How Much Does a Gym Membership Cost? What to Consider
Picking the right gym is an important step in your fitness journey, and cost shouldn't get in the way. We break down the factors to consider to help you understand what you can expect to pay.
Key Takeaways
- Gym membership prices range from $10 to hundreds of dollars a month.
- Higher prices generally mean better equipment, more amenities, extra perks, and so on.
- Gyms often offer different membership tiers.
- Many gyms add various fees to their membership costs, which may be hidden or delayed.
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How Much Does an Average Gym Membership Cost?
Carriejune, founder of Minibeast:
"The price of a gym membership varies based on things like location, amenities, perks, and fees. Understanding what's behind the cost of a membership is crucial when deciding if it's worth your money."
Figuring out how much a gym membership costs feels like it should be easy. Often, it's the opposite.
There are a few reasons for that. Gym membership costs can range widely, depending on factors like location, amenities, and the length of your contract. Various fees, including some you might not expect, can also affect the total price you'll pay every month.
The average gym membership costs roughly $65 per month.¹ But monthly fees can range from just $10 to $350 or more, depending on your gym.
Picking the right gym is important. Confusion over how much a gym will cost you shouldn't get in the way of your fitness goals.
We'll break down the fees most gyms charge, plus a range of other factors you might need to consider when assessing price. We'll also note some rough cost estimates to help you get a sense of whether you're getting a good deal or being ripped off.
What Are Gym Membership Plans?
A gym membership is a contract. It grants access to the gym, its equipment, and in some cases various services like fitness classes.
Gyms usually provide some kind of membership agreement, which spells out exactly what's included in your membership.
How Much Do Membership Fees Cost?
The membership fee is the basic price you pay to access your gym.
Many gyms offer different membership options, with more expensive tiers usually providing more amenities and perks. Higher-tier memberships cost roughly 42% more than lower-tier options, according to one analysis.²
Budget gyms usually charge something like $10 - $30 per month in membership fees. Mid-range gyms might cost $30 - $80 per month.
Fancier gyms often run into three figures, costing $100 - $250 per month. And if you want a premium experience, you might be paying $150 - $350 or more per month. At these price points, exclusivity is one of the perks.
How Can Hidden Fees Affect Membership Pricing?
Membership fees are often advertised as monthly fees. This is the number most people focus on.
But that sticker price isn't always what you'd end up paying if you signed up.
There are, in most cases, various fees you need to watch out for. Hidden fees can increase the total cost of a gym membership by 15-25% or more.
For example, some gyms charge an annual fee. It might be $20 - $60, though higher-end fitness clubs might charge more.
Many gyms also charge maintenance fees to cover upkeep, maintenance, and cleaning. These can range from $30 - $100 or more.
How Much Do Initiation Fees Cost?
Some gyms charge initiation fees or enrollment fees. These are one-time payments needed just to join the gym in the first place.
Initiation or enrollment fees can range from nothing to $150, depending on the gym. Some high-end fitness clubs charge even higher initiation fees.
Many gyms waive enrollment fees during promotions. You might see these in January, for example, to encourage people with New Year's resolutions to sign up.
Some gyms might waive the initiation fee if you agree to sign up right there and then. It can't hurt to ask!
How Much Do Cancellation Fees Cost?
Believe it or not, many gyms charge you to leave, too. Cancellation fees can be as high as $200 or even more at some gyms.
Make sure to check the cancellation policies of your gym before signing up. Some gyms make canceling quite difficult. They might make you provide written notice, while others lock you in to a long-term contract that you can't leave.
What Factors Affect Gym Membership Pricing?
What do all these fees actually get you? Well, that also varies widely between gyms.
The first thing to consider is location. Gym location matters a lot. Membership costs are often higher in urban areas, where rent and labor tend to be pricier. You might see the exact same gym chain charge more for a membership in a big city versus a small town.
You should also consider whether your membership allows you access to multiple branches of the same gym. If you're a frequent traveler, you might want to pick a gym with many locations. Alternatively, if you aren't planning on visiting multiple locations and just need one club, you might be able to pick a home club for a cheaper monthly cost.
Next is amenities. These can be basic, like locker rooms and showers. They can also be quite luxurious, like steam rooms, massage chairs, red light therapy, group fitness classes, childcare, and so on.
