The Best Beginner Gyms to Feel at Ease While Working Out

From cardio machines and free weights to an extensive list of fitness classes, Crunch (7-day free trial) welcomes all exercisers, regardless of their preferred workout style. This versatility is ideal for beginners who are eager to try a variety of workouts.

Class options vary based on location, but typical Crunch classes include yoga, cycling, Zumba, and a variety of HIIT (high-intensity interval training) options.

Interested in learning the basics before you check out a class? For an additional fee, Crunch's experienced personal trainers can provide one-on-one support to help you build confidence in the gym and safely progress toward your fitness goals.

Along with classes and personal training, Crunch provides members with unique amenities, including saunas, spray tanning, hydromassages, childcare, and guest passes. However, you’ll need to purchase a Peak Results Membership to access all the perks they offer.

Membership options range from $9.95/month to $29.99/month, making Crunch Fitness the most affordable option on this list.

Headquartered in New York City, Crunch has over 425 gyms worldwide, including 37 states, the District of Columbia, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Spain.

The fear of judgment from other gym goers often stops beginners from getting to the gym. This is why we love Planet Fitness’ "Judgment-Free Zone" philosophy. It creates a welcoming and non-intimidating environment for beginners and casual exercisers.

Planet Fitness caters to beginners looking for general fitness. You’ll find a variety of cardio and strength training equipment, all of which are suitable for beginners or those seeking a less intense workout experience. While traditional gyms may feel intimidating to some, Planet Fitness does a great job of maintaining a welcoming vibe. For example, some locations still use a "Lunk Alarm" to discourage behaviors like excessive grunting or dropping weights.

Here’s how a Planet Fitness manager describes the gym environment:

“We really do advocate for the judgement free zone. That goes for the 400 lb guys trying to lose some weight, and the beefy guys trying to add an inch to their biceps. We get both, and everyone in between. “

With memberships starting at just $10 per month, Planet Fitness offers an affordable and accessible option for those looking to get fit in a comfortable, non-intimidating environment.

Getting to the gym can be daunting for beginners with busy schedules. That's where Anytime Fitness shines. With its 24/7 access, convenient locations, and welcoming atmosphere, Anytime Fitness is the perfect gym for beginners with irregular schedules or long work hours, allowing them to fit in a workout whenever it's convenient.

We like that Anytime Fitness locations are smaller and less crowded than larger chains, making it easier for beginners to navigate the gym and find the equipment they need.

As a bonus, Anytime Fitness locations often have private bathrooms and showers, providing members with a convenient, private space to freshen up after workouts.

Beginners will also appreciate the trainers available to guide your fitness journey at most Anytime Fitness locations. One member praised the "very knowledgeable trainers that are in there all the time."

With over 5,000 clubs worldwide, Anytime Fitness has a vast network of locations. Monthly pricing varies by location, but the average cost for US memberships is $41.

Starting an exercise program is challenging for anyone, let alone busy parents. Luckily, the YMCA (3-day free trial here) offers many family-friendly perks, making it an excellent option for beginners with children.

Need someone to watch the kids while you workout? Many YMCA gyms offer free childcare while caregivers exercise. Along with childcare, YMCA members can participate in family-focused events like holiday celebrations or family fun nights, helping members find their fitness community.

Most YMCAs offer standard gym features like cardio equipment, free weights, and machines. Although smaller locations may have fewer amenities, larger locations provide unique perks like indoor tracks, pools for lap swimming, and separate spaces for pickup games. Like Crunch, most YMCAs offer a variety of group classes, including cycling, dance, and strength training.

Ask your local YMCA about their personal training options if you're looking for extra guidance. Most gyms provide one-on-one or semi-private personal training for an additional cost.

The YMCA has more than 12,000 locations across more than 120 countries. Of those locations, 2,700 are distributed across all 50 US states. While prices vary based on location, a typical YMCA membership for a family/ household costs around $80 per month, and a typical individual membership costs $45 per month.

Traditional gyms often promote the fact that they have the latest and greatest equipment and machines. However, figuring out complicated gym equipment for a beginner can be intimidating.

We love Snap Fitness for its range of basic, easy-to-use equipment and machines. From free weights and squat racks to cardio machines like treadmills and ellipticals, beginners will find everything they need to build a solid foundation of fitness.

Snap Fitness' 24/7 access is another benefit for beginners. With a key card, members can get to the gym at any time, perfect for those who may feel self-conscious working out in front of others or have busy schedules that don't align with traditional gym hours.

While Snap Fitness may not offer the luxury amenities of some high-end gyms, it provides all the essentials beginners need to succeed. The smaller size of Snap Fitness locations compared to other traditional gyms feels less overwhelming, making it easier for beginners to navigate the gym and find the equipment they need without feeling lost or intimidated.

Snap Fitness is a great choice for beginners looking for a reliable, beginner-friendly gym with all the necessary equipment and machines to start their fitness journey. Pricing varies by location — check out plans in your area here: https://www.snapfitness.com/us/gyms.

For some beginners, stepping into a crowded gym full of equipment they’ve never used before can feel intimidating. If you’re overwhelmed by the traditional gym atmosphere, consider checking out YogaSix instead.

YogaSix (1-week free trial here) is a yoga franchise with locations in 25 states. Each studio is locally owned and offers a variety of classes from slow and mindful to hot and fast-paced. This variety allows beginners to pick a class that accommodates their current fitness level and progress to more challenging classes at their own pace.

While YogaSix doesn't offer personal training, they’re committed to teaching in a way that makes classes easy to follow and understand. If you’re unsure which class is best for you as a beginner at the gym, chat with your local studio’s experienced staff. They can help guide you toward the best class to achieve your fitness goals.

Not sure if you’re ready to commit, but are still interested in giving yoga a try? Many YogaSix locations offer your first week free, giving you the opportunity to experience different classes before purchasing a membership. Membership costs vary based on location, but expect to pay $99.99 or more each month.

Struggling to start an exercise routine because you haven’t found a form of movement you enjoy? You’re not alone. A 2021 poll of 2,000 Americans found that 50% of respondents didn’t exercise as much as they’d like because they didn’t enjoy their workouts.

If you haven’t found your favorite form of movement yet, why not try an exercise class that feels more like a dance party than a workout? Since 1969, Jazzercise has helped students find joy in movement through heart-pounding cardio dance classes. Today, there are over 8,000 Jazzercise locations across 32 countries worldwide.

Jazzercise studios offer three unique workout styles: Cardio Sculpt, Power Sculpt, and Sculpt. While all three workouts are beginner-friendly, it may take a class or two to familiarize yourself with the routine.

Want to test your moves at home before signing up for a class? Jazzercise's digital platform provides a 14-day free trial, so you can test the workouts from the comfort of your living room before signing up for an in-person class. Studio memberships start at $99.99 per month.

While we love running and plyometrics, these forms of cardio may be too high impact for some new exercisers, increasing their risk of injury. If you want to level up your cardiovascular fitness, consider a workout at Row House instead.

Row House (first class free) is a boutique fitness studio that combines rowing intervals with weighted floor exercises. This killer combo helps you improve your cardiovascular health while strengthening your muscles.

While rowing machines may look intimidating at first, they can be a great piece of equipment for beginners. Rowing helps you work 86% of the muscles in your body without putting as much stress on your joints as other forms of movement. But every good fitness program, especially one for beginners, needs a little variety. That's why Row House offers six unique classes that each focus on different elements of your fitness.

Still unsure if rowing is for you? Enjoy a free workout at one of Row House's 90 nationwide studios before signing up for a membership. Like many boutique gyms, memberships vary based on location but prices typically start around $70 per month.