Anytime Fitness is a global 24/7 gym franchise operating 5,500+ locations across 40+ countries. It targets busy professionals and frequent travelers who need flexible, around-the-clock gym access without premium pricing.
The chain uses key fob and app-based entry for member-only access at all hours. Equipment includes squat racks and dumbbells up to 100 lbs (45 kg), placing it above budget competitors. Monthly costs run $30-$55 plus a ~$99 startup fee. Reviews rate it 1.8 out of 5 stars, with billing and cancellation issues as the dominant complaints.
This review covers what Anytime Fitness offers, where it falls short, how it compares to Planet Fitness and LA Fitness, and whether the membership is worth the cost for your specific fitness goals.
What Is Anytime Fitness?
Anytime Fitness is a global 24/7 gym chain founded in 2002, operating 5,500+ locations across more than 40 countries. The chain targets busy professionals, frequent travelers, and anyone needing flexible workout access outside standard gym hours.
Here’s the thing: each Anytime Fitness location operates as an independently owned franchise. Owners set their own pricing, rules, and amenities within corporate guidelines. This model creates meaningful variation in quality from one location to another.
Members receive a key fob or mobile app access for entry at any hour. Global access to all locations activates after 30 days of membership. The app also delivers personalized training plans and workout tracking tools.
How Did Anytime Fitness Start?
Anytime Fitness was founded in 2002 in Hastings, Minnesota by Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen, growing from a single club to 5,000+ global locations within two decades. The concept prioritized convenience and accessibility over traditional gym amenities.
The chain hit 1,000 locations by 2009 and expanded internationally by 2010. Rapid growth earned Anytime Fitness recognition as one of the fastest-growing franchise systems globally. The founders built the brand on the principle that gym access should fit any schedule.
How Many Locations Does Anytime Fitness Have?
Anytime Fitness operates 5,500+ locations worldwide, with 2,300+ clubs in the United States alone, making it one of the largest fitness franchise networks on the planet. International locations span North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Members gain access to every global location after 30 days of active membership. This travel benefit appeals strongly to frequent flyers and remote workers. No additional fees apply for visiting other locations within the standard membership tier.
How Does Anytime Fitness Work?
Anytime Fitness operates on a key fob and mobile app access system that allows members entry at any hour without requiring staff presence. Members scan their fob or phone at the door to unlock the facility around the clock.
Most locations are unstaffed during off-peak hours. Some franchise locations run entirely without dedicated staff, relying solely on app-based and fob-entry systems. Security cameras monitor the facility, but no live monitoring takes place at most sites.
The Anytime Fitness app delivers in-app workout plans, goal tracking, and personalized coaching programs. New members receive 3 months of Apple Fitness+ access at no extra charge. The app also serves as a digital backup when the key fob is unavailable.
What Equipment Does Anytime Fitness Have?
Anytime Fitness stocks dumbbells up to 100 lbs (45 kg), squat racks, barbells, adjustable benches, and kettlebells at most locations. This equipment range places it well above budget gym alternatives for strength training.
Cardio options include treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, and spin bikes. Equipment quantity and condition vary across independently owned franchises. Well-maintained locations refresh machines regularly while others let aging equipment deteriorate.
Some locations feature functional training zones with turf areas for sled pushes and agility drills. Foam rollers and recovery tools are also available at select sites. These additions cater to intermediate and advanced athletes seeking variety beyond standard machines.
Standard Equipment at Most Locations:
- Dumbbells up to 100 lbs (45 kg)
- Squat racks and barbells
- Adjustable benches and kettlebells
- Treadmills, ellipticals, and rowing machines
- Spin bikes and foam rollers
- Turf zones for functional training (select locations)
Does Anytime Fitness Have Personal Training?
Yes. Anytime Fitness offers one-on-one personal training, small-group sessions with 2-4 members, fitness consultations, and nutrition guidance at most franchise locations. These services come at an additional cost beyond the standard membership fee.
Personal training rates vary by franchise and trainer certification level. Some locations charge premium rates for certified coaches while others price sessions more competitively. Members should ask about trainer credentials and session pricing before committing.
Trainer quality is inconsistent across the franchise network. Some members praise supportive and knowledgeable coaches. Others report pushy sales tactics and upselling on unnecessary packages during initial consultations.
How Much Does Anytime Fitness Cost?
Anytime Fitness charges $30 to $55 per month depending on location, contract length, and local market rates set by each individual franchise owner. Pricing is not standardized nationally, so costs differ between cities and neighborhoods.
Startup costs add significantly to the first-month total. Most locations charge an initiation fee of approximately $99 plus a $25 key fob fee. Some promotional offers waive the initiation fee, but the key fob charge typically remains.
Contract options include month-to-month, 12-month, and 24-month plans. Longer contracts typically lower the monthly rate. Month-to-month plans offer flexibility but cost $5-$10 more per month at most locations.
