Anytime Fitness is a classic gym chain, and the design and amenities are commendable. However, it is more expensive than most competitors, such as Planet Fitness.
Typically, Anytime Fitness is averagely priced, going for approximately $41 per month in the USA. At the cost, you will get access to all the Anytime Fitness studios across the world, in addition to a range of gym equipment and classes.
How Much Does Anytime Fitness Cost?
The cost of a subscription at ATF varies depending on the studio location, administration, type of membership, and discount options. For example, there are student and military discounts, which could get you as much as a 15% discount on the overall cost. Also, Anytime Fitness costs approximately $53 in Canada, while the average rating is $41 in the US.
Also, some US studios charge as low as $33, while others charge as high as $50 per month.
Moreover, different packages cost differently. For example, the personal training membership is more expensive than the typical membership at the club.
Why is Anytime Fitness So Expensive?
Anytime Fitness is priced based on various factors, including the expenses associated with running a gym, the amenities and services provided to members, and the franchise model of the business.
However, Anytime Fitness is pricey. Some of the reasons why they are pricey are listed below:
1. 24/7 Access:
Anytime Fitness gyms are open 24/7, which can be an excellent convenience for members. However, it also means the gym must pay for utilities around the clock.
2. Workout equipment:
Anytime Fitness is known for its premium quality equipment. The cost of equipment is reflected in the price of membership. Anytime Fitness must invest in maintaining and upgrading equipment to ensure members have access to the latest and best equipment. For example:
- Treadmills
- Ellipticals
- Exercise cycles
- Adaptive motion trainers
- Lateral trainers
- Stair climbers
- Rowing machines
- Free weights
- Power racks
- 360 training systems
3. Any member access to any location:
Anytime Fitness members can access the franchise’s 4,000+ locations worldwide. Members can work out anywhere, making it convenient for those who travel frequently or have multiple residences. The ability to access any location comes at a higher cost than a gym that only allows access to one location.
4. Classes:
Anytime Fitness offers you, various classes, such as,
- Spinning classes
- Zumba classes
- Cardio classes
- Body conditioning classes
- Yoga classes
5. Personal and group training:
Anytime Fitness offers personal and group training options for different preferences and fitness goals.
- Personal training involves one-on-one sessions with a certified trainer who will create a customized workout plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. The trainer will guide you through each exercise, provide feedback on your form, and offer motivation and support throughout your fitness journey.
- Group training involves working out with a small group of people led by a certified trainer. Group training sessions can vary in focus and intensity, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to strength training. The trainer will guide you through each exercise and provide modifications to accommodate different fitness levels.
6. Independently owned:
Anytime Fitness operates on a franchise model, meaning each gym is independently owned and operated. This allows owners to establish policies and pricing that fit the specific needs of their gym and community. While Anytime Fitness has some overarching rules to maintain competitiveness, such as a limit on how much owners can charge, gym owners have the freedom to set their prices. As a result, prices may vary significantly between different Anytime Fitness locations.
7. Lockers and showers:
Anytime Fitness offers lockers and shower facilities to members. The cost of providing lockers and showers, as well as maintaining and cleaning them, is reflected in the price of membership.
8. Tanning and hydromassage beds:
Anytime Fitness offers tanning and hydromassage beds to members. These amenities are not available at all gym chains and come at an additional cost to the gym, which is reflected in the membership price.
9. No contracts:
Anytime Fitness does not require members to sign a long-term contract. While this benefits members who are hesitant to commit to a long-term membership, it also means that Anytime Fitness must rely on month-to-month memberships to maintain revenue. Offering month-to-month memberships means that Anytime Fitness must charge more per month to cover the cost of operating the gym.
10. Beauty bar:
Anytime Fitness also offers a beauty bar to members. The beauty bar provides access to hair dryers, flat irons, and other grooming tools. The cost of providing these amenities is reflected in the price of membership.
11. Clean facility:
Anytime Fitness prides itself on maintaining a clean and well-maintained facility. Every two hours, the gym equipment is cleaned, and every hour, the bathrooms are cleaned. The cost of cleaning and maintaining the gym is reflected in the membership price.
12. Family memberships:
Anytime Fitness offers family memberships. Family membership allows multiple people to use the gym under one membership, which can be a cost-effective option for families with multiple members who want to work out. However, family memberships are generally more expensive than individual memberships because they allow more people to use the gym under one membership.
13. Free trials:
Anytime Fitness offers free trials for 7 days to potential members. Before joining, these trials allow potential members to test the gym’s facilities and equipment. Free trials come at a cost to the gym, as members must be supervised during their trial period, and the gym must provide equipment and facilities for their use.
