Written by Tyler DiGiovanni | BSBM
Fact checked by Sam Coleman, Co-Founder
FACT CHECKED
There has been an incredible surge of people becoming more health-conscience and wanting to make positive changes in their lives. One of the biggest decisions when starting a fitness journey, is where you’re going to do it. Among the multitude of gyms you can choose to join, two stand out as great options for anyone: Crunch Fitness and LA Fitness.
In this article, we’ll put these two titans in a head-to-head battle for your business. By the end of this article, you should be able to tell which gym fits your preferences, including their impact on your wallet.
Crunch Fitness Overview
Crunch Fitness, usually simply called “Crunch”, was started in a small basement in Greenwich Village, NYC in 1989 by Doug Levine. Levine wanted to create a “No Judgements” workout space, where everyone felt welcome. Along with the feeling of inclusivity, Crunch offers group fitness classes, some familiar (Zumba, Pilates, TRX, etc) and some a little more…unconventional (karaoke bicycling, Antigravity Yoga, Pound). The main goal of Crunch is to provide an environment where everyone can enjoy working out, no matter where they are in their fitness journey.
LA Fitness Overview
LA Fitness was started on the other side of the country in Southern California in 1984. Using a more traditional approach to the gym setting, LA Fitness tried to differentiate itself with its comprehensive fitness services. Offering a huge array of workout equipment, from free weights and weight machines, to functional strength training areas, to sports courts, and my favorite, swimming pools. While LA Fitness does offer group classes (approximately 18 different ones, which also vary by site), the main focus is on providing everything an individual would need for their ideal workout plan.
Membership Options and Pricing:
Crunch Gyms
Crunch offers three main membership tiers: Base, Peak, and Peak Results. Here’s a quick look at an approximate price for each (pricing will vary by individual gyms).
- Base: $9.99/month with a 12-month commitment or $15.99/month with no monthly commitment. Access to locker rooms, weight room, Power Half Hour Training, Free Wi-Fi
- Peak: $24.99/month. Same as above, with access to any Crunch location and group fitness classes
- Peak Results: $29.99/month. All of the above, with Ride classes, Advanced HIIT classes, guest privileges, HydroMassage®, and tanning
There also might be enrollment fees involved, but occasionally you can find them waived during promotions.
LA Fitness
LA Fitness provides one membership option, but with two different pay options. You can either pay $39.99 per month, with no initiation fee, and a $59 annual fee. OR, $29.99 per month, with a $99 initiation fee, and the $59 annual fee. It should be noted that two months are due at the time of signing, so that bumps the totals up to $138.98 for an initial payment for option 1, and $217.98 for option 2.
The amenities in every gym will vary, but you will get access to Group fitness classes, some sports courts (there may be an extra charge for some), a pool if the facility has one, sauna, Wi-Fi, and indoor cycling, just to name some options. Certain amenities may cost an additional fee, but you’ll have to check with your local LA Fitness to see what’s included.
Verdict
Crunch seems to offer their services for a pretty straightforward tier system, while the main difference for LA Fitness is your choice of how you want to pay for your membership. If you’re looking for the basics from a gym, then due to it’s low price, and available month-by-month payment option, Crunch is looking like the better choice. If you want a lot more variety and options on what’s available, then they get to even playing ground when you reach the Peak Results tier.
Gym Amenities and Facilities:
Crunch
There are two different types of Crunch Fitness gyms, with the 2nd one providing more options:
1. Standard Crunch Fitness
- Group Classes
- HiitZone - High Intensity Interval Training classes
- Personal Training (extra cost)
- Functional Group Training
- Weight Area - free weights as well as machines
- Plenty of Cardio options
- Crunch+
- Tanning
- TRX© Suspension Training
- Hydromassage©
- Locker Rooms
2. Crunch Signature
- Everything included above
- Ride Studios
- Yoga Studios
- Sauna/Steam
- Rituals Products
- Free Wifi
- Live DJs
- Child Sitting
- Full-Service Locker Rooms
- Towel Service
- Online Reservations
- Crunch Shop
There is an upbeat vibe in all Crunch gyms to help keep people motivated to come back over and over.
LA Fitness
LA Fitness can vary greatly depending on where your closest facility is. Some LA Fitness’ include basketball courts, racquetball courts, Junior Olympic size swimming pools, saunas, and even kid’s clubs, for those who need childcare during their workout.
