Anytime Fitness

My Experience Working Out At Anytime Fitness

When I walked into the Anytime Fitness in Culver City, CA, I immediately felt welcome. The gym had a positive vibe, which is rare for a chain.

The staff was friendly and helpful, never pressuring me to sign up. They gave me a quick tour and made sure I was all set before I started my workout.

I didn’t see any inappropriate behavior, but I’ve heard that the staff is serious about maintaining a safe environment. They’d likely intervene if any issues arose.

The crowd varies by time. Early mornings attract dedicated individuals who stick to their routines. Late mornings often see seniors and women in their 30s or 40s, likely stay-at-home moms. At lunchtime and evenings, there’s a mix of age groups, as people work out during breaks or after work.

Members seemed to enjoy the Culver City location. I noticed groups of friends working out together, motivating each other.

The gym is small but well-organized. The cardio machines, resistance machines, and free weights each have designated areas. There’s also a space for group classes and functional workouts.

If I didn’t have a home gym, I would consider joining Anytime Fitness. The staff and members were friendly, and the environment was welcoming. Although it didn’t have a lot of equipment, it met my needs, and I got a good workout.

Anytime Fitness: Pros & Cons

Pros and Cons of Anytime Fitness

Pros:

• Friendly Environment: The gym has a welcoming atmosphere. If you're new to fitness, the staff helps you feel at ease. The positive energy is contagious.
• 24/7 Access: Members can use their key fobs to access the gym anytime, day or night.
• Multiple Locations: With over 4,500 locations worldwide, you can use your membership at any gym and enjoy all the equipment and amenities.

Cons:

• Limited Amenities: Unlike some gyms, Anytime Fitness lacks amenities such as childcare, pools, saunas, and basketball courts, even though membership costs can be comparable to gyms offering these services.
• Restrictions on Chalk and Dropping Weights: Most locations do not allow chalk use or dropping weights, which may not be ideal for competitive powerlifters, though it's generally fine for hobbyists.

How Much Is An Anytime Fitness Membership?

Membership Plans

12-Month Plan:

• Cost: $34.99 (plus tax) every two weeks.
• Includes:
  • 24-hour gym access every day.
  • Free fitness consultation and 30-day fitness plan.
  • Member-exclusive app with daily new workout access.

24-Month Plan:

• Cost: $32.99 (plus tax) every two weeks.
• Includes all features of the 12-month plan.

Additional Costs

• Deposit: Equal to the cost of one bi-weekly payment.
• Success Kit Fee: $99, covering administrative and onboarding costs.
• Key Fob Fee: Approximately $25.

Free Trials

• Anytime Fitness offers a free 7-day trial for new members who have not been members in the past.

Referrals

• Periodically, Anytime Fitness runs promotions where members can earn one month free for each friend or family member referred.

Student Discounts

• Student discounts vary by location. Some clubs offer a flat fee around $35/month for students, while others provide a 15% discount off the regular membership cost.

For the most accurate pricing and details tailored to your needs, it's advisable to contact the Culver City, CA Anytime Fitness location directly.

 

Anytime Fitness Gym Equipment

At Anytime Fitness, the cardio and resistance machines are supplied by well-known brands like Precor and Octane. In Culver City, most treadmills, stationary bikes, rowers, and ellipticals are from Life Fitness. Some locations, like those with Rogue Echo bikes, offer additional equipment variety.

In the personal training area, you'll find a range of equipment including battle ropes, TRX ropes, tires for flipping, medicine balls, slam balls, kettlebells, and plyo boxes.

At the Anytime Fitness location I visited, the resistance machines were from Hammer Strength. The gym featured Hammer Strength grip plates and bumper plates up to 55 lbs.

For barbells, they had Beast Olympic barbells from CAP and Olympic barbells from Hammer Strength. Although not top-tier, they were sufficient for my workouts.

I was impressed to find specialty equipment like the BandBell Bamboo Barbell and Rogue Safety Squat bar at the Culver City location, uncommon in many chain gyms.

In the free weights area, round dumbbells went up to 150 lbs, while hex dumbbells maxed out at 50 lbs. Preloaded EZ curl bars were available up to 100 lbs.

