LA Fitness vs Planet Fitness vs Crunch: Membership Cost & Features Compared

In many markets, Planet Fitness tends to have the lowest advertised base price, especially for their entry-level “Classic” style membership. However, you still need to factor in annual fees and startup costs, which can push your true average monthly cost higher than the headline number. Crunch entry tiers can be similarly priced, while LA Fitness usually sits in a higher, mid-range bracket because of the extra amenities it offers.

“Best value” depends on what you use. If you only need a place to walk on a treadmill a few times per week, the lowest-priced option that’s convenient to your home is often the best. If you want pool access, courts, lots of classes and a full-service club feel, it may be worth paying more for LA Fitness. If you love group classes and lifting but don’t care about pools, Crunch can be a strong middle ground.

Many large chains, including Planet Fitness, Crunch and LA Fitness, use some form of annual or “club enhancement” fee. The amount, timing and name of this fee vary by brand and location, but you should always ask about it up front. Include this fee in your total yearly cost when comparing gyms.

In most comparisons, LA Fitness comes out ahead for people who want an indoor pool, because many of their clubs include lap lanes and sometimes spa or sauna facilities. Planet Fitness locations rarely include pools, and Crunch only offers them selectively. If swimming is a key part of your fitness plan, LA Fitness is usually the most practical of the three.

For heavier lifting and more barbell work, many people find Crunch or LA Fitness more appealing than Planet Fitness. Some Planet Fitness locations limit certain equipment or heavy lifting approaches, while Crunch and LA Fitness often have more traditional strength setups with racks, benches and platforms. The exact experience will still depend on the specific club you visit.

Both Crunch and LA Fitness invest heavily in group fitness schedules, especially at mid-range and higher tiers. Planet Fitness is typically less class-focused. If you want multiple classes each week — cycling, dance, HIIT, yoga and more — Crunch or LA Fitness are usually the better fit. Always check the actual schedule at your local clubs to see what is offered at the times you can attend.

Contract terms and cancellation policies vary not only by chain, but often by location and membership type. Some clubs are month-to-month with a notice period, while others may have minimum term commitments or specific cancellation procedures. Regardless of the brand, you should read the agreement carefully, ask how to cancel in writing and make sure you understand any notice requirements or fees before you sign up.

Discounts depend heavily on the local market and current promotions. Some individual locations or corporate programs may offer special pricing for students, military members or older adults, while others may not. If you’re leaning toward LA Fitness, you can start by reading our guide to student, military & senior pricing and then confirm availability with your local club.

Families often lean toward LA Fitness because of its combination of pools, courts and multi-club options, along with the ability to add multiple people to one account in some membership structures. However, the right choice depends on how many people will actually go and how often. In some cases, multiple low-cost memberships at a budget chain can still be cheaper than a single family plan at a mid-range gym if very few people use the extra amenities.

Location is huge. A gym that is on your commute or close to home often wins over a gym with slightly better amenities but a frustrating drive. Over time, convenience strongly affects how often you go, and therefore your real cost-per-visit. When comparing these chains, look at the specific clubs near you, not just the brand as a whole.

Many clubs offer some form of trial visit or guest pass, especially during promotions. It’s worth asking each gym if you can try a workout, sample a class or check out the amenities before you sign a contract. If you’re curious how LA Fitness approaches short-term access, our article on day passes and guest policies explains the usual patterns, but you should still confirm exact rules with your local club.

The most important factor is the match between your habits and what the gym offers. A cheap membership you never use is more expensive than a slightly higher-priced membership you visit three or four times per week. Start with your real lifestyle: your schedule, commute, preferred workouts and must-have amenities. Then compare each gym’s true yearly cost — including fees and contracts — to see which one gives you the most useful access for every dollar you spend.