24-Hour Fitness vs. Crunch Fitness vs. Lifetime Holiday Hours 2023

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24-Hour Fitness Overview

24-Hour Fitness is the second-largest gym in the United States that has been struggling and has closed several locations in recent years. They offer excellent memberships at GoodLife Fitness and Energie Cardio gyms in Canada.

They provide excellent visitor facilities like group classes, personal trainers, decent amenities, and high-quality weightlifting equipment. People of all fitness levels will find it appealing, especially since it offers 24-hour access to the gym.

A few 24-Hour Fitness locations aren’t known for being clean and can get crowded there. But if you have one near you that’s well-maintained, and you want the ability to work out whenever you want.

Pros

• High-quality barbells and bumper plates from Rogue and Eleiko.
• Members of 24 Hour Fitness can also visit GoodLife Fitness and Energie Cardio locations in Canada.
• There are short-term memberships available.
• Skilled, high-quality personal instructors
• Sports courts, juice bars, pools, and saunas are among the many amenities available.

Cons

• Some locations are unclean.
• See what it’s like to exercise at 24-Hour Fitness.

Crunch Fitness

Like the other gyms, Crunch Fitness varies by location. However, Crunch Fitness has earned itself a good reputation for having many fun, practical group workout classes. For example, Crunch Fitness on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles offers more than 20 classes in any given week.

Whether you’re into yoga, high-intensity interval training, TRX training, or pilates, and have enormous options for a class to suit you. If you don’t want to participate in group classes, you can work out on your own with cardio equipment, free weights, and exercise machines. Crunch Fitness offers three monthly membership options ranging from $85 to $140 for access to specific or all 345 Crunch clubs across the United States.

Crunch Fitness was founded in 1989 to maintain a no-judgment zone. Crunch Fitness has a franchise, signature, and select clubs. Crunch fitness usually finds workout equipment, group classes, and a small selection of amenities like smoothie bars or massage chairs. The signature and elite clubs have pools, basketball courts, towel services, and a more extensive assortment of classes.

More than 300 Crunch Fitness locations exist in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Most have affordable membership plans, so they’re a good fit for anyone.

Pros

• Different membership options avail according to your Budget.
• Fun and practical classes and strength training
• You can get an extensive and diverse selection if you install ap and sign-up available via its app.
• The top section of free weights compared to other convenience gyms
• Save monthly by signing a contract

Cons

• Saunas, steam rooms, and pools aren’t available
• Location and ownership affect membership fees
• Requires an enrollment and annual fee

Life Time Fitness Overview

The Life Time Fitness facility is more than just a gym. It has cafes, shops, kids’ programs, indoor and outdoor pools, Spas, and sports leagues. There are also parties, family events, and competitions throughout the year.

In addition to all of that, LifeTime Fitness offers luxury amenities, including whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms. The bathrooms have extra security looks, are fully furnished like upscale toiletries, and are finished with marble and bamboo.

Not everyone can afford the budget of this gym. In case you can afford one, it’s worth a look. You can also find a flexible membership plan at LifeTime Fitness if you’re a young professional or student.

Pros

• you can be involved in a community such as Social events, competitions, and sports leagues
• you can access short-term options for students
• You can access a large number of upscale amenities
• There is an Excellent selection of group classes
• High-quality strength and cardio equipment

Cons

• Expensive memberships
• Rude staff at some locations
• No chalk allowed

24 Hours Fitness Vs. Crunch Fitness Vs. Lifetime Holiday Hours Difference 2023

Here are some differences that will help you to join the best gym for your plan.

1. Cost

Many people are deterred from joining a gym because of the cost. Gym memberships start from $20 or less per month, costing a couple of hundred dollars. And on top of the monthly dues, you often have to pay taxes, enrollment fees, and annual fees.

So, you must consider all your fees before joining a gym.

24-Hour Fitness

24-Hour Fitness starts a membership program from $35/month, depending on where you live. You’ll pay anywhere from $41.67 – $56.99 per month if you want national or regional club access. Paying for a year or two at a time could save you money.

This is an affordable and triple-digit gym membership with 24 Hour Fitness. Several pricing plans are available, but you should be able to find one that fits your budget.

Crunch Fitness

The cost of a Crunch Fitness membership varies from place to place, but it usually starts around $12.99/month, with fees ranging from $25 to $75 based on your membership type. Higher-level plans with a yearly cost of $42.99 can cost as little as $24.99 or $29.99 per month.

Membership fees at a signature or select club can range from $39.99 to $59.99 per month. Crunch Fitness has enrollment fees as well. Crunch’s website offers one-day free trial passes.

