Taking a Vacation: A Solution for Gym Owners
For many small gym owners, the idea of taking a vacation is a luxury that just doesn’t feel realistic at the moment. They feel obligated to be there for their members, many of whom are off work and see Thanksgiving weekend or Christmas break as a perfect time to work out.
The Solution: "Unattended Access"
Meet four gym owners who have found a solution to the dilemma. The solution is "unattended access," which allows gym owners to continue to accommodate their members while getting some much-needed time away from the grind.
What is Unattended Access?
Unattended access allows members to use a key fob to enter the gym at any time, even on Christmas morning, while the gym owner sips coffee in their pajamas and watches their kids open their gifts.
What Do Gym Owners Think?
Here are quotes from four gym owners who have found success with unattended access:
Scott Panchik – CrossFit Mentality in Mentor, OH
"We have to fill our own cups up before we can give the community everything we have. We have an area designated specifically for 24/7 access via the HybridAF app, which includes a space to train, as well as a sauna and cold plunge."
Andrea Nisler – Timberwolf Fitness (Roseville, MN)
"Without the HybridAF app, it would be so tough trying to balance the guilt I feel as a gym owner not letting clients use the gym they pay for and trying to balance my own busy holiday schedule. At least 60% of my members utilize the gym during off-hours when the gym is otherwise closed."
Dan Messinger – CrossFit Breckenridge (Breckenridge, CO)
"It’s much easier to cancel classes and have our members utilize open gym during the holidays. I can’t imagine just closing the gym to everyone. This gives the staff a chance to enjoy the holidays and gives the members a chance to still get their workouts in as their schedules are all over the place."
Justin Mazzullo – Tarheel CrossFit (Spring Lake, NC)
"The holidays can be a difficult time for many gym owners. Having the option of unaccompanied access gives athletes at our gym the opportunity to train during the holidays if they choose to do so."
Some Holiday Data
Last year, during Thanksgiving weekend, there were more than 20,000 check-ins by members at 502 HybridAF gyms in eight different countries, with several gyms accommodating more than 100 members over the course of those three days.
The Big Picture
Rest days are as important as training days. It’s a message gym owners preach to their clients, but sometimes, the message falls on deaf ears when it comes to gym owners prioritizing time away from the gym, especially over the holidays. So, if the guilt of closing your doors for two days, three days, or five days in December is eating you up, it might be worth considering unattended access. Gym owners who offer it say their members love them for it (and their families probably do, too).
Conclusion
Gym owners, take heed! With unattended access, you can give your members the freedom to work out on their own schedule, while you take a well-deserved break. Don’t let the guilt of closing your doors hold you back. Try unattended access and see the difference it can make for you and your members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is unattended access?
A: Unattended access is a system that allows gym members to enter the gym at any time, even when the gym is closed.
Q: How does it work?
A: Members use a key fob to enter the gym, and gym owners can monitor access through the HybridAF app.
Q: What are the benefits of unattended access?
A: Unattended access gives gym members the freedom to work out on their own schedule, while gym owners can take a break and recharge.
Q: Is unattended access popular?
A: Yes, many gym owners and members love unattended access. In fact, last year, during Thanksgiving weekend, there were more than 20,000 check-ins by members at 502 HybridAF gyms in eight different countries.
