Gym members pay to exercise in a safe, protected space where they can feel comfortable and at ease. At the same time, gyms are generally high-traffic locations in highly accessible areas, making security a complicated endeavor for managers and operators. Installing quality security cameras is a good way to monitor the space and prevent crime or accidents, particularly in the absence of round-the-clock security staff.
If you’ve never used gym cameras or need to upgrade an outdated system, finding the right solutions is critical. Grainy footage, unreliable hardware, and overly complex software can make cameras more of a hindrance than a help. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the best gym cameras and explain how you can maximize their effectiveness with the right placement, features, and integrations.
How cameras affect your gym #
Installing cameras in and around your gym has significant benefits. In addition to better security, you’ll also experience a more positive public perception and a deeper understanding of your employee performance and management practices.
Stronger security #
Cameras are a natural deterrent for many people with criminal or mischievous intent. The chance of being recorded makes committing a crime much riskier. As a result, having gym cams visible outside your facility should prevent most unwelcome activity.
If a security incident does occur, camera footage could be the key to identifying the responsible parties. Well-placed cameras can capture intruders, vandals, thieves, and other individuals who are up to no good. This footage helps you identify anyone involved and, if necessary, pass valuable information along to investigators.
Customer perception #
Security cameras can also enhance your gym’s reputation. In a customer’s mind, cameras are a sign of good security. Using software for fitness, whether it be a full security monitoring system or a gym check-in system, shows that the management is serious about members’ safety. Gym surveillance may be the most important aspect of a health club to an individual who works out early in the morning or late at night, the most common hours for criminal activity.
Management insights #
Maybe there have been complaints about a new front desk employee or a trainer who isn’t helpful enough. A lifeguard in the back pool could be texting rather than watching the water. These are all things that gym security cameras can pick up. From a management point of view, cameras provide inside information about employees and the general environment. This knowledge can help you improve the member experience and overall service of the gym.
Types of cameras that integrate with access control systems #
Access control systems like Kisi integrate with some security camera brands — allowing you to combine unlock data with footage of the person unlocking and entering the door. If a robbery or other security incident arises, you can check that the credential used to access the gym was in fact used by an authorized individual. Combining these kinds of cameras with your access control system thus helps prevent and identify cases of stolen keycards or unwanted entries.
Connecting your cameras and access control system can also provide insightful data on membership trends to help you better monetize your gym and help stomp out non-paying members with tailgating detection.
High definition cameras #
High definition images and video make it worth your while to complement your access control system with security cameras. A clear picture without image distortion will come in handy should you ever need to look back at footage or provide evidence to law enforcement. Consider a camera like Cisco Meraki’s MV23X, capable of 4K video recording, or VIVOTEK’s panoramic MS930-EHV.
Cameras linked to your phone #
Security cameras with remote access maximize convenience. If you want to keep eyes on your gym 24/7, make it easy for yourself by installing cameras that connect to your phone. Video surveillance software or security platforms with remote access puts security and control at your fingertips, allowing you to monitor live feeds and review recorded footage even when you’re off-site.
Waterproof and vandal-proof #
Many gyms and health centers are equipped with tennis or basketball courts, outdoor pools, or sporting fields. When dealing with outdoor security, weather, temperature, and vandalism, all call for a durable camera. Consider vandal-proof security cameras that can brave harsh conditions.
When installing cameras outdoors, think carefully about where you place them. Even the most advanced cameras will fail prematurely if they are repeatedly hit by tennis balls or splashed by water. Mount them in spots with at least some coverage or protection, and make sure they’re up high enough that they won’t get damaged by gym members and their sports equipment.
Security cameras with an NVR #
Depending on the size of your gym, it might be wise to invest in a camera system that has a network video recorder (NVR). An NVR serves as a central hub, storing all your digital video data. This simplifies video management and assists with potential investigations, whether by the police or your own management.
Keep your fitness space secure and operational 24/7
Enhance security, reduce operational costs, and discover new revenue streams with cloud-based access control.
Top 5 gym cameras #
Although all gym security cameras serve essentially the same function, there are significant differences between them. Investigating different gym cameras helps ensure the ones you choose have sufficient quality and functionality to serve your facility — and these five providers are the perfect place to start your search.
VORTEX by VIVOTEK #
Vivotek is a well-known security provider, and their cloud surveillance platform, VORTEX, is an excellent choice for gyms. The platform allows for real-time monitoring, video analytics, and activity detection. It also integrates with Kisi, so you can bring together your video surveillance and access control to enable advanced functionalities like tailgating detection.
Cisco Meraki #
Cisco Meraki’s MV cameras offer excellent image quality, a user-friendly platform, and video storage. You can choose from a wide range of indoor and outdoor solutions, including cameras with telephoto lenses and others with 360 degree views. You can combine your MV cameras with Kisi to review video footage connected to door events at your gym and implement tailgating detection.
