15 National Gym Chains Ranked Worst To Best

The gym is where you go to get energized for the rest of the day at 6 a.m., or where you end up after a long work day, looking to unwind and let go of stress. For many of us, gyms are sacred: a place where you make longtime friends, where you finally put away all your anxiety, and where you slowly but surely see improvements in your body. Even if your goal isn't to lose weight, going to the gym and becoming stronger isn't just about your physical self — it changes you from the inside out, making you more disciplined, and carrying into your goals.

No matter what kind of gym you go to, working out is incredibly beneficial. It makes you mentally stronger, and it is a fantastic outlet if you're looking to let off some steam. Many people say exercising actually gives them more energy to get through the rest of the day, and it gets your endorphins going for a boost in positivity. In short, going to the gym is a self-care ritual in every way, but choosing which of the many chains to go to is crucial.

It seems like there's a new gym chain every month, dotting the streets you drive through on a daily basis. If you want to join a new gym but don't know where to start, we've done all the research so you don't have to. These are all of the main gym chains in the U.S., ranked from worst to best.

In a world where many of us are beholden to the daily grind, there's an ever-increasing demand for gyms that cater to our busy schedules. The first 24-hour gym opened in 1983, and the concept quickly became a modern-day staple. Nowadays, 24/7 fitness centers seem to be cropping up everywhere. Snap Fitness is part of the 24-hour gym paradigm — and with nearly 1,000 locations worldwide, you might already have one in your neighborhood. Their focus is "feel good fitness," with an emphasis on positive lifestyle choices. This gym promises top-notch equipment in a supportive environment, all with the added convenience of 24/7 access.

Snap Fitness centers are independently owned, so pricing varies by location. However, memberships generally cost around $40 per month. They offer a variety of standard equipment for your solo workout: cardio machines, free weights, resistance bands, TRX, strength machines, squat racks, and more. Some locations also have group fitness classes. If you're looking for a more personalized fitness experience, they offer extras like personal training and nutritional consulting.

Snap's convenient 24-hour schedule is a major selling point — but if you're looking for robust amenities, you won't find them here. This gym chain ranks low on our list because, unlike some competitors, most locations don't offer conveniences like pools, saunas, steam rooms, or tanning — some don't even have showers. Ultimately, we feel that there are better options at comparable prices.

LA Fitness is the leading gym in the United States, with over 700 locations, making it a chain you've possibly been a member of, or seen while driving to work. Unfortunately, LA Fitness does not always live up to the standards it promises. 

This gym is much more expensive than most: LA Fitness costs $38.99 per month for members at its "premier" clubs, rounding out at $467.88 a year. ("Signature" clubs, with more amenities, are $44.99 per month). This is not cheap, and something to take into account when examining its quality. A $49 initiation fee applies if you are paying month-to-month, but you can go to several clubs if you travel often throughout your state. Every member has access to all of the gym's facilities. LA Fitness offers more to clients, like tons of high-tech weight machines, step machines, treadmills, ellipticals, an unbeatable (yet also intimidating) free weight section for weight lifting, and more. Some gyms even offer a makeshift CrossFit section, as well as an indoor pool for swimming, and a locker room with a sauna. Anyone can attend the classes, which is a major plus, although they are quite basic: cardio, Zumba, kickboxing, and the like. One major downside? Members at some locations claim that necessary gear isn't readily available.

There's a good reason why the purple and yellow Planet Fitness logo is imprinted on our brains like the lyrics to a catchy pop song. For one thing, this gym chain has more than 2,400 locations worldwide. They're also engaged in a slew of marketing activities — including sponsoring the famous New Year's Eve celebration at Times Square. Their basic membership costs just $10 per month, and they haven't changed the price in over 30 years. When it comes to affordability, this gym chain is unbeatable. A standard membership grants you access to the necessities: cardio theaters, weight machines, cable towers, Smith machines, free weights, and a 30-minute express fitness station. For $24.99 per month, they offer the PF Black Card Membership, which includes extra perks like online classes, guest passes, tanning, and hydromassage. 

Planet Fitness may be ideal for the budget-conscious athlete, but the lack of variety at these gyms could mean less bang for your buck. For starters, this gym doesn't offer in-person classes (although they do offer small group training sessions). Planet Fitness caters primarily to beginners and casual gymgoers — i.e., those who benefit from working out in what the company calls a "Judgement-Free Zone ©." To stay on brand, they abstain from barbells, and their free weights max out at 75 pounds. Therefore, if you're interested in CrossFit, bodybuilding, or powerlifting, this isn't the gym for you.

