One of the biggest complaints people have about trying to squeeze a workout in is time. That’s why we wanted to look at two gym chains that are known for being open 24 hours a day. Both with fitting names, 24 Hour Fitness and Anytime Fitness offer a great way to get a workout no matter what time of day it is. We’ll put these two gyms head-to-head so you can see which is more in line with what you need in a gym.
24 Hour Fitness Overview
Started in 1983, 24 Hour Fitness has grown into a popular fitness chain with over 300 locations scattered throughout the country. Known for its large facilities, wide array of equipment, and huge selection of group classes, 24 Hour Fitness offers everything you could want in a gym. Personal training, pools, basketball courts, saunas, and more make this a comprehensive fitness option. Although the name suggests that it’s constantly open, since the pandemic, many locations have cut back hours, offering extended hours but closing the doors at some point during the day.
Anytime Fitness Overview
Anytime Fitness is a more recent entry to the health and fitness scene, only debuting in 2002. Since then, it has skyrocketed as a brand, with over 5,100 locations in more than 50 countries. Staying true to its name, Anytime Fitness is really open anytime. Focused on accessibility and convenience over countless options, Anytime Fitness is a much more intimate workout setting with carefully selected cardio and strength equipment.
Membership Options and Pricing
24 Hour Fitness
24HF offers two main membership tiers, with a third option in some locations. Prices will fluctuate based on location, and if you decide to sign up for a yearly contract.
Month-to-month option:
Silver: $14.99 to $29.99/month
Gold: $26.99 to $49.99/month
Platinum: $39.99 to $64.99/month
Yearly option:
Silver: $9.99 to $24.99/month
Gold: $21.99 to $44.99/month
Platinum: $34.99 to $59.99/month
So, what exactly comes with each tier?
Silver (Only at select locations) – Free weights, weight machines, cardio equipment, functional training area, TRX suspension training, Olympic lifting equipment, Wi-Fi, locker room access
Gold – Everything above and: 24GO fitness app, Basketball court, Racquetball court, GX24 studio classes, GX24 Cycle classes, Sauna, Steam room, Lap pool, Whirlpool
Platinum – Everything above is included, along with: 24GO Premium digital, GX24 Virtual classes, guest pass
There are some initiation and annual maintenance fees, so make sure to ask about them before agreeing to anything. My advice would be to check for promotions to try and avoid the initiation fee. You may have a little more room for negotiation if you sign up for a longer-term contract as well.
Anytime Fitness
There’s generally only one membership option at Anytime Fitness, but cost is going to vary immensely. According to the Anytime Fitness website, the average price is $41/month in the US and $53/month in Canada. Contract length can vary from 6-9-12-18 months, depending on what is offered at your local gym.
Since every location is its own franchise, you need to check at your specific Anytime Fitness for pricing and length of contract specifics.
Be aware of possible additional charges, such as a maintenance fee and key fob activation. But it’s not all bad news; Anytime Fitness is known for offering promotional discounts frequently.
Facilities and Equipment
24 Hour Fitness
24 Hour Fitness gyms typically larger, extensive facilities the include several different workout areas. From spacious free weight areas, cardio equipment sections, and functional training set-ups, to Olympic junior-sized swimming pools, basketball and racquetball courts, and saunas; 24 Hour Fitness offers its members a vast amount of fitness choices, along with a lot of space to do them in.
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitnesses, on the other hand, tend to be smaller, more concentrated gyms. That means you may miss out on some specialty workout equipment, but, they’ll have everything you need for a complete workout. Anytime Fitness gyms still offer weight sections, cardio machines, and often include functional equipment, such as kettlebells and medicine balls. All of the facilities are available to use 24 hours a day, making it a great option for people who can’t work out during “normal” hours. Bathrooms and showers are standard in all locations, although not each gym will have lockers for use.
Group Classes and Personal Training
24 Hour Fitness
24 Hour Fitness has a copious amount of fitness classes, broken down into several categories:
Cardio & HIIT
Cycle
Dance
Mind-Body
Strength
Active Aging
Virtual
Each category has several classes to choose from, differing in intensity and vibe. You’ll need to check your local gym for a list of available classes in your location.
Personal training is also available, with prices being dependent on trainer experience, how many sessions you book, and your gyms policies.
