Gym Opening and Closing Checklist (Free PDF)

Gym opening and closing checklist

Checklist template

Business
Location
Date

Opening checklist

Before the first member or class arrives

Done	Task	Time	Initials
Arrival and security
	Disarm the alarm with your own code and unlock the staff entranceYour own code means the alarm log shows who opened.
	Walk the whole building before letting anyone inLook for signs of a break-in, water leaks or overnight damage. Tell the manager before opening if you find any.
	Turn on the lights, ventilation and heating or air conditioningBring the studios to your set temperature before the first class.
Reception and systems
	Start the front-desk computer, booking system and door accessCheck that today’s class list loads and that member check-in works.
	Count the cash float and record the amountNote any difference from last night’s close.
	Check the phone, music system and Wi-Fi work
	Read the handover notes from the last closeFollow up anything left open, such as faulty equipment, member issues or deliveries.
Gym floor and studios
	Walk every machine and look for damage or out-of-order tagsTag and isolate anything unsafe. A note on the machine isn’t enough.
	Check cables, pins, clips and pulleys on the resistance machinesReplace or tag out frayed cables and missing pins.
	Check each treadmill’s emergency stop clip is in place and the belt is clear
	Re-rack dumbbells, plates and bars to their stations
	Check the floor for trip hazardsLoose mats, trailing cables, spilled water and equipment left in walkways.
	Set up the first classEquipment out, cleaning spray and paper towels at each station.
Change rooms and amenities
	Check the toilets, showers and change rooms are clean and stockedSoap, paper towels and toilet paper.
	Run a shower to check the hot water
Safety equipment
	Check the first aid kit is stockedRestock anything used and note what was missing.
	Check the defibrillator (AED) shows readyThe status light shows ready and the pads are in date.
	Check every emergency exit is unlocked, clear and lit
	Check the fire extinguishers are in place and not blocked
	Confirm a first-aid trained staff member is on shift
Open
	Unlock the member entrance at opening time
	Turn on the screens and music at the agreed volume

Completed by
Checked by (manager)
Date
Notes

Closing checklist

After the last member leaves

Done	Task	Time	Initials
Members and equipment
	Announce closing 15 minutes ahead and check every area is emptyInclude change rooms, toilets, studios, saunas and storage rooms.
	Wipe down and disinfect high-touch equipmentHandles, seats, benches, grips and mats.
	Re-rack all weights and return equipment to its place
	Switch off the cardio machines and screensFollow each manufacturer’s guidance on power-down.
	Tag any faulty equipment out of order and add it to the handover notes
Cleaning
	Vacuum or sweep, then mop the gym floor and studios
	Clean the change rooms, showers and toilets
	Empty all bins and replace the liners
	Collect lost property and log it
	Bag used towels for the laundry
Reception and cash
	Count the till and reconcile it with the booking systemRecord any difference and the reason if known.
	Lock the cash in the safeNever leave cash in the till overnight.
	Check tomorrow’s first classes and instructors
	Write the handover notes for whoever opensFaulty equipment, member issues, low stock and anything the opener must follow up.
Lock-up
	Turn off the lights, music, fans and any sauna or steam room
	Set the heating or air conditioning to its overnight setting
	Check every window and emergency exit is closed and secured
	Set the alarm with your own code and lock the entrance
	Check the alarm has armed before you leaveIf you close alone, tell someone when you have left.
	Take the keys home or return them to the key safe

Completed by
Checked by (manager)
Date
Notes

Common questions

What should a gym opening checklist include?

A security walk of the building, the front-desk systems and cash float, a check of every machine and the floor for hazards, clean and stocked change rooms, and the safety equipment (first aid kit, defibrillator, emergency exits and fire extinguishers). This template covers all five.

How early should staff arrive to open a gym?

Early enough to finish every check before the first member arrives. For a small gym or studio, that’s usually 20 to 30 minutes. Time your own opening once with this list and set the start time from that.

Why use separate opening and closing lists?

They’re done at different times, often by different people. This template prints both, on separate pages. In Wikidoc they become two checklists, each with its own CSV, so the opening list is due in the morning and the closing list at night.

Do I need to keep completed checklists?

Keep them. If a member is injured or equipment fails, a dated, signed checklist shows the checks were done. Your insurer or landlord may say how long to keep them. In Wikidoc, every run is stored with who ticked each task and when.

Who should sign off the checklist?

The person who opened or closed signs the tasks they did. A manager then reviews the sheet, follows up anything flagged and signs it off. In Wikidoc the manager is the checklist’s approver and gets each submitted run to approve or send back.

Gym opening and closing checklist

Opening checklist

Closing checklist

How to use this template

Use it in Wikidoc

Import the CSV

Assign and schedule

Keep the record

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