The fitness center industry has gone through a major overhaul of sorts lately, with the competition becoming more and more fierce, many of the established fitness center chains have had to make some adjustments to their membership models in order to maintain their large market share.
Most people would recognize the most popular fitness centers if asked and that is probably because of increased advertising that you can see on TV and hear on the radio. Gold’s Gym is by far the most recognizable of all the workout centers and that includes the gym facility that started all at Venice Beach, California. However, there are so many other options these days and they are looking to put a lot of pressure on the established gyms like Gold’s Gym.
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There are many reasons why places like Gold’s Gym and Planet Fitness have such a stranglehold on the fitness center market and it has a lot to do with brand recognition and amenities that that offer at all of their fitness center locations.
However, with that said, not all gyms and fitness centers are equal and what is great for one person, may not be suitable for someone else. This is what gives the smaller, more local fitness centers an opportunity to get new members to walk in through the door. It is very important that you do your research and checkout all of your options before you decide which one you want to spend your money on.
Top 6 Lower Cost Fitness Centers
#1 Planet Fitness –
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Planet Fitness is the top choice for lower cost fitness centers. There are 500 locations all across the US and that means there is probably one near you. They offer a wide range of equipment including tons of cardio machines and plenty of free weights. At $10 per month, it is the best value of all the options on our list.
#2 YMCA –
The Y (as it is referred to these days) is one of the most widely recognized places for working out. With more than 10,000 locations nationwide, there is likely one in most every large or medium sized cities. The monthly cost will depend on the location, but the price range is $10-$95 per month.
#3 Bally’s Total Fitness –
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Bally’s was one of the largest and most recognizable of all fitness centers. That was ancient history, it is no longer the same business as it once was. Now they have a limited number of locations with only 60 fitness centers throughout the country. You would need to research your area to see if there is one near you. The monthly membership starts at $29 per month with other membership options available.
#4 Snap Fitness –
Snap Fitness is a unique place to workout in that it has mostly just cardio machines; treadmills and eliptical machines. They have one advantage in that there are no contracts and you pay as you go. The cost is $35 to $50 per month.
#5 Curves (Women’s Only) –
Curves is small, limited amenities fitness center that caters to women only. There are more than 3000 locations all over the US and are located in many of small to large cities. The membership is a bit on the higher end and range between $35 to $50 per month.
#6 Gold’s Gym –
Gold’s Gym’s are undisputed leader in the fitness world, they have most established reputation for the most knowledgeable training staff. One thing to take into consideration is that they focus mainly on heavy weightlifting, bodybuilding. Membership costs range from $45-$60 per month, but they do offer $9.99 monthly memberships at their Gold’s Gym Express locations.
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