What city is most known for its healthy living more than Los Angeles, CA? But if you’re a Los Angeles resident, you know that all of the gym options can be overwhelming. Well, that’s where we come in.
To help you choose which gym to join, City Lifestyle has compiled a list of the best gyms in the LA area based on your workout preferences. So, if you’re looking to switch to CrossFit or want to upgrade to a gym with a pool, then look no further; we’ve got it covered.
24 Hour Gyms
For some people, a gym membership is only worth it if it has 24-hour access.
Whether you have an irregular work schedule or want to avoid the crowds, a gym that’s open all day every day is necessary for some Los Angeles residents. Hollywood Gym & Fitness is open 24 hours and located on Hollywood Ave. Game Time Strength is another 24-hour option praised for its clean space.
West Los Angeles
For those who live west of LA, Anytime Fitness and Bishoy’s Gym are two top-rated 24 hour gyms located near Santa Monica. Bishoy’s is described by members as an “old school gym,” while Anytime is a slightly more elevated experience with valet and state of the art equipment.
Los Angeles Area Gyms
The good thing about living in Los Angeles is that you can workout outdoors year-round, thanks to the sunny disposition.
Two LA gyms worth checking out are Equinox and Speakeasy Fitness. Speakeasy recently opened a Pasadena location that’s spacious, clean, and has sprinklers so you can quickly cool down. Like most gyms, Speakeasy Fitness offers a day pass so you can test it out for yourself.
Downtown
Another new, highly recommended gym is EVERYBODY. Located in Downtown Los Angeles, this inclusive gym is perfect for anyone who feels out of place in a typical gym. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, plus they work on a sliding scale membership, so it’s budget friendly.
And who could forget their beautiful outdoor area? Working out has never been more Instagram worthy than at EVERYBODY.
Climbing Gyms
Is rock climbing your workout of choice? Well, good for you because that’s one tough activity! Although climbing gyms are scarcer than a cardio and weightlifting gym, there are still options.
Located in the heart of downtown, The Stronghold Climbing gym is touted as having the best route setting in the Southern California area. Their super-high walls and variety of climbs are what keeps members coming back. LA Boulders and Hollywood Boulders are two other climbing gyms that are fun and challenging for climbers of all skill levels.
Boxing Gyms
Joining a boxing gym is a great idea if you’re looking for an empowering, high-intensity activity. It’s great to take boxing classes for self-defense too. Many LA residents have become avid fans of boxing, and so there are plenty of boxing gyms to choose from. We love the City of Los Angeles Boxing for first-timers because the trainers and space aren’t intimidating.
Prevail Boxing is a gym that’s more suited to intermediate or advanced boxers because you can tune out and focus on hitting the bag. Plus, with boxing, you can get fit while punching out your frustrations. It's multitasking at its finest.
CrossFit Gyms
If you’re looking for a group workout to get serious about your fitness, joining a private CrossFit gym is the way to go. At CrossFit gyms like Ganbatte Fitness, members claim the environment is very supportive and community-based.
When doing an intense workout like CrossFit, hearing someone cheer you on can make all the difference in whether or not you finish that last set. CrossFit Training Yard is another CrossFit only gym with excellent reviews. Owned by 11 time CrossFit Games competitor Becca Voigt, Voigt and the other trainers offer key pointers to up your CrossFit game.
Basketball Gyms
If you like to get your head in the game by playing basketball, then you need to join a gym or recreation center with an excellent court and strong community. As the name suggests, we like Pickup USA Fitness for just shooting around, training, or a game of pickup.
Shoot 360 is another high-quality basketball gym that’s ideal for basketball players who want to sharpen their skills with individual training or group classes. Their higher membership price is reflective of these extra amenities.
MMA Gyms
Are you someone who can’t get enough of Mixed Martial Arts? Well, then you should join an MMA gym. MMA beginners or pros often claim the confidence they get after a workout or fight is what keeps them coming back.
There’s a nice variety of MMA gyms such as Dynamix MMA, Kings MMA-West Hollywood, and Sky Martial Arts Center in LA. At each of these MMA gyms, you will walk out with greater knowledge about the types of MMA, such as kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and you’ll feel capable in your body!
American Ninja Warrior Gyms
Los Angeles is one of the filming locations for the American Ninja Warrior show, so naturally, there are American Ninja Warrior gyms for athletes to train in. No Limit Training Facility and CPG Pasadena are among the highest-rated gyms in LA for American ninja classes.
They all have the proper equipment and knowledgeable instructors so you can get your ninja on.
UFC Gyms
Under the umbrella of MMA is the UFC organization. In UFC gyms, the emphasis is on fighting. UFC Gym Rosemead offers classes and plenty of equipment for a serious UFC trainee and athlete.
There are other locations of the UFC Gym chain, such as in Glendale and Lakewood. The previously mentioned Dynamix MMA also offers UFC gym training as the owner is an ex-UFC fighter and the coaches are skilled in UFC.
Powerlifting Gyms
Are you all about that protein and those muscle gains?
Then you should probably join a powerlifting gym. These types of gyms focus on bodybuilding, deadlifting, bench presses, and all-around heavyweights. The Hidden Strength Gym is just the place for building muscle since you won’t be doing any cardio here (there’s only one bike machine).
You’ll walk out feeling muscles you didn’t even know you had. But now you do, thanks to bodybuilding.
Gymnastic Gyms
If you’re a gymnast or want to improve your flexibility and jumps, try out a gymnastic gym. Our top three favorites are Mat Gymnastic and Physical Fitness Center, and Klub Gymnastics.
Mats Gymnastics is great for all levels, while Los Angeles Valley club is better suited for the more seasoned gymnast because they have all major equipment (vault, bar, ring, beam, tumbling floor).
Gyms with Pools
Most gyms don’t have pools, so you will have to go out of your way to find a specific gym with that feature.
Gold’s Gym’s Downtown LA location has a lap pool and hot tub. This way, you have one pool for exercise and the other for relaxation. This gym also includes upscale cardio equipment, weights, boxing classes, group classes, and a sauna, so it’s the full wellness experience.
We also recommend H20 Bootcamp on Miracle Mile if you’re dedicated to aquatic training.
Gyms with Childcare
If you’re a parent, scoring an hour alone to get your workout in can be tough. However, some gyms offer childcare with a gym membership so both you and your kid(s) can be happy.
The Hollywood/Wilshire YMCA offers free childcare with your monthly membership, which is a no brainer if you’re on a budget. If you want to tire your kids out, they offer kid’s classes at Rev Fitness while you workout on your own. They call it the Kid’s Club, and it’s perfect for kids three and up. Kids under three-years-old stay with trained professionals and plenty of toys.
As you can tell, Los Angeles has working out nailed down to a tee. Whatever you're looking for in a workout, the city has a gym for you.
Now that we’ve gone through many types of gyms and dozens of gym recommendations. Which Los Angeles gym will you join?