Life Time Fitness

Lifetime fitness fees vary depending on location and can range from $99/month plus taxes to $249/month plus taxes. The costs are also determined by your site, whether you want multi-club access, whether you want to take group classes and quick access to childcare booking.

Life Time Fitness also has digital-only memberships available for $15 per month. Life Time Fitness charges $170 or more in joining fees, but these are frequently reduced in price or waived at various points throughout the year.

2. Contract Length

Gym contracts usually come in monthly and annual forms. In cases where you’re moving nearby or if you’ll only be staying for a short time, a month-to-month plan may be a suitable option for you. An annual plan is better if you wait for a long time in one place and keep up with your gym routine for the long term.

24-Hour Fitness

24-Hour Fitness has a lot more variety in its membership options. They offer month-to-month contracts and one-year and two-year contracts. It is also possible to sign short-term contracts for a week, a month, or a year.

Crunch Fitness

Crunch Fitness contracts vary in length depending on the location and type of plan purchased. Annual and month-to-month memberships are available at some gyms. It’s a draw. The basic plan is month-to-month, whereas higher-tiered programs require yearly commitments. Many gyms offer month-to-month memberships, but others require one- or two-year commitments.

LifeTime Fitness

All of LifeTime Fitness’s memberships require month-to-month contracts.

3. Equipment

Before choosing a gym, it is also essential to consider its equipment. Some gyms cater to a healthy crowd and don’t have bumper plates for powerlifting, weightlifting, or bodybuilding. Other gyms have a better mix of free weights, cardio, and strength machines. Before signing up for the specific gym, you must know your primary goal.

24-Hour Fitness

24-Hour Fitness has plenty of treadmills, bikes, step climbers, ellipticals, and rowers, but it is not significant as a lifetime gym. It has leg press machines, squat hack stations, cable machines, and other resistance machines for every body part.

It also has high-quality barbells, bumper plates from Rogue and Eleiko, and a large assortment of dumbbells, prefixed barbells, and many more. You can find squat racks and deadlift platforms at most 24 Hour Fitness locations.

24-Hour Fitness also has functional fitness areas with sleds, tires, battle ropes, TRX bands, Bosu balls, medicine balls, and plyo boxes. It also has a large selection of cardio and strength machines, free weights, and functional training equipment.

Crunch Fitness

Crunch Fitness is widely recognized for having a large selection of high-quality equipment. Treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, Concept 2 rowers, and step climbers are available. It also has unusual equipment, such as a StairmasterHIIT machine and a treadmill equipped with farmer’s carry arms.

TRX bands, kettlebells, Bosu balls, medicine balls, agility ladders, hex dumbbells, punching bags, and battle ropes are available in Crunch’s functional fitness area. Squat racks and deadlift platforms are also available, with most clubs having at least five or six each.

Before you join a gym, you should inspect the equipment. Crunch Fitness is the winner because of its superior selection of strength equipment and functional training equipment.

Life Time Fitness

Life Time Fitness has over 100,000 square feet of space. Numerous treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals, step climbers, and rowers exist. There are also a plethora of strength machines organized by muscle groups.

You’ll find flat and incline benches, dumbbells, prefixed barbells, Olympic bumper plates, and EZ curl bars in the free weights area. There are also several squat racks and deadlift platforms, with landmine attachments and matadors on each squat rack. Turf or other designated areas with unique equipment, such as battle ropes, kettlebells, medicine balls, and sleds, are also available at some locations.

4. Atmosphere

A gym’s atmosphere can determine your success in reaching your goals. If you find one that suits your personality and training preferences, you’ll be more likely to enjoy your workouts.

24-Hour Fitness

24-Hour Fitness and LifeTime Fitness both have a similar atmosphere. But if you’re looking for a gym that your whole family can enjoy, go with Life Time. If you prefer to be in a place without many young kids running around, go with 24-Hour Fitness.

Crunch Fitness

Crunch Fitness has a positive and motivating environment. Even if you don’t feel like working out when you arrive, that will change when you step inside. Personal trainers and group instructors are also known for being upbeat and supportive.

Crunch Fitness is the better gym if you want to train in a motivating environment with an energizing, supportive atmosphere and inspiring staff members.

Life Time Fitness

Life Time Fitness caters to families and people who are more serious about their fitness due to the high cost of memberships and the fact that it offers many kids’ activities. Members are generally polite and respectful, but the staff at some locations can be rude. You shouldn’t have a problem with them if you don’t do anything egregious.

5. Gym Policies

Some gyms are more laid back than others regarding rules, so it’s better to understand what you’ll be walking into before deciding which one to join so you’re not surprised by rules you may disagree with.

