Gyms are awesome! Except when they’re expensive and you end up not using the membership fully, then feel more guilty about the money you spent. What you need is an inexpensive yet comprehensive gym. A place with all the right equipment but at a reasonable cost. Here are the best 6 chain gyms for the money:
1. 24 Hour Fitness
(Photo via freedom)
You can work out anytime, anywhere! Every location features the latest strength and cardio equipment as well as a variety of classes, a sauna, steam room, and many other amenities. Reviewers commonly praise the cleanliness of this gym, and the warmth of the pool (we’re not implying anything negative here). Yes we said pool…a gym with a pool. It also has free WiFi although I suppose that can be a distraction. Prices really vary a lot depending on location but the most basic (one club) membership will come out to about $44.99 a month not including the initiation fee. This gym is essentially for those who want to save some money but still enjoy lots of amenities and a diversity of workout arrangements.
2. Bally Total Fitness
(Photo via ballytotalfitness)
This chain has about 60 gyms located in several US states. This number is much less than the company’s size before filing for bankruptcy, but it’s still popular enough to include in our list. Some perks of Bally Total Fitness include free week-long pass, friends and family discount memberships, personal training programs (for extra cost), weight training and cardio equipment, group exercise classes involving Pilates, martial arts and more (these classes vary by club, but most are free with membership). In NYC, membership is $29.99 a month with no enrollment fee.
3. Planet Fitness
(Photo via planet fitness)
This club features a “judgment free zone” to encourage a membership of average guys n gals who just wanna get in better shape (bodybuilders and “grunters” do not enjoy the no judgment privileges apparently). In addition to fitness equipment, many clubs also offer tanning beds and massage chairs. The cost of a Planet Fitness membership is just $10 a month with a $29 initiation fee.
. This club is perfect for those who aren’t looking for anything fancy and want to enjoy a basic gym.
4. Snap Fitness
(Photo via snapfitness)
Perks at Snap Fitness include all locations being accessible 24-hours a day, weight and cardio equipment access, personal trainer programs for extra cost, a free online wellness tool, online nutrition and meal planning site, personal Web page option where you can receive news, track visits to the club and request personal training, free month membership or $35 gift card for every friend referral, and competitive month-long motivational programs. Prices vary by location, but a typical NJ club will come out to $39.99 a month with no enrollment fee. True to its slogan, it’s “fast, convenient, and affordable” and it just might be the perfect gym for your needs.
5. Town Sports International (NYSC)
(Photo via wellandgood nyc)
Town Sports International owns NYSC as well as branches in other cities (Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington). It features group exercise classes, top notch gym equipment, spinning classes, dance classes, and many other amenities. Expect monthly membership to be about $50. The great thing about Town Sports International is that its gyms offer something in between simplicity and luxury. The club offers free clean towels for sweat and showering, free shampoo, and a variety of workout options and classes for a reasonable price.
6. Blink Fitness
(Photo via ny daily news)
This subsidiary of Equinox is specifically tailored to the budget-conscious. There are currently 25 locations in the NY/NJ area but expect more opening up in the coming years. Only $20 per month membership will get you top of the line strength and cardio equipment and a stretching area. The gym doesn’t offer personal training sessions or group classes as it wants to cater only to those seeking a standard gym experience for cheap. If that’s your style, then look to see if there’s a Blink Fitness near you.
Oh 24 Hour Fitness, you saved me! My membership was $24 a month!!! That really cannot be beat. What I find kind of funny though is that some of these gyms are NOT 24 hours a day – goes against their name, that’s for sure! But oh well, they get the job done 🙂
I like gyms with fun classes and good cardio equipment. Crunch is currently my favorite but I’ve gone to Gold’s, LA Fitness, and 24 hour in the past.
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