The gym also boasted one bench press station, two flat benches, and two incline benches in the free weights area.

Does Anytime Fitness Have Squat Racks?

Equipment and Facilities

• Squat Racks and Power Cages: Anytime Fitness typically has squat racks and power cages. The Culver City location has two power cages, but other locations may have more squat racks or cages.

• Deadlift Platforms: The Culver City location doesn't have deadlift platforms, but some other locations have platforms attached to their squat racks.

Special Features & Amenities

• Pool: Anytime Fitness does not have swimming pools.

• Sauna: Saunas are not available at Anytime Fitness locations.

• Showers and Locker Rooms: Showers are available, though not all locations have lockers.

• Basketball or Racquetball Courts: Anytime Fitness does not offer basketball or racquetball courts.

• Childcare: Childcare services are not provided at Anytime Fitness.

• Tanning Beds: Tanning beds are not standard amenities, but some clubs may have one or two available by reservation.

• Yoga Studio: Most locations have studios used for group classes, including yoga. When classes are not in session, these spaces can be used for stretching.

• Smoothie Bar: Anytime Fitness does not have a smoothie bar, but some locations have vending machines for beverages and snacks.

• Supplements: The Culver City location sells protein powder, pre-workout, and other supplements.

• Massage Chairs: Some locations offer HydroMassage beds for muscle and soft tissue massage.

• Women’s-Only Area: Most Anytime Fitness locations do not have women’s-only sections.

Group Classes

• Group Classes: Anytime Fitness offers group classes like conditioning, strength training, and yoga. Classes such as Zumba, Les Mills, or Pilates may not be available at all locations.

Facilities and Services

• Cardio Cinema Room: Anytime Fitness does not have a cardio cinema room.

• Hours of Operation: Anytime Fitness is accessible 24 hours a day, but staff may not be onsite at all times.

• Red Light Therapy: Only a few Anytime Fitness locations have red light therapy booths. Red light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy, can aid in reducing inflammation, preventing tissue damage, and treating skin conditions.

Who Does Anytime Fitness Cater To?

General Suitability and Features

• Overall Appeal: Anytime Fitness accommodates a wide range of fitness goals and backgrounds, though it may not be optimal for competitive powerlifters or professional bodybuilders but perfect for active and fit.

• Group Classes: Many locations offer varied group classes, including traditional options like Zumba and boot camp, as well as small group sessions (Base, Burn, and Build) tailored to different experience levels.

• Powerlifting: Suitable for hobbyist powerlifters with multiple squat racks, power cages, benches, and accessory equipment. However, chalk use may be restricted at some locations, which could be a drawback for competitive powerlifters.

• CrossFit and Functional Training: Features functional fitness areas with equipment like bumper plates, kettlebells, plyo boxes, and pull-up bars. Dropping weights from overhead is generally not allowed, requiring careful handling.

• HIIT Workouts: Can be performed in functional training areas or in studio spaces used for group classes.

• Resistance Machines: Adequate for general fitness and aesthetic goals, but may not offer extensive options for professional bodybuilders.

• Weight Management: Supportive environment for weight loss goals, offering personalized training plans from certified trainers who may also provide nutrition guidance.

• InBody Scans: Some locations provide InBody scans for tracking weight, body fat, and lean muscle mass, offering results comparable to DEXA scans.

Specific Considerations for Women

• Women's Facilities: While some Anytime Fitness locations are women-only, many are co-ed without dedicated women's areas. Despite this, the environment is generally supportive and comfortable for female members.

• Bathroom Facilities: Some locations have single-use bathrooms that are unisex, which might be a consideration for personal comfort.

Anytime Fitness Gym Policies

Policies on Dropping Weights, Grunting, & Chalk

• Chalk Usage: Allowed at some locations but not at others. Culver City, CA location does not permit chalk.

• Dropping Weights: Generally not allowed for overhead lifts or deadlifts. Squat bail-outs are permitted.

• Grunting: No specific rules against grunting, but members are encouraged to be respectful of others.

Cancellation Policy & Contract Length

• Membership Plans: Offer 12- and 24-month plans, as well as month-to-month contracts depending on the location.