24-Hour Fitness

24-Hour Fitness allows you to use chalk as long as you’re careful. Using bumper plates and a lifting platform, you can also drop weights from overhead. Guests are welcome as long as they are at least 18 years old. They’re able to the first time you bring them, but you’ll have to pay a small fee of around $20 if you get them again.

24-Hour Fitness has no strict dress code so that you can wear any workout-appropriate gym clothing. However, barefoot lifting is not allowed. If you want to cancel, you must bring a letter to your primary location or send it via certified mail.

Crunch Fitness

Crunch Fitness has some lax rules regarding dropping weights, using chalk, and lifting barefoot. Lowering weights is permitted if you need to bail on a lift, and most locations allow squats and deadlifts without shoes. Some places allow chalk, while others do not.

In some cases, rules may differ from one gym to the next based on the owners’ preferences. Before choosing a gym, read the contract thoroughly to understand the rules. Members of Crunch Fitness may bring guests as long as they are over the age of 18. You cannot transfer your membership to another person, but you can relocate your home club.

You can cancel your month-to-month membership at any time. When it comes to chalk, dropping weights, and what you can wear at the gym, Crunch Fitness is better than Planet Fitness.

Life Time Fitness

Life Time Fitness does not permit the use of chalk, but you may drop weights and lift barefoot if you prefer. It has a relaxed dress code, and you can wear whatever you want as long as it’s not too baggy, too revealing, or has embellishments that will catch on the machines.

Most membership plans allow you to bring two guests per month, but guests are not permitted to use the amenities or attend group classes. To cancel your membership, you must provide 30 days’ notice and submit a written request in person or by certified mail. There are no cancellation fees, which is a plus.

6. Group Classes

It’s also a good idea to ask about the variety of classes at the gym, so you can try something different if you’re ever looking for a new challenge.

24-Hour Fitness

Each location of 24-Hour Fitness offers different classes, but most offer Pilates, barre, Body Pump, spinning, Zumba, and strength training. However, most sites only provide a small number of classes per day.

Crunch Fitness

If you like group fitness, you’ll do better at Crunch Fitness. Crunch Fitness offers group classes throughout the day. Yoga, spinning, Pilates, Zumba, kickboxing, barre, and HIIT classes are available. There are also boot camps and strength-building classes open. Your ability to take courses for free may also depend on what kind of membership you have.

Life Time Fitness

Life Time Fitness wins due to its extensive classes each week. It has over 100 classes per week to choose from, like yoga, cycling, boxing, barre, kettlebell, and strength-based classes. It also has signature group training classes, including CrossFit-style and sprint interval training. There is also a selection of foundation classes for beginners.

7. Amenities

Many gyms offer amenities that can help make your trip to the gym more convenient, such as babysitting and smoothie bars. Some gyms also have facilities such as massage therapy and sports courts so that you can do more than just exercise. 

24-Hour Fitness

The amenities at 24-Hour Fitness aren’t as luxurious as those at LifeTime Fitness, but it does have saunas, basketball courts, racquetball courts, pools, saunas, juice bars, and pro shops. All members have access to showers and locker rooms.

Crunch Fitness

Crunch Fitness offers childcare services, tanning booths, massage chairs, and red light therapy booths to members with specific memberships. Smoothie bars are also available for all members to purchase post-workout juices or protein shakes. The Crunch locker rooms contain shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair dryers, lotion, q-tips, and mouthwash.

Crunch Fitness has showers and locker rooms, and towel services are included with your membership at some locations.

You can also find swimming pools and saunas at the signature and select clubs. Crunch Fitness has a better selection of amenities, even though you may have to pay extra, join a signature, or select a club to use them.

Life Time Fitness

It’s challenging to beat Life Time Fitness’ amenities. If you want access to upscale showers, locker rooms, saunas, and a massive selection of activities, this is the gym for you. There are indoor and outdoor pools, childcare, cafes, racquetball courts, tennis courts, rock climbing walls, and yoga studios at LifeTime Fitness. While there are no massage chairs or red light therapy, massages and other spa treatments are available at the on-site spas.

Life Time Fitness also offers childcare, but only with specific membership plans. You’ll find high-end toiletries and complimentary towel service in the showers and locker rooms.

8. Personal Training

A personal trainer can be a valuable resource for training advice, customized workouts, and rehabilitation from an injury. But personal trainers can also be nothing more than glorified salespersons with a private training certificate.

