Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Public facilities are almost always less costly than private gyms, some are even free but you don't get nearly the same accessibility to equipment or amenities offered at private gyms. Also because they are open to all, you can get a rough crowd of people with varying degrees of gym etiquette. YMCA's are often a good mid-point between a public facility and a private gym as they are cheaper than most private gyms but are usually well equipped and they have a diverse client base from the community.
In my area, I think commercial gyms are cheaper. If you just want a basic gym with equipment, you can go to Planet Fitness, and for more amenities, LA Fitness is new and has a pool and spa area. If you want some included fitness classes, LA fitness is still cheaper than the community gym with the class membership. The Y is more expensive than all of these options, including the community gym. The community gym does not have a pool, so if you are looking for water-based classes, you would need to go to LA Fitness or the Y.
I don't usually think about Planet Fitness because they are so barebones. We have some, but I've been told that the ones around the city are often packed and overburdened because of their affordability. They also tend to attract an amateur/weekend warrior fitness crowd that's not pleasant to share a gym with.
I don't usually think about Planet Fitness because they are so barebones. We have some, but I've been told that the ones around the city are often packed and overburdened because of their affordability. They also tend to attract an amateur/weekend warrior fitness crowd that's not pleasant to share a gym with.
I think the burden depends on what is available in the area too. I go to Life Time, which is high end. My primary club is a mid-range of what they offer and has gotten a bit less crowded once the luxury branch opened. I occasionally go to another club where you can have a single club membership and that one is apparently the 2nd most crowded in the chain. It as gotten better now that is warm out, but in winter you have to sign up for classes almost immediately after they open for registration. Even with my main club, you can forget about being able to do weights after 10am on the weekend- it gets so packed. In the past it used to be packed after 6 or so as well. Ironically, I’ve heard that the new fancy club has smaller studios and the classes get booked quickly, so I am not sure what the benefit of that club even is.
I think the burden depends on what is available in the area too. I go to Life Time, which is high end. My primary club is a mid-range of what they offer and has gotten a bit less crowded once the luxury branch opened. I occasionally go to another club where you can have a single club membership and that one is apparently the 2nd most crowded in the chain. It as gotten better now that is warm out, but in winter you have to sign up for classes almost immediately after they open for registration. Even with my main club, you can forget about being able to do weights after 10am on the weekend- it gets so packed. In the past it used to be packed after 6 or so as well. Ironically, I’ve heard that the new fancy club has smaller studios and the classes get booked quickly, so I am not sure what the benefit of that club even is.
You're right. I'm at the point where I would rather pay for a premium club where I can do what I need at most times of day without dealing with hoards of inconsiderate people who use the gym as if it's their private gym in their own home with no etiquette, or one that attracts too many college-age or younger people. I understand many people can't do that. Boston doesn't have a lot of options and the market for gym memberships is huge.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
