What LA Fitness Membership Covers

LA Fitness is a gym chain with locations across the United States. When you buy a membership, you get access to the gym's equipment, classes, and facilities during the hours the location is open. Most memberships include use of cardio machines, weight machines, free weights, and group fitness classes like spin, yoga, and strength training.

The specific equipment and class schedule varies by location. Some LA Fitness gyms have pools, saunas, basketball courts, or childcare areas, while others do not. Before you commit to a membership, you can visit the specific location you plan to use and ask what they offer, or check their website for details about that branch.

Membership does not include personal training sessions, though you can purchase those separately if you want one-on-one coaching. You also do not get access to other gym chains — your membership works only at LA Fitness locations.

Key Takeaways

  • LA Fitness memberships give you access to gym equipment and group classes at the location you choose, but what is available depends on which branch you join.
  • Most memberships require a contract that locks you in for a set period, usually one or two years, and you pay a monthly fee plus an upfront enrollment fee.
  • You can cancel your membership, but the process and any fees depend on whether you are still under contract and what your membership agreement says.
  • LA Fitness locations have different hours, so you should confirm the schedule matches when you plan to work out before you sign up.

Membership Types and Monthly Costs

LA Fitness offers several membership tiers, and the price you pay depends on which one you choose and which location you join. The most common option is a standard gym membership that covers access to equipment and classes. Some locations also offer premium memberships that include extras like personal training credits, hydromassage beds, or tanning.

Prices vary significantly by location and change over time. A standard membership at one LA Fitness gym might cost $30 per month, while the same membership at another location could be $50 or more. The best way to find out what a membership costs at your specific location is to call that gym directly or visit in person, because the price you see online may not match what they quote you.

When you sign up, you will typically pay an enrollment fee upfront (usually $50 to $150, though this varies) plus your first month's dues. Some locations run promotions that waive or reduce the enrollment fee, so it is worth asking if any deals are currently available.

Contracts and How Long You Are Locked In

Most LA Fitness memberships come with a contract. The contract specifies how long you must keep the membership and what happens if you cancel early. Common contract lengths are 12 months or 24 months, though some locations offer month-to-month memberships without a long-term commitment.

If you cancel before your contract ends, you typically owe an early termination fee. This fee is written in your membership agreement and can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on how much time is left on your contract. Some agreements charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the remaining contract balance.

Before you sign, read the contract carefully or ask the staff to explain the cancellation terms. This is the single most important thing to understand, because it determines what it will cost you if you decide to leave.

How to Cancel Your Membership

To cancel an LA Fitness membership, you must contact the gym directly. You cannot cancel online or by phone with a national customer service line — you have to go to the location where you signed up or call that specific gym. Some locations may allow you to cancel by mail, but you should confirm this with your gym first.

When you cancel, bring or provide your membership number and a form of identification. The gym will give you a cancellation form to sign. Keep a copy of this form for your records, because it proves you requested cancellation on a specific date.

If you are still under contract, you will owe the early termination fee at the time of cancellation. Some gyms let you pay this fee when ready; others may bill you later. Ask what the total cost will be before you finalize the cancellation.

After you cancel, your membership ends on the date the gym processes your request. You should receive written confirmation. If you are charged after your cancellation date, contact the gym when ready to dispute the charge.

What Happens If You Stop Paying

If you stop paying your monthly dues without canceling, LA Fitness will continue to try to charge your payment method. If the charges fail repeatedly, the gym may suspend your membership or refer your account to a collection agency. A collection account can damage your credit score and may result in calls or letters from debt collectors.

Stopping payment is not the same as canceling. You are still under contract and still owe the money. The only way to end your obligation is to formally cancel and pay any early termination fee owed, or to wait until your contract expires.

If you are having trouble affording your membership, contact your gym location directly to discuss your options. Some gyms may work with you on payment arrangements or pause your membership temporarily.

Freezing Your Membership Temporarily

Many LA Fitness locations offer the option to freeze your membership for a period of time rather than cancel it. A freeze pauses your membership and stops monthly charges while you are unable to use the gym — for example, if you are injured, traveling, or facing temporary financial hardship.

Freeze periods typically last 30 to 90 days, though this varies by location. When the freeze ends, your membership resumes and you start paying dues again. A freeze does not count against your contract time, so if you have a 12-month contract and freeze for two months, you still owe 12 months of active membership.

To request a freeze, contact your gym location directly. You will need to provide a reason and the dates you want the freeze to cover. Not all locations offer this option, so ask whether it is available at your gym.

Using Your Membership at Different Locations

Most LA Fitness memberships work at any LA Fitness location in the United States, not just the one where you signed up. This means you can work out at a different branch if you travel or move, as long as you have an active membership.

To use your membership at a different location, bring your membership card or the phone number associated with your account. The front desk will look you up in their system and let you in. You do not need to notify your home gym in advance.

Some premium memberships or special promotions may restrict you to a single location, so check your membership agreement if you think you might want to use other branches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pause my membership without canceling?

Many LA Fitness locations offer membership freezes that pause your account for 30 to 90 days without charging you. During a freeze, you cannot use the gym, but you do not owe monthly dues. Contact your specific location to ask if this option is available and what the process is.

What if I move and want to transfer my membership to a different city?

Your membership typically works at any LA Fitness location nationwide, so you do not need to transfer it. You can straightforward start using the gym in your new city with your existing membership card. If you want to change your home gym location for billing or account purposes, call your original gym to ask about updating your account.

Do I have to pay the enrollment fee every time I rejoin?

If you cancel and rejoin later, you will likely have to pay a new enrollment fee. Some gyms may waive this if you rejoin within a certain period, but this is not may provide. Ask about this when you cancel if you think you might return.

What if I signed a contract but my circumstances changed?

You are still responsible for the contract terms you agreed to. However, some gyms may work with you if you have a significant life change like a job loss or medical issue. Contact your gym location to explain your situation and ask if they can offer any options, such as a payment plan or temporary freeze.

Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?

Most gyms do not refund unused portions of a month's dues. Your membership typically ends on the date you cancel, and you do not receive a credit for the rest of that month. Confirm this with your gym when you cancel so you understand exactly when your access ends.