The 7 Best Gym Memberships to Kickstart Your Fitness Routine

Agym membership is one of the easiest ways to motivate yourself to achieve your fitness goals. From weight training and cardio to Pilates and cycling, there’s a gym out there especially for you. And no matter your taste, workout style, or budget, the options are seemingly endless. So whether you’re looking for a gym with a swanky sauna or just sturdy elliptical machines, you’ll need to consider price, flexibility, amenities, and unique perks.

We made the process seamless, finding the best gyms with the best gym membership options. Here are our top picks.

01of 07

Best Boutique Gym: Orangetheory Fitness

LEARN MORE

Key Specs

• Price: $119-$229 monthly
• Amenities: Class-based gym that uses weights, cardio machines and treadmills, and resistance bands
• Notable features: Metabolism-focused; provides members with heart-rate monitors to optimize fat-burning

Why We Chose It

Orangetheory’s workouts are ideal for anyone who prefers a gym setting and class environment combined.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Expert-led workouts to track your progress
• Motivating environment with like-minded participants
• Classes designed to push you every time

Cons

• Class-only structure, no independent gym use
• Classes can fill up during peak times

Overview

Orangetheory is a boutique studio providing “science-backed,” hour-long fitness classes within a gym environment with treadmills, rowing machines, and plenty of strength rounds. With over 1,500 locations worldwide and studios across the U.S., Orangetheory has risen to fitness fame as the HIIT class you need on your weekly schedule.

Orangetheory has distinguished itself from other studios and gyms by providing class participants with a heart monitor to track their fluctuating heart rates across zones of gray, blue, green, orange, and red. The goal is to achieve at least 12 minutes in the orange zone to boost metabolism, burn fat, and burn more calories.

Classes are split across cardio and strength interval drills, using everything from the treadmill to resistance bands. Fitness coaches are by your side to guide you through every exercise with proper form.

The results-driven classes at Orangetheory have attracted almost one million members. Monthly membership costs $119 for four classes (Orange Basic), $169 for eight classes (Orange Elite), or $229 for unlimited sessions (Orange Premier).

02of 07

Best for Accessibility: Crunch Fitness

LEARN MORE

Key Specs

• Price: $10-$30 monthly
• Amenities: Free weights, group fitness classes, treadmills and cardio machines, personal training
• Notable features: Online community and nutritional resources

Why We Chose It

Crunch Fitness has a wide selection of memberships, a long list of class options, and an all-embracing, no-judgment philosophy.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extensive and diverse selection of classes
• Affordable monthly memberships
• Top selection of free weights

Cons

• Most locations have basic amenities only
• Gyms can become busy during peak hours

Overview

Known as a convenience gym with a community feel, Crunch Fitness has been a fitness mainstay since 1989 and has more than 400 nationwide locations. For those who enjoy the social aspect of working out, Crunch gyms are welcoming to everyone, regardless of fitness level, with an all-embracing, no-judgment philosophy.

Besides an excellent range of equipment, gyms have chockablock class schedules centering around Advanced HIIT, Cardio & Dance, Chisel It, Mind Body Burn, and Action Sports categories. Expect a lengthy lineup of HIIT, functional training and bodyweight, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, and Zumba classes at your local Crunch gym.

Basic membership (basic means no access to classes) at a single location is about $10 per month depending on the location. The Peak membership includes access to all 400+ locations and any class (except Advanced HIIT and Crunch Live Online classes) for about $25 per month. The top-tier Peak Results package adds classes, sauna, pool, and guest privileges.

Crunch Signature locations—there are 28 nationwide—elevate the experience with a supersized schedule of group classes, dedicated Spin and yoga studios, and upgraded amenities including child care, saunas and steam rooms, towel services, HydroMassage, and even appearances by live DJs.

03of 07

Best on a Budget: Anytime Fitness

LEARN MORE

Key Specs

• Price: Approximately $41 monthly
• Amenities: Free weights, cardio machines, yoga mats, resistance bands, fitness classes
• Notable Features: 2,671 locations, family memberships available at some locations

Why We Chose It

We selected Anytime Fitness as the best on a budget for its affordability, class options, and locations worldwide.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable
• On-site showers
• Family or joint memberships available
• Six-, 12-, and 18-month contracts

Cons

• No pools, saunas, steam rooms, or basketball courts
• Wi-Fi only at some locations

Overview

Based on price, flexibility, and choice, Anytime Fitness is a popular option for the everyday gym-goer and frequent traveler, since there are locations worldwide. So, if you’re not a fan of one location, chances are another option is just a few blocks away.