Next up, we have a classic that never goes out of style, and although much more expensive, is one of the best gym chains in the U.S. for a reason. Gold's Gym was one of the first health centers, opening way back in 1965 in Venice Beach, California (via PR News Wire). Arnold Schwarzenegger himself would frequent the gym to work on his physique, and Gold's Gym soon became synonymous with bodybuilding. It became one of the most prominent gyms ever created, and is still a go-to for anyone looking to pump iron in a serious-yet-exciting setting. Not exactly a chill place to go to, this is a gym that's tailor-made for anyone who's craving intensity in their workouts. Still, it's low on our list for a few notable reasons.

First off, as a bodybuilding gym, going into Gold's is intimidating — there's no way around it. We aren't regular Schwarzeneggers ourselves, and as a regular person, it's easy to feel a bit put off by the disciplined, strict nature of its members, pumping iron in the free weight section like there's no tomorrow. One plus side is that Gold's also provides members with weight machines, treadmills, ellipticals, and more, while offering group exercise classes from vinyasa yoga to bootcamps. However, this is not the place to go if looking for a super-fun, friendly environment. 

Fitness mainstay Curves International is a women-only gym franchise that is tailor-made to helping women feel good about themselves and driving them to their utmost potential, while still being body-inclusive. There's always a place for fitness centers like Gold's Gym when craving something vigorous that will push you towards your goals with intensity, if you're wanting to see quick results — but that depends on personal preference, and Curves provides a different experience. Curves is made for women at every level of physical fitness, and is different from other gyms because it does not provide standard free weight areas, or machinery where you're encouraged to try your hand at pushing metal plates (even without experience). We like Curves because it guides you along your fitness journey every step of the way, only providing 30-minute strength training and cardio classes led by an instructor.

Curves is a good option if you want a personalized approach to fitness with an instructor at every workout, one-on-one meetups with coaches, utmost safety, and a community of women to lean on. That being said, this is not the gym if you want muscle-crunching, full-body-sweat workouts, and want the option of both fitness classes and independent weight lifting or treadmill days. It is the gym for you if you want a relaxed exercise style or are working out for the first time. Moreover, Curves can be expensive. The chain notes that "prices may vary by location" because gyms are independently owned, but Gym Price List claims that it costs $149.99 to get started, plus $549.99 for the premium membership and $419.99 for the basic.

With more than 100 locations and a truly feel-good atmosphere, Blink Fitness is a no-frills fitness chain that just keeps getting better. We love this gym because it caters to all fitness levels while emphasizing overall wellness, not just gains. Slogans like "Mood Over Muscle" and #MembersNotModels help articulate their goal of creating a comfortable, empowering space for everyone. In addition to its uplifting philosophy, Blink Fitness scores major points for its clean facilities and bright, mood-boosting decor — this gym is fully equipped to pump up your mood while you pump weights.

In 2023, Blink Fitness was named "Best Budget Gym Membership" by Sports Illustrated. For as low as $10 per month for a standard membership (prices vary by location), you can access top-notch cardio equipment, power racks, Smith machines, Olympic benches, HIIT and bodyweight training areas, free weights, and more. Blink also offers virtual classes and personal training for additional fees. They even have an app and a wellness blog to help you integrate your fitness goals into your everyday life. 

Blink Fitness offers a decent amount of value for the price, but this gym chain has some glaring drawbacks. For one, their basic membership only includes access to your home gym. If you want the option to visit multiple Blink Fitness centers, you'll have to purchase a more expensive plan. Additionally, this gym chain has very few options for in-person group classes — most locations offer none at all.

Next up is YouFit, an affordable gym chain with heaps of offerings. At first glance, their boisterous purple and green logo might seem a bit gimmicky (and yes, it's just as colorful on the inside!) — but trust us, this gym is the real deal. No matter what you're looking for in a fitness center, you'll likely find it here. If you already have an established workout routine, you'll enjoy their selection of cardio equipment, resistance machines, and free weights. Want a little extra guidance? No problem — YouFit offers energizing group classes like sculpt, cardio dance, body pump, and more. Additionally, one-on-one personal training is available starting at $35 per session.

Compared to other budget gyms, YouFit provides the best value and amenities. In addition to their equipment and training areas, some locations have saunas, childcare, and pickleball courts. This gym offers three membership levels, and basic monthly plans start at just $9.99. For around $40 per month, their Premium+ membership includes even more perks like guest passes, pickleball gear rentals, unlimited group classes, and a subscription to their virtual fitness app.

The biggest downside is that amenities vary by location, and some YouFit centers offer less conveniences than others. This gym doesn't have pools, tanning, or steam rooms. Furthermore, while some YouFit locations have a stacked group fitness schedule, others offer as few as one class per day. Ultimately, you'll want to check with your local YouFit to see if their facilities meet your needs.

