For those who are considering joining a gym, LA Fitness may be one of the options on their list. With its vast number of locations, range of equipment, and amenities, it's no wonder why LA Fitness is a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts.
However, it's important to consider if the membership is worth the cost and if it provides the services and experience you're looking for.
In this article, we'll provide an honest and objective review of LA Fitness, exploring its facilities, personal training options, membership details, and COVID-19 safety measures. We'll also provide some recommended alternatives for those who may not find LA Fitness to be the best fit for their needs.
By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of whether LA Fitness is worth it and what other options are available to you.
Overview
While LA Fitness boasts over 700 locations in the US and Canada, the quality of each location can vary. Membership pricing starts at $34.99 per month, but the equipment quality and cleanliness of each location may not be up to par.
While some locations allow the use of chalk and have hot tubs, others may have outdated decor and limited amenities. Additionally, personal training sessions may not be worth the additional cost, as trainers may not be highly experienced or educated.
It is important to note that LA Fitness offers both multi-club and single-club membership options, with the former allowing access to almost any club. However, some signature clubs may not accept members from other locations.
While LA Fitness may be an affordable option for those looking for access to a variety of machines and free weights, it is worth checking out each location to determine if it is the right gym for you.
Facilities
Facilities at the reviewed LA Fitness locations include locker rooms with showers, basketball and racquetball courts, and a NrGize Lifestyle Cafe, among other amenities. Some locations offer childcare services called Kids Club at certain times, but this is not included in the membership fee. Saunas are not standard, but some locations do have them.
To provide a more comprehensive overview, the table below summarizes the facilities available at LA Fitness:
| Facilities | Availability |
|---|---|
| Saunas | Not standard, some locations have them |
| Showers and locker rooms | Available, no toiletries or towels provided |
| Lockers | All members can use, but belongings cannot be left overnight |
| Basketball and racquetball courts | Available, extra payment may be required |
| Childcare services (Kids Club) | Available at certain times and locations, not included with membership |
| Yoga classes | Held in group training rooms |
| NrGize Lifestyle Cafe | Offers smoothies, oatmeal bowls, water, fruit, sports beverages, and snacks |
| Massage chairs and red light therapy | Not available |
| Women's-only area and group fitness classes | Such as Zumba, Pilates, kickboxing, cycling, and yoga |
| Cardio cinema room | Available at some locations where movies can be watched while exercising |
| Hours of operation | Not open 24 hours a day |
Overall, LA Fitness offers a variety of facilities to its members. However, it is important to note that the availability of these facilities may vary by location. While some locations may have saunas and childcare services, others may not. Additionally, amenities such as massage chairs and red light therapy are not available. Members should research the facilities available at their preferred location before signing up for a membership.
Personal Training
Personal training at LA Fitness may not be worth the additional cost compared to other gyms or private studios. While the gym offers personal training sessions starting at $45 for 30 minutes or $60 for an hour, some members have reported that the trainers may not be highly experienced or educated. This can be a concern for individuals who are seeking professional guidance to achieve their fitness goals.
However, it is important to note that personal training can have numerous benefits, such as personalized workout plans and one-on-one attention from a knowledgeable trainer. It is crucial to find the right personal trainer who can provide the necessary support and expertise to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Before investing in personal training at LA Fitness or any other gym, it is recommended to research and read reviews of the trainers to ensure the best possible experience.
Membership Details
Membership details at LA Fitness provide various options for potential members. The gym offers both month-to-month and term contracts with no additional fees for cancellation. Memberships also provide guest privileges, with each multi-club member being able to bring a guest for an additional fee of $20. However, dropping weights is not allowed, but powdered and liquid chalk are permitted. The gym does not have a strict dress code, but common sense in dressing for the gym is expected. Additionally, children under the age of 13 are not allowed to work out, and only certified service dogs are allowed in the gym.
The gym offers multi-club and single-club membership options, and memberships cannot be transferred to another person but can be transferred to a different location. Multi-club membership allows access to almost any club, but some signature clubs may not accept members from other locations. After cancellation, members can still access the club for another 30 days. However, there have been complaints about difficulty in canceling memberships and poor customer service. Despite this, LA Fitness offers affordable membership options and access to a variety of machines and free weights, making it worth considering for those looking for a gym that fits their budget and fitness needs.
| Membership Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Cancellation policies | Both month-to-month and term contracts available, cancellation can be done in person or by mail with no additional fees. |
| Guest policies | Multi-club members can bring a guest, additional guests cost $20. |
COVID-19 Safety Measures
Regarding COVID-19 safety measures, LA Fitness has implemented capacity limitations and follows local mandates to ensure the safety of its members. Some locations have limited the number of individuals allowed in the gym at one time, and have implemented a reservation system to ensure social distancing.
Additionally, LA Fitness has implemented mask policies in accordance with local mandates and guidelines. Members are required to wear masks at all times, except when actively exercising, and staff members are required to wear masks as well.
LA Fitness has also increased cleaning and disinfecting protocols to ensure a safe and clean environment for its members. High-touch surfaces are regularly cleaned and disinfected, and members are encouraged to wipe down equipment before and after use. Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the gym, and members are encouraged to wash their hands frequently.