14. Other Convenience and Services
Convenience
- 24-hour security
- Convenient parking
- Private restrooms
- Wi-fi
- Cardio TVs
- TVs + HDTVs
Services
- Free fitness consultations
- Body composition scanning
- Health plan discounts
- Wellness programs
- AF App with personalized workouts, community board, and scheduling.
[Note that: *Amenities can vary based on location. * Access to all locations activates 30 days after initial sign-up. *Wi-fi is not available at all locations; see your local gym for more information.]
So, in summary, the convenience, amenities, services, business model, and operational costs of Anytime Fitness are substantial. The membership fees, while expensive, are aimed at covering these costs and ensuring Anytime Fitness remains profitable while also providing value to members. The fees may be higher than other gyms, but for many, the benefits of an Anytime Fitness membership are worth the investment.
Is Anytime Fitness Worth It?
Well, I feel that Anytime Fitness is worth the cost, though the subject is entirely subjective. My reasons are as follows;
Essentially, a membership at one studio offers you access to all Anytime Fitness studios, which, luckily, are available across the globe. Interestingly, signing up for membership in your home place could save you struggles in other places, especially if you are a traveler. There are places, such as Japan, where the Anytime Fitness studios will only allow people with Japanese credit cards to register, which you definitely wouldn’t have as a visitor.
However, you will escape this challenge if you already have a gym membership. Your membership key fob will help you access the studio as long as it is older than 30 days.
On top of that, you will access the studio at any time of the day. Of course, the studios are only staffed during the day, hence the best option for group activities and personal training. However, you will have access to all the gym equipment, accessories, and amenities any time you visit.
While Anytime Fitness studios vary by location and management, they are all basically neat. The equipment looks new and clean, which motivates you to exercise in the gyms.
Also, the franchise features shower rooms and locker rooms in most studios. The locker rooms are large enough to allow for changing and are always dry. After all, they are situated away from the shower rooms. As for the shower rooms, you will always find them large, clean, and attractive. In addition, they are private, which is an additional point to the franchise.
Some Anytime Fitness studios also feature tanning beds and hydromassage beds, while most already include a beauty bar. The tanning beds are additional amenities, while the beauty bar allows you to make yourself up after a shower. You will love that you can go home smelling fresh, commute after the gym, or even head straight to work after a class.
Usually, the gyms incorporate strength training equipment and cardio equipment in the studios. Some of the strength training equipment you can always count on are free weights such as dumbbells and kettlebells, benches, and cable machines, among others. In addition, there are treadmills, rowers, bikes, and staircases, which facilitate cardio training.
Over and above that, Anytime Fitness has group classes, which most cheap gyms will not offer. These include yoga, Zumba, boot camps, and Pilates.
After all, Orangetheory has a 7-day guest pass, which you can use to try out the studio. During the 7 days, you can venture into the different classes, amenities, and equipment offered to decide whether it is truly worth your investment.
Anytime Fitness Cons for the Price
Nonetheless, there are features you get in Anytime Fitness that make you question the worth of the pricing cost. Let’s look into them in detail;
Primarily, Anytime centers are not impressively large. Therefore, they end up crowded, especially during peak exercise hours.
Moreover, there are neither pools, spas, or aquatic activities at any time, despite stiff competition from gyms that offer these amenities.
Lastly, the gym is expensive to join, with at least twice the cost of a single membership just for registration. As though that is not enough, you have to commit to the club, with most studio packages ranging from 6 months upwards.
Do I Get a Key Fob with Any Membership at Anytime Fitness?
Yes, you do. Every member at Anytime Fitness gets a key fob, regardless of the membership plan. The key fob allows you to access the studio anywhere and at any time since tailgating is not allowed.
Related: Can I Use My Anytime Fitness Membership At Any Location?
Should I Join Anytime Fitness?
You should join Anytime Fitness if it will be convenient for you in the following ways;
- You constantly travel, hence looking for a gym chain that is most likely available in most places you may visit
- You are looking for group classes that will motivate your exercise routine and commitment
- you are into fairly new equipment
- If you love clean and dry locker rooms without swimmers wiping themselves and placing wet apparel on the benches
- It is close to you, and you don’t have to commute to get to the studio.
However, you should not join Anytime Fitness if:
- You simply want a primary exercise gym; there are cheaper options with the same equipment and training
- You have a child and would use a childcare station or want extra amenities such as a basketball court, a swimming pool, and a spa.
- You feel it is not worth your money after the 7-day trial at the studio.
Conclusion
So, why is Anytime Fitness so expensive? First, the franchise is among the most widespread gym chains, with over 4000 studios globally and over the US. On top of that, you can always access one at any time of the day. Therefore, the gym has the convenience of place and time, which overrules most other factors.