Pros and Cons of 24/7 Gym Access?

What Are the Pros and Cons of 24/7 Gym Access?

When Anytime Fitness launched its first 24-hour location in 2002, it redefined accessibility in the fitness industry with a simple promise: work out whenever you want. Two decades later, that concept has become a dominant business model, driving more than 5,000 locations worldwide and influencing nearly half of all new gym openings. Yet, for every operator celebrating midnight workouts, another faces empty studios at 3 AM and higher utility bills. The question is no longer whether to go 24/7, but whether the model suits your market, operations, and long-term financial goals.

Across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the UK, and the US, the decision to operate around the clock is less about branding and more about arithmetic—balancing convenience and retention against cost, risk, and technological capability. Importantly, 24/7 operation does not mean a gym is staffed all day. The success of modern round-the-clock clubs depends heavily on automation, remote oversight, and strong operational systems.

The Upside: Convenience, Retention, and Revenue Optimization

The core strength of 24/7 access lies in flexibility. Late-night or early-morning availability appeals to time-poor professionals, shift workers, and parents with irregular schedules. Data from the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) shows that extending hours typically increases off-peak usage by 20 to 30 percent in metropolitan areas, translating to 15 to 22 percent higher retention rates compared with traditional staffed-hour models.

For franchise networks such as Jetts Fitness in Australia and Anytime Fitness in the United States and New Zealand, continuous access helps amortize fixed costs like rent and leases across 168 hours instead of 90. This improves overall asset utilisation from roughly 35 to 55 percent.

There is also a branding advantage. Studies published in the Journal of Services Marketing indicate that “24/7 access” raises perceived membership value by $8 to $12 per month, allowing mid-tier gyms to maintain slightly higher pricing while remaining competitive. In dense urban centres such as Sydney, London, or Berlin, that perception of convenience alone can justify premium positioning.

Automation: The Engine Behind the 24/7 Model

Most 24-hour gyms are not staffed all night. They rely on automation and digital infrastructure to maintain safety and service standards after hours. Keycard or biometric entry systems control member access; CCTV and AI motion detection enable remote monitoring; and duress buttons connect directly to emergency responders.

Automation allows many small and mid-sized gyms to operate profitably with only a few full-time staff. In Australia and the UK, hybrid models have emerged—staffed from 6 AM to 10 PM, then unstaffed overnight—delivering 24/7 accessibility without full payroll costs. According to HFA, labour expenditure in these hybrid clubs can be reduced by up to 60 percent.

However, automation also brings operational risk. Power outages, access malfunctions, or inadequate monitoring can undermine trust and safety. Research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2023) found that perceived safety declined by 35 percent among members aware that no staff were on-site, particularly female users. Transparent communication, visible cameras, and well-maintained systems are therefore essential to maintain confidence.

The Downside: Cost, Risk, and Utilization Gaps

Energy and Maintenance Costs

Running a gym 24 hours a day significantly increases utility expenses. HFA benchmarking data shows average monthly electricity costs between $3,000 and $5,000 for a 5,000-square-foot US facility—around 30 percent higher than a staffed-only gym. With energy prices rising across Australia and New Zealand, many operators now invest in motion-sensitive lighting and zoned HVAC systems to keep utilities under 10 percent of revenue.

Equipment also experiences accelerated wear. Treadmills and strength machines in 24-hour clubs average 40 percent higher usage annually, reducing their service life from five years to three. Maintenance budgets therefore rise from about 3 percent to 5–7 percent of total revenue.

Safety and Insurance

Unstaffed access increases exposure to minor injuries, vandalism, or misuse of equipment. HFA’s global incident tracking shows 40 percent more minor accidents during unstaffed hours, while insurers often charge premiums 15 to 25 percent higher for 24-hour operations. Some regions, such as Singapore or the UK, also require an on-call responder to be available within 30 minutes, adding further compliance costs.