They also have the standard weight area, with free weights, machines, and an extensive collection of cardio machines. Most LA Fitness’ also have a functional training area where it’s not uncommon to see people slamming medicine balls and swinging kettlebells.
Verdict
Crunch does a great job of creating an exciting, unique atmosphere in their gyms that helps make working out actually fun. But those looking for a more traditional gym experience may prefer the LA Fitness weight setup. People that like playing a game of pickup basketball or swimming a few laps might want to go with LA Fitness. It all comes into personal preference of what you are looking for out of your gym.
Group Classes:
Crunch
This is Crunch’s bread and butter. As mentioned before, they do have some non-traditional workouts that people absolutely love. Want to get a great workout while drumming along to your favorite rock music? You would love Pound. Want to sing along to some great tracks while improving your cardiovascular health? Karaoke bicycling fits the bill. Here is just a sample of the classes offered at Crunch*:
- Absolution
- Belly, Butt, & Thighs Bootcamp
- Bosu Bootcamp
- Chisel
- Hatha Flow
- HIIT Workouts
- Overdrive
- Pound
- Strong Nation
- The Ride
- Top It Off
- Yoga Body Sculpt
- Zumba
Feeling a little nervous about joining a group class in person? For an extra $2/month, you can check out Crunch+, which brings the workout into your home.
*Classes available will vary by location*
LA Fitness
LA Fitness does offer some classes that aren’t available at Crunch, such as a water-based workout. We’ll let you figure out which one it is on the list of classes below:
- Aquafit
- Body Works Plus Abs
- Boot Camp Conditioning
- Cardio Jam
- Core & More
- Cycle
- Cycle + Strength
- Cycle Zone
- Hip Hop
- Kickbox Cardio
- Mat Pilates
- Power Circuit
- Senior Fit
- SilverSneakers
- Step Plus Abs
- Step Sculpt
- Yoga
- Zumba
Verdict
As you can see, both gyms offer a huge assortment of classes, with some similar, and others not even close. LA Fitness has classes you would typically see in a gym environment, while Crunch throws in some really fun curveballs. If you want more cookie-cutter, go with LA Fitness. For something fun and different, Crunch is the pick.
Equipment and Workout Environment:
Crunch
Crunch tends to lean into modern equipment, which means there are a lot of machines to work out on, but the free weight area might get a little crowded during busy periods. The environment itself is a generally positive, lively mood, which can be motivating to some but unappealing to those who want minimal distractions while working out.
LA Fitness
LA Fitness’ tend to have large workout spaces, giving it a more traditional gym feel. There’s a good balance between machines and free weights. There isn’t as much of a feeling of community (that’s not saying there is none) at LA Fitness, which is fine for those who are there just to get a sweat in, rather than possibly make friends.
Verdict
For those who want a community based environment, Crunch is your pick. If you’re looking for a more “classic” gym vibe, LA Fitness is your pick.
Locations:
Crunch
Crunch gyms tend to be more in urban areas, and have less overall locations compared to LA Fitness. But if you live in a somewhat populous city, you will probably find a Crunch somewhere near you.
LA Fitness
LA Fitness can be found in cities as well as out in the suburbs, making it relatively easy to find one in your area.
Verdict
If you live in a suburban area, chances are LA Fitness is going to be closer to where you live. If you’re in a larger city, then it’s a bit of a toss-up between the two.
Pros and Cons of Each Gym:
Crunch
Pros
- Innovative classes
- Fun and inclusive atmosphere
- Flexible membership options
Cons
- Fewer locations
- Potential crowding during peak hours
LA Fitness
Pros
- Wide variety of amenities
- Extensive equipment
- Larger space
- Tons of locations
Cons
- Higher fees
- More traditional gym setting, which may not appeal to all.
Final Verdict: Which Gym Should You Choose?
Picking either Crunch or LA Fitness is really going to come down to your fitness goals, budget, and lifting environment. If you’re looking for judgement-free workouts in a place that really prides itself in its community, Crunch is the way. On the other hand, if you’re just looking to get in, do your workouts, maybe swim a couple of laps and leave, then LA Fitness may be the better choice. Make sure you check out to see exactly what amenities are offered at the locations near you so you can get the complete picture. Happy gym hunting!
More Gym Head-to-Head Comparisons:
Tyler DiGiovanni
Author