Why Do Gyms Close Early on Weekends?
Gyms close early on weekends because of fewer customers, staffing shortages, and maintenance issues.
3 Reasons Why Gyms Close Early on Weekends
1. Fewer customers
This is the most obvious reason. Commercial gyms operate as businesses. They would be open if there is money to be made. The fact of the matter is that fewer people go to the gym during the weekend. So, gyms close early.
Why are there fewer people? For one thing, people do other activities on weekends. They might want to stay at home and get some rest. If they have children, then they might help them with homework and spend time with them in general.
For many people, going to the gym is a weekday activity. They go before or after work. They might also go during lunchtime.
In addition, some people sign up for a gym close to their work location. So, when work is out, they don’t go. It’s just not as convenient, especially if a long commute is required. They spend time on other hobbies instead.
Some people still go to the gym on weekends. These weekend gym rats might have a different work schedule compared to their weekday counterparts. They might also simply have ambitious fitness goals.
As a result, gyms remain open (although with fewer hours) during the weekend to cater to this crowd.
2. Staffing shortages
Fewer people work at the gym on weekends. Gym operators do not need as many employees on-site when there are fewer customers.
Plus, gym employees are just like everyone else — they want their weekends off. As a result, fewer fitness classes and activities are offered. Not as many people are available to help customers.
Therefore, gyms close early on weekends because there is not much going on.
3. Maintenance issues
Hundreds, if not thousands, of people go to the same gym every week. It all depends on the size of the gym and the population of the neighborhood it serves. Gym equipment naturally gets dirty with regular use. Things can get sweaty and smelly.
Thus, to protect their customers and maintain a sanitary environment for fitness, gym staff wipe everything down with disinfectant wipes. They might also vacuum and mop.
Most gyms clean their equipment every few hours throughout the day. However, the weekend gives them time for deeper cleans.
Gyms close early on weekends so that staff can work uninterrupted. They want to get ready for the new week.
Gyms become unpleasant places to visit if the equipment is not cleaned. Customers will feel disgusted if conditions become bad enough. They will cancel their memberships and go somewhere else. Thus, cleaning is a good business practice.
Also, gyms risk getting sued if they don’t undergo regular maintenance. They might be accused of negligence.
Gym owners must provide customers with a safe and clean environment to exercise. Gym-goers may develop health ailments if this is not provided. The customers will then sue for damages.
Besides cleaning, the weekend is also a good time for repairs. For example, a cable might have snapped on one of the machines. Or an entire section of the facility needs a paint job.
The weekend is a good time to attend to these issues since there are fewer customers.
When Do Gyms Close on Weekends?
Compared to weekdays, gyms close 2-5 hours earlier on weekends. The exact answer varies depending on the gym.
For example, some gyms may be open 24 hours on weekdays and close at 8 PM on weekends. Other gyms may close at 10 PM on weekdays and close at 7 PM on weekends.
You can check your gym’s website for its exact hours of operation. You can also call to find out or ask someone in person.
A gym’s opening and closing times are important things to think about when getting a gym membership. You want the hours to fit within your schedule. If they don’t, then you should go to another gym.
How to Work Out Even When Gyms Are Closed
If you want to get into shape and physically change your body, then you need to harness the power of consistency. A closed gym is no excuse for you to miss a workout. The most dedicated fitness enthusiasts will find ways around minor setbacks. They get their workouts in no matter what.
The best way to exercise even when gyms are closed is to work out at home. Build a home gym. This will take all excuses off the table. That way, nothing prevents you from achieving your fitness goals.
Can’t make it to the gym before it closes? No problem.
Bad weather? No problem.
A total home gym machine is a great choice if you can afford it. These cable machines have a wide range of motion. They allow people to do numerous exercises. Yes, that includes arms, legs, and abs.
Cable machines don’t come cheap; however, it is a great choice if you want a machine that does it all.
If you are on a budget, then you can get simple, versatile at-home exercise equipment such as dumbbells and resistance bands. Just make sure you buy high-quality equipment that will last a long time.
For dumbbells, consider buying one set of adjustable-weight dumbbells. They save space and make your workouts more efficient.
For bands, make sure you buy ones that don’t easily snap. Replacing these things repeatedly can quickly drain your bank account. This is the reason why buying high-quality equipment is so important.