How operators are setting new standards with intelligent access control
It’s two o’clock in the morning in a gym on the outskirts of a medium-sized town. While most people are fast asleep, the smell of iron, rubber and sweat fills the gym, accompanied by the dull clanging of weights and the steady hum of the air conditioning. A member in his mid-thirties is taking advantage of the quiet night to train undisturbed. No crowds, no queues in front of the equipment, no small talk at the counter – just focus on training. It is precisely this freedom that makes the 24-hour fitness model so attractive. But this same freedom also harbours risks. When the doors are always open, operators are faced with a key question: how can they ensure the safety of their members when there is no staff on site?
The events at a gym in Siegen, where a member was recently attacked, have shocked the industry. What was previously a theoretical risk for many operators now has a face. Suddenly, the question arises: How can gyms be equipped so that members feel safe at night, unauthorised persons are kept out and, in an emergency, it is possible to trace who was in the building at what time? This is exactly where modern access control systems come in – not as sober machines, but as a fundamental part of the gym experience.
In practice, this means that the entrance area now plays a completely new role. It used to be a reception area, meeting point and service zone, flanked by the counter and often staffed by a friendly employee. Today, especially in 24-hour gyms, it is the interface between public space and protected training area – and thus the bottleneck for security and trust. Operators are faced with the challenge of creating a system that reliably prevents unauthorised access without creating a feeling of control or mistrust. Entering the studio must continue to feel easy, fluid and natural.
A practical example: in a studio with limited space in a densely populated residential area, a compact turnstile was chosen. At first glance, it looks inconspicuous, almost like a piece of furniture in the entrance area. But it performs a crucial task: it separates access, ensures that several people cannot slip in at the same time, and even detects when someone tries to crawl under or climb over it. For the operator, this means security in the smallest of spaces without sacrificing valuable training space. For members, it is incredibly easy to use – a quick scan of their membership card, a step forward, and the way into the studio opens up. No waiting times, no complicated handling, no feeling of being ‘controlled’.
The situation is different in a premium studio in a city centre location. There, the entrance area has been deliberately designed to be impressive, with bright glass surfaces, modern lighting and an open reception area. A Speedgate with glass doors was used here, combining the functionality of access control with an elegant appearance. Members glide through the entrance, supported by infrared technology that reliably detects whether someone is trying to gain unauthorised access. The system reacts discreetly but precisely – it intervenes when necessary but remains in the background when everything is running smoothly. This is exactly what operators are looking for today: technology that guarantees security without destroying the atmosphere of an open, modern studio.
The situation is different again in studios located in areas with higher security requirements. Here, man-sized turnstiles are used. At 2.30 metres high, they are almost impossible to overcome. They stand like silent guards in the entrance area and make it unmistakably clear that only authorised persons are allowed to enter. At the same time, they can be designed in such a way that they do not appear threatening, but rather convey a feeling of protection and order. Members who train alone at night feel safe – they know that no one can simply enter the studio unnoticed. Operators, in turn, can rest assured that their property is reliably protected, even when it is open around the clock.
All these systems have one thing in common: they can be seamlessly combined with different technologies. Some studios still work with classic chip cards or key fobs, others rely on barcodes via a smartphone app, and others on facial recognition. The latter has the practical advantage of almost completely eliminating fraud attempts. While a card can be passed on or a code photographed, the face is unique. For the operator, this means clarity about who is actually in the studio. For the member, it creates a feeling of exclusivity and modernity – a quick glance at the camera and access is granted.
The economic dimension is also exciting. In traditional studios, it was a matter of course that the counter was staffed at all times. In a 24-hour operation, this would incur enormous personnel costs. Intelligent access control eliminates the need for staff to be stationed at the entrance area at night or during off-peak hours. Operators can invest their team’s time and energy in customer care and service, while the technology reliably controls access. This reduces costs and increases efficiency. Members benefit twice over: they have the freedom to train at any time and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are in a secure environment.
Experience from numerous projects shows that investing in the right access technology pays off. Not only because it creates immediate security, but also because it builds trust. Anyone who enters a studio and immediately notices that it is professionally organised is more likely to remain a member in the long term. Trust is a decisive factor in the fitness industry, and it starts at the entrance.
The incident in Siegen has made many operators aware that they cannot wait any longer for a problem to arise. Prevention is the keyword. A gym that already uses a modern access system today positions itself not only as safe, but also as innovative. It sends out the message: we care about our members, we take their safety seriously, we invest in the future.
Ultimately, this is what distinguishes an average gym from a market leader. Automatic Systems does not provide abstract concepts, but concrete solutions that work in everyday life. Whether compact, elegant or offering maximum security, the systems are flexible enough to be adapted to local conditions. They grow with the requirements of the gym and are therefore a safe investment in the long term.
And the best thing about it: they manage to resolve the apparent conflict between control and freedom. Because they show that security is not synonymous with restriction, but on the contrary opens the way for carefree training – at any time of the day or night.
