No Pain, No Gain? Why Gym Parking Shouldn’t Be the Hardest Part of a Workout
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For many gym-goers, the real challenge isn’t the workout - it’s finding a place to park. A car park should be an asset, offering convenience for members, but when it isn’t working as it should, it quickly becomes a source of frustration.
Sound familiar? A full car park, members running late for their class, complaints about unauthorised parking - it’s the kind of problem that can spiral if it’s not addressed. Worse still, it’s not just about inconvenience. Parking frustrations can lead to member cancellations, negative reviews, and tensions with neighbouring businesses.
At Park & Control, we’ve worked with gyms across the UK who’ve faced exactly these issues. And we get it - parking might not be your biggest priority, but when it becomes a problem, it can affect everything from member experience to revenue. So, what can be done to fix it?
Why Do Gym Car Parks Struggle to Cope?
Busy Periods Mean High Demand for Spaces
Most gyms follow a familiar pattern - mornings before work, lunchtimes, and evenings after work are when demand peaks. Unlike retail or office car parks, where visitors come and go at a steady pace, gym members arrive in waves, leading to bottlenecks.
If you’ve ever watched members circle the car park looking for a place to park - or worse, drive off in frustration - you’re not alone. We’ve seen this scenario play out in gyms of all sizes, and the fix often isn’t as complicated as it seems.
Non-Members Using the Car Park
Do you ever find that your spaces are occupied by people who aren’t even gym members? Maybe it’s nearby office workers, shoppers, or commuters taking advantage of an unmonitored car park. It’s frustrating, isn’t it?
We’ve seen many gym operators assume this problem is just something they have to live with. But in reality, unauthorised parking can be significantly reduced - sometimes with just a few simple changes. ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras are one of the best ways to make sure spaces remain available for members without needing to hire extra staff to monitor the car park.
Members Arriving Late for Their Class
How often do members turn up flustered, rushing through the door because they couldn’t find parking? It’s a common issue - one that not only impacts their experience but can also affect class participation, retention, and even revenue.
Some gym operators we’ve worked with set aside short-stay bays for members attending classes, making it easier for them to park, train, and leave. Others use a flexible approach to parking enforcement, ensuring that members have enough time to enjoy their workout without overstaying.
Overflow Parking and Complaints from Local Businesses
It’s never ideal when members start parking in neighbouring business spaces - or worse, in restricted residential areas. The complaints that follow can be a headache, and sometimes, even lead to formal disputes.
In our experience, clear signage, a fair but firm approach to parking enforcement, and good communication with neighbouring businesses can prevent these issues before they start. A well-managed car park doesn’t just keep your members happy - it helps protect your reputation in the local community.
How Park & Control Helps Gyms Keep Parking Running Smoothly
ANPR - Making Sure Spaces Are There When Members Need Them
Ever considered how many spaces are actually being used by gym members at any given time? Many gym operators are surprised when they see the data for the first time. ANPR cameras help track usage, flagging patterns of unauthorised parking, excessive stays, or peak-time bottlenecks.
For gyms that have introduced ANPR, the impact is immediate - spaces turn over faster, genuine members always have somewhere to park, and complaints drop.
Ensuring Members Have Enough Time
Most gym workouts last between 45 and 90 minutes, but let’s be honest - members often need a little extra time to shower, change, or cool down. Some even like to chat with trainers or socialise before heading off.
We’ve found that a 90-minute to two-hour parking window strikes the right balance - giving members enough time without creating unnecessary delays for others. The best part? It’s entirely flexible - we work with gym operators to find a setup that fits their membership model.
Making Sure Parking Works for Staff Too
Personal trainers, class instructors, and front-desk staff need to get in and out quickly - especially when running back-to-back sessions. Have you ever considered reserving a small number of staff-only spaces? It’s a small change, but it can make a huge difference in keeping operations running smoothly.
A Car Park That Works for Members
A well-run car park is more than just a convenience - it’s an essential part of the overall gym experience.
The good news? These parking headaches aren’t inevitable. With the right approach, parking can run as smoothly as the rest of your gym’s operations.
At Park & Control, we’ve helped gyms of all sizes keep their car parks under control - whether through ANPR monitoring, Scan & Stay validation, or tailored parking strategies.
So, if parking is becoming a problem, or you just want to future-proof your setup, let’s talk. We’ll help you find a solution that works for your business - and your members.