Anytime Fitness Pricing Overview:
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly membership | $30 to $55 |
| Initiation fee | ~$99 |
| Key fob fee | ~$25 |
| Annual club enhancement fee | $20 to $50 |
| Key fob replacement | $25 to $50 |
Is Anytime Fitness Worth the Price?
Anytime Fitness is worth the premium cost for frequent travelers and night owls who actively use 24/7 and global access features. Members who need gym access during off-hours or across multiple cities extract clear value from the membership structure.
Budget gym alternatives cost significantly less. Planet Fitness charges $10-$24.99 per month, roughly 2-3x cheaper than Anytime Fitness. The trade-off is equipment quality. Planet Fitness caps dumbbells at 60 lbs (27 kg) and bans squat racks entirely.
Anytime Fitness lacks pools, saunas, and racquetball courts found at premium gyms like LA Fitness. Members who want these amenities at a comparable price will find better value elsewhere. The best fit is intermediate lifters who prioritize access flexibility over amenity breadth.
Pros:
- 24/7 access to any location worldwide
- Equipment suitable for intermediate lifters
- Smaller community-focused gym atmosphere
- Global access activates after 30 days
Cons:
- $99+ startup fees plus key fob charge
- No pools, saunas, or courts
- Billing and cancellation complaints are widespread
- Quality varies significantly by franchise location
Are There Hidden Fees at Anytime Fitness?
Anytime Fitness commonly charges an annual ‘Club Enhancement’ fee of $20-$50 that many franchise locations add to billing without clear upfront disclosure at sign-up. Members frequently report surprise charges appearing on their bank statements months after joining.
Key fob replacement costs $25-$50 depending on location. While the mobile app serves as an alternative, not all franchise locations support app-only entry. Members who lose their fob face an unavoidable replacement fee.
Consumer Affairs and PissedConsumer reviews document billing after cancellation, duplicate charges, and refusal to process refunds. These issues arise at the franchise level rather than corporate. Members should request all fee details in writing before signing any contract.
What Do Anytime Fitness Reviews Say?
Anytime Fitness holds a 1.8 out of 5 stars rating on PissedConsumer from 335 reviews, with 79% unfavorable feedback and only 9% of reviewers recommending the gym to others. Similar ratings appear across Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs platforms.
Billing disputes and cancellation difficulties dominate the negative review landscape across all platforms. Positive reviews consistently praise convenient access and smaller-gym community atmosphere. The split reveals a gym that works well for some members and poorly for others.
In fact, rating discrepancy between platforms reflects the franchise model directly. A well-managed Anytime Fitness location receives strong local ratings. A poorly managed franchise generates the negative reviews that pull down aggregate scores. Individual location research matters more than chain-wide averages.
What Are the Most Common Complaints?
Anytime Fitness complaints center on continued billing after cancellation requests, duplicate charges, and refusal to issue refunds as the single largest category of member grievances. This billing pattern appears consistently across review platforms.
Cancellation difficulty ranks as the second major complaint. Most locations require in-person cancellation with 30 days written notice. Unstaffed facilities make in-person cancellation nearly impossible for members at locations without regular staff hours.
Equipment condition draws criticism at underperforming franchise locations. Members report broken machines, dirty facilities, empty cleaning supply dispensers, and poorly maintained locker rooms. These issues reflect franchise-level management decisions rather than corporate standards.
Top Member Complaints:
- Billing continuing after cancellation
- Duplicate and unauthorized charges
- Inability to cancel without visiting in person
- Broken and poorly maintained equipment
- Unresponsive or unavailable staff
What Do Happy Members Say?
Satisfied Anytime Fitness members consistently praise the 24/7 access, citing the ability to work out at 3am, on holidays, or before early morning shifts as the primary membership benefit. Night workers and early risers rate this feature as irreplaceable.
Community atmosphere receives strong praise from members at well-run franchise locations. Smaller gym footprints create a personal environment where staff know regulars by name. This contrasts sharply with the crowded, impersonal feel of larger chain gyms.
And here is the best part: intermediate weightlifters who previously trained at Planet Fitness frequently highlight equipment quality improvements. Squat racks, dumbbells up to 100 lbs (45 kg), and functional training zones represent meaningful upgrades. These members find the higher monthly cost justified by training capability gains.
Is Anytime Fitness a Scam?
No. Anytime Fitness is a legitimate global franchise chain founded in 2002 with 5,500+ operating locations and millions of active members worldwide. The business operates as a real gym service, not a fraudulent scheme.
Bottom line: billing complaints stem from franchise-level decisions rather than coordinated corporate fraud. Individual franchise owners set their own billing and cancellation policies within broad corporate guidelines. Members experiencing billing issues should escalate to the corporate customer service line.
Individual franchise locations hold varying Better Business Bureau ratings. The corporate entity maintains accreditation. Prospective members should research the specific local franchise before signing, not rely solely on the corporate brand reputation.
Is Anytime Fitness Safe?
Anytime Fitness uses secure key fob and app-based entry to restrict facility access to active members only, with security cameras installed throughout most locations. No live monitoring occurs during unstaffed hours at most franchises.
