Choosing a gym is a personal decision that impacts your fitness journey for months or years. LA Fitness stands out as one of the largest chain gyms nationwide, offering affordable memberships with extensive amenities from pools to group classes. Whether you’re considering joining, comparing costs, or planning to cancel, this guide covers everything you need to know about membership options, real member experiences, and step-by-step cancellation procedures.
Understanding LA Fitness Membership Plans and Pricing
LA Fitness offers straightforward membership options designed for different fitness lifestyles and budgets. Monthly costs typically range from $30 to $50 depending on your access level and location, with additional annual fees factored in.
Basic Single-Club Membership
The Basic plan grants unlimited access to one home location you choose at signup. Monthly dues run $29.99 to $39.99 depending on your region. There’s no initiation fee required, though an annual fee of approximately $59 applies, billed roughly two weeks after joining and then yearly. This plan suits people who consistently work out at one nearby location and prioritize affordability. You’ll access all standard equipment, group fitness classes, pools, saunas, and locker rooms included in your membership.
Premier Multi-Club Membership
The Premier plan unlocks nationwide access to all LA Fitness, Esporta, and City Sports Club locations, plus the ability to bring one guest per visit at no extra charge. Monthly dues range from $39.99 to $49.99 depending on whether you pay an initiation fee upfront. With an initiation fee, you’ll pay around $99 once, then the monthly rate. Without initiation fees—often available during promotions—the monthly cost edges higher. The same $59 annual fee applies. Premier works best for frequent travelers, people with variable schedules, or those who enjoy working out with friends.
| Membership Type | Monthly Cost | Initiation Fee | Annual Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (Single Club) | $29.99–$39.99 | $0 | $59 | One-location users |
| Premier (Multi-Club) | $39.99–$49.99 | $0–$99 | $59 | Travelers, multi-location |
First-Year Costs Breakdown
When joining, you’ll pay first and last month’s dues upfront, plus the annual fee. For example, a Basic member at $39.99/month pays approximately $79.98 (first + last month) plus $59 annual fee, totaling $138.98 at signup. After that, expect $479.88 yearly in basic monthly dues, plus the $59 annual fee, equaling roughly $538.88 annually ongoing.
Current promotions frequently waive initiation fees entirely, especially during January New Year’s sign-ups and holiday sales like Black Friday. Savvy members wait for these offers to avoid the $99 upfront cost.
What’s Included in Your Membership
All LA Fitness members enjoy unlimited access to cardio equipment, free weights, and resistance machines. Group fitness classes—including spinning, yoga, Zumba, Pilates, bootcamps, and aqua fitness—are included with no hidden fees. Classes typically run from early morning (5:45-8:00 AM) through evening (ending around 7:00 PM), giving flexibility for any schedule.
Most locations feature lap pools, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms. Basketball courts and racquetball courts are available at many clubs. Childcare costs extra at roughly $10-15 monthly per child but offers certified supervision while you train. Locker rooms with showers provide convenience, though cleanliness varies by location.
Is LA Fitness a Good Gym? Member Reviews and Reality
Real member experiences paint a balanced picture. Powerlifters and bodybuilders appreciate the diverse equipment selection and capacity for heavy lifting. The gym permits chalk use, barefoot lifting, and grunting—rare at commercial chains. YouTube reviewers and Reddit users consistently praise the variety of machines, ample free weights, and high-traffic during peak hours (indicating it attracts serious trainees).
Beginners benefit from friendly staff, diverse crowds, and equipment options from entry-level to advanced. Group classes appeal to people seeking community and motivation. The pools and hot tubs elevate value compared to budget competitors like Planet Fitness, which lacks aquatics entirely.
Drawbacks emerge during peak hours (4-7 PM weekdays). Crowded equipment waits frustrate some members. Location quality varies dramatically—some clubs feature infrared saunas, reformer Pilates studios, and hydration rooms, while others offer bare-bones setups. Always tour your specific location before committing.
Trustpilot ratings show mixed feedback, with member complaints centered on billing confusion, difficulty canceling, and inconsistent facility quality. Equipment maintenance complaints appear sporadically. Compare this to competitors: Planet Fitness costs $10-25/month but lacks amenities; Anytime Fitness offers 24/7 access at $41-59/month; Gold’s Gym charges more but focuses on serious lifters.
How to Cancel LA Fitness Gym Membership: Four Methods
Canceling requires action at least five business days before your next billing date to avoid unexpected charges. LA Fitness offers four straightforward cancellation methods:
In-Person Cancellation
Visit your home club during staffed hours (Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM) and request the operations manager. Fill out the printed cancellation form with your membership details. Request a copy as proof. You’ll retain access through your current billing cycle. This method confirms immediate cancellation and provides documentation.
Online Cancellation
Log into your LA Fitness account online. Click the personal icon in the top left corner, then look for the three-bar menu next to “Account Summary.” Select “Cancel Membership” from the menu. Follow prompts to complete. This modern method is quick and leaves a digital record, though some users report difficulty locating the option.
Mail Cancellation
Download the cancellation form from your online account under “My LA Fitness” > “Account Information” > “Cancellation Form.” Print and complete it with all required details. Mail to P.O. Box 54170, Irvine, CA 92619. Use Certified Mail for tracking and keep receipts. Processing takes 5-7 business days, so submit well in advance of your billing date.
Email or Phone Cancellation
Email contact@fitnessintl.com with your full name, membership number, and clear cancellation request. Include your reason (optional). Expect response in 5-7 business days. Alternatively, call customer service at (949) 255-7200 to cancel by phone. Obtain a confirmation number and request emailed proof. Phone cancellation offers immediate guidance.
Tips to Avoid Cancellation Headaches
Track your billing date carefully. Note the exact date your next charge posts. Cancel at least five business days prior. Keep all confirmation documents—emails, receipts, certified mail tracking numbers—for disputes.
Check your bank or credit card statements for 30-60 days post-cancellation to confirm charges stopped. If unauthorized charges appear, contact your card issuer to dispute them. LA Fitness has faced complaints about persistent billing after cancellation, so vigilance protects you.
Some members report success calling the corporate number directly if standard methods delay. Politeness and clarity—stating you need to cancel due to financial hardship or relocation—sometimes bypasses administrative friction.
Making Your Decision
LA Fitness delivers solid value for people seeking diverse equipment, group classes, and aquatic amenities at mid-range pricing. It’s not the cheapest option, but it outperforms budget gyms in facility quality and programming. For single-location users focused purely on cardio, Planet Fitness saves money. For serious powerlifters, specialty strength gyms might suit better.
Your decision hinges on proximity, specific amenities at your nearest location, and cancellation confidence. Tour the facility, test a free trial pass, ask about current promotions, and read reviews specific to your location. Once you commit, mark cancellation deadlines on your calendar to avoid unwanted charges. LA Fitness membership success depends on consistent attendance—only join if you’ll actually use the facilities regularly.