24-Hour Fitness

The Personal trainers at 24-Hour Fitness must be certified by NASM, ACE, or others. They must also have at least one year of direct client contact experience. For new members, 24-Hour Fitness does not provide free personal training sessions. Personal trainers start at $85 per hour and can go up to $97.50 per hour. There are four-session packages available. You can purchase a single package or have them auto-renew until you cancel.

Crunch Fitness

Some gyms require more credentials and experience from their trainers than others. Crunch Fitness prefers its trainers to be certified through NASM, which many consider the best personal training certification in the US. Crunch also hires trainers with degrees in kinesiology or exercise science.

In some locations, personal training sessions at Crunch are expensive, starting at $100/hour. Crunch Fitness is a great place to find a high-quality personal trainer to help you reach your goals. Working with them will cost you more, but you will get your money’s worth.

Life Time Fitness

Life Time Fitness trainers must be certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), or another certifying body. One-hour personal training sessions cost $55 to $110, depending on where you live and your trainer’s experience.

9. Hours of Operation

Choosing between two gyms often depends on which one has better operating hours. Gyms are usually open from early in the morning to late at night. Fortunately, some gyms are available 24 hours a day, so you can work out whenever possible.

24 Hour Fitness

As the name implies, 24-Hour Fitness is open 24 hours a day. There are a few locations near me in northern and only available from 5 AM until 11 PM. 24-Hour Fitness is a better choice if you can only work out during the middle of the night. But it’s worthwhile to ensure the location closest to you is open 24 hours a day since a small handful of clubs aren’t.

Crunch Fitness

It’s pointless to join a gym that isn’t open when you’re most likely to go. Each club’s hours will vary slightly, but most are open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the week and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.

However, unless you have a reason to work out at 2 or 3 a.m., you should be able to find a Crunch Fitness near you with convenient hours.

Life Time Fitness

Most Life Time Fitness locations open at 4 AM and close at midnight. Some are open 24 hours a day but are few and far between.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Life Time Fitness For?

Life Time Fitness is an excellent choice for:

• Individuals with large budgets
• Individuals who enjoy running 5ks and triathlons
• Families looking for activities for their children
• People are looking to use outdoor pools in the summer. 
• People are looking to take CrossFit-style classes.

Who Is 24-Hour Fitness For?

24-Hour Fitness is best for:

• Powerlifters and Olympic weightlifters
• People who want a gym with 24-hour access
• short-term gym membership is accessible
• People who have a tight budget for a gym membership

Who Is Crunch Fitness For?

Crunch Fitness is a good gym for

• Individuals who enjoy taking group classes
• Bodybuilders
• Powerlifters
• People who want high-intensity workouts such as CrossFit or HIIT
• Individuals who wish to work with a personal trainer
• Parents in need of childcare.

What Are the Top Best Gyms in 2023?

6 top picks gym:

1. Best Gym Membership for Travelers: 24- hours Fitness
2. Best Luxury Gym Membership: Equinox
3. Best Overall Gym Membership: LA Fitness
4. Best Value Gym Membership: Planet Fitness
5. Best Gym Membership for Beginners: Crunch
6. Best Gym Membership for Variety: LifeTime Fitness

Why Did You Choose Crunch Fitness?

The crunch fitness memberships offer a budget-friendly package with plenty of group classes. They also provide luxurious facilities to their visitors. 

Can I Lose Weight by Joining a Gym?

Regular exercise can aid in weight loss efforts, especially if you meet or exceed the weekly exercise requirement. You’ll have access to various cardio machines, free weights, weight machines, and classes at a gym, which may motivate you to do different workouts. 

Some people have the best intentions but are too busy or unmotivated to go to the gym regularly. Before joining a gym, do your homework and think about your needs and schedule, as well as your weight loss and other health goals.

How Should I Dress for the Gym?

Workout clothes should be made of lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics like spandex and polyester blends. It is up to you whether you prefer loose or tight-fitting clothing, as long as it is comfortable and allows for a full range of motion. Lightweight athletic shoes with good support are ideal for high-impact workouts.

Does Every Gym Have a 24-hour Opening Time?

Some clubs operate 24/7, while others operate during set hours, usually on weekends. Depending on your preferred time to work out may influence which gym and what specific location you choose.

Conclusion

Choosing the best gym membership depends on your budget, needs, and preferences. Most gyms generally have cardio equipment, free weights, resistance training machines, stretching areas, and locker rooms or changing rooms. Many offer group exercise classes and personal training. Higher-end features like pools, saunas, steam rooms, spas, basketball courts, and other luxurious offerings come with a price, so check the fine print before purchasing a membership. We suggest 24-Hour Fitness, which is our pick for best overall. Priced in the moderate range, the 24-Hour Fitness gym membership is more than enough for most people.