It can be tough finding the right gym, especially with the countless options across the United States. From luxury clubs to budget-friendly options, this guide breaks down your choices so you can choose the gym that fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget.
| Gym Name | Type | Starting Price | Notable Features | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Fitness | Chain | $40–$50/month | Large equipment variety, national access | 700+ (US & Canada) |
| Gold's Gym | Chain | $40–$60/month | Strength-focused, heavy weights | Nationwide + Intl |
| Orangetheory Fitness | Chain | $59–$159/month | HIIT, heart-rate tech, Orange Zone focus | 1,000+ in US |
| Anytime Fitness | Chain | $30–$50/month | 24/7 access with key fob | 3,000+ in US |
| Equinox | Luxury | $200/month+ | Rooftop pool, steam rooms, elite trainers | Major metro areas |
| Houstonian Club | Luxury | Varies, high-end | Batting cages, golf range, pools | Houston, TX |
| East Bank Club | Luxury | $70–$3,500/month | 8 tennis courts, networking events | Chicago, IL |
| Planet Fitness | Budget | $10/month | Judgment-free zone, accessible | Nationwide |
| 24 Hour Fitness | Budget | $30–$50/month | Open 24/7, strength & cardio equipment | Nationwide |
| Crunch Fitness | Budget | $9.99/month | Affordable, great class variety | Nationwide |
| Solidcore | Boutique | $30/class | Resistance-based Pilates | Nationwide |
| Bünda | Boutique | $30/class | Glute + StairMaster strength focus | Select major cities |
| Mark Fisher Fitness | Boutique | $199/4 wks + $12 | Inclusive, Broadway crowd, fun coaching | New York City |
| Pop Physique | Boutique | $20–$25/class | Barre-style dance workouts | Multiple US cities |
| AKT InMotion | Boutique | $30/class | Dance cardio meets strength | Nationwide |
| AntiGravity Fitness | Boutique | $25–$35/class | Aerial yoga + strength training | 600+ locations |
| Physique 57 | Boutique | $42/class, $299/mo | Barre sculpting, international footprint | US + Dubai, India |
| SoulCycle | Boutique | $36/class | Music-driven indoor cycling | 60+ US locations |
| The Wall | Boutique | Varies | 123STACK: core, circuit, cycle format | Los Angeles |
| Shape House | Boutique | $50–$70/session | Infrared sauna therapy, wellness focus | NYC & LA |
The Best Gym Chains in the US
Gyms are extremely helpful for anyone trying to be the healthiest person that they can be. You may have a lot of questions about which one is correct for you.
One of the reasons why gym chains are such a popular choice for those looking for a place to get their workouts in is because you know what to expect before stepping foot on the gym floor.
These gyms are giants in the fitness space, and you don’t get there without providing an excellent service to your members. They also have locations all over the country, so you can always bet on finding a well-equipped gym without having to commute all that far from your home.
LA Fitness
For most, equipment is going to be right up there at the top of the search criteria, and there are a few chains across the US that tick the box, like LA Fitness.
Nothing screams reliability like being one of the largest gym chains not only in the US, but across the world!
LA Fitness has become one of the largest fitness operators in the world, with over 700 clubs in the US and Canada.
You’d have to have quite the imagination in order to come up with a workout that you wouldn’t be able to do with the chains’ extensive library of equipment.
Gold's Gym
If your aim for going to the gym is packing on muscles and getting huge, then the best gym for you would be Gold’s Gym.
There are Gold’s Gyms all across the country, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one to go to.
You'll also find Gold's gym branches a little further afield, such as in Tokyo, Japan, as pictured to the left.
While other gyms focus on one activity, theme, or another, Gold’s Gym is for those of you who want to get into heavy lifting.
The gym equipment at Gold’s Gym is mainly heavy dumbbells, barbells, and heavyweight machines.
Of course, the heavy weights are not the only thing that Gold’s Gym has to offer. They have personal trainers available, pools, saunas, and more amenities.
