While exercising at home or outdoors has benefits, training in a gym takes your workouts to a whole new level. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals and having access to numerous pieces of equipment and even fitness classes can make your health journey that much more enjoyable and successful. As a trainer, I personally am in the gym multiple days a week, and I recommend that all my clients do the same as their lifestyle allows.
Unfortunately, gym memberships aren’t free. Don’t let this be an obstacle for you, though — we have outlined the pricing for some of the most popular gyms so you can compare to find the best fit for you. We have also covered the pros and cons of each. Let’s dive in.
Gold’s Gym
Gold’s Gym is a popular international gym franchise that was founded in 1965. There are a number of these gyms at various locations across the U.S. They offer their members group classes, cardio, weight training, and much more, along with personal trainers and expert advice that is all available 24/7.
How much does it cost?
Pricing for Gold’s Gym memberships varies from location to location, but generally, a Multi-Club membership pass comes with a $49.99 enrollment fee. If you sign up for 12 months, there is a $17.99 bi-weekly payment, and an 18-month membership costs $15.99 bi-weekly. Another family member, such as a child of a suitable age, can be added to the various membership offers for an additional fee.
Pros
- All new members get a free trial workout
- Gold’s Gym offers new members a physical fitness assessment
- Large, spacious workout rooms are always available
Cons
- Charges late fees on membership payments
- Charges cancelation fees
YMCA
The YMCA is a community-based organization that believes that anything can be accomplished if people work together, regardless of ethnicity and religion. This mantra also holds true when it comes to health and well-being.
How much does it cost?
Gym memberships at the YMCA offer potential members the widest options for an affordable gym membership plan. Overall, prices depend on an individual’s age and the number of people in a household. Those who are 18 and younger don’t have to pay a joining fee, and those aged 12-18 pay $27 per month. Every other membership charges a $25 joining fee, and the 2 Adult Household membership has a $50 fee.
As for membership costs themselves, the 1 Adult Household membership costs $56 per month, individuals aged 30-59 pay $70 per month, the Senior 2 Adult Household membership costs $61 per month, individuals over the age of 60 pay $42 per month, and individuals aged 19-29 pay $40 per month.
Pros
- There is a gym membership plan for everyone
- YMCA offers a friendly environment to exercise in
- YMCA gyms welcome senior citizens
Cons
- Membership price plans include a joiner fee
- The senior couple’s price plan could be cheaper
Crunch
Crunch has humble beginnings, starting in a basement studio in New York in 1989. Now, it’s another large gym franchise, with Crunch fitness clubs located in numerous states. The Crunch brand is all about putting the fun into fitness and exercise. Crunch gym memberships come with perks that include choices of various
How much does it cost?
Again, prices may vary from location to location, but there are three different memberships available. Peak Results costs $34.99 per month and gives you access to 403 clubs. This includes access to group fitness classes, live online workouts, cardio, weights, exercise machines, tanning, hydro massage, and more. Peak membership costs $24.99 a month and has fewer perks than Peak Results membership, but all the essentials are still included, such as access to weights, machines, and group
Pros
- Membership caters to all budgets
- Membership plans are cheaper than at many other gyms
- Free Wi-Fi is available to all
Cons
- Basic membership at Crunch offers few perks to customers
- Crunch can be an overwhelming environment for new members
LA Fitness
LA Fitness is an American gym chain formed in 1984 that encompasses more than 700 clubs across North America.
How much does it cost?
LA Fitness gym memberships give you access to every club location. There are two options, and they both give you access to the same amenities, except the Premier one also allows for a free guest each visit. The Basic membership costs $39.99 per month with a $59 annual fee. The Premier membership costs $49.99 per month with a $59 annual fee.
Pros
- Membership deals are easy to understand
- Spa and pool access are included in membership plans
- Cycle classes are available
Cons
- Other gyms have better reviews than LA Fitness
- Different membership plans offer more pricing choice
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is a popular fitness franchise with multiple clubs. Part of its success is down to its friendly staff and welcoming environment geared toward making gym members comfortable, no matter what stage they’re at in their
How much does it cost?
