So, you’re ready to get in shape. This is the year.
That’s great!
There’s only one problem — you have twelve different gym chains within a 5 mile radius of your home or work. So how do you pick?
Below you’ll find my gym comparison guide and roundup of the best gyms you can join.
(Including gym membership price comparisons, features, pros and cons, and other information that’ll help you pick the right gym for your fitness goals. In a lot of the articles below, I compare gyms head-to-head to help you decide from two at a time.)
Get started with any of the articles below!
Or take my interactive 6-question quiz: What gym should I join?
(You can also check out my video where I asked 6 personal trainers how to pick a gym — you might find it useful in your search!)
A quick gym comparison chart
Here’s a brief overview comparing the main gym chains you’re likely to find near your house.
I haven’t included everyone (like Snap, Blink, and YouFit), but these are the big boys and my favorite options for most people.
I didn’t include hard numbers like the exact cost of membership because amenities and costs are ALWAYS subject to change year to year and from location to location.
If there’s something specific you’re looking for, call your local club and see what they have.
For more details and deep dives, explore the rest of the guide below.
Commercial Gym Reviews
Deep-dives into the gyms you see everywhere, featuring an overview of the equipment, amenities, price, and overall vibe of each.
Is Planet Fitness worth it? (Review)
PF is the cheapest gym option around, but is it a good value? In this article, I’ll break down what you get for the money, and why it’s a great choice for some people (but not everyone).
Is Life Time Fitness worth it? (Review)
On the other end of things, you have the ultra high-end fitness club, Life Time. You get a lot for your money here, but does it fit your budget and is it worth the price tag? Check my review to find out.
Is Anytime Fitness worth it? (Review)
Here’s another popular mid-range gym famous for exceptional hours and 24/7 access. But are the amenities any good?
Is LA Fitness worth it? (Review)
As of this writing, this is where I personally work out. I think it’s the best overall value out there. Click to read my full breakdown and thoughts.
Is Equinox worth it? (Review)
Known affectionately as the $200/month gym, not many people’s budgets can handle this place. But if you can make it work, is it actually worth the price?
Is 24 Hour Fitness worth it? (Review)
It’s open all night!! But is the gym any good? Check out my breakdown with the pros and cons of joining 24 Hour Fitness.
Is Gold’s Gym Worth it? (Review)
Gold’s is known as a weightlifter’s haven — but is it a good gym for you and your fitness goals?
Is GoodLife Fitness Worth it? (Review)
It’s the biggest gym chain in Canada! How does it stack up to other household big box names?
Is Fit4Less Worth it? (Review)
F4L is the Planet Fitness of Canada — OK, so they actually have Planet Fitness there, too. But how does this chain grade out?
Is Workout Anytime Worth it? (Review)
Is the YMCA Work it? (Review)
Is Snap Fitness Worth it? (Review)
Is World Gym Worth it? (Review)
Is OneLife Fitness Worth it? (Review)
Is New York Sports Club Worth It? (Review)
Is Chuze Fitness Worth It? (Review)
Is YouFit Worth It? (Review)
Is In Shape Worth It? (Review)
Is Curves Worth It? (Review)
Is EOS Fitness Worth It? (Review)
Is Fitness Connection Worth It? (Review)
Is Princeton Club Worth It? (Review)
Is BodyPlex Fitness Worth It? (Review)
Is Esporta Fitness Worth It? (Review)
Is 02 Fitness Worth It? (Review)
Is The Edge Fitness Club Worth It? (Review)
Is Speakeasy Fitness Worth It? (Review)
Is Fitness 19 Worth It? (Review)
Is Amped Fitness Worth It? (Review)
Is Pure Gym Worth It? (Review)
Is Nuffield Health Gym Worth It? (Review)
Is Total Fitness Worth It? (Review)
Is Retro Fitness Worth It? (Review)
National Big Box Gym Chains, Ranked
The best gyms for beginners
Where should you join up if it’s your first time becoming a gym member?
The best gyms for college students
Don’t have a lot of extra cash or free time? Check out which big box gyms are the best fit for students on a tight budget.