Anytime Fitness is one of many options for mid-range gyms. It may not be flashy like YouFit or bargain bin-priced like Planet Fitness, but it is one of the fastest-growing gym franchises in the world. With more than 5,100 locations globally, this gym is incredibly convenient, and it offers more perks than you might think. For starters, their facilities are open 24 hours a day. Staff aren't always on site, but a handy key fob system lets you access the gym whenever. Anytime Fitness is by far the best gym for an on-the-go lifestyle. Travel frequently? No problem — members have access to all their locations worldwide.

Overall, Anytime Fitness is a basic gym with a fitting price point — according to Byrdie, memberships cost around $41 per month. There aren't a lot of bells and whistles here, but the equipment is decent, and you can expect most locations to be spacious and well-stocked. They offer a variety of gear, including treadmills, stair machines, bikes, free weights, Smith machines, squat racks, battle ropes, and more. Another benefit is that new members receive a free personalized fitness consultation with one of their knowledgeable coaches. 

If you're looking for a convenient gym with copious equipment, Anytime Fitness might be the place for you. However, compared to some competitors, this gym skimps on amenities. Anytime Fitness doesn't have pools, saunas, tanning, or ball courts.

Have you ever envisioned your fitness journey infused with the luxury of a Country Club? Believe it or not, the concept does exist — and it's available at Life Time Fitness. Imagine all the trappings of a traditional gym — treadmills, rowing machines, stationary bikes, strength training machines, free weights, and more — but with the added touches of an upscale sports club. Here, you can enjoy a post-workout sweat sesh in their steam rooms or unwind in one of their ritzy lounge spaces. Some locations have ball courts, lap pools, rock walls, and water slides — you'll even find full-service spas at this gym chain. 

Life Time's studio classes are just as diverse as their amenities. Whether you're craving maximum intensity, stretch, or anything in between, they've got plenty of options. With fun, challenging classes like Kettleball Kombine, Gluteous MAXout, and Warrior Sculpt, you can switch up your workouts as often as you'd like. If you're just starting out on your fitness journey, have no fear: they offer classes for every fitness level.

With their luxe amenities and incredibly unique classes, you're probably wondering what this unicorn of a gym might cost — which leads us to our biggest downside: the price. Membership rates vary by location, but in metro areas like New York and Boston, you'll spend upwards of $275 per month. Fortunately, they offer day passes for $50, which is ideal if you'd like to try them out before investing in a membership. 

In the outrageously competitive fitness industry, creating a first-class brand is no small feat — but that's precisely what 24 Hour Fitness did when it opened in 1983. This gym chain was founded on the revolutionary idea that a good workout should be attainable 24/7. Thus, they were the first gym chain to stay open around the clock. Nowadays, dozens of fitness chains have adopted the 24-hour model, but 24 Hour Fitness still leads the pack with over 300 locations, top-of-the-line equipment, and lots of amenities. 

24 Hour Fitness is ideal for all fitness levels, from casual gymgoers to serious powerlifters. Here, you'll find cardio machines, functional fitness equipment, Olympic training rigs, sports courts, and turf training areas. They also offer a variety of group classes focused on strength, cardio, and mind-body wellness. Some 24 Hour Fitness centers even have lap pools, lounges, saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunges — so you can balance your raging workouts with soothing recovery.

We like this gym chain because it offers middle-of-the-road pricing with formidable quality and convenience. Membership rates vary by location, but their all-access plan generally costs around $50 monthly. The bad news is that, despite their name, some 24 Hour Fitness Centers are not open 24/7. Additionally, customers report that some locations miss the mark on cleanliness. Fortunately, this chain offers a free three-day trial, so you can check out the facility before you commit to a membership.  

Rising up the list, we arrive at a specialized gym that has our hearts: F45. This Sydney, Australia-made gym is intense, but is designed to be inclusive for both men and women, and people of every age range and workout level. It sometimes gets confused with CrossFit, but is actually quite different. Although both workout styles exclusively offer group classes with several rapid-fire, timed exercises you have to run through quickly, F45's classes are all 45 minutes long, use TV screens and instructors to simulate exercises, and each day is designed for either "cardio," "resistance, "hybrid," or "recovery" (via WOD Tools). Even if you dislike CrossFit and have steered away from F45 for that very reason in the past, don't be put off by its apparent similarities — it is actually really different.

F45 focuses on HIIT workouts, otherwise known as high-intensity interval training, that combines cardio exercises with short periods of recovery time over and over. This gym is a fantastic option if you want to see quick results, especially because it focuses on burning calories, is driven by before-and-afters, and has a community approach based on reaching your goals. We like F45 because many of its workouts are based on teamwork, and it combines serious intensity with a fun vibe between members and instructors. They also offer a F45 challenge, or a 45-day workout and nutrition plan, although it costs extra. The biggest downside to F45 is the price: at $200 a month, it is extremely expensive (via Women's Health).

