When is the gym least crowded? When is it most crowded? What time of day? Which day of the week? Which month? That’s a lot of questions, and we have the answers based on the latest research. We investigate the best and worst times to hit the gym if you want to avoid having to wait for equipment or work in.
WHAT TIME IS THE GYM LEAST BUSY?
A survey revealed that 24-hour commercial gyms are least busy (no surprise) in the middle of the night and very early morning: 12 AM to 5 AM.
But if we eliminate those night owl times from the equation, as with non-24-hour gyms, that survey combined with The Barbell’s own survey using Google Maps “Popular Times” data reveals that the early afternoon: 12 PM to 3 PM and late evening: after 8 PM are the least crowded for most commercial gyms.
This comes with the caveat that gyms at or near colleges as well as private gyms or unique facilities (such as those focused only on personal training or those with a lot of group classes) will have their own peak hours. Also, depending on location, some gyms will see a lunch-hour rush (for example, those near a large employer). Check Google Maps’ “Popular Times” for each individual gym.
WHAT TIME IS THE GYM MOST BUSY?
On weekdays, commercial gyms are most busy in the late afternoon to early evening: 4 PM to 7 PM. This is when people are getting off work or otherwise finishing up their day, and they get a workout in before dinner.
The second most busy gym time is mid-morning: 8 AM to 11 AM. A lot of people want to get to the gym before getting on with the rest of their day. (These hours will be a little later for gyms at or near colleges.)
WHICH DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE GYM MOST BUSY?
Mondays are the busiest days for gyms, with the peak hours stretching from 4-8 PM. This makes sense as people want to start the work week out strong with a training session. Also, many gym-goers follow training splits that make Sunday an off-day, and others take the entire weekend off all the time or occasionally. In either case, they’ll be pretty sure to make Monday an on-day.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are all about equally busy during the 4-7 PM peak hours.
WHICH DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE GYM LEAST BUSY?
Sundays are the least busy day for gyms.
Saturdays are the second least busy, though you may want to avoid late Saturday mornings when weekend gym traffic is heaviest.
Fridays are the least crowded weekday in gyms. The peak hours are shortened to 4-6 PM, as fewer people want to spend their Friday nights under a squat bar.
WHICH MONTH OF THE YEAR IS THE GYM MOST BUSY?
You’ve probably heard about the January rush when many people try to keep their New Year’s resolution to get in shape by joining a gym. It’s true. According to research by the gym industry group, the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), more than 12% of gym members join in January, compared to an average of 8.3% monthly for the full year. However, that January bump carries over to February (with just over 9% new members) and March (with just under 9% new members).
So, your gym may be crowded with newbies in January. But anecdotal evidence by IHRSA suggests March edges out January as the busiest gym attendance month of the year. March at #1 is likely because of the accumulation of new members (from January, February, and March) combined with the oncoming spring weather and promise of more exposed skin in public. IHRSA also reports that only 20% of January’s new gym-joiners will still be attending in July. So, by the time temperatures really heat up, gym traffic should be slower.