Gold’s Gym isn’t super cheap, however they aren’t exactly always expensive, and with everything they have to offer Gold’s Gym fits into this list of America’s top gyms.
Orangetheory Fitness
Orangetheory Fitness is a textbook example of what happens when you stand out from the crowd, even among some of the features of some of the elite companies in this article.
The gym has embraced science-backed technology to enhance the overall fitness experience for its members, allowing them to track their performance and reach personalized targets.
Despite only having been founded in 2010, Orangetheory has already established over 1,000 studios nationwide!
Members flock to the gym for their memberships for the emphasis they put on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions that combine cardiovascular and strength exercises.
The heart rate monitoring they provide challenges members to reach the "Orange Zone" which is a target heart rate where their calorie burning is optimized, leading to effective workouts and its member base smashing their fitness goals!
Let the best gyms in NYC be your fitness inspiration, inspiring your next great workout adventure in the concrete jungle.
Anytime Fitness
For those of us who operate unconventional or packed schedules, having your place of improvement available to you 24 hours a day is something that can help you stay on track with your progress.
As the name might suggest, Anytime Fitness is one of the favorite options across the world. Availability is at the center point of its value proposition. Anytime Fitness has over 3,000 locations scattered across the US. You can work out at any time that suits your schedule.
Once you have all your details ironed out at the reception counter and get your membership, all you’ll need on hand is your member’s key fob, and you’ll be able to get that workout in no matter what time of day it might be.
The Best Luxury Gyms in the US
Some of us prefer the finer things in life, and by all means, if your budget allows for it, why not spoil yourself with a membership to the best luxury gyms in the US?
It can be a little difficult to muster up the motivation to hit the gym after a long day at work or school. However, if you have a nice spa, steam room or sauna to treat yourself to afterwards, the persuasion process becomes that bit easier.
Let's take a look at some of the higher-end options and the cutting-edge equipment and amenities that make them so much more than your traditional gym.
Equinox
If you were to ask any fitness guru across the US what gym stands out as a leader when it comes to the luxury experience, expect an overwhelming majority of the answers you hear back to be Equinox.
This luxury gym has locations across the US, making the luxury experience closer than you might have expected.
You’ll be subject to its high quality from the moment you walk through the gym doors with the design of its locations, the highest quality equipment, expert personal trainers, and a long list of classes that you can participate in over the course of any week.
Of course, the cherry on the cake is in the features that make it stand out from other luxury options, such as its rooftop pools and eucalyptus steam rooms, making your workouts feel more like a pampering session that’ll have you counting down the hours till your next session.
Having a look at the top gyms in Chicago will give you an idea of what to look for when it comes to taking out your next gym membership.
Houstonian Club
The next gym that stands out among other elite facilities across the US for the luxury experience it offers its members is The Houstonian Club.
At the Houstonian Club, you’ll have more luxury amenities than you could care to use, from swimming pools and batting cages to its indoor driving range!
Fitness fanatics flock from far and wide to train at this quality facility for the supportive community that greets you from the moment you enter the premises to the long list of over 150 classes that are available weekly.
East Bank Club
For those who have a little more cash to splash on their gym memberships and squeeze a little more luxury into their lifestyle, the East Bank Club is one of the best options for that.
So, what do you get for your money at such a luxury gym membership? Well, for starters, you’ll have your pick of two swimming pools, eight tennis courts, and plenty of social events and networking opportunities to throw yourself at.
The gym’s community and amenities make the expense more of a lifestyle subscription than just a gym membership.
Membership costs can range from around $70 to over $3,500 per month, reflecting the quality and exclusivity of their offerings.
While they may not be for everyone, these high-end fitness clubs provide an unparalleled experience for those seeking the ultimate in luxury workouts.
LA's fitness scene sparkles with the best gyms in LA, offering a constellation of top-tier options for every workout enthusiast.
The Top Budget Gyms to Work Out at in the US
For many of us, when it comes to whittling down our lists of potential gyms, price is at the forefront of our search criteria.