Lumana #
Lumana is another great option for gym security. Alerts powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced video analytics empower you to respond to security threats as quickly as possible. When you connect Lumana with Kisi, their AI-enabled video cameras offer deep insights into entry and exit activity at your gym.
Eagle Eye #
Smart video surveillance from Eagle Eye gives you remote access to video footage, which you can instantly share with first responders. Integrating the Eagle Eye system with Kisi allows you to pull video connected to door events and look at them within the Kisi dashboard. Eagle Eye has many security camera models to meet the needs of each space within your gym.
Spot AI #
With Spot AI, you have 24/7 gym security. Their software simplifies video surveillance management, allowing you to search and share footage and constantly analyze the environment in your gym. You can use Spot AI’s easy-to-use cameras with Kisi, giving you comprehensive security and access control.
Things to keep in mind about your cameras #
Security cameras have a lot of advantages, but using this technology can become problematic if you’re not thoughtful about your approach. Privacy, legal requirements, and placement are critical when installing cameras.
Legal and privacy considerations #
When they enter a gym, customers generally expect that cameras might be present in public areas, such as weight rooms, cardio rooms, lobbies, and entrances. Even if they can’t immediately spot them, they understand that they’re likely being watched for the gym’s self-protection. However, private spaces are a different story.
While cameras in public places are useful, keep them away from spaces where your members would naturally anticipate having privacy, such as:
- Restrooms
- Locker rooms
- Tanning rooms
- Saunas
- Showers
It’s also important to protect employee privacy. While you can place cameras in staff breakrooms, employee-only restrooms or changing rooms are off-limits. Remember that the goal of using cameras isn’t to spy on your employees’ and their conversations — it’s to ensure your business stays safe and secure.
With that in mind, take these steps to achieve greater privacy when you use security cameras:
- Avoid having a camera in a public area point toward a changing room where people might be visible when the door is open.
- Check local laws to see where you’re allowed to place cameras.
- Post signs to let customers know you’re monitoring their activities.
- Create a policy for how you store security footage and who can access it.
Don’t forget that the sound you record is equally as sensitive as the images. Laws regarding audio recording and consent of those being filmed vary from state to state. To be safe, it’s best to use non-sound recording cameras in your gym’s public places. This way you won’t run into trouble with law enforcement. To stay on top of these and other issues, review the privacy and surveillance laws for your jurisdiction before installing new security cameras.
Best placement strategies #
While privacy is a major consideration when it comes to camera locations, it’s also crucial to think about which spots will be most effective. For entrances, even if you have the best gym access control system or door monitoring policies, place a camera watching the door. It’s good to have a record of every member, employee, and guest who goes in and out.
When installing cameras outdoors, use them to monitor sidewalks, parking lots, and any other places surrounding your gym. Placing security cameras overlooking gym facilities like a tennis court is a go-to, but make sure the paths to those places are protected too. Doing so will deter car theft and unwelcome confrontations.
Choosing the right gym security camera #
Your gym needs the right security camera system for the unique layout of your space, your budget, and the features you want and need. When you’re looking for the ideal gym cameras for your facility, compare these factors:
- Video quality: When you purchase a camera, choose one with at least 1080p. For even sharper images, choose a camera with 4K capability, which gives greater detail so you can see exactly what’s happening on the screen.
- Field of view: Think about each place you want to monitor and how much space you need the camera to see. Choose one with a wide field of view to monitor large areas, such as cardio rooms or basketball courts.
- Night vision: Cameras with infrared night vision provide clear footage in low-light conditions. This allows you to see what’s happening after dark or when your gym is closed.
- Storage options: When installing a security camera system, you can choose between on-site or cloud-based storage. Cloud-based systems are generally preferable because you don’t have to worry about physical damage to the hardware, which can cause you to lose valuable data.
While it’s important to find a gym security camera that falls within your budget, be careful not to sacrifice critical features and capabilities. A low-quality camera could give you a false sense of security, failing to provide you with the live feed and footage you need to fully protect your gym.
Integrate gym security cameras and access control with Kisi #
Choosing one of the best gym security cameras is just the first step to developing a well-rounded security system. Combining those cameras with other elements, including alarms, sensors, and access control, is key to safeguarding your gym members, employees, and equipment.
Kisi provides reliable, effective access control for gyms and other fitness and wellness businesses. On top of that, our system seamlessly integrates with a variety of video security systems, offering advanced security functionalities like tailgating detection and more monetizing opportunities for your business. Contact us to schedule a demo and explore our solution in action.
Bernhard Mehl
Bernhard is the co-founder and CEO of Kisi. His philosophy, "security is awesome," is contagious among tech-enabled companies.