Planet Fitness membership pricing is location-sensitive, but in general, the principal plans here are the PF Black Card, which costs $29.99 a month, and the Classic, which costs $15 a month. The PF Black Card option comes with a $1 startup fee and a $49 annual fee. There is no contract with the Classic membership option, and the same fees apply.
Pros
- Planet Fitness offers customers inexpensive gym memberships
- There are plenty of perks with a Black Card membership, such as 50% off select drinks
Cons
- A 12-month contract commitment is needed with premium membership
- Basic membership comes with limited perks
Equinox
Equinox fitness venues are some of the most luxurious on the market, making Equinox a major luxury brand in the world of
How much does it cost?
Equinox gyms are some of the most expensive gyms in the world to join, and prices vary by location. Generally, access to a single location is $245 per month. Access to every location in the state is $252 monthly, access to all locations in the U.S. and Canada is $325 monthly, access to all locations worldwide except Hudson Yards and E Clubs is $395 monthly, and access to all locations is $415 monthly. There is a 12-month commitment for all memberships.
Pros
- State-of-the-art gym equipment is available
- Plush surroundings to exercise in
- Plenty of perks are included with Equinox membership
Cons
- Membership is costly
- Equinox only caters to the wealthy
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness is a gym franchise with fitness centers spread across multiple locations throughout the U.S. It’s also a lifestyle-oriented brand that mixes yoga and Zumba classes with traditional gym workouts.
How much does it cost?
Anytime Fitness membership costs differ, depending on location. On average, an 18-month plan costs $25 bi-weekly, and a 12-month plan costs $27 bi-weekly. There is also a $1 initiation fee and a one-off key fee of $35.
Pros
- Anytime Fitness offers more than a standard gym experience
- Spinning cycle classes are available
- Team workouts help build a community spirit
Cons
- Not many price plan options are available
- A key fob charge is added to membership costs
24 Hour Fitness
If you’ve ever found yourself googling “24 Hour Fitness near me,” you’ve probably already noticed that the franchise has 280 gyms located in 11 states. As the name suggests, it offers gym services 24/7. Check the gym’s website for details of all 280 locations.
How much does it cost?
If you want a month-to-month deal, you can choose between the silver, gold, and platinum memberships. They cost $19.99, $37.99, and $44.99 per month. There is a $79.99 initiation fee for silver. If you commit to 12 months, then they cost $14.99, $32.99, and $39.99. Again, silver has a $79.99 initiation fee, and gold and platinum have $1 initiation fees. With the annual memberships, the national costs $20.99 per month ($251.88 annually), and the platinum costs $24.99 per month ($299.98 annually). They each have a $59.99 annual fee.
Pros
- 24 Hour Fitness is a trusted fitness brand
- Offers fitness classes
- Members have access to personal trainers
Cons
- Not many pricing options are available to customers
- Membership options vary depending on the location of the center you join
What are the benefits of exercising at a gym?
Exercising at a gym offers numerous benefits that can enhance your fitness journey. There is even a study that concluded that “health club membership was associated with significantly lower odds of elevated resting heart rate and obesity.” To discover more perks, consider the list below.
- Gyms provide access to a wide variety of equipment, including treadmills, weights, and specialized machines.
- You’re able to target different muscle groups and reach fitness goals more efficiently.
- The structured environment motivates consistency, as many people find it easier to establish a workout routine in a dedicated space.
- Gyms often offer group classes, which can make exercising a social event and more fun.
- The presence of personal trainers can help you learn proper techniques, reduce the risk of injury, and tailor workouts to your needs.
- Climate control ensures you can work out comfortably regardless of the weather.
- The sense of community in a gym can keep you inspired and accountable, making it easier to stay on track and achieve your fitness goals.
When should you exercise at home?
While working out at a gym comes with many benefits, it isn’t for everyone. If you end up deciding that you don’t want to pay for a membership, you can save money by exercising at home.
So, what about equipment? Luckily, you can still have items like dumbbells, bands, and kettlebells in your living room that will contribute to a challenging, effective training session. If you don’t want to invest in any equipment, stick to bodyweight workouts.
If you need guidance and motivation, you can always follow along with workout videos on YouTube or certain apps as well. Some fitness instructors create a series of workout videos that are meant to be followed along with throughout the week if you want someone else to dictate your schedule for you.
