What Anytime Fitness Is and How Access Works
Anytime Fitness is a 24-hour gym chain where members can work out at any time of day or night, seven days a week. Unlike traditional gyms with set hours, you get a key fob or card that unlocks the facility whenever you want to go — 3 a.m. or 3 p.m., it does not matter.
The chain operates over 3,000 locations worldwide, with most concentrated in the United States. When you join at one location, your membership typically works at any Anytime Fitness gym in the network, so you can work out while traveling or if you switch locations.
Access is electronic: you tap your key fob or membership card at the front door and it unlocks. The gym is unstaffed during off-hours, so there is no front desk person to check you in at midnight. You are responsible for locking up after yourself and following gym rules even when no staff member is present.
Key Takeaways
- Anytime Fitness charges a monthly membership fee that varies by location, typically ranging from $30 to $60 per month, plus an initial enrollment fee.
- Your key fob or card works 24/7 at any Anytime Fitness location in the network, so you can work out whenever your schedule allows.
- Most memberships require a contract, often 12 months, though some locations offer month-to-month options if you ask.
- The gym is unstaffed during late-night and early-morning hours, so you will not have a trainer or staff member present to help you.
- Canceling your membership usually requires written notice and may have early termination fees if you break a contract.
Membership Costs and Contract Terms
Anytime Fitness charges two separate fees when you join: an enrollment fee (sometimes called a joining fee) and a monthly membership fee. The enrollment fee is a one-time charge that covers setup and your key fob or card, and it typically ranges from $50 to $100 depending on the location and any current promotions.
The monthly fee varies significantly by location because each gym is independently owned and operated. A gym in a major city may charge $50 to $60 per month, while one in a smaller town might charge $30 to $40. Some locations run promotions that waive or reduce the enrollment fee, so it is worth asking what they are currently offering.
Most Anytime Fitness memberships come with a 12-month contract, meaning you commit to paying for a full year. If you cancel before 12 months are up, you typically owe an early termination fee, which can range from $100 to $200. Some locations offer month-to-month memberships without a contract, but these usually cost more per month to offset the risk to the gym.
Before you sign, ask the staff member at your local gym for the exact monthly fee, enrollment fee, and contract terms. These details are set by the individual franchise owner, not by the corporate chain, so they differ from location to location.
What Equipment and Amenities Are Included
A standard Anytime Fitness location includes cardio machines (treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals), free weights (dumbbells and barbells), weight machines, and a small stretching area. Most gyms also have locker rooms with showers and bathrooms. The exact equipment varies by location — a larger gym in a city will have more machines and options than a smaller one in a rural area.
Your membership includes access to the gym floor and equipment. Personal training is usually available but costs extra, typically $30 to $80 per session depending on the trainer and location. Group fitness classes, if offered, may or may not be included in your base membership — ask when you join.
Many Anytime Fitness locations offer additional services like tanning beds, massage chairs, or hydration stations, but these are not standard across all gyms. Some charge an extra monthly fee for these add-ons. When you tour the gym before joining, ask what is included in your membership and what costs extra.
How to Join and What Documents You Will Need
To join Anytime Fitness, visit a location near you during staffed hours (usually mornings and afternoons). A staff member will show you around, explain membership options, and have you fill out a membership agreement form.
You will need to bring a valid photo ID and a payment method — either a credit card or a bank account for automatic monthly withdrawals. The gym will run a soft credit check or verify your bank account to set up recurring billing. Some locations may ask for a second form of ID or proof of address, though this varies.
Once you sign the agreement and pay the enrollment fee, the gym will issue you a key fob or membership card that same day. You can usually start using it when ready. The staff will show you how to use the key fob at the front door and walk you through the gym layout.
Canceling Your Membership and Early Termination Fees
To cancel your Anytime Fitness membership, you must contact your local gym directly — there is no online cancellation option. Call or visit in person and ask to speak with a manager about canceling. Some gyms require written notice (a letter or email), so ask what form they need.
If you are still under contract (within the 12-month period), you will owe an early termination fee. This fee is set by the individual franchise owner and is stated in your membership agreement, so check that document to see what you agreed to. Typical early termination fees range from $100 to $200, though some locations charge more.
If your contract has ended and you are on month-to-month billing, you can usually cancel with 30 days' notice. After you give notice, your membership will end on the date specified, and you will not be charged again. Make sure to get confirmation in writing that your cancellation was processed.
Using Your Membership at Different Locations
One of the main benefits of Anytime Fitness is that your membership works at any location in the network. If you travel or move, you can use your key fob or card at any other Anytime Fitness gym without paying extra or signing up again.
When you visit a different location for the first time, stop by the front desk during staffed hours to let them know you are a member from another location. They will verify your membership in their system and make sure your key fob works at that gym. After that, you can come and go as you please.
If your key fob stops working at a different location, contact your home gym (the one where you joined) and they can troubleshoot or issue you a replacement. Some locations may charge a small fee to replace a lost or damaged key fob, typically $10 to $25.
What Happens During Off-Hours When Staff Is Not Present
Anytime Fitness gyms are unstaffed during late-night and early-morning hours. This means if you work out at 2 a.m., there will be no staff member on site to help you, answer questions, or respond to emergencies. You are responsible for using the equipment safely and following all gym rules on your own.
The gym has security cameras and emergency call buttons in case of injury or other problems. If you need help, you can press the emergency button and it will alert the gym's security service or management. However, response time depends on your location and the security system in place.
Because of this, Anytime Fitness is best suited for people who are comfortable working out independently and know how to use gym equipment safely. If you are new to fitness or prefer hands-on guidance, you may want to schedule sessions with a personal trainer during staffed hours, or consider a gym with more staff presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze my membership if I am injured or traveling?
Many Anytime Fitness locations offer membership freezes for a limited time, usually 30 to 90 days, though this varies by location. Contact your gym directly to ask about their freeze policy and whether there is a fee. A freeze pauses your monthly billing without canceling your membership, so you can resume when you return.
What if I lose my key fob?
Contact your home gym and tell them your key fob is lost. They can deactivate the old one and issue you a replacement, usually for a fee of $10 to $25. In the meantime, you may be able to use your membership card or a temporary code to access the gym, depending on the location's system.
Do I have to sign a 12-month contract?
Most Anytime Fitness locations require a 12-month contract, but some offer month-to-month memberships if you ask. Month-to-month memberships typically cost more per month. Ask about both options when you visit, and read your membership agreement carefully to understand the contract length and cancellation terms.
Can I bring a guest to work out with me?
Guest policies vary by location. Some gyms allow you to bring a guest for free a few times per month, while others charge a guest fee or require the guest to sign a waiver. Ask your gym about their guest policy when you join so you know what to expect.
What should I do if equipment is broken?
Report broken equipment to the gym staff during business hours, or use the emergency call button if it is an urgent safety issue. Most gyms have a maintenance schedule and will repair or replace equipment, but this can take time. In the meantime, use other available equipment or adjust your workout routine.