Whether you’re years into running your gym or you’re in the startup phase, you’ve probably contemplated whether you want the gym to open 24/7.
It’s a significant decision, and it can feel like an even greater commitment. But for many gym owners, making the move to 24/7 isn’t just a growth opportunity. It’s a smart, strategic next step that enables them to serve more members, differentiate themselves from the competition, and utilise their space more effectively.
But what’s the biggest barrier to going 24/7? It’s not budget like you might think. It’s timing.
So how do you know when the time is right? And what does it actually take to successfully run a 24-hour gym?
Why Going 24/7 Could Be a Good Idea For Your Gym
Deciding to shift to a 24-hour gym model is about serving your members and positioning the business to grow without taking on more space or employing more staff.
For many gyms, the switch to 24/7 access creates:
- More flexibility for members. Especially those working shifts, managing childcare, or fitting workouts around a busy lifestyle.
- A competitive advantage. Particularly if local gyms still operate within standard business hours.
- Higher member retention. People are more likely to stick around when your gym fits into their schedule.
- A steady increase in revenue. Going 24-hour is a great way to boost revenue without needing to move premises or build a bigger space.
Running a 24-hour Gym Is About When, Not If
A lot of gym owners dismiss the idea because they assume it’s something “for later” once the business is bigger, busier, or bringing in more profit. But in reality, the right time to go 24/7 is usually earlier than you might think.
Some Key Indicators Include:
- Seeing bottlenecks at peak times
- Having to turn away potential members because of scheduling
- You’re running a well-organised operation with reliable systems in place
What stops most gyms from moving forward despite ticking these boxes is the perception that it’s expensive, complex, or hard to manage. But the right setup can actually reduce your admin load and free up your time, especially if your software, access control, and payments are automated.
Challenges to Consider Before Opening a 24-Hour Gym
The biggest change is usually around how you manage the gym when it’s unstaffed. You’ll need to be confident in your systems and comfortable trusting your members to be in your space when your staff aren’t there.
Some areas to plan for:
Security and access control. Members should be able to enter independently, and non-members should be kept out. A solid access system is non-negotiable.
Member safety. While serious incidents are rare, late-night gym use requires clear emergency procedures and systems that make members feel safe and supported.
Cleaning and maintenance. More hours of operation mean more foot traffic, and that means assessing your cleaning schedule and how you maintain equipment.
Monitoring and support. Whether it’s real-time alerts, security cameras, or simply checking logs and usage patterns, it’s important to have visibility over what’s happening when staff aren’t present.
None of these are deal-breakers or reasons to abandon going 24-hour. But they do require upfront planning, the right tools, and a shift in how you operate day-to-day.
So, Is It Time to Make Your Gym 24-Hour?
If your gym is already running smoothly and your members are asking for more flexibility, the answer could be yes.
Going 24/7 doesn’t have to be stressful. In many cases, it reduces the pressure on peak-time classes, frees up your front-desk team, and gives members more control over their fitness experience.
Another thing to remember is that it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Some gyms start by extending to late evenings or early mornings, then gradually move to full 24/7 access once the systems have been tested and the demand is clear.
To summarise, opening a 24-hour gym is about moving from a traditional, staff-dependent model to one that’s built for modern convenience, member autonomy, and long-term scalability. The key lies in making sure your software, systems, and setup can support it.
ClubRight is the go-to management software for independent gyms, taking care of everything from membership management and billing to class bookings and online joining, plus a whole lot more, with proven experience in helping gyms transition to a 24-hour model. Give us a call today on +44 (0)203 884 977 or book a free online demo with one of our product experts to find out why we’re trusted by more than 1000+ fitness businesses across the UK.
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