There are a lot of fitness options to choose from, and new gyms and studios are popping up everywhere, but how much should a gym membership cost? What do you get based on how much you pay?
We asked POPSUGAR editors where they work out, how much they pay, and what they get for the price — uncensored, all pros and cons considered. Is a $20 per month membership at 24 Hour Fitness right for you, or do you want the eucalyptus-scented frills at Equinox?
Here's where we work out, how much we pay, and what we do and don't get with our memberships.
Price: $10/month
Pros: Probably the cheapest gym out there; lots of locations; free pizza and bagels
Cons: No group fitness; basic machines; free pizza and bagels
"It's all machines. I didn't love the boring atmosphere, and it felt very stale. Plus it was all about me motivating myself, so that was hard. It worked for a year, but then I got too bored running on treadmills watching TV. Also, you're trying to work out and smell pizza . . . WTH." — Jenny Sugar, Fitness editor, VT
Price: $5/month to $80/month, depending on membership package.
Pros: Very inexpensive; lots of locations; personal training; some locations provide complimentary towels; group fitness classes
Cons: Not the best group class schedule; basic machines; some locations charge for towels
Price: $30/month
Pros: Very inexpensive; basic machines provided; group fitness classes
Cons: Busted machines; not a great group class schedule; no nice amenities
"You literally get what you pay for, and I only wanted access to a treadmill and some classes, which I got, and nothing more, nothing less (well, sometimes less, as the treadmills are frequently broken). I knew I was getting a bare-bones experience for it to be that cheap. That being said, it's worse than bare bones; even for that price, I do expect the machines to be in better working order, and worst of all, they canceled most of the yoga classes I liked taking (the real reason I signed up in the first place)." — Shannon Vestal Robson, director, LA
Price: $40+, depending on location and membership package
Pros: Inexpensive; basic machines
Cons: No clean towels for the showers or shower products; always crowded; outdated/broken machines; cleanliness issues
"Yes, I belong to New York Sports Club. HOWEVER, the gym kinda sucks. They offer classes but I've never really tried them and I would never think to shower there (not very clean)." — Sam Netkin, editorial assistant, NYC
Price: $40 to $80 depending on location and membership package
Pros: Inexpensive; great group fitness classes and instructors; personal training; Bliss products in the locker rooms
Cons: Some dated machines; no frills
"Awesome class instructors by virtue of being in hypercompetitive LA, but it's pretty frill-free." — Lindsay Miller, editorial director of video, LA
Price: $40 to $200, depending on location and package
Price Structure: Base — 5 classes per month ($65 in SF); Core — 10 classes per month ($115 in SF); Unlimited, $175 in SF (prices vary by location).
Pros: Tons of classes to choose from; constant variety; incredibly flexible schedule; you can change your membership month to month; less expensive than paying individual studio fees; gets you to different neighborhoods and classes
Cons: Expensive; no centralized gym; can be tough to get to different studios around your city; you can only go to the same studio 2 to 3 times per month
Price: $165, varies by location
Pros: Great equipment; personal daily coaching; workouts laid out for you; tons of classes offered daily; one shower available
Cons: Expensive; no group fitness like yoga/barre/etc.
"My gym has an awesome community which provides the inspiration and encouragement I need to get up for the 5:45 a.m. classes. Also they offer a Saturday class and a Sunday open gym so you can work on anything you want and get extra help. I go five times a week, so it works out to about $8.25 a class." — JS
Price: $150-$200, depending on location and package
Pros: Kiehl's products; eucalyptus towels; ultraluxe facilities; state-of-the-art machines; "fluffy towels"; steam rooms; personal training; amazing group fitness classes (unlimited); exceptional instructors; always clean
Cons: Membership is very expensive; Pilates not included; personal training is very expensive; only one club included in membership price (unless you buy a more expensive package); can be crowded at peak hours