What Anytime Fitness is and how membership works

Anytime Fitness is a 24-hour gym chain with over 4,000 locations worldwide, including more than 2,500 in the United States. Unlike traditional gyms with fixed hours, Anytime Fitness locations are open around the clock, seven days a week. Members receive a key fob or card that grants access to any Anytime Fitness location at any time, whether at 6 a.m. or midnight.

The membership model is straightforward: you pay a monthly fee and gain access to the gym's equipment and facilities. Most locations offer the same basic equipment — cardio machines, free weights, strength training machines, and locker rooms. Some locations add amenities like pools, saunas, or group fitness classes, but these vary by individual gym.

Anytime Fitness operates as a franchise system, meaning individual owners run each location under the Anytime Fitness brand. This means the exact equipment, cleanliness standards, and additional services can differ between gyms, even within the same city. When you join, you typically join a specific location, though your membership usually grants access to other Anytime Fitness gyms as well.

Key Takeaways

  • Anytime Fitness gyms are open 24 hours a day, and your membership card or key fob works at any location in the chain, not just your home gym.
  • Monthly membership costs vary by location and range from roughly $30 to $60 per month, depending on the gym's amenities and your contract terms.
  • Most memberships require a contract, typically 12 months, though some locations offer month-to-month options at a higher monthly rate.
  • Each franchise location operates independently, so equipment, cleanliness, and extra amenities like pools or classes differ between gyms.
  • Cancellation usually requires written notice and may include an early termination fee if you end your contract before the agreed term ends.

Membership costs and contract terms

Anytime Fitness membership fees vary significantly by location. A gym in a rural area may charge $30 to $40 per month, while a location in a major city can run $50 to $70 per month or higher. The price depends on the specific gym's overhead, the amenities it offers, and local market conditions. When you contact a location to join, ask for their current rates — prices change and differ even between nearby gyms.

Most Anytime Fitness locations offer membership contracts, commonly 12 months long. Some gyms also offer month-to-month memberships, but these typically cost more per month than a locked-in annual rate. For example, a location might charge $35 per month on a 12-month contract but $45 per month on a month-to-month basis. A few locations may offer shorter contracts like 3 or 6 months, though these are less common.

When you sign up, you may encounter an enrollment or initiation fee separate from your monthly dues. This one-time fee can range from $0 to $100 or more, depending on the location and any current promotions. Some gyms waive this fee during promotional periods. Always ask what the total cost will be for your first month plus any upfront fees before you commit.

24-hour access and how the key fob system works

The defining feature of Anytime Fitness is round-the-clock access. You receive a key fob or membership card that unlocks the gym door at any hour. This means you can work out at midnight, 5 a.m., or any time that fits your schedule. The fob is tied to your membership account, so if you cancel, the gym can deactivate it remotely.

Your membership card or fob typically works at any Anytime Fitness location worldwide, not just the one where you joined. This is useful if you travel or move. However, some locations may restrict access to members who joined at a different gym, or may charge a small fee for non-members to use their facility. Check with your home gym about their specific reciprocal access policy.

If you lose your key fob, most locations charge a replacement fee, usually $10 to $25. Some gyms may temporarily grant you access using your membership card or ID until a new fob arrives. Keep your fob in a safe place and report it lost when ready if it goes missing.

Equipment and facilities at a typical location

Every Anytime Fitness location includes basic gym equipment: treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, rowing machines, free weights (dumbbells and barbells), and weight machines for strength training. The number and condition of machines vary by location. A newer or larger gym may have 20 treadmills and a full range of dumbbells up to 150 pounds, while a smaller location might have 8 treadmills and dumbbells only up to 80 pounds.

Most locations have locker rooms with showers, though shower quality and availability differ. Some gyms provide towel service, while others require you to bring your own. Locker sizes vary — some are small cubbies suitable only for a gym bag, while others are full-size lockers that fit a backpack or small duffel.

Additional amenities depend on the individual franchise. Some Anytime Fitness locations include a pool, sauna, or steam room. Others offer group fitness classes like spin, yoga, or HIIT training, often included in your membership or available for an extra fee. A few locations have personal training services. Before joining, visit the specific gym you plan to use and ask what amenities they offer, because you cannot assume all locations are identical.