Not all of us are looking for all the bells and whistles with our gym memberships and simply want a gym that is equipped with what we need in order to get our workouts in.
What if we told you that you may not have to sacrifice quality when searching for an affordable gym membership?
Here are the best budget-friendly gyms in the US that will allow you to accomplish your fitness goals while keeping more of that hard-earned money in your wallet!
You don't have to break the bank to get fit. The United States has plenty of affordable gym options that offer great value for your money. Let's explore some of the best budget-friendly gyms across the country.
Planet Fitness
There are few gym chains across the US that have the same recognition as Planet Fitness. The gym has carved its niche in the fitness market as a leader among budget gyms.
Planet Fitness memberships start at just $10 per month, with the option to add on additional privileges as their Black Card membership allows access to their other locations and more at a premium of $22.99 per month.
If you are just starting out on your fitness journey, then this is one option that might speak to you.
The gym is famous for its motto, "Judgment Free Zone", which right away gives you a sense of their inclusivity and supportive community that offers a safe space for those of all fitness levels to work towards their goals.
24 Hour Fitness
As you might have guessed from the name, this gym is always open for business. 24 hours a day you’ll have the opportunity to get your workout on.
There is also plenty of space for you to work out with enough equipment to use. 24 Hour Fitness also offers basic packages that are affordable for most people.
Crunch Fitness
Crunch Fitness Gym is one of the best budget gyms in the US, quickly eliminating any excuses you might have been telling yourself as to why you might not have gotten started working towards your fitness goals.
As with most budget gyms, you will also be able to upgrade your membership to take advantage of many of the offerings that you might be used to in other gyms with higher privileges.
For example, if you were to opt for their Peak membership, which goes for a more than reasonable monthly rate of $22.99, you would have access to all of the fitness classes they offer!
Unlock your fitness potential at the best gyms in Houston, where your goals transform into tangible achievements.
Top Specialty and Boutique Gyms Across the US
There are numerous chains, luxury clubs, and budget gyms across the US that are worth joining. For those with specific goals or needs, you may want to consider specialty and boutique gyms across the United States, which offer focused training environments, unique equipment, and curated group classes.
Our next gyms are those that offer personalized service, expert-led instruction, and innovative training formats.
Solidcore
Solidcore is a fitness studio with a distinctive approach to Pilates. With resistance-based reformer machines, these gyms offer a low-light, high-energy setting for strength-focused full-body workouts.
50-minute classes target your slow-twitch muscle fibers through controlled, deliberate movements, allowing you to build lean muscle and improve your endurance.
Solidcore has locations across the US and is ideal for anyone seeking a low-impact alternative to traditional strength training.
There are various memberships and class packs available. Typically, a single session costs around $30.
Bünda
This boutique fitness studio specializes in lower-body strength training and cardio, as you may have guessed.
These are dual-format classes, with StairMaster intervals and targeted glute and leg resistance exercises. These are balanced, high-intensity, 50-minute workouts.
The program focuses on form, muscle engagement, and progression. Classes typically start at around $30, with package and membership options available.
Mark Fisher Fitness
Mark Fisher Fitness (MFF) brands itself as the "Enchanted Ninja Clubhouse of Glory and Dreams". This is in New York City, of course, and caters to a diverse community of everyone from Broadway performers to fitness enthusiasts.
With group classes and semi-private training sessions that focus on strength, cardio, and mobility, their signature program, "Snatched in Six Weeks," combines exercise and nutrition.
Memberships start at $199 every four weeks, with class prices as low as $12 per session.
Boutique gyms often cost more per session, but they deliver value with smaller classes, elite trainers, specialized equipment, and unique formats like aerial yoga or glute-focused strength training. If traditional gyms feel overwhelming or uninspired, a boutique studio could be the upgrade your routine needs.
