Slash Your Fitness Costs: Top 7 Affordable Gym Memberships to Consider!

Achieving fitness requires a firm decision and dedication to work hard. Additionally, it involves an investment of time and often money.

Selecting the right gym is a highly personal choice. Proximity may be a key factor, as you might prefer a gym on your regular route to avoid extra travel.

Some may prefer the anonymity of a larger gym where the focus isn’t on them, while others may flourish in a smaller gym environment where they can connect with trainers and fellow gym-goers.

No matter your preference, the cost is a crucial factor in deciding on the best gym membership for you. We have gathered data from seven major fitness chains offering affordable memberships to help you compare their costs, features, and availability.

Need Quick Funds for Your Gym Membership?

Securing an affordable gym membership is definitely a score. We all aim to achieve our fitness goals without breaking the bank. However, affordable doesn’t mean free. If you’re figuring out how to finance your gym membership, or if you want to save for a more premium option, we have some great suggestions for making quick money.

Average Cost of Gym Memberships

When choosing the right gym, cost plays a significant role. We’ve gathered information from seven major fitness chains that offer low-cost memberships, so you can easily compare what each has to offer in terms of features, costs, and availability.

While an economical gym membership might cost you between $30 and $60 monthly, remember that gyms providing additional amenities like swimming pools and basketball courts may charge more.

4 Key Considerations When Choosing an Affordable Gym Membership

Joining a gym involves a continuous financial commitment. While you might find promotional offers with no initiation fees or the first month free, it’s important to plan for ongoing costs throughout your membership.

1. Be Aware of Enrollment and Annual Fees

It’s common to encounter monthly fees exceeding $50, though we’ve highlighted more budget-friendly options below. Many gyms also have an annual fee and an initiation fee.

2. Understand What Your Membership Includes

Your membership might not cover everything. Extra charges could apply for additional services like certain group fitness classes, personal training sessions, massages, or tanning.

3. Review the Contract’s Duration

Before committing, check the duration of the contract. If you decide to cancel early, you might face a penalty or need to pay the remaining balance.

4. Don’t Miss Out on a Free Trial

Many gyms offer free trials. Take advantage of these to explore the facilities and services before you commit. Alternatively, if you know a current member, they might be able to secure you a guest pass.

7 National Chains With Economical Gym Memberships

Editor’s note: Membership costs were sourced online Nov. 25, 2024, and are subject to change. Rates may vary based on location and current promotions.

1. 24 Hour Fitness

Where: 24 Hour Fitness operates over 300 facilities across 11 states — including California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Colorado, Texas, Hawaii, Florida, Virginia, New York, and New Jersey.

How Much: Membership fees start at $9.99 for a Silver membership, $24.99 for a Gold membership, and $39.99 for a Platinum membership. Prices can reach up to $64.99 monthly depending on the location. Members also pay a $59.99 annual fee and may incur a one-time initiation fee.

What’s Included: Facilities include cardiovascular and strength equipment, as well as studio and cycle classes. Many locations offer pools, personal training, and childcare services. Members also gain access to digital workouts and touch-free check-in through the 24GO Fitness App.

Try It: Use this three-day free pass.

2. YouFit Gyms

Where: YouFit Gyms has approximately 80 locations across 10 states including Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia.

How Much: Basic memberships start at $15 per month. The Premium tier costs $25 monthly and includes group exercise classes and unlimited guest privileges, while the Premium+ plan at $336 per month includes a nutrition program. YouFit offers reduced rates for families.

What’s Included: Depending on the location, amenities include high-quality equipment, free weights, group fitness classes, personal trainers, cycle classes, indoor pickleball courts, and saunas. Premium and Premium+ members enjoy additional benefits like unlimited access to group classes at select locations and the ability to bring a guest at no extra cost.

Try It: Get a free three-day guest pass.

3. Planet Fitness

Where: Planet Fitness boasts over 2,500 locations across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Canada.

How Much: Membership dues are $15 for access to a single location or $24.99 for a PF Black Card membership, which offers access to any location. The annual fee is $49.

What’s Included: Facilities include cardio and weight training equipment, with fitness training programs available to all members. Many locations operate 24/7. PF Black Card memberships include benefits like the ability to bring a guest and access to massage chairs and tanning services.

Try It: Locate the nearest facility.

4. Crunch Fitness

Where: Crunch Fitness operates over 490 regular gyms and 28+ Signature gyms across 41 states, as well as in Washington, D.C., Canada, Australia, Spain, Portugal, and Costa Rica.

How Much: Monthly fees vary but start as low as $9.99 for a Base membership, $24.99 for a Peak membership, and $29.99 for a Peak Results membership. Enrollment and annual fees also vary based on location, membership level, and promotions.

What’s Included: Membership benefits can include a training orientation, group fitness classes, online workout videos, tanning, and HydroMassage, depending on the membership type.

Try It: Try a free one-day trial. 

5. LA Fitness

Where: LA Fitness has over 550 locations in 27 states and Canada.

How Much: Monthly fees vary by service level and club location, ranging from $29.99 to $39.99. The annual fee is $59. Additional charges may apply at Signature Club and Premier or Premier Plus locations.

What’s Included: Facilities include modern equipment and cardio areas, group fitness classes, indoor heated pools, whirlpool spas, and saunas. Some locations also offer kids clubs, juice bars, and courts for basketball and racquetball.

Try It: Try a free three-day trial.

6. Anytime Fitness

Where: Anytime Fitness operates more than 5,700 locations worldwide, including on five continents.

How Much: Membership costs vary by location and promotions, with an average U.S. membership at $41 per month, though rates can start as low as $9.99. Members also pay one-time initiation and key activation fees, which differ by location.

What’s Included: Facilities include cardio machines, weights, strength training equipment, classes, and wellness programs. Some locations also offer tanning and personal training. Clubs are open 24/7, all year round.

Try It: Obtain a free seven-day pass.

7. Blink Fitness

Where: Blink Fitness operates 89 locations in six states, primarily in New York and New Jersey. The company has closed several locations following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

How Much: Membership fees vary by location, with plans such as the Green plan at $39, Blue plan at $30, and Gray plan at $22.

What’s Included: Membership grants access to cardio, strength, and other gym equipment, as well as one-time free fitness training. Members also receive access to the Blink App, which offers over 500 virtual classes and workouts.

Try It: Obtain a one-day free pass by clicking “Free Trial” at the top of the page.

Alternative Affordable Fitness Options

Joining a gym isn’t the only way to stay fit. Explore other creative options below to get healthy and toned.

Take Virtual Classes

Bodi by Beachbody, previously known as Beachbody On Demand, starts at $12.42 a month and is a popular virtual fitness option. However, you can also find free fitness apps for every type of class, from yoga to boxing. Additionally, explore free virtual workouts available on YouTube and Facebook Live.

Exercise at Home

If the gym chains listed don’t appeal to you, consider joining your local YMCA or setting up a home gym. You can even create your own fitness equipment using household items, like using filled water bottles as hand weights.

Get Active Outdoors

Incorporate fitness into your daily routine by walking or running outside. Utilize outdoor fitness equipment at public parks. If you have access to a pool, swimming laps is an excellent form of cardio when the weather permits.

Discover Free Classes

You don’t need to pay for a gym membership to find fitness classes. Here are 10 surprising places where you can find free yoga classes, from churches to colleges.

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