At each gym, you will be sure to find a selection of dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, cardio machines, resistance bands, and exercise mats spread across spacious facilities. You shouldn’t have a problem snagging the squat rack, depending on the time of day. Additionally, the gym offers a wide selection of classes—Zumba and yoga are both on the list—making the deal much sweeter.

You can use the gym’s international access at almost 2,700 franchised clubs worldwide. Members can enter an Anytime Fitness gym literally anytime (its locations are open 24/7) using their fob—without an employee on hand.

Averaging $41 monthly in the U.S., month-to-month membership costs vary based on location. You also have the option to save by signing up for six, 12, or 18 months at some locations.

Since this is a commercial chain, note that you will find discrepancies in quality and services between branches.

04of 07

Best for Strength Training: LA Fitness

LEARN MORE

Key Specs

• Price: $40-$50 per month
• Amenities: Personal training, free weights, exercise machines, exercise classes
• Notable features: Pools, select locations offer child care, extended hours

Why We Chose It

With equipment for all functional needs and weight requirements, LA Fitness is a top choice for strength training, consistently bringing the goods no matter the location.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Straightforward, affordable pricing
• Wide selection of equipment and amenities
• Clubs open early and close late

Cons

• Pricey initial fee at some locations
• Gyms can become crowded during peak hours

Overview

LA Fitness provides the quality you expect from a premier service at a cost that doesn’t pinch the wallet.

With a choice of membership plans starting at $40 per month that allow you to work out at any nationwide franchise, this is one of the most affordable options for a commercial gym and provides the most bang for your buck.

The company’s gyms are known for being a one-stop shop for fitness. Many of its more than 500 locations offer a vast choice of equipment, pools, personal training, a diverse calendar of classes, and even child care.

Also known for catering to those looking to build muscle, gym floors are awash with machines to hit every muscle group, including cables, seating equipment, and the beloved Smith machine.

05of 07

Best Value: Blink Fitness

LEARN MORE

Key Specs

• Price: $20-$30 monthly
• Amenities: Resistance bands, free weights, stretching area
• Notable features: Spacious gyms at approximately 100 locations

Why We Chose It

With monthly plans from only $20 to $30, while still offering a competitive set of amenities, Blink Fitness is our best-value gym pick.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very affordable
• Each location has its own vibe
• Wide selection of weights and equipment

Cons

• No group classes offered
• No pools, saunas, or steam rooms

Overview

With locations in Florida, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, Illinois, California, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, Blink (part of the Equinox brand family) is the ideal gym for the casual gym-goer who is content with limited additional amenities.

Among the range of cardio equipment, you’ll find step mills, treadmills, and ellipticals, alongside decked-out stretching areas with equipment like resistance bands, medicine balls, and Bosu balls.

“Mood above muscle” is the mentality, alongside quality for your money. What it lacks in luxury, Blink makes up for in price, spacious locker rooms, and showers. With a fee of just $20 to $30 for a monthly membership, you can’t go wrong.

Memberships are available across two tiers: Orange and Blue. Orange is an annual commitment and allows a single location of your choice for $20. The Blue tier provides access to Blink’s approximately 100 locations and can be paid monthly.

06of 07

Best for Luxury: Equinox

LEARN MORE

Key Specs

• Price: $257-$382 monthly
• Amenities: Free weights, workout classes, free weights, cardio machines, lifting machines, sumptuous locker rooms, personal training
• Notable features: Highly trained instructors offering unique classes; steam rooms and showers stocked with Kiehl’s products; pools at some locations

Why We Chose It

For those who want to pursue fitness and wellness in sumptuous comfort, Equinox is the best luxury gym. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Luxurious locker rooms
• Extensive range of high-end classes
• Exclusive feel compared to commercial gyms

Cons

• High cost compared to commercial gyms
• Strict cancellation policies

Overview

A financial commitment well worth it to those in the market for a high-end gym, Equinox and its luxury offerings justify the high price tag for many fitness enthusiasts. And, given its strategic locations—many clustered around epicenters of corporate activity—these gyms often attract a high-earning clientele.

Equinox has a great lineup of classes taught by meticulously trained instructors, including Cycle Power, Elevate (treadmill), METCON (a high-intensity metabolic workout), and Barre Bootcamp. Afterward, shower in glorious style in the state-of-the-art locker rooms where saunas await, along with pampering products from Kiehl’s.