Here’s what no one tells you: unstaffed 24/7 operations create a real consideration for solo members. Members working out alone at 2am have no staff present to respond to medical emergencies or equipment malfunctions. This risk is a documented concern in reviews from several members.
Equipment maintenance safety varies by franchise. Some reviews report broken machines posing injury risks at locations with lax maintenance. Members should inspect equipment before use and report broken machinery to management immediately.
How Does Anytime Fitness Compare to Competitors?
Anytime Fitness positions as a mid-range gym chain: superior equipment versus budget gyms like Planet Fitness but fewer amenities than premium competitors like Equinox or LA Fitness. The price range of $30-$55 per month reflects this middle-ground positioning.
True 24/7 global access to 5,500+ locations is the primary differentiator no budget competitor matches. Planet Fitness, EOS, and LA Fitness all operate on set hours at most locations. Anytime Fitness’s around-the-clock access model stands alone in the mid-price category.
The competitive landscape includes Planet Fitness ($10-$25/mo), LA Fitness ($25-$35/mo), 24 Hour Fitness ($30-$40/mo), and EOS Fitness ($10-$30/mo). Anytime Fitness costs more than most budget alternatives but delivers a unique access model that premium gyms cannot replicate at the same price point.
Gym Comparison:
| Gym | Monthly Cost | 24/7 Access | Squat Racks | Pool/Courts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anytime Fitness | $30-$55 | Yes | Yes | No |
| Planet Fitness | $10-$25 | No | No | No |
| LA Fitness | $25-$35 | No | Yes | Yes |
| 24 Hour Fitness | $30-$40 | Yes | Yes | Select locations |
| EOS Fitness | $10-$30 | No | Yes | No |
Anytime Fitness vs Planet Fitness: Which Is Better?
Anytime Fitness is better for intermediate and advanced lifters due to squat racks and dumbbells reaching 100 lbs (45 kg), compared to Planet Fitness’s 60 lb (27 kg) cap and complete ban on squat racks. Equipment range separates the two gyms decisively.
Planet Fitness costs $10-$24.99 per month. Anytime Fitness costs $30-$55 per month, roughly 2-4x more. The price gap is significant for budget-conscious members who only need cardio equipment and basic machines.
To put it simply: Planet Fitness suits beginners focused on cardio and machine-based training on a tight budget. Anytime Fitness suits intermediate lifters, frequent travelers, and members needing access at unconventional hours. The right choice depends entirely on training goals and schedule requirements.
Anytime Fitness vs LA Fitness: Which Is Better?
LA Fitness offers pools, racquetball courts, saunas, and basketball courts that Anytime Fitness does not provide, making it the better choice for members who want full-service amenities. LA Fitness costs $25-$35 per month with periodic promotions waiving startup fees.
Anytime Fitness counters with true 24/7 global access that LA Fitness cannot match. LA Fitness operates on staffed hours, typically closing by midnight. Members who need 3am access or international gym access have no viable LA Fitness alternative.
So, neither gym is strictly better. LA Fitness suits members wanting pool, court, and sauna amenities at a reasonable price during standard hours. Anytime Fitness suits members whose schedules or travel patterns demand flexible, round-the-clock access without premium amenities.
How Do You Cancel Anytime Fitness?
Anytime Fitness requires in-person cancellation with 30 days written notice at most franchise locations, with membership fees continuing throughout the notice period before termination takes effect. Online or phone cancellation is not universally accepted.
Early termination fees apply to 12-month and 24-month contracts. These fees typically equal 1-2 months of remaining dues depending on the franchise’s specific contract terms. Month-to-month members face no early termination penalties beyond the 30-day notice requirement.
Members should keep written records of all cancellation requests. Reviews consistently document continued billing after verbal-only or email-only cancellation attempts. Submitting a written cancellation letter and retaining a copy is the most reliable approach for preventing post-cancellation charges.
How to Cancel Anytime Fitness:
- Visit your home club in person during staffed hours.
- Submit a written cancellation request to the manager on duty.
- Request a signed or stamped copy of the cancellation form for your records.
- Note the date your 30-day notice period begins.
- Monitor your bank account for charges after the notice period ends.
- Dispute any post-cancellation charges in writing with the franchise and your bank.
Can You Pause an Anytime Fitness Membership?
Yes. Anytime Fitness allows temporary membership freezes at most locations for reasons including injury, extended travel, or financial hardship, though freeze policies vary significantly across franchise locations. No standardized corporate freeze policy applies chain-wide.
Freeze requests typically require in-person or written submission to the local franchise. Some locations charge a reduced monthly fee of $5-$15 during the freeze period. Others offer fee-free freezes for documented medical situations.
Pay attention to this: freeze duration limits apply at most locations, typically capping freezes at 1-3 months per calendar year. Some franchises require medical documentation to approve a freeze request. Members should request all freeze terms in writing before activating a freeze.
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