When Is The Gym Group Quietest? (Off-Peak Hours 2026)
The Gym Group operates 24/7 at most locations, which means you have plenty of options for avoiding the crowds. Here's when you'll find it emptiest.
Quietest Times at The Gym Group
Best times to go:
Early morning: 5am-7am (weekdays)
Mid-morning: 10am-12pm (weekdays)
Early afternoon: 1pm-3pm (weekdays)
Late night: After 9pm (any day)
Weekends: Saturday/Sunday mornings before 10am
Times to avoid:
Monday-Friday: 5pm-7pm (post-work rush)
Monday-Friday: 6:30am-8am (pre-work rush)
Saturday: 10am-12pm (weekend warriors)
January 1st-31st (New Year's resolution crowd)
How to Check Your Specific Gym Group Location
Every Gym Group location has slightly different busy periods depending on:
Nearby offices (busier at lunchtime/after work)
Universities (busier during term time)
Residential areas (busier early morning/evening)
Use Google Maps to check live busyness:
Search "[Your Gym Group location] gym" in Google Maps
Scroll down to "Popular times"
See the hour-by-hour busyness graph
Plan your visits during the lowest points
What to Expect During Off-Peak Hours
During quiet times at The Gym Group, you'll typically find: No wait for cardio equipment Easy access to squat racks and benches
Quieter changing rooms Less intimidating atmosphere More space to spread out
The trade-off? Fewer staff members on duty and some group classes may not run.
Tips for First-Timers at The Gym Group
If you're anxious about your first visit: Book an induction (free with membership) during a quiet time Visit during your chosen time slot first just to observe before joining Bring headphones to create your own bubble Start with 20-30 minutes rather than forcing a full hour
The Gym Group's no-contract model means you can test whether off-peak times work for your schedule without long-term commitment.
Beyond Quiet Times: Making the Gym Work for Your Brain
Knowing when to go is just one piece of the puzzle. If gym anxiety, sensory overwhelm, or neurodivergence makes gyms challenging, quieter times help but they're not the whole solution.
Download the free Gym Anxiety Toolkit
You'll get: A sensory-friendly gym routine (no intimidating equipment required) Scripts for what to say when staff approach you How to scope out a gym without committing
Looking for strategies that work at ANY gym? Check out the complete guide: When Is the Gym Quietest? (Best Times to Avoid Crowds).
Last updated: January 2026
