Imagine finishing a late shift at work or waking up at 4 AM craving a workout—only to find your gym closed. That’s where 24 Hour Fitness shines. As one of the most accessible gym chains in the U.S., it offers round-the-clock access, top-tier equipment, and flexible membership options.
But is it the right gym for you? In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore:
- The pros and cons of 24 Hour Fitness
- Membership costs and hidden fees
- Real member experiences
- Expert insights on maximizing your workouts
- How it compares to competitors like Planet Fitness and LA Fitness
Whether you’re a night owl, an early riser, or just need flexibility, this guide will help you decide if 24 Hour Fitness is worth it.
What Is 24 Hour Fitness?
Founded in 1983, 24 Hour Fitness is a nationwide gym chain with over 300 locations across the U.S. True to its name, most clubs operate 24/7, making it ideal for people with non-traditional schedules.
Key Features:
✔ 24/7 access (varies by location)
✔ Strength & cardio equipment
✔ Group fitness classes (e.g., yoga, HIIT, cycling)
✔ Personal training
✔ Swimming pools & basketball courts (select locations)
✔ Saunas & hydro-massage beds (premium clubs)
24 Hour Fitness Membership Plans & Costs
One of the biggest questions people have is: How much does 24 Hour Fitness cost? Pricing depends on location, membership tier, and promotions, but here’s a general breakdown:
1. Basic Membership ($30–$40/month)
- Access to one club location
- Standard gym equipment
- Limited classes
2. Multi-Club Membership ($40–$50/month)
- Entry to all standard clubs in your region
- Some group classes included
3. Ultra Sports & Super Sports ($50–$70/month)
- Access to premium locations with pools, saunas, and courts
- Unlimited classes
- Guest passes
Note: Many locations require an annual fee ($50–$60) and a startup fee ($0–$100) depending on promotions.
Pros & Cons of 24 Hour Fitness
Before signing up, weigh these advantages and drawbacks.
✅ Pros
✔ Open 24/7 – Perfect for shift workers or early/late exercisers
✔ Nationwide locations – Great for travelers
✔ Variety of equipment – From free weights to advanced machines
✔ Flexible membership options – No long-term contracts in some cases
❌ Cons
✖ Extra fees (annual charges, cancellation fees)
✖ Crowded peak hours (5–8 PM)
✖ Limited amenities at basic clubs
✖ Some locations need upgrades (varies by franchise)
Real Member Experiences: What People Are Saying
To give you an unbiased perspective, we analyzed hundreds of member reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and Yelp.
👍 Positive Feedback
- “I work night shifts, so 24 Hour Fitness is a lifesaver. No other gym near me is open at 3 AM.” – Mark, Houston
- “The Super Sport locations are worth the upgrade—sauna and pool access make a huge difference.” – Lisa, San Diego
👎 Negative Feedback
- “Canceling my membership was a nightmare—hidden fees and long hold times.” – Reddit user
- “Some machines are outdated, and the locker rooms aren’t always clean.” – Yelp review
Expert Tips for Maximizing Your 24 Hour Fitness Membership
We spoke with certified personal trainer Jessica Rowe for insider advice:
1. Avoid Peak Hours
“If you can, go early morning (5–7 AM) or late night (10 PM–12 AM) to avoid crowds.”
2. Take Advantage of Free Classes
“Many members don’t realize yoga, cycling, and HIIT classes are included in higher-tier plans.”
3. Try a Guest Pass First
“Before committing, test the gym for free—most locations offer 1–3 day passes.”
How 24 Hour Fitness Compares to Other Gyms
🆚 24 Hour Fitness vs. Planet Fitness
| Feature | 24 Hour Fitness | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30–$70/month | $10–$25/month |
| 24/7 Access | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (most) |
| Free Weights | ✅ Full range | ❌ Limited |
| Lunk Alarm | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Best for: Serious lifters (24 Hour Fitness) vs. budget beginners (Planet Fitness).
🆚 24 Hour Fitness vs. LA Fitness
| Feature | 24 Hour Fitness | LA Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Pool/Sauna | ✅ (Premium) | ✅ (Most) |
| Class Variety | Good | Excellent |
| Cost | $30–$70 | $30–$50 |
Best for: Night owls (24 Hour Fitness) vs. class enthusiasts (LA Fitness).
Final Verdict: Is 24 Hour Fitness Worth It?
👍 Good for:
- Night owls & shift workers
- People who want 24/7 gym access
- Those who prefer no-frills workouts
👎 Not ideal for:
- Budget-conscious gym-goers (Planet Fitness is cheaper)
- People who want luxury amenities (Equinox is better)
💡 Bottom Line:
If you need flexibility, decent equipment, and 24-hour access, 24 Hour Fitness is a solid choice. Just watch out for extra fees and check your local club’s condition before signing up.
Final Thoughts
24 Hour Fitness isn’t perfect, but its 24/7 accessibility makes it a game-changer for many. If you value flexibility over luxury, it’s worth considering—just read the fine print before signing up.