, or running errands, you can monitor who’s entering and exiting your gym in real time through a smartphone app or web interface.

  Remote monitoring also lets you receive notifications or alerts if the system detects any unusual activity or security breaches. This can provide valuable peace of mind, especially when you're not physically present to oversee the operations.