The best gyms for travelers
Spend a lot of time on the road and hotel gyms just aren’t cutting it? Check out these 5 big name gym chains for nationwide or even worldwide gym access.
The best gyms for weight loss
You can burn calories and lose weight at any gym, but you’ll see the best results when you actually enjoy the club you join. Here’s my ranking of clubs based on equipment, amenities, and overall quality for staying motivated.
The best gyms for lifting
Not all gyms are created equal when it comes to strength training. Here’s what to look for if you want to get into weightlifting at the gym.
The best gyms for teens
Which gyms allow kids under 18 to use the facilities? A ton of them do! But you’ll want to read the fine print.
The best gyms for runners
Every gym has treadmills, but what else should runners look for in a membership?
The best gyms for seniors
Older adults should look for clubs that accept SilverSneakers or other programs, but that’s only one part of the equation.
Big Box Gym Comparisons
Convenience is a big factor when choosing the right gym. So, often, your choice really comes down to the two most convenient gyms to your home or work!
In this series, I do a pretty thorough comparison of each gym chain to its most common competitors to give you a feel for which one might be right for you.
Anytime Fitness vs Planet fitness
Anytime and Planet Fitness are two extremely popular convenience gyms. Check out price differences, equipment, and overall pros and cons in our versus comparison.
Planet Fitness vs LA Fitness
Do you want the convenience and low price point of Planet Fitness, or the size and breadth of features of LA Fitness? Our versus comparison breaks it all down for you.
LA Fitness vs Life Time Fitness
Two behemoths. Tons of features. Pools, saunas, classes, and more. Which big box gym chain is the best for you and your fitness goals? Compare prices and features with our versus guide.
24 Hour Fitness vs LA Fitness
These are two pretty evenly matched, mid-level gyms. Lots of space and equipment, pools, spas, and classes. Which one is a better fit for your specific fitness needs?
Crunch vs Planet Fitness
Two convenient and inexpensive gyms. Very similar pricing. But which one offers what you need for your own fitness goals? Check out my full breakdown here.
LA FitnessvsYMCA
These two gym chains are very different. One is a health and lifestyle club. The other, a community center and workout space. If you’re not sure which one is a better fit for you (and possibly, your family), check out my breakdown.
YMCA vsPlanetFitness
The YMCA and Planet Fitness are both pretty convenient, but have a big difference in price. You have to look closely at the offerings, amenities, and vibe to figure out which one is the better fit for your lifestyle.
Planet Fitness vs Blink
One inspired the other, but which is the ultimate convenience gym? Blink is a regional offering, but whether it’s the better choice for you will depend on your budget and workout needs. Here’s my guide.
Planet Fitnessvs24HourFitness
Both of these chains are open 24 hours a day! Woohoo! But there’s a big difference in pricing and amenities. Which one is a better fit for your lifestyle? I break it down in this article.
24HourFitnessvsAnytimeFitness
These two are incredibly similar in price, equipment, and class selection. But there are at least two major differences that could swing you one way or the other. I’ll help you choose in this article.
Planet FitnessvsYouFit
Both inexpensive convenience gym chains have a lot to offer. If you’ve got a YouFit nearby (there are only around 100 of them!) you’ll want to check out my guide to choosing between these two.
Gold’s Gym vs Planet Fitness
One’s for cardio lovers, the other for bodybuilders… right? That’s really just scratching the surface. Here’s my guide to choosing between these two popular chains.
Gold’s GymvsLA Fitness
Both are great health clubs that have a lot to offer, but they have slightly different vibes (and pricing). Here’s a quick guide to how to choose.
SnapFitnessvsAnytimeFitness
These two are mega convenient, but a little pricey. Still, having 24-hour access to a ton of locations might be a great fit for you. Here’s my breakdown.
Anytime Fitness vs LA Fitness
I love both of these super-popular chains, and they’re really similar overall. But there are two key differences you should know about before you sign up.
Gold’s Gym vs YMCA
One’s for lifters, one’s for old people, right? Well, not quite. Both of these chains actually have a lot to offer, but which one is right for you?
Crunch vs LA Fitness
The best budget convenience gym vs the best mid-range gym. The prices vary greatly, but so do the offerings. Let’s take a look at which one you should choose.