Very different from a standard, do it yourself gym model like LA Fitness, Orangetheory is similar to Curves and F45 (but also very different) because it only offers group classes led by professional instructors. Of course, if you prefer sticking your AirPods in, grabbing your dumbbells, yoga mat, and resistance bands and going for an independent workout instead, this is not the gym for you. However, if you need a coach to offer a mix of discipline, support, and maximum energy, Orangetheory is an unbeatable option. The instructor-led classes are incredible if just starting your fitness journey, too.

Different from CrossFit-like F45 and other kinds of bootcamps, Orangetheory relies on a mix of three stations: treadmills, rowing machines, and weight training. The hour-long classes are split up into the three sections, with students moving from area to area. Each day features different kinds of exercises, so it never feels repetitive or boring, and the HIIT workouts mean you see results quickly. Die-hard fans say they can't get enough of Orangetheory's signature high-adrenaline workouts, which are designed to make you stronger, leaner, and more resistant to cardiovascular disease. The classes also include a heart rate monitor for every student, which allows you to see your progress. Members can book a class in any Orangetheory studio in the world, making it amazing for frequent travelers. Meanwhile, as per Popsugar, the price ranges from four classes for $59 a month, eight for $99 a month, or unlimited for $159 a month.

Chuze Fitness has a glowing reputation in the fitness world, and we can confirm that this gym chain is totally worth the buzz. As far as we're concerned, Chuze has it all: excellent facilities, a great atmosphere, and unbeatable prices — that's why this gym soars to number three on our list. We adore Chuze Fitness because it's ideal for every type of athlete. Their cardio rooms feature treadmills, cycles, ellipticals, and more. Weightlifting fanatics will be thrilled by their selection of barbells, dumbbells, Smith machines, bumper weights, and free weights. They also have a fully-equipped turf training area, ball courts, pools, saunas, group classes, and even offer childcare.

For just $9.99 per month, a basic membership grants you access to all the fitness machines and training areas in your home gym. Their VIP membership costs around $40 per month and includes access to all locations, amenities, and more. Our favorite feature of VIP membership is their Team Training program, which allows you to work with certified personal trainers in a small-group setting. Each Team Training class is a specialized HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workout that helps you reach your fitness goals while building community with other members. With so many options and amenities for the price, Chuze Fitness offers unmatched value. Plus, customers can't get enough of their squeaky-clean facilities and friendly staff. The downside? Chuze Fitness only has around 40 locations, so these gyms simply aren't available in some areas.

Crunch Fitness is second place on our ranking for a reason: we can't get enough of the gym's adrenaline-driven, energetic approach to workouts, combining independent models like LA Fitness with an emphasis on community. This gym goes hand-in-hand with entertainment, always putting fun before anything else. Going to Crunch Fitness means achieving your exercise goals and seeing changes in your body stat, but it also means having a smile on your face the whole time. Case in point? As described by the New York Times, the gym offers the most unique classes imaginable, including bicycle yoga, capoeira, and pole dancing. Going to Crunch is like going to a bar with all your friends — except you're achieving your fitness goals, too.

While we love Crunch's classes, the gym also offers an extensive standard weight training area that includes high-tech machinery, a free weight section, treadmills, ellipticals, bicycles, and CrossFit-like areas with heavy tires for HIIT workouts. The gym's instructors and trainers are an integral part of the system, and are always around to offer help if needed — a big difference from other standard solo gyms. Positivity and diversity is at the forefront of Crunch's ethos, and they truly strive to make it feel like one big party. As per Gym Membership Fees, the prices are incredible: it costs $49.00 to join, and just $9.99 for the basic, one-gym plan. If you want Advanced HIIT group fitness classes, it costs extra.

Last, we have our first pick out of all other gym chains in the United States: Equinox. This gym sometimes gets a bad reputation for its high prices, which we completely understand. First up, the mind-boggling cost: an initiation fee of $500, plus a monthly fee ranging from $185 to $500, depending on the location you choose and if you decide to go for the worldwide membership that includes access to any Equinox in any country (via Business Insider). If you can get past the price (and it's hefty), this gym is undoubtedly the most luxurious, high-quality gym in the country. This is a fantastic option if you want the most motivating, fun, diverse, intense fitness classes imaginable, but also want to have your independent weight-training time every now and then.

Equinox offers an expansive, several-floor approach that comprises high-tech, beautiful weight machines, dumbbells, rowing machines, treadmills, ellipticals, and more, so you have everything you need for an amazing solo workout. That being said, this gym's classes truly set it apart, with non-members paying upwards of $30 to attend one class alone (with that math, the pricing begins to make sense). Classes range from boxing and kickboxing to barre, pool workouts, cycling, dance, running, Pilates, and yoga, so you have everything you could ever need under one roof. Every class is complimentary for members, which makes the elevated pricing worth it. As per Style, some locations even feature a sauna, jacuzzi, rock climbing wall, and yoga studio.