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness also offers a range of group fitness classes, for in-person and virtual, albeit not nearly as many as 24 Hour Fitness. Some of the classes offered include boot camps and functional training sessions.
Like 24 Hour Fitness, personal training is available. There is the option for one-on-one sessions, as well as small group training (which consists of 2-4 people) and team workouts (5+ people). Unfortunately, we can’t give you a price, since it’s 100% location dependent.
Accessibility and Hours
24 Hour Fitness
As we touched on already, though 24 Hour Fitness built its brand operating on a 24/7 schedule, since a certain global pandemic, many locations have reduced late night hours, so it’s not quite 24/7.
Most 24 hour fitness that I’ve seen are opened from 5am to 11pm. Some may be 24/5 as well.
On the plus side, that means there will always be someone working if you need anything. Given the size of the gyms, there usually is an ample size parking lot, and in more urban areas, proximity to public transportation.
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness has chosen to stay true to its name with 24/7 access to all of its members.
This is great for people like 2nd shift workers who may want to get a lift in after work when other gyms are closed. You’re given a key fob that will get you into the building even when it’s not staffed. Typically, parking isn’t an issue for Anytime Fitness locations, with most locations possessing their own lot.
Atmosphere and Community
24 Hour Fitness
24 Hour Fitness tends to have a healthy mix of beginners to seasoned gym veterans. The atmosphere can be location-dependent, but for the most part, it’s busy and vibrant. You can expect to hear some grunts, weights being moved, and people supporting each other. The size of the gym doesn’t lend itself to a small tight-knit community, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a sense of camaraderie. If you’re someone that doesn’t do well in an energetic, possibly loud, setting, this might not be the best place for you.
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness has a more intimate neighborhood gym feel. The smaller size of the gym lets you become somewhat familiar with the people who work out at the same time. That familiarity allows for a strong sense of community, which may not be the case in big box gyms. Many Anytime Fitness members cite the workout environment as a huge reason of why they keep renewing their memberships.
Virtual Tour
It’s one thing to write about what the inside of these gyms look like, it’s another to actually see it. Here are some virtual walkthroughs of what you can expect to see at these gyms.
24 Hour Fitness
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This is a playlist from 24 Hour Fitness, with dozens of locations included, so you can see the possible variances between locations.
Anytime Fitness
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This video comes from the official Anytime Fitness YouTube channel, and gives a great generalized look at what you might find in their locations. It should be noted that your local Anytime Fitness will probably have some differences.
Pros and Cons
24 Hour Fitness
Pros
Extensive amenities and equipment variety
Wide range of group classes
Large, spacious facilities
Cons
Limited 24-hour access at many locations
Potentially crowded during peak hours
Additional fees for certain amenities
Anytime Fitness
Pros
24/7 access to all locations worldwide (after initial 30 days)
More intimate, less intimidating atmosphere
Convenient for those with busy or unpredictable schedules
Cons
Smaller facilities with fewer amenities
Less variety in group classes
Higher monthly cost for some memberships
Who Should Choose Which?
If you’re someone that values a huge amount of variety in their workout equipment, group classes, and amenities, then 24 Hour Fitness seems like it would be a good fit for you. You’re not going to find pools and sports courts at an Anytime Fitness.
On the other hand, if you’re someone that has an irregular schedule, likes a more personal gym experience, or travels extensively (remember, 5,100 locations), Anytime Fitness might be the best selections for you.
Final Verdict
Both gyms are solid choices, each with their own strengths. The right choice is going to come down to your specific needs and preferences. 24 Hour Fitness is going to scratch that itch for a full-service gym, paired with a more traditional gym feel. Whereas Anytime Fitness is unmatched in accessibility and a small community feel. If it’s down to these two gyms for you to pick from, make a list of your highest priorities, whether it’s price, convenience, workout environment, or something else, find the gym that best suits your needs and wants.
Wrap-Up
Take the time to visit both 24 Hour Fitness and Anytime Fitness, explore their facilities, and take advantage of any free trial offers. Picking the right gym can be integral in sticking with your fitness goals and becoming the best version of yourself possible. If these are your final choices, you can be sure that people have found success at both gyms, and you can’t go wrong with either choice.
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