How to Monetize Gym Drop-Ins: A Scalable Strategy for Boutique Fitness Studios

“We generate 20–25% of our membership revenue from drop-ins—without needing to be at the gym.”
— Dan Messinger, CrossFit Breckenridge 

Most studio owners treat gym drop-ins like loose change. Nice to have, but not worth the hassle. 

Turns out, they’re missing out. 

Drop-ins—when done right—can bring in serious revenue without adding stress to your day. No extra staffing. No endless back-and-forth. Just simple, clean systems that work while you’re off the floor. 

Dan figured it out. You can too. 

Here’s how smart studios are flipping the drop-in script—and how tools like HybridAF are making it effortless. 

The Drop-In Opportunity Most Studios Ignore 

Boutique studios thrive on connection, but drop-ins are often handled like logistical distractions: 

• Manual sign-ins 

• Paper waivers 

• No post-visit follow-up 

• Missed payments 

• Missed conversion opportunities 

Dan Messinger, owner of CrossFit Breckenridge, decided to rethink that. 

After implementing HybridAF, he now: 

• Welcomes 50–150 gym drop-ins monthly 

• Earns 20–25% of total revenue from them 

• Has zero staff overhead for managing visits 

• Offers a frictionless experience his community loves 

“Basically, they pay, sign the waiver, enter the gym, work out, and leave—without us being involved.” 

Drop-Ins Aren’t Just Visitors—They’re Leads 

Every drop-in is a potential recurring member. But only if you have a system that works when you’re not there. 

That’s where these three tools come in: 

• HybridAF – Unattended access via app-based entry 

• Zen Planner Studio – Seamless scheduling, billing, and CRM 

• Zen Planner Engage – Nurture leads through automated follow-ups 

This trio creates a complete loop from entry to conversion. 

 

HybridAF: Unattended Access, Total Control 

Designed for studio owners by studio owners, HybridAF removes all the friction from access management. 

Key Features

“It’s not just a keyless entry tool—it’s a full operational upgrade for your boutique studio.” 

🔗 Learn More about the Daxko and HybridAF Integration 

Zen Planner Studio: Automate Your Studio Ops 

HybridAF handles access, but Zen Planner Studio ensures everything behind the scenes is synced: 

• Syncs drop-in payments, waivers, and check-ins 

• Tracks attendance and behaviour 

• Integrates into your CRM and class schedule 

• Keeps reporting tight and centralized 

No spreadsheets. No bouncing between systems. 

Zen Planner Engage: Convert Drop-Ins into Members 

What happens after a drop-in leaves? That’s where most studios fall short. 

With Zen Planner Engage, you can: 

• Trigger automated emails or SMS after drop-ins 

• Offer personalized next steps (discounts, class packs) 

• Send content-based campaigns (trainer intros, workout tips) 

• Nurture leads into long-term community members 

You’re not just closing a sale—you’re opening a relationship. 

 

And What About Security? 

We hear it all the time: “But what if something happens?” 

HybridAF addresses this head-on: 

• Instant entry notifications and option to pair with existing cameras 

• Integrated waivers and rules—prior to access 

• Emergency compliance by requiring a working cellular device prior to entry (your insurance loves this) 

• Access logs synced with your platform 

• Responsible solo training behaviour (just like scaling your own lifts without a spotter) 

• Risk-balanced ROI—especially for low-staff studios 

“Most drop-ins just want a safe, clean space to train and go. The risk is minimal—and the reward speaks for itself.” 

 

Real Studio Impact: The Numbers 

Let’s run the math. 

• Average drop-in fee: $20 

• Average drop-ins/month: 50 

• Monthly passive revenue: $1,000 

• Annual total: $12,000+ 

• Conversion potential: 10–20% into memberships 

• Overhead: Zero 

Now add Engage automation and Studio insights—and you’ve turned a side stream into a scalable strategy. 

Build a Boutique Studio That Runs on Systems, Not Stress 

You’re not in the business of selling access. You’re building a community. But every drop-in is an opportunity to showcase that community, elevate the experience, and grow your revenue. 

With HybridAF, Zen Planner Studio, and Zen Planner Engage, you have the tools to: 

✅ Extend gym access 24/7
✅ Automate onboarding & access
✅ Engage and convert leads with ease
✅ Do it all while protecting your time and sanity 

Want to see how it all fits together? Explore the HybridAF + Zen Planner Integration to simplify drop-ins and grow smarter.