Gym Opening Checklist (Free Template)
Early members show up the minute the doors open and expect everything to work. This checklist is for staff opening a small gym, fitness studio or climbing gym. It covers a quick safety walk of the floor, the equipment checks that prevent injuries, the locker rooms and the front desk. Add your own equipment and class schedule so a new opener can handle their first early shift alone.
Free, no sign-up. Edit it, print it, share it with your team.
What you'll need
- Keys and alarm code
- Equipment repair log
- Cleaning spray and cloths
- Today's class schedule
The checklist
Turn off the alarm and switch on the lights, ventilation and music.
Set the thermostat to your gym's standard temperature.
Walk the whole gym floor and look for anything out of place.
Dropped weights, spills, broken equipment or anything left overnight.
Check that each cardio machine starts and runs smoothly.
Belts, screens and the safety key or clip on every treadmill.
Check the cables, pins and pulleys on the weight machines.
Look for fraying, loose pins or anything unusual.
Watch out: Put an out-of-order sign on any machine with a frayed cable, and log it.
Rack the free weights and plates in their places.
Check that collars and benches are where they belong.
Wipe down the equipment touch points and mats.
Handles, seats and benches. Follow the label on your cleaning product.
Check the locker rooms and showers.
Hot water, soap and toilet paper, and no spills or slippery floors.
Watch out: Mop wet floors and put out a sign before members arrive.
Check the first aid kit and the AED.
Restock anything used, check the AED's status light and note who on shift is trained in first aid.
Set up the studio for the first class.
Mats, equipment and music ready. Check that the instructor has confirmed.
Open the front desk system and check today's class reservations.
Check that the door entry system or check-in tablet works.
Put out the towels, if you provide them.
Check that the water fountains are running and clean.
Unlock the doors at opening time.
Stay near the desk for the first 15 minutes to greet members.
How to adapt it
- Name each machine and what to check on it in the equipment steps.
- Keep the equipment repair log next to the front desk.
- Add a separate closing checklist for your late shift.
- Put a QR code on each machine that links to how to use it.
Turn this template into training your team will actually open
In ShowHow, your staff read each step on their phone, with photos, in their own language, and you see who has confirmed it. Start from this template or film yourself doing the job.
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