Gyms and fitness centers
AED Program Management for Gyms and Fitness Centers
AED requirements for gyms are written into state health club laws, and most ask for two things: an AED on the floor and trained staff on every shift. AED Log tracks both at every club, with the inspection and certification records to prove it.
45 days free. No credit card required. Then plans from $114 a year.
Do gyms need an AED?
In many states, yes. We found 14 state laws that require health clubs to keep an AED on site, most of them with a CPR- and AED-trained employee during staffed hours, and Pennsylvania requires one only at clubs that open without staff.
Each law defines a health club its own way, with size thresholds and exemptions, so read your own state's statute. Gyms in other states still have duties: an AED you own can come with inspection, training and notification rules under your state's general AED law.
| State | Law | What it requires |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Code § 20-13-1306 | Every health spa must have an AED and a trained employee on duty during staffed hours. |
| California | Health & Safety Code § 104113 | Every health studio must have an AED, check it at least every 30 days and train staff to use it. |
| Connecticut | Gen. Stat. § 21a-223(a)(2) | A licensed health club needs an AED and a CPR- and AED-trained employee during staffed hours. |
| Illinois | 210 ILCS 74 | At least one AED, a trained AED user during staffed hours and a written emergency plan. Facilities serving fewer than 100 people are exempt. |
| Indiana | IC 24-4-15-5 | Clubs with 50 or more paying users or 30 or more motorized machines need an AED, a certified employee when staffed and signs showing where the AEDs are. |
| Louisiana | R.S. 40:1137.3(D) | Physical fitness facilities with more than 50 members must keep an AED on the premises. |
| Massachusetts | M.G.L. c. 93, § 78A | At least one AED, and an employee or volunteer AED provider in attendance during staffed hours. |
| Michigan | MCL 333.26312 | An AED with ready access, an employee trained in first aid, CPR and AED use, and an emergency plan. |
| New Jersey | N.J.S.A. 2A:62A-31 | At least one AED, tested and maintained, local EMS notified, and a certified employee on site during business hours. |
| New York | Gen. Bus. Law § 627-a | Clubs with 50 or more members need an AED and a certified person present during staffed hours. |
| Oregon | ORS 431A.450 | Indoor fee-based clubs with 50 or more people on a regular business day must have an AED on the premises at all times. |
| Pennsylvania | Health Club Act § 14(c.1) | An AED is required only in clubs that offer hours without staff on site. |
| Rhode Island | Gen. Laws § 5-50-12 | Registered clubs need an AED and a CPR- and AED-trained employee on each shift. |
| Virginia | Code § 59.1-296.2:2 | Each health club location must have a working AED. |
| Washington | RCW 70.54.315 | Membership fitness centers must acquire and maintain an AED (in effect since June 6, 2024). |
Why gyms are a priority
OSHA's AED guidance lists fitness areas among the places employers should consider an AED, and a gym is open long hours to members of every age and fitness level. Every minute without CPR or defibrillation lowers the chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest by 7 to 10 percent, according to OSHA.
What a compliant gym AED program includes
A gym AED program meets your state's health club law and then some: an AED members can reach fast, trained staff on every shift, and records that prove both.
An AED in a marked spot on the gym floor, with signs where your law asks
A CPR- and AED-trained employee on every staffed shift
A readiness check of each AED at least monthly, recorded
Pads and batteries replaced before they expire
A written emergency plan, filed with the state where required
A plan for unstaffed hours, if your club offers them
The details differ by state. California, for example, requires a readiness check after each use and at least every 30 days, with records, and Illinois requires a written medical emergency plan. Each state's statute is linked in the table above.
How AED Log handles gym AED programs
AED Log keeps the two things health club laws care about most, a ready AED and trained staff on every shift, in one place.
Staff CPR and AED cards
Record each employee's CPR and AED card from a catalog of 185 certifications, see who at each club is current, and get a warning before a card lapses.
Monthly readiness checks
Front-desk staff scan the AED's QR label and answer the monthly checklist on a phone. Shorten the interval if your state or your own policy asks for more.
Pads and batteries
Pick the pads and battery from the catalog and their expiration dates fill in. You're warned 90 days before either one expires.
Records for inspectors
Inspection history and certification status download as a CSV or a branded PDF for any club or date range.
Running several clubs or franchise locations
Each club is a location, and locations are unlimited, so a franchise group pays one price for the number of AEDs in its tier.
Club managers see only their own club, while owners and regional managers see every club on one dashboard. Keep each club's state in mind: a New York club and a California club answer to different health club laws, and the table above links both.
Related guides and templates
These guides and free templates cover the monthly check, staff training and where to put the AED.
AED inspection checklist (free PDF) CPR and AED certification AED placement guide Printable AED sign
Gym AED compliance FAQ
Are gyms required to have an AED?
In many states, yes. At least 14 states require health clubs to keep an AED on site, most with a trained employee during staffed hours, and Pennsylvania requires one at clubs open without staff. Check your state's law for its size thresholds and exemptions.
Can I track staff CPR and AED certifications at each club?
Yes. Add each employee as a responder at their home club and record their cards from a catalog of 185 certifications. AED Log warns you before any card expires, and responders don't need a login.
Can a franchise owner see every club in one place?
Yes. One account holds every club as its own location. Owners see them all on one dashboard, and each club manager can be limited to their own club.
Do I need AED program management software if I only have one AED?
One AED still needs regular inspections, pads and a battery that expire, and trained responders. AED Log covers a single AED for $114 a year ($9.50 a month), with a reminder before each inspection and expiration.
Keep every club ready, and every card current
AED checks and staff CPR certifications for every club, with records ready for an inspector.
45 days free. No credit card required. Then plans from $114 a year.