Generally, the more amenities a gym offers, the pricier its membership will be. Hey, you get what you pay for.
Amenities include the gym equipment itself. Keep that in mind when choosing.
Will you want to use free weights? Squat racks or bench presses? Cardio machines? A pool? Some kind of sports area, like a basketball court?
Make sure to choose the gym that actually has the equipment you'll want to use. If your goal is weight loss, you might want a gym with plenty of cardio equipment. If you want to get shredded, make sure your gym has enough strength equipment.
Many gyms also offer services. For example, you might have access to personal training services or group classes. If you want free fitness training from a personal trainer or unlimited classes, make sure that's included in your membership. Otherwise, you'll have to pay extra.
Third is member perks. Remember, gyms often offer different membership tiers. Premium tiers generally come with additional perks, like guest privileges.
Fourth is the length of your contract. Many gyms offer a discount if you commit to longer terms, like a year. Annual memberships cost an average of $507 for the first year. Month-to-month plans often cost more, though they give you the benefit of more flexibility.
Finally, you'll need to consider the membership type. Many gyms offer specific plans for students, couples, families, and so on. If you qualify for a specific category, you might be able to lower your monthly cost.
Bonus: Can You Repeat the Same Workout Twice a Week? (Yes!)
What Is the Best Gym Membership?
The best gym membership is the one that supports your fitness goals while staying within your budget.
Planet Fitness is a popular budget choice. It offers different kinds of memberships, including Classic and the higher-tier PF Black Card. Monthly fees usually cost $15 - $30. However, Planet Fitness memberships also come with a $49 annual fee.
Planet Fitness members usually get access to free fitness training. The Planet Fitness app contains extra guidance, too.
Another budget-friendly option is Crunch Fitness. It's known for offering classes for higher-tier members.
LA Fitness is famous for variety. Membership grants you access to facilities like a pool or basketball court, depending on location. There are multiple tiers, including Basic and Premier. Many locations offer group classes.
The YMCA is a great option for families. A single plan can cover a whole household. Memberships often cost $42 - $77 per month.
Anytime Fitness is known for offering 24/7, unlimited access to its 6,000-plus facilities. Membership usually costs about $53 per month.³
Gold's Gym is a classic, beloved by traditional lifters seeking a great workout. It offers various memberships, including Single Basic and Platinum Club Access.⁴ The higher tier gives you access to extra amenities, like massage beds, at certain locations.
How Can I Build a Home Gym to Save Money?
So, is a gym membership worth the cost? That's for you to decide.
If all these numbers are making your wallet wince, don't worry. There's an alternative: A home gym.
Building a home gym is a fantastic way to get the benefits of working out without the costs and hassle of going to a commercial gym.
Home gyms don't need to be fancy. All you need is a set of quality adjustable dumbbells and a few resistance bands, and you'll be able to hit every major muscle group. It even works for an at-home booty workout.
You can always upgrade your home gym as needed, when needed.
If you want coaching support, look into digital classes or contact a certified trainer for online workouts. Alternatively, enroll in a professionally designed workout program.
Conclusion
Gym memberships vary widely in price. The price depends in part on amenities and perks. It also depends on the fees a particular gym charges. Make sure to carefully research the provisions of a gym membership contract before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Planet Fitness Really $10 a Month?
No. Planet Fitness increased its famous $10-a-month plan to $15 a few years ago. However, $10-a-month plans might still appear during promotions.
Is $40 a Month a Lot for a Gym?
No, $40 is a common mid-range price for gym membership. At this price, you usually get some extra perks, like access to multiple locations or facilities beyond basic equipment.
What Is the Cheapest Gym Membership Out There?
Budget gyms include Planet Fitness, Crunch Fitness, LA Fitness, and 24 Hour Fitness. Make sure to watch out for hidden or delayed fees, which might make the actual price higher than that advertised.
Keep Reading: How Long Should I Be Working Out at the Gym For?
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Sources
- U.S. Fitness Facility Memberships Reach the Highest Level Ever as Dues Rise - Health & Fitness Association
- Average Gym Membership Cost 2021 [Gym Price Analysis] | RunRepeat
- Frequently Asked Questions | Anytime Fitness
- Gym Membership Prices: Cost Comparison of Every Major Brand | Truemed, How Much Does Gold’s Gym Cost? Here's What to Know
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