Are you on the hunt for the perfect gym membership to kickstart your fitness journey in 2024? Look no further! We’ve curated a list of the top gym memberships that cater to various preferences and needs. From nationwide accessibility to 24-hour access, corporate fitness, and more, discover the ideal fit for your fitness goals.
- BEST NATIONWIDE ACCESSIBILITY: Planet Fitness
- Membership Cost: $10
- Facilities Nationwide: 2,365
- 24-Hour Access: No
- Why We Picked It: Planet Fitness boasts an extensive network of gyms across the country, making it the perfect choice for those always on the move.
- BEST 24-HOUR GYM: Anytime Fitness
- Membership Cost: $50.47 on average
- Facilities Nationwide: 2,355
- 24-Hour Access: Yes, at all locations
- Why We Picked It: Anytime Fitness allows you to work out on your own schedule, providing 24/7 access and a supportive community.
- BEST FOR CORPORATE MEMBERSHIPS: LA Fitness
- Membership Cost: $39.99
- Facilities Nationwide: 549
- 24-Hour Access: No
- Why We Picked It: LA Fitness offers exclusive corporate memberships, blending fitness with your professional lifestyle.
- BEST FRIENDS AND FAMILY DEAL: 24-Hour Fitness
- Membership Cost: $31.32 on average
- Facilities Nationwide: 276
- 24-Hour Access: Yes, at some locations
- Why We Picked It: 24-Hour Fitness encourages a shared fitness experience with family-friendly deals.
- BEST NONPROFIT GYM: YMCA
- Membership Cost: $67.33 on average
- Facilities Nationwide: 2,558
- 24-Hour Access: Yes, at some locations
- Why We Picked It: Support a good cause and stay fit with YMCA’s charitable mission and diverse programs.
- BEST WITH GROUP FITNESS CLASSES: YouFit
- Membership Cost: $8.32 on average
- Facilities Nationwide: 64
- 24-Hour Access: Yes, at some locations
- Why We Picked It: Spice up your workout routine with vibrant group fitness classes at YouFit, fostering a sense of community.
- BEST DESIGN: Blink Fitness
- Membership Cost: $18.67 on average
- Facilities Nationwide: 105
- 24-Hour Access: No
- Why We Picked It: Blink Fitness offers a visually pleasing workout environment, combining aesthetics with effective fitness routines.
- BEST WORKOUT LED BY PERSONAL TRAINERS: Orangetheory Fitness
- Membership Cost: $99 on average
- Facilities Nationwide: 1,300
- 24-Hour Access: No
- Why We Picked It: Orangetheory Fitness provides results-driven workouts led by expert trainers, offering a holistic fitness experience.
- BEST BASIC MEMBERSHIP: Gold’s Gym
- Membership Cost: $41.32 on average
- Facilities Nationwide: 220
- 24-Hour Access: No
- Why We Picked It: Gold’s Gym delivers a classic fitness experience at an affordable price, focusing on the essentials.
- BEST DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION LANGUAGE: Crunch Fitness
- Membership Cost: $9.99 on average
- Facilities Nationwide: 440
- 24-Hour Access: No
- Why We Picked It: Crunch Fitness prioritizes diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for all members.
What is a Gym?
Definition:
A gym, short for gymnasium, is a dedicated space or facility designed for physical activity, fitness training, and leisure activities. It serves as a hub for individuals to access a variety of workout facilities, amenities, and services aimed at helping them achieve their health and wellness objectives.
Characteristics:
- Exercise Equipment:
- Gyms provide a diverse range of exercise equipment, including cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes), strength-training apparatus (weight machines, free weights, resistance bands), and functional training tools (kettlebells, medicine balls, suspension trainers).
- Fitness Classes:
- Many gyms offer a selection of fitness classes, such as yoga, Pilates, Zumba, cycling, HIIT, aerobics, and dance. These classes are led by instructors and incorporate flexibility, strength training, and aerobic exercises.
- Personal Training Services:
- Gyms frequently provide personal training services where certified trainers work one-on-one with individuals to create personalized training plans, offer guidance on proper exercise form, provide dietary advice, and monitor progress.