Pop Physique
Pop Physique is a boutique fitness studio that was founded in Los Angeles. It focuses on a blend of ballet, Pilates, and strength training in a high-energy, dance-inspired environment.
It has now expanded into major cities across the United States, offering one-hour classes that focus on isometric movements targeting the entire body, with a particular emphasis on the core, thighs, and glutes.
AKT InMotion
AKT InMotion is a fitness studio founded by the celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser. It offers a blend of dance cardio, strength training, and functional workouts.
It has locations across the United States with classes designed to target different areas and aspects of fitness. Classes are structured in four-week intervals, keeping routines fresh and engaging.
Membership options will depend on the location, but single classes typically start at around $30.
AntiGravity Fitness
AntiGravity Fitness changes traditional workouts by using aerial techniques and silk hammocks. This innovative approach combines yoga, Pilates, ballet barre, and strength training. There are over 600 licensed locations worldwide, including across the United States.
Classes include Aerial Yoga, Suspension Fitness, and AIRBarre, which can help improve flexibility, build strength, and decompress the spine.
Though prices vary by location, you can typically expect to pay between $25 and $35 per session.
Physique 57
Physique 57 is a fitness studio focusing on high-intensity, low-impact barre workouts for sculpting and toning the body.
It was founded in 2006 in New York City and later expanded internationally, with locations in the United States, Dubai, India, and Thailand.
The 57 in the name refers to the 57-minute classes, which include strength training, cardio, and stretching.
Membership options include single classes at $42, 10-class packages at $370, and unlimited monthly memberships starting at $299.
Not all boutique gyms are built the same. Some focus on strength and sculpting (like Solidcore or Physique 57), while others specialize in cardio (SoulCycle) or recovery (Shape House). Consider your training goals before choosing, as a well-matched studio can accelerate your progress and help you stay consistent.
SoulCycle
SoulCycle offers high-intensity, 45-minute indoor cycling classes that combine cardio, strength training, and choreography to create a dynamic workout experience. There are 60 locations across the United States.
A single class typically costs around $36, but if you want to work out at home, the SoulCycle at-home bike is available for $2,500.
Here's a report on SoulCycle with Kym "NonStop".
The Wall
The Wall is a boutique fitness studio in Los Angeles that offers indoor cycling, bootcamp, and stretch classes.
Their signature 123STACK class includes 10 minutes of core exercises, 20 minutes of circuit training, and 30 minutes of cycling.
Shape House
Shape House is a sweat lodge with locations in New York City and Los Angeles. In this, customers are wrapped in infrared-heated blankets in private rooms with entertainment options.
Sessions cost between $50 and $70, and there's a relaxation room with herbal tea and light refreshments afterward.
Boutique Gyms Compared
Strength and Sculpt
- Solidcore
- Physique 57
- Bünda
Recovery and Wellness
- Shape House
- AntiGravity
Cardio and Energy
- SoulCycle
- AKT
- Pop Physique
Working with a Personal Trainer
You can splash the cash getting set up with the best memberships money can buy and get yourself all the latest fitness gear, but there is nothing that will ensure that you stay working towards your fitness goals like working alongside a personal trainer.
Seeing as so many of the top gyms in the US have their own in-house personal trainers, its certainly worth taking advantage of their services. Studies show that individuals who train with a professional achieve their goals faster and more effectively than those who take the trial-and-error approach, figuring everything out for themselves.
A personal trainer will be able to coach you on the appropriate exercises for your respective fitness goals, teaching you the correct form and tailoring your workout routine to keep you on an optimal route for progression.
There is also the accountability aspect to consider. If you’re only letting yourself down by missing a workout or falling short of your targets, it becomes easier to pass on a trip to the gym. However, if you have a trainer to check in with at the end of the week, you definitely won’t be as quick to do anything that might set you back from meeting your goals.
If you want to get started working with a qualified personal trainer close to wherever you reside in the US, then you can head over to the Superprof homepage, enter 'personal trainer' alongside your location, reach out to some of the trainers, and organize that first session today!
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