As a gym owner, offering members the option to workout at any time of the day or night can be an important value-add that makes them choose your gym over your competitors, but operating a gym 24/7 does pose certain security challenges.
Not only do you need to ensure patrons can easily access the premises and work out safely, but you’ve also invested a lot of money into your equipment and need to protect it from theft and damage.
In most cases, staffing your gym round-the-clock simply isn’t possible, leaving your entry system to act as your primary line of defence—so it’s important to choose the right solution for your gym.
Common types of 24 hour gym entry systems
If you want to know which type of 24 hour gym entry system will provide the best level of protection, here’s an overview of the different types of systems to help you decide which is right for you.
Pin code entry
Pin code entry systems work by assigning a unique code to each user which they enter into a keypad to gain access to the building. They provide personalised time-specific access records, however the potential for credential sharing is high, making them a generally undesirable option even if equipped with time-restricted one-time pin code generation functionality.
Barcode readers
Barcode readers are a popular gym entry system option as they’re inexpensive and are assigned to individual users, making them personally identifiable. It is however possible for members to copy or share their barcode with others, so they do have their limitations.
RFID swipe cards or key fobs
RFID technology is another popular option for magnetic and electric strike doors as they’re reliable and generally inexpensive. However, it’s important to note that key fobs can’t identify individual users. For this reason, swipe cards tend to be the preferred option.
Fingerprint access
Fingerprint biometric entry systems are another excellent option as users are personally identifiable and they prevent credential sharing. While they’re an excellent solution, they are typically more expensive than swipe cards and other entry systems.
Mobile credential access
Mobile access systems are quickly growing in popularity as they can store a large amount of data, they’re convenient for users who generally always carry their mobile phones, they don’t require a physical card which makes them easier to issue and manage and they make credential sharing difficult.
Enhancing security in your 24 hour gym
In addition to your entry system, there is also a range of other gym security features you may want to consider that will provide more comprehensive protection against intrusion, vandalism and theft, such as:
- tailgate protection mechanisms
- panic buttons and emergency phones
- motion sensors and security lights
- CCTV cameras
- 24/7 live injury and personal safety monitoring, and
- virtual CCTV patrols.
At Calamity, we can recommend the most suitable gym entry system and design a comprehensive security solution to suit your individual needs and budget.
Find out more about our gym security solutions or contact us to request a gym security consultation.
