Gym turnstiles: what you need to know before installing one in Spain

What it is really for

• Admitting only paid-up members, without reception checking every card.
• Allowing extended hours or unstaffed opening.
• Counting occupancy and seeing peak hours.
• Preventing credential sharing, as far as the system allows.

First: integration with your software

The turnstile only executes an "open" command. Your membership system decides whether the member may enter. There are three common ways to connect them:

1. The software drives a relay or its own controller, which opens the turnstile. The most common.
2. The software syncs members to an access controller that decides by itself. It keeps working even if the reception PC is off.
3. API integration between the software and a cloud access control system.

Ask your software vendor which readers and controllers they support before buying the turnstile. Changing membership software later may mean changing the reader.

Which credential to give members

• RFID wristband or fob: survives sweat and lockers; the most common.
• QR code or mobile credential: no material cost, but slower at peak time.
• Fingerprint or face: prevents sharing, but in Spain the data protection authority treats it as high-risk processing and, in general, does not accept consent as a basis for access control that could be done by other means (AEPD guide). See biometrics in access control. Our default recommendation is not to use it — which may surprise operators used to other countries.

Which turnstile to choose

• Staffed reception: tripod. Economical and sufficient.
• 24-hour or unstaffed gym: full-height turnstile or an interlocked door, backed by cameras. An unsupervised tripod will be jumped.
• Large or premium centres: speed gate.

Comparison in types of turnstile and sizing in how many turnstiles do I need.

What must not be forgotten

• An accessible gate for people with reduced mobility, pushchairs and equipment (accessibility).
• Evacuation: the turnstile must not obstruct the way out. Drop arms on alarm or a separate emergency exit (guide).
• Free exit: leaving normally needs no credential, unless you want to count occupancy.
• Data protection: tell members about the access log and any cameras.

Questions for the quote

1. Which version of my software has this integration been tested with?
2. What happens if the internet or the reception PC goes down?
3. Are the arms drop-arm?
4. What maintenance does it need at my daily volume?

We install gym turnstiles across the Valencia region: turnstile service.