Although technology can offset many risks, perception remains powerful. Members’ sense of security—particularly among women and new exercisers—is one of the strongest predictors of retention, according to research in the Journal of Services Marketing. Operators must therefore communicate safety features clearly and ensure visible deterrents such as cameras, lighting, and signage.

Utilization Challenges

Not all markets justify round-the-clock operation. Outside dense city centres, overnight visits usually account for only 5 to 10 percent of daily check-ins. In regional New Zealand or secondary Asian cities, off-peak usage can fall below 3 percent. For these locations, additional operating hours may simply extend expenses rather than profits. EuropeActive’s 2024 member survey found that many smaller European operators reverted to extended evening hours (e.g., 5 AM–11 PM) after initial 24/7 trials failed to yield significant traffic.

Regional Perspectives

Market viability for 24-hour access depends on population density, energy costs, and member demographics.

United States: The model is standard among budget and mid-tier franchises. Brands such as Planet Fitness and Crunch report more than 70 percent of members use off-peak hours at least once a month.

Australia and New Zealand: Major cities sustain 24/7 operations, while many regional gyms limit access due to higher utilities and insurance. Tourism hubs such as Queenstown benefit from around-the-clock accessibility to capture transient members.

United Kingdom and Europe: Large chains like PureGym and Basic-Fit operate effectively with hybrid systems—staffed during the day, keycard access overnight. Smaller boutiques tend to close earlier due to insurance and safety concerns.

Asia: Urban centres such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo embrace the model in compact facilities, often in office or transport precincts. However, suburban or secondary markets in India, Malaysia, or Indonesia see limited overnight activity.

Hybrid Models: Balancing Cost and Convenience

Most future growth in 24-hour gyms is expected to come from hybrid operations rather than full-time staffing. Common examples include:

Core + Keycard: Staffed during core hours (e.g., 6 AM–10 PM) with automated entry overnight, reducing labour costs by up to 60 percent.
Zoned Access: Keeping cardio and stretching areas open overnight while locking free-weight zones to manage liability.
Virtual Oversight: Integrating AI monitoring and on-call trainers through an app or intercom system. Early trials in the UK report 92 percent member satisfaction with these solutions.

HFA forecasts that by 2027, around 60 percent of new gym builds globally will adopt some form of hybrid 24-hour model, achieving 80 percent of the convenience benefit at roughly half the overhead.

Evaluating Viability: Key Metrics for Operators

Before committing to a 24-hour model, operators should evaluate measurable indicators of demand and cost sustainability:

• Demand: At least 30 percent of the potential membership base should include non-traditional work hours.
• Density: A population exceeding 50,000 within a 5-kilometre radius typically supports off-peak activity.
• Utilities and Security: Combined costs should remain under 10 percent of revenue.
• Technology: Redundant systems for keycards, alarms, and CCTV must be in place before rollout.
• A phased implementation—starting with extended hours, then moving to full automation—provides the most reliable financial and operational insights.

Conclusion: Automation Expands Opportunity, but Strategy Sustains Profit

Twenty-four-hour access has evolved from a marketing feature into a mature operating model enabled by automation and digital oversight. For high-density markets with strong off-peak demand, it enhances retention, asset utilisation, and perceived value. However, success depends on disciplined execution—balancing technology, staffing strategy, and risk management.

Automation allows smaller gyms to compete with larger brands, but it does not eliminate the need for service quality, safety, and ongoing human connection. The future of the model lies in smart accessibility: 24/7 when it aligns with the market, not simply because the technology allows it.

References

1. IBISWorld. (2025). Gyms and Fitness Centres in Australia.

2. IBISWorld. (2025). Gyms and Fitness Centres in New Zealand.

3. IBISWorld. (2025). Gyms & Fitness Centres in the UK.

4. Health & Fitness Association. (2025). 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report.

5. EuropeActive & Deloitte. (2024). European Health & Fitness Market Report.

6. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. (2023). Safety Perceptions in Unstaffed Fitness Facilities. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054012

7. Journal of Services Marketing. (2022). Service Convenience and Loyalty in 24/7 Fitness Centers. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSM-11-2021-0412