Recently, I’ve been shopping around for a new gym membership. I’ve contemplated joining either L.A. Fitness or 24-Hour Fitness, both of which I had previously been a member of. I decided to sum up the pros and cons of both clubs to make my decision. Maybe my findings can help make your decision on which fitness club to join a little easier.
Locations
When it comes to numbers, 24-Hour Fitness wins by a landslide with more than 400 fitness clubs in 18 different states. With 300 clubs and growing, L.A. Fitness isn’t too far behind. If you haven’t noticed, L.A. Fitness facilities are conveniently located in areas where the building is visible from the freeway. This makes for instant advertising.
Cost
A membership at either club requires a one-time initiation fee, which often differs depending on the promotions that are going on. L.A. Fitness charges an astronomical initiation fee of $99, while 24-Hour Fitness, offered me a deal where they cut the $50 initiation fee in half. In addition to the initiation fee, both clubs require that you pay first and last month’s membership dues up front. I found that L.A. Fitness put more pressure on closing the deal, making me more hesitant in going forward. Both clubs charge a little under $30 for a monthly membership.
Facility
The Corona L.A. Fitness location has been there for quite a few years now, and to my disappointment, the weightlifting equipment has never been updated. They’re still using the same old machines that they started out with. I remember vividly how many of the machines were often broken. 24-Hour Fitness in Corona has updated their entire club. The machines are new, the club lay-out is new and although the club has been there for numerous years, it feels brand new. Both clubs have a basketball court, aerobics’ room, pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi. La Fitness also has racquetball courts while 24-Hour Fitness has a separate spinning room.
Check-In
24-Hour Fitness is one step ahead of the game. Similar to L.A. Fitness, they used to scan a small key-chain tag to check your membership before entering. Now, they’ve eliminated this system and use a fingerprint-ID system. You just put in your phone number, scan your finger, and you’re good to go. This eliminates having to look for your keys or going through a tedious process when you forget your keys. The locker room in the facility is also ideal. You don’t have to bring a lock with you, because they offer programmable lockers that open and close with a code you create on the spot.
Classes
When it comes to the classes, both facilities offer spinning, yoga, Zumba, step, Pilates, water aerobics and strength training. The classes are taught by knowledgeable instructors, and after taking most of the classes, I’d rate them equally good.
Conclusion
Regardless whether you join L.A. Fitness or 24-Hour Fitness, you can get a good workout at both clubs. Personally, I find 24-Hour Fitness better, because it’s very current when it comes to technology and I have yet to find a machine or apparatus that’s broken. I also find that 24-Hour Fitness more frequently has promotions when it comes to their fees and dues.
References
24-Hour Fitness
L.A. Fitness
