Nov 25, 2025

 by Sunny S.

Gym Software With Free 24/7 Door Access: What Gyms Need to Know in 2025

How modern gym software lets you run your gym around the clock without hiring staff

If you run a small gym, bootcamp studio, personal training facility, or hybrid model, giving your members 24/7 access is one of the easiest ways to increase member value without increasing payroll.

The problem is that most gym management systems charge extra for door access, require third-party hardware, or force you into expensive add-ons.

But there is a better way.

This guide breaks down what to look for in gym software with free 24/7 door access, how it works, and what options make the most sense for small gyms that want to grow without adding more staff or overhead.

Why 24/7 Access Matters for Small Gyms

Even if your gym isn't "big box," giving members the ability to train anytime comes with major advantages:

1. You can offer premium value without raising prices

Members see 24/7 access as a huge value upgrade. It makes even small studios feel like full-service facilities.

2. You reduce choke points during peak hours

If you only run staffed hours or coached sessions, members appreciate early morning, late night, or off-peak access.

3. You don't need to hire more staff

24/7 access lets your facility run itself, even when you're asleep or coaching.

4. You attract busy professionals

People with unpredictable schedules love the flexibility.

This is why more boutique gyms, semi-private studios, and PT facilities have started adding door access even if they don't run a "24-hour gym."

How 24/7 Gym Door Access Works

Not all access control systems are equal, but most fall into a similar workflow:

1. Member signs up for a membership

2. Their membership status is synced with your software

3. They receive keyless entry via:

• Wifi

       4. When they scan at the door, the system checks:

• Are they an active member
• Are they current on payments
• Are they allowed access at this time

       5. If yes, the door unlocks automatically

       6. Every scan is logged for reporting and security

The goal is simple, give access to active members only, and remove access instantly if a payment fails or a membership expires.

The Problem With Most Gym Software That Advertises 24/7 Access

Here is the truth most companies won't say:

• Many platforms charge an extra fee for door access

• They require expensive proprietary hardware

• Some systems require additional subscriptions

• Some tools don't remove access in real time

• Others only update access permissions once per day

• Several solutions involve complex wiring or costly setups

For small gyms, the time and cost add up fast.

FitHive: Gym Software With Free 24/7 Door Access for Small Gyms

One of the biggest reasons small gym owners switch to FitHive is because door access is included for free with your plan.

No extra fees.
No required add-ons.
No per-location cost.
No "access upgrade package" upsell.

If you already run a boutique studio, small CrossFit gym, personal training studio, or semi-private model, FitHive gives you everything you need to offer members 24/7 access without increasing your tech bill.

How FitHive's 24/7 Door Access Works

FitHive integrates directly with modern smart access hardware, including affordable devices like Shelly 1 or similar systems your electrician can install in under an hour.

Once connected, FitHive handles the rest:

Member Scans to Enter

Each member will have access to your gym's mobile app, from there they can connect to your wifi, and unlock the door from their phone. 
They hit the button on the app, the system verifies them instantly, and the door unlocks.

Access Updates in Real Time

If:

• a payment fails

• a membership freezes

• a contract expires

• an agreement is canceled

Access is removed instantly.

You Set Access Rules

You can choose:

• 24/7 access

• Membership-based access

• limited hours

• staff-only access periods

• controlled schedules for minors or youth programs

Auto-Logging for Security

Every entry is tracked:

• name

• date

• time

• membership

• location

This gives you a full audit trail for safety and accountability.

No Extra Fee for Access

Your system already includes:

• access management

• automation controls

• real-time permission updates

• reporting

Most competitors charge extra for this. FitHive does not.

Who Should Use Gym Software With Free 24/7 Access?

This is perfect for gyms that:

• Run early morning or late evening workouts

• Have unstaffed hours between classes

• Offer open gym or hybrid training

• Want to create a more premium experience

• Don't want to hire additional front desk staff

• Want to increase member value for little cost

• Want to compete with 24-hour big-box gyms

Even if you don't plan to run a full 24-hour model, giving controlled open gym access is a massive selling point.

How to Add 24/7 Access to Your Gym With FitHive

Every building and door setup is a little different, so there is no one-size-fits-all timeline. What matters most is that your access control is safe, professional, and tightly connected to your software.

With FitHive, you have two main scenarios.

Scenario 1: You Already Have Door Hardware In Place

If you already have a 24/7 access system and you're paying monthly service fees, you can usually keep most of your existing hardware.

Here's what the process typically looks like:

1. Your door company checks your current setup
   They inspect your mag lock, electric strike, or controller to confirm wiring and compatibility.

2. They wire in a Shelly relay device that connects to FitHive
   The Shelly becomes the "smart controller.”
   Your existing hardware (reader, lock, power supply) often stays.

3. FitHive handles all access logic
   When someone's membership lapses or a payment fails, their access is removed automatically.

4. You eliminate the extra monthly access fees
   You keep your hardware and your 24/7 access.
   You just stop paying the expensive software subscription tied to it.

This lets gyms cut hundreds of dollars per month in unnecessary access fees.

Scenario 2: You Are Starting From Scratch

If you don't have any access hardware yet, you can install it without the massive costs many companies charge.

Most gyms are quoted thousands of dollars by access control companies for:

• Proprietary hardware

• Branded controllers

• Locked-in service contracts

• Per-door licensing fees

But the truth is, you do NOT need to spend thousands to get high-quality, safe, professional 24/7 access.

A typical setup using non-proprietary, commercial-grade parts can be done for under $200 USD in hardware:

• Door strike or mag lock

• Power supply

• Backup battery

• Wiring

• Shelly device (the smart relay FitHive integrates with)

Your local door company can install everything to code, ensure proper safety compliance, and wire the relay to FitHive.

Once the hardware is in place, FitHive:

• Gives access only to active paying members

• Removes access immediately when payments fail

• Tracks every door entry

• Enforces your custom access rules automatically

No extra access fees. No contracts. No per-door billing.

Final Thoughts: The Best Gym Software With Free 24/7 Door Access

Small gyms need software that does more without costing more.
Adding 24/7 access used to require expensive hardware, add-ons, or multi-year contracts.

FitHive removes all of that.

If you want gym software that:

• includes free door access

• updates access in real time

• increases member value

• reduces staffing needs

• works for busy owners

• and helps generate new memberships

then FitHive is the most complete solution for small gyms.