A quiet gym is a rare and blessed gift. Less people at the gym means shorter wait times for your favorite machines, fewer eyes on you during your workouts, and (speaking from personal experience) the occasional confidence to venture out into the free weights. That said, knowing the busiest and quietest hours at the gym is usually less of an exact science and more of a low-risk guessing game . . . until now.
In order to find the busiest and quietest gym times, experts from fitness brand Set for Set analyzed Google data across every state in the US. They specifically looked at the number of gym visits reported at each hour of the day, discovering the most and least popular times to work out. In New York, for example, the busiest time and day to visit the gym is 5 or 6 p.m. on a Tuesday. If you're looking for a quieter time, Sunday at 2 a.m. and Saturday at 11 p.m. are your best options for an empty gym. In all honesty, we're not sure if a solo workout is really worth a 2 a.m. gym time, but the decision is yours to make.
Although these findings vary slightly from state to state, most of the times are pretty consistent no matter where you go. General gym trends suggest that most people are hitting a post-work workout, and avoiding the gym in the early mornings and late nights (gym bros have to party too). You're also less likely to find a crowded gym later on the weekends, when people might be relaxing, recovering, or just taking a rest day.
You can use this knowledge to avoid the crowds and prioritize your privacy, scheduling your gym time for a quieter, more efficient workout. Or maybe you're a people person and you prefer a busier gym anyway — no judgment here. Ahead, check out the busiest and quietest hours at the gym, and feel free to plan your next workout accordingly.
US Average Gym Times
Busiest Gym Times
Tuesday, 5 p.m.Monday, 5 p.m.Tuesday, 6 p.m.Quietest Gym Times
Sunday, 11 p.m.Sunday, 10 p.m.Saturday, 11 p.m.Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for POPSUGAR Health & Fitness. Previously, she worked as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributed to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she overshares on the internet, creating content about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.
FAQs
You're also less likely to find a crowded gym later on the weekends, when people might be relaxing, recovering, or just taking a rest day. You can use this knowledge to avoid the crowds and prioritize your privacy, scheduling your gym time for a quieter, more efficient workout.
What's the best time to go to the gym to avoid crowds? ›
To sum it up: gyms are usually the least busy mid-afternoon (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) or late evening (any time after 7 p.m.). If you plan to go during the weekend, aim for mid to late afternoon (2–5 p.m.).
What time of day is Planet Fitness least crowded? ›
Work Out in the Morning
While the rest of the world sleeps, you can enjoy a stress-free workout in a quiet setting. According to Fitbit data, gyms are less busy between 5-6 and 7-8 a.m. Once you fit in that morning workout, you'll feel accomplished and ready to tackle the day.
What is the least crowded day at the gym? ›
Weekends are more popular in some places than others, although the consensus seems to be that Saturday evenings and first thing Sunday mornings appear to be quieter. Some people have said, however, that Sundays are always quiet in their gyms.
What time of day is best to go to the gym? ›
Strength, flexibility, and endurance fare better during the hours of 2pm-6pm when your body temperature is at its highest. Reaction times are also quicker during this window making it ideal for HIIT workouts. Afternoon or evening workouts may also help you to stay motivated, especially if you're not a morning person.
What is the quietest time at the gym? ›
Quiet times to attend the gym:
- 6am: This is usually the quietest time of day in the gym as it is just after it opens and before the 7am crowd arrives to exercise before work.
- 10am: After the typical working day has started.
- 2pm-4pm: After lunch breaks have ended and before the work day finishes.
The least busy times to go to the gym are very early in the morning or late at night. If you're looking to avoid crowds and have access to all the equipment, these times are your best bet.
What is the slowest time of day at the gym? ›
One of the quietest times at the gym, training late in the evenings lets you take advantage of popular machines and equipment, without waiting for others to finish up first. If you love your treadmill or dumbbell sessions, this could be the time for you!
How do you avoid crowded gyms? ›
If you're more likely to visit the gym post-workday, data suggests visiting around 7-8 p.m. after the rush hits, or even later, from 9 p.m. to midnight to avoid crowds, if this works with your personal schedule. Check out some key stats below: 6-7 am: 1.4 times more popular than non-peak hours.
What are peak hours at the gym? ›
Generally, gyms are: Gyms are generally busiest between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Weekends are also a busy time, particularly Saturday mornings. White-collar jobs rarely require weekend work, so many gymgoers get their weekend workout in as early as possible.
Gym anxiety is when you feel anxious about going to the gym. It can show up before you go to the gym, while you're there, or even after you leave. Gym anxiety can make you feel worried, scared, or anxious about many different things, such as: Exercising in front of other people. Your body's shape or size.
Is morning or night better for gym? ›
If you're aiming to boost metabolism and energy levels, morning exercise may be beneficial. Alternatively, if you're focused on strength gains or performance improvements, evening workouts might be more suitable. Pay attention to your body's cues and energy levels throughout the day.
Is it better to workout on an empty stomach? ›
The final verdict? Exercising in a fasted state may burn some quick body fat, but it's not the best option for your body in the long-run. Eat a small snack or meal before and after your workout to ensure that you're properly fueled to perform your best in the gym and recover quickly when you get home.
How to avoid crowds at gym? ›
Go during off-peak hours
If you want to avoid crowds as best as possible, you should avoid the hours before and after normal 9-5 working hours. Generally, people just want to get their workouts over with, meaning they'll hit the gym directly coming to or from the office.
What is the best time to meet people at the gym? ›
Aim to chat when he or she is just getting started with a workout or during a water break so that you don't ruin his or her focus and flow. While going to the gym is about getting fit and feeling good, it's a great place to find a community, make friends and even start a relationship.
Is it better to go to the gym in the morning or evening? ›
Helps increase strength: A study published in 2021 found that muscles have a circadian rhythm similar to the sleep-wake cycle. The researchers noted that muscle strength is typically highest in the afternoon and evening. 7 Exercising later in the day may build upon this strength and improve muscular endurance.
When should you not go to the gym? ›
Listen to Your Body
If you are experiencing more severe symptoms like fever, nausea, headaches or diarrhea, the gym is a definite no-go. Exercising with these conditions can make matters worse and cause complications. Consult your health care provider about your symptoms, and allow time for your symptoms to improve.
