HybridAF Adds Revenue, Reduces Payroll Costs for Five Alarm Fitness


Prior to 2022, Leah Wheeler’s gym, Five Alarm Fitness in Bloomington, Illinois, offered six hours a day of open gym time.


  • This meant, each day, from 7-9 am, from 10 am-1 pm and from 3-4 pm, Wheeler had to pay to staff the gym.

That all changed in 2022 when Wheeler saw a Black Friday special HybridAF had put out on Facebook. She and her husband quickly decided it would be a great solution for her business and her now close to 100 members.


And just like that, Wheeler was immediately able to save 120 hours on payroll hours each month, as she no longer needed to staff the gym.


Three Other HybridAF Benefits for Five Alarm Fitness

Additional Revenue


Though some gym owners include unattended access in their regular membership fees, Wheeler charges members $25 a month for unattended access on top of their group class membership.


“There are no contracts, though, so they can cancel or add it at any time,” she said.

She also offers a paid in full option at a discounted price, which some of her members take advantage of, and which brings in a larger chunk of newfound revenue each year


when the person’s membership becomes due.

Holidays Off


Prior to offering unattended access, Wheeler found herself opening the gym on holidays, as she felt pressure because her members still often still wanted to train.


Such is not the case anymore.


  • “It makes it so much easier to close for holidays and not feel guilty,” Wheeler said.


“We have also been able to close early for a couple emergencies and still allow access,” she added.


More Value for her Members


It goes without saying, adding unattended access has increased the value Wheeler can now offer to her members, she explained.


  • “The ones who use it the most are either our most driven members, or those with odd work hours,” Wheeler said. “The 24/7 access allows them to come in seven days a week, or on holidays when we are typically closed.”

She added: “And for those who have strange work hours, they’re able to come in at their convenience.”



The Big Picture


The decision Wheeler and her husband made on a whim after a Black Friday offer on Facebook has proven to be a win for both their business and their community of members.


From cutting down payroll expenses, to unlocking new revenue streams, to finally being able to take a day off on a holiday, to adding value to her members, HybridAF has transformed Wheeler’s entire gym for the better.