Cancellation and early termination fees

Canceling an Anytime Fitness membership requires written notice. Most locations ask you to submit a cancellation request in person, by mail, or through their website or app. Sending an email or calling is usually not enough — the gym will want documentation of your request. Check your membership agreement or ask the front desk what method your location accepts.

If you are on a 12-month contract and cancel before the contract ends, you will typically owe an early termination fee. This fee varies by location but commonly ranges from $50 to $200. Some gyms calculate it as a percentage of your remaining contract balance. For example, if you have 6 months left on a $40-per-month membership, you might owe half of the remaining balance plus a flat fee.

Month-to-month memberships usually have no early termination fee — you can cancel with 30 days' notice and stop paying. However, you will pay a higher monthly rate for this flexibility. If you think you might need to cancel within a year, compare the cost of a month-to-month membership against the cost of a 12-month contract plus a potential early termination fee.

Comparing Anytime Fitness to other 24-hour gym options

Planet Fitness is another major 24-hour chain with lower entry costs — memberships often start around $10 per month on promotion, though regular rates are typically $20 to $30 per month. However, Planet Fitness locations are often smaller and have fewer free weights than Anytime Fitness. Planet Fitness also charges a $1 annual fee and may have restrictions on guest access.

Gold's Gym locations are 24 hours at some franchises but not all. Gold's Gym memberships typically cost $20 to $50 per month depending on location and amenities. Gold's Gym generally has more extensive free weight sections and a stronger bodybuilding focus than Anytime Fitness, but not all locations are open 24 hours.

Local independent gyms may or may not be 24 hours. Many close at night and open only during business hours. Independent gyms often have lower monthly fees ($15 to $40) but do not offer access to multiple locations. If you travel frequently or move often, the multi-location access of Anytime Fitness may be worth the higher cost.

The choice depends on your priorities: if 24-hour access and multi-location use matter most, Anytime Fitness is a strong option. If you want the lowest possible monthly cost and do not need late-night access, Planet Fitness may be cheaper. If you prioritize free weights and strength training, Gold's Gym or a local bodybuilding-focused gym might suit you better.

What to check before you join a specific location

Because each Anytime Fitness is independently owned, the experience at one location can differ significantly from another. Before signing a contract, visit the specific gym during the times you plan to work out. Check whether the equipment you want to use is available and in good condition. Look at the locker rooms, showers, and overall cleanliness. Ask the staff about their busiest hours — if you plan to go at 6 a.m., you want to know if that time is crowded.

Ask about the current membership rate, any enrollment fees, and the contract terms they offer. Request a copy of the membership agreement to review at home before you sign. Confirm whether your membership includes access to other Anytime Fitness locations and whether there are any restrictions. Ask about their cancellation policy in writing.

If the gym offers group classes or personal training, ask whether these are included in your membership or cost extra. Find out what happens if the gym closes or relocates — some membership agreements address this, while others do not. The more you know before you join, the fewer surprises you will encounter later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Anytime Fitness membership at any location, or just the one where I joined?

Your membership typically works at any Anytime Fitness location worldwide. However, some franchises may have restrictions or charge a small daily fee for non-members to use their facility. Contact your home gym to confirm their specific reciprocal access policy before you rely on visiting other locations.

What happens if I lose my key fob?

Report the loss to your gym when ready so they can deactivate it. Most locations charge a replacement fee of $10 to $25 for a new fob. In the meantime, some gyms will let you use your membership card or ID to access the facility until your replacement arrives.

Do I have to sign a 12-month contract?

Most Anytime Fitness locations offer 12-month contracts, but some also have month-to-month options. Month-to-month memberships cost more per month but let you cancel with 30 days' notice without an early termination fee. Ask your specific gym what contract options they currently offer.

What is included in my membership, and what costs extra?

Your membership includes access to equipment, locker rooms, and showers. Group fitness classes, personal training, and premium amenities like pools or saunas may be included or may cost extra depending on the location. Ask the gym for a complete list of what is and is not included before you join.

How do I cancel my membership?

Cancellation requires written notice — email, phone calls, or verbal requests are usually not accepted. Submit your cancellation request in person, by mail, or through the gym's website or app, depending on what your location accepts. If you are on a contract, you may owe an early termination fee. Check your membership agreement for the exact cancellation process and any fees.