Selecting a gym is just about as hard as starting a new relationship. There are so many options, so many prices, and so much equipment, how do you know where to go? Luckily for you, I’ve had memberships at most of the big-name chains and have done some research into the rest. Please note this information does not include any specials that may be offered, a list of company partnered discounts, or location-specific information.
Gold’s Gym
Locations: International
Start Fee: Option 1 $149.99, Option 2 $49.99
Monthly Fee: Option 1 $29.99 Option 2 $39.99
Perks: Certain memberships include “exclusive cardio cinema, full locker room, cardio, circuit training area, free group fitness, unlimited guest privileges, a Travel Pass to Express Gyms, 50% off cooler drinks daily, unlimited massage chair use, and unlimited tanning”
Pros: Extensive top-of-the-line equipment, multiple locations
Cons: Higher price
Planet Fitness
Locations: Select Countries in North and South America
Start Fee: Black Card $10, Regular $5
Monthly Fee: Black Card $19.99 (12-month minimum), Regular $10
Perks: Black Card holders can use the membership at any location, are allowed a free guest, may use the HydroMassage chairs/tanning beds, and drink and Reebok product discounts.
Pros: Full locker room with showers, a large selection of cardio equipment
Cons: Limited equipment selection, little encouragement to improve, “lunk alarm”- A fire alarm that goes off if you are exhibiting any “frowned-upon” activity, which can include grunting while lifting heavy, dropping weights, etc. Therefore, if you are a powerlifter or bodybuilder, you will not exactly be welcome here, despite the “everyone is welcome” marketing. The personal trainers and group class instructors are not required to hold any certification.
LA Fitness
Locations: United States Start Fee: $99+ first and last month’s fee
Monthly Fee: $24.99 single-club, $29.99 multi-club
Perks: Dependent on location – pool, sauna, smoothie bar, sports teams, group classes, daycare centers, children’s classes, etc.
Pros: Very dependent on the individual club. Some areas have a variety of locations, some have none- make sure to check their location map first!
Cons: Equipment selection and condition varies wildly by location. Higher-end cost. Bringing a guest costs $10.
YMCA
Locations: International Start Fee: $50
Monthly Fee: Young Adults (aged 16-25) $35.00 or $420.00/year, Adults (25-65) $48.50 or $582.00/year
Pros: Multi-club membership, good equipment and class selection, a wide variety of amenities, free group classes, family-friendly, child care for a small fee
CrossFit
Locations: International
Start Fee: Depends on location Monthly Fee: $149-$239
Perks: Depends on location
Pros: Very strong community and support, challenging workouts
Cons: Depending on the location, not beginner-friendly. Crossfit is a business that can be opened by anyone who pays to use the trademark and methods. Form and safety are sometimes compromised in favor of quick results, increasing the risk of injury. People with varying levels of expertise can be thrown into the same class. Many coaches are not required to have a fitness certification and take a weekend course to be allowed to coach.
Youfit
Locations: Primarily Southwest United States
Start Fee: $19+ first and last month’s fee
Monthly Fee: $10 single club, $21.99 multiple locations
Perks: Multiple location membership includes a free guest every visit, unlimited access to all locations, free YouCoach fitness assessment, half-price drinks
Pros: Good equipment selection, low cost
Cons: Limited locations, but growing
Crunch Fitness
Locations: United States, Canada, Australia
Start Fee: $10-$79.99+ first month and annual fee
Monthly Fee: Varies by location – Generally $9.95 single club, $89.99 citywide, $109.99 multiple locations (25% discount offered if paid yearly)
Perks: online nutrition, boxing area, big bag, jungle gym
Pros: Wide variety of upgrades and membership options, good equipment selection, clean company-wide, rubber-coated surfaces, top-of-the-line locker and showering facilities, private rooms to change in, diverse classes
Cons: Complicated and inconsistent pricing, many fees, upfront fees
24-Hour Fitness
Locations: Select locations in the United States and Canada
Start Fee: ~$100
Monthly Fee: $29.99 (discounts for students, partnership businesses, etc.)
Perks: free fitness evaluation, depending on location pool, spa
Pros: Open 24 hours, good equipment selection, diverse classes, many different membership options, excellent equipment selection in most locations
Cons: Limited locations, complicated pricing system
Anytime Fitness
Locations: International
Start Fee: $49.99, $35.00 key fob fee
Monthly Fee: Monthly membership $38.99, Annual membership $407.99
Perks: Free “get started” plan, locker room with showers, member-only pricing on top hotels worldwide and brand-name merchandise, up to 55% off leading travel providers, up to 65% off retail.
Pros: Open 24 hours, a wide variety of locations, good selection of classes and equipment
Cons: no childcare options, equipment selection and condition vary by location
Powerlifting Gyms
Locations: Usually locally owned and operated small business
Start Fee: Dependent on Location
Monthly Fee: Dependent on location
Perks: Dependent on location
Pros: Very location dependent, but typically – access to specific equipment for strength training, better availability for equipment, more privacy, good sense of community, knowledgeable and experienced trainers, more personal treatment, supports local business, competitive opportunities and support with a powerlifting team, generally allows the use of chalk
Cons: Typically single location, may be intimidating for beginners, price and equipment selection and condition is highly variable
Local Gyms
Locations: Usually locally owned and operated small business
Start Fee: Dependent on Location
Monthly Fee: Dependent on location
Perks: Dependent on location
Pros: Very location dependent, but typically – good equipment selection, better availability for equipment, more privacy, good sense of community, more personal treatment, supports local business
Cons: Typically single location, price, equipment selection and condition is highly variable
Private Gyms
Locations: Depends on business, but usually in a trainer’s home or rented small space
Start Fee: Dependent on location
Monthly Fee: Dependent on location
Perks: Tailored workouts and one-on-one experience
Pros: Completely personal experience, potentially maximum flexibility and customization.
Cons: Usually higher end price, due to a completely personalized training experience. Single location. A trainer may or may not be a good fit for the client, and may or not be certified to train.