• Cancellation: Month-to-month members can cancel anytime. Early cancellation of longer agreements may incur fees ($150), plus payment for unused time. Exceptions apply if moving or with specific circumstances.

• Freeze Policy: Membership can be frozen for 1-3 months with 30 days' notice. Doctor's note may be required.

Guest Policy & Pet Policy

• Guests: Allowed during staffed hours; must register at the front desk.

• Pets: Only certified service dogs are permitted.

Membership Transfer & Use

• Transferability: Possible at most locations for a fee (up to $50) and under certain conditions.

• Club Transfer: Allowed if moving at least 10 miles away from current club. No transfer fee, but rates may vary.

• Worldwide Access: Memberships can be used at any Anytime Fitness location worldwide after 30 days of membership.

Additional Information

• Dress Code: No strict code; common-sense attire encouraged.

• Barefoot Lifting: Allowed in socks at some locations; policy may vary.

• Children's Access: Minimum age is typically 13; some locations restrict access to those 18 and older.

Is Anytime Fitness Personal Training Worth It?

Anytime Fitness personal trainers at locations like Culver City, CA, are well-regarded, though quality can vary. Trainers must hold certifications from accredited bodies like NASM or ACE. Some locations also require degrees in Kinesiology or Exercise Science, exceeding typical gym standards.

Sessions typically range from $35 to $75 per hour, with options for 30-minute sessions starting at $25. Ask about session packages—like 5, 10, or 20 sessions—for potential savings.

Every Anytime Fitness membership includes a free personal training consultation. It's perfect if you're new to fitness or seeking guidance. Trainers provide a gym tour and a 30-day workout plan to kickstart your routine.

Observing members in action, I saw them engaged and enjoying their sessions. Personal training at Anytime Fitness suits beginners needing motivation, accountability, or a new challenge.

Experienced gym-goers may benefit if pursuing specific goals or facing training hurdles. Otherwise, navigating the gym independently is feasible.

Tips For New Members

1. Review Your Contract Thoroughly Anytime Fitness may not disclose all fees upfront. Besides an initiation fee, expect a one-time $25 fee for your key fob and possibly an annual fee at some locations. Some gyms charge biweekly instead of monthly. Understand your billing cycle to avoid surprises on your statements.

2. Schedule Your Free Consultation Upon Joining Upon joining Anytime Fitness, you're entitled to one free consultation and a personalized 30-day fitness plan. Remember, you must schedule this consultation yourself—it's not automatic.

3. Utilize the Anytime Fitness App Download the Anytime Fitness app, which stands out for its integration with Fitbit and other fitness trackers. This free app allows you to schedule video chats with trainers, sign up for classes, and track your workouts.

Complaints About Anytime Fitness Many complaints about Anytime Fitness stem from difficulties in canceling memberships. Their policy requires in-person cancellation or a certified letter, which frustrates members expecting easier cancellation options like phone or email. To avoid issues, request written confirmation upon cancellation.

Some former members have reported automatic contract renewals without notification for fixed-term contracts. While corporate offices may be hard to reach, maintaining a good relationship with your local gym staff can help resolve issues effectively.

Alternatives to Anytime Fitness

Alternatives to Anytime Fitness

1. LA Fitness LA Fitness offers similar pricing to Anytime Fitness but provides more amenities. If you value access to swimming pools, basketball courts, or childcare services while you work out, LA Fitness might be a better fit.

2. Gold’s Gym Gold’s Gym locations are typically larger than Anytime Fitness and offer more amenities at comparable prices. While the community feel may differ, both staff and members are generally friendly and helpful, making it suitable for beginners and experienced gym-goers alike.

3. Life Time Fitness For those in Canada, GoodLife Fitness offers extensive equipment and amenities. Membership costs are slightly higher than Anytime Fitness, but facilities are accessible 24/7 with varied equipment quality depending on the location.

Final Thoughts

In my research, I've found Anytime Fitness to be a great choice for diverse fitness needs. It boasts a good selection of free weights, cardio and resistance machines, supportive staff, and a friendly community atmosphere.

One drawback is the lack of amenities like saunas, pools, and smoothie bars, which may be important to some. However, if you prioritize a motivating environment with well-maintained equipment and clean facilities, Anytime Fitness remains an excellent option.