# Gym step 1: turn on Gym and set the rules

> Add your gym branches, switch on the Gym management module, and set member codes, admission fee, grace days, freezes and check-in rules in Gym settings.

Source: https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/gym/step-1-turn-on-gym-and-settings/  
Last updated: 2026-10-30  
Product: SmartPOS Hub (https://smartposhub.com)

Before you sell the first membership, tell SmartPOS Hub where your **branches** are, switch on the **Gym management module**, and decide the **rules** your front desk will follow: member codes, admission fee, grace days, freezes and who is let in. This page is for the owner or gym manager.

## Before you start

- Business name, currency, time zone and logo are set in **Settings › Business Settings** ([Business settings](https://docs.smartposhub.com/start/business-settings/)).
- You know your admission (joining) fee and your rules for freezes and expired members.

## Add your branches

Open **Settings › Business Locations** and add one location per gym or studio. Each branch has its own cash register, stock of supplements and check-ins. See [Locations](https://docs.smartposhub.com/start/locations/).

## Switch on the Gym module

> **How to turn it on**
> 1. **Plan:** The Gym management module must be in your plan (Settings › Package Subscription). If the card says Not in your plan, click See plans or contact support.
> 2. **Switch:** Settings › Business Settings › Modules › Industry modules › Gym management module
> 3. **Permission:** Roles › Gym permissions (View gym dashboard, Members, Memberships, Attendance and more)
> - **Mobile app:** Gym screens in the SmartPOS Business app

1. Open **Settings › Business Settings** and click the **Modules** tab.
2. Under **Industry modules**, switch on **Gym management module**. Add **Product Library** for supplements and **Mobile app** if staff will use phones.
3. Click **Update Settings**. The **Gym** group appears in the sidebar.

![Industry modules in Business Settings with the Gym management module switched on next to Asset management, Accounting and Bookkeeping, Hotel Management and others](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/settings-modules-gym.BJ2Lp7kC.png) (web app page: `/business/settings`)
*Settings › Business Settings › Modules: the Gym management module card.*

## Set up roles

Open **User Management › Roles**, click **Import prebuilt** and take **Gym Manager**, **Gym Trainer** and **Gym Front Desk**, or build your own. A front-desk role usually needs **Attendance: use the check-in desk**, **Members: view** and **Memberships: sell, renew & change plan**. Then add users in **User Management › Users**. The full permission list is on the [Gym module](https://docs.smartposhub.com/modules/gym/) page.

## Gym settings

Open **Gym › Settings**. Each tab saves with **Update**.

1. **General**: **Member code prefix** (for example GYM-), **Member code digits**, **Membership reference prefix** and **Default tax rate**.
2. **Membership rules**: **Default admission / joining fee**, **Grace period after expiry (days)**, **Expiry reminder window (days)**, **Renewals start from** and **Charge admission fee only once per member**.
3. **Freeze**: whether members can freeze, the minimum and maximum days and how many freezes are allowed.
4. **Attendance & access**: **Attendance mode**, **Auto check-out after (hours)**, and which problems block entry (**Block check-in when the membership has expired**, **…has outstanding dues**, **…the session limit is used up**, **Enforce package access hours**).
5. **Locations & rooms** and **Cards & receipts**: where members train, and member card and receipt options.

![Gym settings General tab with member code prefix GYM-, five member code digits, membership reference prefix MS- and default tax rate](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/gym-settings.C0B3DRdo.png) (web app page: `/gym/settings`)
*Gym › Settings › General.*

![Membership rules tab with default admission fee 49, grace period 0 days, expiry reminder window 7 days, renewals start from current end date and charge admission fee only once per member ticked](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/gym-settings-membership-rules.BRMCsen9.png) (web app page: `/gym/settings`)
*Membership rules: admission fee, grace period and how renewals are dated.*

![Attendance and access tab with one check-in per day, auto check-out after 4 hours, block when expired, block when the session limit is used up and enforce package access hours ticked](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/gym-settings-attendance.C9Esbfr9.png) (web app page: `/gym/settings`)
*Attendance & access decides who the check-in desk lets in.*

**Note:** 
The **Payment to confirm — Membership** card below the tabs is for online purchases. It is covered in [step 8](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/gym/step-8-online-memberships-and-shopper-app/).

## What happens next

The Gym dashboard shows the **Set up your gym** checklist. Continue with [step 2: membership packages](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/gym/step-2-membership-packages/).

  - [Gym module](https://docs.smartposhub.com/modules/gym/)
  - [Users and roles](https://docs.smartposhub.com/start/users-and-roles/)

## Frequently asked questions

### Why can't I see the Gym menu?

Three things must be true. Your plan includes the Gym management module, its switch is on in Settings › Business Settings › Modules, and your role has Gym permissions. Business admins get every permission.

### Should the admission fee be charged on every renewal?

Usually not. Tick Charge admission fee only once per member in Membership rules so renewals only pay the plan price.

### What does Renewals start from do?

Current end date (no days lost) starts a renewal the day after the current plan ends, even if the member renews early. Today starts it immediately.

### Should expired members be blocked at the door?

Most gyms tick Block check-in when the membership has expired. Staff can still override a block at the desk, and the reason is saved.

### What is the grace period?

Grace period after expiry (days) gives members a few days after the end date before the plan counts as expired.

### Can a member check in twice a day?

Choose it under Attendance mode: one check-in per day, or several. Auto check-out after (hours) closes visits that nobody checked out.