Life Time vs Equinox
The best high-end gyms in the country, and the most expensive! I think they’re both great but read the full article for detailed pros, cons, and which one is the better value.
Snap vs Planet Fitness
Two budget gyms. Both convenient, but there are some key differences between them. Which is the better choice for you?
Equinox vs LA Fitness
The best high-end gym vs the best mid-range gym. Besides the price, what’s actually the difference?
Workout Anytime vs Anytime Fitness
Hmm… they sound the same, but are they? Click for a full breakdown and comparison.
GoodLife vs LA Fitness
The battle for Canada! Which of these gyms is best if you live in Ontario or the surrounding areas?
YMCA vs Anytime Fitness
One’s known for being family friendly. The other is affordable and convenient. Let’s break ’em down.
Workout Anytime vs Planet Fitness
They’re 2 of the cheapest gyms around. How do they stack up to each other?
Life Time vs Planet Fitness
These two gyms couldn’t be more different, but it’s worth comparing them carefully if they’re convenient to your home or office.
Anytime Fitness vs Crunch
One costs a good bit more than the other, but does that make it a better value? Read the full comparison to find out.
Fit4Less vs Planet Fitness
Canada’s two best budget gyms. Both are inexpensive, but which one is the better fit for you?
GoodLife Fitness vs Fit4Less
Here are two of Canada’s leading gym brands. They’re wildly different in their amenities, so which one should you join?
Planet Fitness vs OneLife
World Gym vs Gold’s Gym
World Gym vs GoodLife Fitness
Planet Fitness vs World Gym
Gym Amenities Compared & Explained
Here are some Best-Of lists ranking all of the national gym chains based on certain amenities (pools, equipment, childcare, etc.)
If you know what your priorities are when it comes to joining a gym, these lists can really help you narrow down your choice.
The best gyms with pools
We’ve got chains with family-friendly outdoor fun, high-end classy adult pools, and bare-bones lap lanes. Which one is the best value for your money?
The best gyms with racquetball courts
Racquetball isn’t just for old dudes — it’s an insane and fun workout! But it’s not something you’ll find at every gym. Here’s my guide to the best racquetball courts around.
The best gyms with tanning beds
A nice tan isn’t necessarily a part of fitness, but it can help you look good! Here’s my guide to which gyms have the best tanning set ups for members.
The best gyms with power racks
Not every gym has full power racks, but if you’re into lifting, you’re going to need them. Here’s my guide to picking the right gym for lifting serious weights.
The best gyms with basketball courts
Check out my guide to which gyms have the best basketball courts, pick up leagues, and tournaments.
The best gyms with showers
This guide breaks down which gyms to join if you need to wash up after working out, and who has the best shampoo and towel situation.
The best gyms with rowing machines
Rowing machines are, hands down, the best piece of cardio equipment. So which gyms have them and which ones don’t?
The best gyms with classes
Most gyms offer group classes, but they’re not all created equal. Check out this guide before you sign up if you want to enjoy group fitness!
The best gyms with childcare
For many parents, childcare is a make or break feature at a gym. Without it, you simply won’t be able to go! This guide breaks down all the major chains with childcare, what they offer, and roughly how much they cost.
The best gyms with free passes
You can get a free trial at almost any gym, but this guide explains how long the free pass lasts, who can get one and how often, and what it includes at every big box gym.
The best gyms with nutritionists
You won’t find nutritionist and dietitians at every gym, but they can really help supercharge your results. In this post I break down where to find them, how much it might cost, and what you get for the money.
The best gyms with heavy bags
Boxing is an amazing workout! But not every gym has the right equipment. Check this guide to find the right place for your heavy bag sessions.
24 hour gyms
The best and most common gyms that offer 24/7 access for members.
The best gyms with indoor tracks
The best gyms with StairMasters
The best month to month gyms with no contract memberships
The best gyms with cycling classes
The best gyms that accept SilverSneakers
Fitness Class Reviews & Comparisons
Looking to take a class with other people? They’re great for staying energized and motivated to workout!