Overall, LA Fitness has taken significant measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its members during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alternatives
Moving on to alternatives, there are several gym options worth considering for those who may be seeking a different atmosphere or amenities. Gold's Gym is a recommended alternative, though it may come at a higher cost. This gym chain is well-known for its superior equipment and atmosphere, making it a popular choice for serious weightlifters. Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness are also recommended alternatives, with Anytime Fitness offering accessible 24/7 facilities and Snap Fitness catering to beginners and older individuals.
To help compare the pricing and location availability of these alternative gyms, the table below offers a quick overview. It is important to note that pricing and availability may vary by location and membership type, so it is recommended to research specific options in your area before making a decision.
| Gym Name | Monthly Membership Cost | Initiation Fee | Number of Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA Fitness | $34.99+ | $0-$99 | 700+ |
| Gold's Gym | $39.99+ | $0-$99 | 700+ |
| Anytime Fitness | $29.99+ | $0-$99 | 4,000+ |
| Snap Fitness | $34.95+ | $0-$99 | 2,000+ |
Ultimately, the decision to join a gym should be based on personal preferences and fitness goals. While LA Fitness may be a great option for some, others may find that the alternatives offer a better fit. By comparing pricing and location availability, individuals can make an informed decision that aligns with their needs.
Author
The author of this review, Amanda Dvorak, is an experienced writer and editor in the fitness and nutrition industries. With a background in CrossFit, she developed an interest in powerlifting, which has given her a unique perspective on gym memberships.
Her expertise in the field makes her review of LA Fitness particularly valuable for those looking for an objective evaluation of the gym. Dvorak's experience in the fitness industry gives her credibility when evaluating the quality of LA Fitness. Her powerlifting background allows her to assess the gym's offerings for weightlifting enthusiasts.
Her objective analysis of the gym's facilities, equipment, and services can help readers make an informed decision on whether or not an LA Fitness membership is worth it for them.
Overall Impressions
Moving on to the author's overall impressions of LA Fitness, it seems that the gym offers an affordable membership that provides access to a variety of machines and free weights. However, it should be noted that the quality of equipment and cleanliness can vary at each location. Additionally, COVID-19 safety measures may limit capacity at some locations.
When considering whether or not LA Fitness is worth it, it is important to take into account the membership cost and equipment quality. As mentioned earlier, membership starts at $34.99/month, which is relatively affordable compared to other gyms. However, the quality of equipment and cleanliness can vary by location, so it may be worth visiting a few different locations before committing to a membership.
Overall, LA Fitness may be a good option for those looking for an affordable gym with a variety of equipment, but it is important to do research and visit multiple locations to ensure that it meets one's individual needs and preferences.
Summary and Conclusion
After a visit to an LA Fitness gym in Wayne, NJ, it was found that the gym has a lot of equipment and decent amenities. However, the overall cleanliness, professionalism of the staff, and general upkeep of the gym vary by location. For most people, an LA Fitness membership is worth it, but it depends largely on the quality of the home club.
In terms of cost, LA Fitness memberships are fairly standard across the US, with a Multi Club membership costing $34.99/month plus taxes plus a $49 initiation fee and a $49 annual fee. The Single Club membership is a six-month plan and also costs $34.99/month plus taxes, but there is no initiation fee, and you still have to pay the $49 annual fee.
LA Fitness has a good range of gym equipment, including cardio and resistance machines from some of the top fitness equipment suppliers, dumbbells, preloaded EZ curl bars, and barbells. The gym also has lifting platforms, basketball courts, racquetball courts, and an indoor lap pool, and some locations have hot tubs and saunas.
LA Fitness offers group classes, including Zumba, Pilates, kickboxing, cycling, and yoga, and some locations have a cardio cinema room. LA Fitness also has a women's-only area, childcare services, and a juice bar called the NrGize Lifestyle Cafe.
Overall, LA Fitness is a good gym for those on a budget who want access to a variety of equipment and amenities. However, cleanliness and upkeep can vary by location, and it may not be the best option for those looking for a more modern and upscale gym. It is recommended to visit a location before committing to a membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average wait time for equipment during peak hours?
During peak hours, the average wait times for gym equipment availability at LA Fitness varies by location. The availability of equipment and cleanliness may also differ, making it important to check with specific locations before joining.
Does LA Fitness offer nutrition counseling or meal plans?
LA Fitness offers nutrition counseling and meal plans for an additional cost. However, the quality and expertise of their staff may vary by location. It is recommended to research and compare alternatives before committing to a program.
Are there any group classes that require additional payment?
Some LA Fitness group classes may require additional payment, depending on the location. When considering pricing comparison, it is important to note that the qualifications of instructors can vary and may impact the value of the class.
Are there any age restrictions for using the indoor lap pool?
Age restrictions for lap pool usage vary by location and may require adult supervision for younger swimmers. Swimming lessons and lifeguard availability may also vary and should be confirmed with specific LA Fitness locations.
Are there any locations that offer outdoor workout areas or classes?
Some LA Fitness locations offer outdoor workout options, such as basketball and racquetball courts. Fitness alternatives like Gold's Gym, Anytime Fitness, and Snap Fitness may also have outdoor or alternative workout options available.
