Whether you’re looking to get into fitness or switch up your gym, there’s likely a chain fitness location in your area. Finding the right one for you is dependent on several factors, such as budget, amenities, classes available, hours of operation, and more.
The 5 Biggest Fitness Chains In America
Planet Fitness
One of the largest and fastest-growing fitness chains in America is Planet Fitness. It’s planted in over 2,000 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Panama. Founded in Dover, New Hampshire in 1992, this chain fitness centre offers a lot of perks for its 10 million members.
In its list of perks, Planet Fitness members start by choosing between two different memberships that are both budget-friendly: the classic or black card. With both memberships, members can enjoy app workouts, free fitness training, and free wifi, along with other perks.
Each Planet Fitness has cardio machines, lifting machines, designated spaces for a 30-minute workout, and an ab section to break up the gym. Whether you want to work on specific areas, get your heart rate up, or enjoy a trainer, Planet Fitness covers it all.
Orangetheory Fitness
If you’re keen on getting a workout in class style, Orangetheory Fitness can give you what you’re looking for. Founded in 2010, Orangetheory has grown to have over 1,400 locations in 25 countries.
This chain gym focuses on the five heart rate zones in the workout through three different exercises: rowing, cardio, and strength training. To accommodate their class workout, members can track their fitness data and goals through the Orangetheory app. Each class is led by a coach and monitors are given for members to wear to track their progress throughout the workout.
Whereas Planet Fitness allows members to tackle their fitness regime on their own in a “judgment-free” zone, Orangetheory focuses on members using the five heart rates as a method for boosting metabolism, burning fat, and calories.
24-Hour Fitness
24-Hour Fitness has something for its 4 million members across the eleven states they are located in. This fitness chain, founded in 1983, currently has over 300 locations and is continuing to plant more across America.
Members of 24-Hour Fitness can enjoy a workout any time of day and take advantage of the several programs this privately owned chain has to offer. From group classes to virtual and in-person personal training, the 24GO fitness app, cardio, free weights, and turf zones, members can use the facility to maximize their fitness levels without being shorthanded on options.
This franchise was the first to offer 24-hour access to a fitness facility, which can benefit every member’s schedule. With the 24GO app, members can check into their clubs and look for classes or workouts to complete whether in their location or on the go.
Gold’s Gym
Typically perceived as the “bodybuilder’s gym,” Gold’s Gym has a high priority of making its members become the strongest version of themselves. There’s a strong focus on strength training at these facilities, and since it was founded in 1965, there are now over 700 locations in 38 states and 26 countries with 3 million members.
Gold’s Gym amenities do not come up shorthanded by any means. These facilities include group fitness classes, cardio machines, free weights, a yoga center, women-only areas, running tracks, saunas and pools, and more. Plus, when you’re done shredding weights, you can stop by their smoothie bar for a supplement.
Whether you want to bulk up, get leaner, or start a fitness journey, Gold’s Gym is not an option to feel intimidated by. The intensity of these facilities and trainers can provide members with the determination and accountability needed to stay on the path and crush your fitness goals.
LA Fitness
Established in 1984 in California, LA Fitness is one of the largest fitness chains in America full of luxury amenities. With over 700 locations in the United States and Canada, LA Fitness currently has over 200,000 members and continues to grow.
Members of LA Fitness get more than a weight room and a few treadmills when they join a club. This franchise offers many perks with their plans like personal training, group classes, state-of-the-art facilities that include a Jr. Olympic swimming pool and basketball court, as well as basketball and racquetball leagues.
Based on the facilities and amenities, LA Fitness provides a lot of programs for members to participate in for a fun and healthy way to work out. There’s something for everyone at LA Fitness, and there’s a kid’s club for those who need childcare assistance while on the grounds.
Choosing Your Gym
With the locations of these fitness clubs continuing to pop up, there’s likely a location nearby. However, that doesn’t mean every gym on this list is the right fit for everyone. Choosing which gym to join is dependent on your fitness goals, comfort level, and schedule.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back and fun-spirited place to work out, Planet Fitness and LA Fitness would be the first two to look at. Those with a busy schedule and need a late night or early morning hours can benefit from the 24-hour access of 24-Hour Fitness and Planet Fitness facilities.
Some individuals find it easier to stay focused during a workout when there are others involved. If a class-style workout is right up your alley, you’ll benefit from Orangetheory Fitness’ layout, though all options on the list include classes to participate in. Gold’s Gym might be the club to call home if you’re looking for hardcore fitness.
Before you sign up for a membership at one of these locations, stop by to tour and see the facility with your own eyes. This will give you the opportunity to look at the equipment and facility and discuss with the trainers the atmosphere of the club to find the right fit.
Ready to work out? Choose your gym today.
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