24 Hour Fitness rolls out finger scanners at gyms

The San Ramon-based company is now using fingerprint scanners at its 60 San Francisco Bay area locations to verify members' identities. It also has started offering so-called "Cardless Check-In" this month at some gyms in other states.

To enter the gym, 24 Hour Fitness members need to punch in a 10-digit code and have an index finger scanned by a device that compares the fingerprint to one on file.

Company officials say the voluntary program allows members to show up without ID, prevents nonmembers from sneaking in, and saves the cost of making and mailing club cards.

"We're always looking for ways to make it easier for people to use our clubs," said Dan Benning, president of the company's Northern Division.

The scanners underscore the growing use of biometric technology, which uses unique physical features such as hands, eyes and faces to identify people.