Varying widely in price depending on location, memberships run from $257 to $382 per month, with a hefty initiation fee ranging from $150 to $600. Pricing tiers include membership at a single location, entry to all locations in your city, and an all-access pass to Equinox clubs across the U.S.

The cherry on top of joining Equinox? Its app gives a detailed rundown on your progress, from check-ins to how many calories you burned in your last class.

07of 07

Best for Amenities: Life Time

LEARN MORE

Key Specs

• Price: $239-$250 monthly
• Amenities: Free weights, weight machines, cardio machines, workout classes, salons, spas, and pools
• Notable Features: Boxing classes and aquatic workouts at many clubs

Why We Chose It

As our best amenities pick, Life Time offers luxury features, a wide variety of classes, and a company focus on sustainability.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large selection of high-quality amenities
• Diverse class schedule led by highly trained instructors

Cons

• Some clubs have a higher membership cost compared to other gyms
• May not appeal to those seeking an adult-only vibe

Overview

Tying work, play, and wellness together since 1992, Life Time has positioned itself as a health club with a “vision to change lives.”

The brand’s main selling point is its bountiful selection of amenities: pools for swimming and aquatics classes, luxurious spas and salons, and state-of-the-art gyms with abundant equipment, including cardio and weight machines, free weights, bands, and specialty equipment. The company also offers a unique class schedule featuring flow, strength, Life Barre, and RINGSIDE, a boxing workout that’s on tap at almost every club.

Some gyms also have basketball, tennis, squash courts, and rock climbing, with a handful running as boutique-style gyms and others offering co-working spaces. In addition, Life Time Fitness provides rehabilitation and chiropractic sessions, nutrition coaching, assessments, and other health-centric services.

There are more than 200 gyms across 31 major markets in North America. Depending on location, you can expect to pay $239 to $250 for an all-location pass, with an upfront initiation fee.

Let’s not leave out the company’s eco-conscious angle: A central component of the brand’s corporate social responsibility mission is reducing energy consumption and waste and introducing more natural resources and sustainable options at its health clubs. What more can you ask for in a gym?

Guide to Choosing a Gym Membership

What Should I Look for in a Gym?

Consider your individual goals and needs. If your mission is to build strength, choosing a gym offering a comprehensive and readily available range of equipment, such as LA Fitness—a hot spot for novice and serious lifters alike—is best. If the social aspect holds more importance, Crunch and Orangetheory, where classes fill regularly, may be more appealing.

What Are Membership Terms to Be Aware Of?

In addition to the monthly cost, most gyms will ask for a one-time initiation or sign-up fee and sometimes an annual fee. You may also be required to pay your first and last monthly membership fee upfront. Add that to a sign-up fee and your initial payment can easily be $50 to $100.

Many gyms offer a month-to-month, no-commitment option, which, although more expensive than an annual membership, gives you more flexibility. At LA Fitness, for example, you’ll either pay a $99 fee when you join and then be billed a monthly fee of $39.99, or pay no initiation fee but be charged $49.99 a month. While some annual memberships have cancellation options, other gyms have stricter policies. Be on the lookout for deals that slash sign-up fees during special seasons, and always try your luck at negotiating a better price.

FAQ

• Do Gym Memberships Have Tiers?Many gyms offer tiered memberships, and the basic monthly fee may only allow access to one location. A more exclusive gym might provide multi-club access and other perks at an additional monthly or annual cost. Check each gym’s membership packages to determine which suits your budget and requirements best.
• Are All Gyms Open 24/7?While some gyms have a 24/7 use policy, others have set hours of operation, usually reduced during the weekend. Depending on your preferred time to work out, this may influence which gym and location you choose.
• Do All Gyms Adhere to High Cleaning Standards?Book a tour of the gym before committing to a membership. Be on the lookout for hand sanitizer and wipes readily available across all stations and cleaners on the go. And don’t be afraid to ask about the gym’s cleaning policy if it’s not stated online.
• Does a Gym Membership Build Credit?Since gym membership payments are not automatically reported to the credit bureaus, paying your fees on time will not raise your credit score, nor will an occasional late payment hurt it. However, the gym might report repeated late payments to a collections agency, and failure to pay the agency can damage your credit.

Methodology

In choosing the best gym memberships, we analyzed several online reviews submitted by actual members and health and fitness professionals. Ultimately, we considered several factors, including pricing, convenience, amenities, equipment quality, membership flexibility, availability of personalized training, and facility hygiene.

From the data collected, we determined that most users want nearby and affordable gyms, with classes at times that best fit their schedules.