LA Fitness 2026: Membership Costs & Reviews
Key Takeaways on LA Fitness
- LA Fitness gives you access to hundreds of clubs with solid equipment, pools at many spots, and free group classes – great if you want variety without breaking the bank.
- Expect to pay $30–$50 a month for multi-club access, plus a $59 annual fee and sometimes $0–$99 initiation (often waived during deals).
- Cancellation can be tricky due to the ongoing FTC lawsuit from 2025 – always document your steps and avoid surprises.
- Users love the amenities like courts and classes, but some complain about cleanliness, staff, and extra fees.
- It’s a strong middle-ground option compared to super-cheap Planet Fitness or pricier premium gyms.
What Is LA Fitness?
Picture this: You want a gym that’s reliable, has plenty of space, and doesn’t feel too intimidating. That’s LA Fitness in a nutshell. Started back in 1984 in Southern California, the chain now runs over 700 clubs across more than 27 states and even into Canada. They also operate under names like Esporta Fitness and City Sports Club.
The whole idea is simple – make fitness accessible for everyday people. Whether you’re lifting weights, jumping on a treadmill, or trying a yoga class, they aim to help with both your body and your mood. In 2026, things stay steady with ongoing expansions (they add 30–50 new clubs most years) and adjusted holiday hours, like shorter times on New Year’s Day.
One member I heard about switched after moving cities a few times. The nationwide access meant no need to cancel and restart – just show up at a new spot. That’s the kind of convenience that keeps people coming back.
Current Membership Costs 2026
Money talk can feel overwhelming, but let’s break it down plainly. Most people pay between $30 and $50 per month for multi-club access, which lets you use any LA Fitness location. Add in the $59 annual fee (billed once a year for upkeep) and maybe an initiation fee of $0–$99 – though promos often drop that to zero, especially around January.
First-year total? Usually $450–$600 after fees and taxes. Family add-ons run $10–$20 extra per person monthly. Prices shift a bit by area – busier cities might cost more – and deals pop up for students, seniors, or corporate folks.
Quick tips to save:
- Grab a free 3-day pass online to test it first.
- Ask about current specials when you visit – initiation waivers happen often.
- Check your ZIP code on their site for exact local rates.
It’s not the cheapest out there, but for the amenities you get, many find it worth the spend.
Key Amenities & Group Classes
One big reason people stick with LA Fitness? The stuff inside. You get cardio machines, free weights, strength equipment, and often extras like indoor pools (heated for lap swimming or aqua classes), basketball courts, racquetball, and saunas.
Group classes come free with your membership – think yoga, Zumba, Pilates, cycling, and aqua aerobics. Schedules vary by club, but they’re a nice way to mix things up. Some spots even have functional training areas for body-movement workouts.
Not every club has everything (pools are common but not universal), so use the club finder to check your local one. Imagine showing up for a low-impact aqua session after a long day – it’s relaxing and effective.
Compared to basic gyms, this variety stands out. Free classes keep motivation high, especially if solo workouts get boring.
Finding Locations & Accessibility
Need a gym on the go? The club locator on lafitness.com makes it easy – search by ZIP and see options nearby. Coverage is strong in places like California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and New York.
Hours are usually 5AM–11PM weekdays and shorter on weekends, with holiday tweaks (like 8AM–5PM on New Year’s). Urban spots can get crowded, but the app helps spot quieter times.
Post-COVID, cleaning got better overall, though some reviews still mention slip-ups. Tip: Go off-peak and bring your own towel for peace of mind.
Pros, Cons & 2026 User Reviews
Let’s be real – no gym is perfect. Pros: Tons of equipment, nationwide access, and classes that make working out fun. Many Yelp reviews give 3–4 stars for facilities.
On the flip side, complaints include dirty areas, broken gear, rude staff, and billing headaches. Reviews on Trustpilot hover low (around 1.6/5), and employee feedback on Indeed (about 3.1/5) points to overwork affecting service.
The big one in 2025–2026? The FTC lawsuit against LA Fitness operators. They claim the cancellation process is “exceedingly difficult,” leading to unwanted charges for tens of thousands. The company says the claims lack merit and they’re fighting it, but it highlights a common frustration. Recent chatter shows mixed feelings – some love the value, others say steer clear of fees.
How to Join, Cancel & Guest Policy
Joining is straightforward: Print a free guest pass online, visit a club, do a quick fitness check, pick your plan, and set up payments. They often have trials to try before buying. Cancellation? This is where it gets tricky because of the lawsuit. Options include in-person, certified mail, or sometimes online (but it’s not always smooth). Document everything – take photos, keep records – and avoid relying on verbal promises.
Guest policy: Most plans allow one guest per visit (they must come with you and sign in). Some higher tiers include it free; others charge. No endless repeats in some spots, and ID is required. Great for bringing a friend occasionally.
Steps to cancel safely:
- Check your agreement for exact rules.
- Go in person if possible, or send certified mail.
- Follow up in writing and keep proof.
- Dispute any wrong charges right away.
LA Fitness vs. Competitors
How does it compare? Planet Fitness is cheaper (around $10/month) with basic gear, no pools or courts – perfect if you want simple and low-cost. LA Fitness gives more features like classes and amenities, but at a higher price.
Vs. 24 Hour Fitness: Similar costs and options, but LA has more locations overall. Premium spots like Life Time cost way more for luxury vibes.
Many choose LA for the balance – not too basic, not too fancy. If you need pools or group energy, it’s a solid pick.
Tips to Get the Most from LA Fitness
Want real results? Start small. Try the free pass first. Use the app for check-ins and class bookings. Mix weights and cardio 4 times a week.
To fix common headaches: Report broken stuff quickly, go during quieter hours, and double-check bills monthly.
6 simple ways to win:
- Book classes early for motivation.
- Invite a guest to keep things fun.
- Negotiate fees at signup.
- Track progress with the app.
- Give feedback to improve your club.
- Stick to a routine for steady gains.
Add yoga or Pilates for stress relief – it’s more than just physical.
Conclusion on LA Fitness
LA Fitness in 2026 remains a solid middle-ground gym option. With nationwide access, pools, courts, and free classes, it’s ideal for those seeking variety and convenience. Memberships run $30–$50/month plus fees, so check for promotions and free passes before joining. Always document cancellations carefully due to ongoing FTC issues. Compared to Planet Fitness or premium gyms, LA Fitness offers a balance of features and value. Start with a free pass, explore classes, and see how it fits your fitness goals—2026 is a great year to get moving!