Here are all the ones I’ve tried, reviewed and compared side by side.
CycleBar is the newest name in spin classes, but with a twist. The weighted bar gives your upper body a killer workout, too! Here’s a hands-on review of these spin studios and what to expect at your first class.
Flywheel Spin Class
Very similar to CycleBar, Flywheel boasts a killer cardio workout along with an arm burn for the ages using weighted bars attached to your bike. We checked one out in person to give you our honest thoughts and review.
Burn Boot Camp
For a full-body calorie scorcher, I definitely recommend checking out Burn Boot Camp. It’s a little pricey to just pop in, but a full membership gets you free childcare AND access to a trainer/nutritionist. How can you beat that? Check out what I thought after my first class.
Cyclebar vs. Flywheel
Two of the most popular spin classes. Brutal arm workouts. Crazy calorie burns. But which one is right for you? I tried both and put together a detailed comparison to help you choose.
Cyclebar vs Soulcycle
The battel of the spin classes continue! Check out my thoughts on how the ultra-competitive Cyclebar compares to the more spiritual Soulcycle experience.
Burn Bootcamp vs Orangetheory
These two are pretty different, in practice, but on the surface they can seem like sort of the same thing. Well I’ve tried both and can break it all down for you! Check out my comparison here.
Orangetheory vs CrossFit
These two high-intensity, group-based classes are extremely popular ways of getting into shape. And they are pretty similar in the way they borrow and blend elements of different disciplines together. But which one is right for you? Check out my full breakdown and comparison.
Group fitness classes with childcare explained
Most of the big names don’t offer childcare, making them a non-starter for parents. Try these studios instead.
Boot camp vs gym membership
Burn, Barry’s & F45 go head to head with a traditional gym membership.
Orangetheory vs gym membership
Should you do group workouts at the studio, or do your own thing at the gym?
Peloton vs gym membership
How does the $2,000+ home workout bike compare to joining a big box gym?
Peloton vs Orangetheory
How do the costs and workouts on a Peloton bike compare to going to an Orangetheory studio?
F45 vs Orangetheory
One’s a bootcamp circuit training class, the other is supercharged HIIT. Which one is right for you?
Orangetheory vs Barry’s Bootcamp
Burn Boot Camp vs F45
Blush Boot Camp Review
Local Gym Guides (The best gyms in every city)
Looking for something with a little more personality with a big box gym? I’m doing a digital tour of the United States and picking the best gyms and fitness studios in every city.
Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:
The best gyms in Arlington, VA
The best gyms in Charlotte, NC
The best gyms in Cambridge, MA
The best gyms in Athens, GA
The best gyms in Albuquerque, NM
The best gyms in Baltimore, MD
The best gyms in Oakland, CA
The best gyms in Birmingham, AL
The best gyms in Boca Raton, FL
The best gyms in Columbus, OH
The best gyms in Cleveland, OH
Stay tuned for a lot more of these!
Other Helpful Gym Guides
When is the gym most and least busy?
Peak times at the gym explained in-depth so you can avoid unwanted crowds.
How much does a gym membership cost?
Full breakdown of prices of the most popular and best gym chains, plus some averages and what you should expect to pay when joining a gym.
First day at the gym
Total newbie? Not sure where to go, what to do, or what to bring on your first day at the gym? This guide should help?
How to negotiate your gym membership
Gym memberships can be pricey, no doubt. But they cost more when you pay unnecessary joining, administration, or annual fees. Use this guide to get the best deal possible at any gym locations.
Free workout plans for the gym
Joined a gym but have no idea what to do? Here’s a list of over a dozen free workout plans you can start right now, whether you want to build strength, speed, endurance, flexibility, or just burn calories.
The different types of gyms
8 main types of gyms you can join and what you need to know about each of them — explained!
The different parts of a gym
Your guide to navigating the various areas and equipment you’ll find at the gym.
The different types of gym amenities
A helpful guide of what to look for when “shopping” for a gym.
What to do if you can’t afford your gym membership anymore
5 money-saving ideas for when your budget can’t handle that pricey gym membership any longer.
What is a big box gym?
You’ve heard the term, but what exactly does it mean?