- Facilities and Amenities:
- Gyms enhance the overall fitness experience by offering facilities like showers, saunas, steam rooms, towel services, and changing rooms. Some gyms may also include additional features such as swimming pools, basketball courts, or dedicated areas for functional training.
- Social Environment:
- Gyms create a social atmosphere, encouraging interaction among members who share a commitment to health and well-being. This environment promotes motivation, accountability, and the development of exercise alliances or friendships.
- Health and Wellness Support:
- Some gyms go beyond training facilities, offering additional services for health and wellness support. This may include wellness initiatives, workshops, seminars, and collaborations with healthcare professionals like doctors or physiotherapists.
- Fitness Evaluations and Tracking:
- Gyms provide fitness evaluations and tracking tools to help individuals monitor their progress. These evaluations may include measurements of flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, strength tests, and body composition studies.
How to Choose the Right Gym?
Guide to Gym Selection:
- Set Specific Goals:
- Clarify your fitness objectives to choose a gym that aligns with your individual needs, whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, or overall cardiovascular fitness.
- Analyze Convenience and Location:
- Consider the proximity of the gym to your home, workplace, or daily commute. Check the gym’s operating hours to ensure they fit your schedule.
- Equipment and Facility Layout:
- Evaluate the gym’s equipment and facility layout, ensuring it has a sufficient variety of cardio equipment, weightlifting tools, and resistance machines.
- Services and Facilities:
- Take note of additional amenities offered by the gym, such as swimming pools, saunas, and personal training services, and identify those essential for your comfort.
- Group Exercise Classes:
- Check if the gym provides group fitness sessions if you prefer scheduled workouts or enjoy exercising in a group setting.
- Personal Training Options:
- Inquire about the gym’s personal training services, including the credentials and experience of trainers, availability, rates, and alignment with your fitness goals.
- Atmosphere and Culture:
- Observe the gym’s atmosphere and culture to determine if it suits your preferred training approach and goals.
- Trial Membership:
- Take advantage of trial memberships or guest permits to visit the gym in person, assess its facilities, and interact with staff and members.
- Staff and Expertise:
- Engage with the staff to gauge their expertise, professionalism, and helpfulness, as a knowledgeable staff can enhance your gym experience.
- Cost and Membership Options:
- Consider the cost, membership options, contract conditions, and cancellation procedures, ensuring they align with your budget and fitness objectives.
- Reviews and Referrals:
- Read online reviews and seek recommendations from friends, relatives, or coworkers who have experience with the gym. Balance reviews with personal preferences and requirements.
Choosing the right gym involves a thoughtful consideration of various factors to ensure it aligns with your fitness goals, lifestyle, and preferences. Explore these top picks tailored to diverse preferences and make 2024 the year you achieve your fitness goals!
Gym equipment that you can buy for your own home
EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE
Summary of Marie Claire’s tips for choosing the right gym for you
If you’re interested in exercising and find that gyms are the best option for you, choosing the right gym can be challenging.
Several criteria should be considered, including prices, equipment, and location. David Laufer, a fitness coach for WW, offers professional advice.
He emphasizes the importance of proximity to your home or work to save time and maintain motivation. Accessibility by public transport or parking availability is also crucial. Consider the gym’s hours and choose one that fits your schedule, whether you prefer morning or evening workouts. The length and terms of membership commitments are important, with shorter commitments being preferable to avoid long-term obligations. It’s essential to visit the gym during peak hours to assess crowding and equipment availability. The existence of group classes and the availability of personal coaching are significant for beginners or those needing motivation. Additionally, the gym’s atmosphere, equipment, hygiene, and safety are critical factors. The presence of free weights, proper facilities, and clean, safe environments are necessary. Lastly, complementary services like personalized coaching, saunas, or even the option to work out at home if no gym meets your needs are worth considering.
sources:
https://gymdesk.com/blog/best-gyms-in-the-usa/ https://www.forbes.com/health/fitness/best-gym-memberships/ https://www.marieclaire.fr/,les-10-commandements-pour-bien-choisir-sa-salle-de-sport,728616.asp
