Best Gyms for Weight Loss: 7 Gyms to Melt Fat in 2024

Trying to shed body fat can be a confusing and frustrating journey. Everywhere you look, a new health guru is touting the latest fad diet, cleanse, or booty-blasting workout, promising quick fixes with magic bullets.

If you are trying to lose fat, I have great news: fat loss is actually a straightforward process. All you need is a sustainable exercise routine, some basic nutrition guidance, and a lot of patience and self-love. Let’s dive in.

Do I Need a Gym for Fat Loss?

If you are trying to lose extra pounds, a gym membership isn’t required – but it can be very helpful.

Contrary to the 1990s diet dogma that called ten almonds a meal and encouraged hours of cardio, we know now that the best path to fat loss includes weight lifting, adequate protein and carbohydrates, and appropriate recovery.

Speaking of the 1990s, notice I say fat loss instead of weight loss.

The truth is that the most liberating thing you can do is detach emotionally from the number on the scale and focus on building muscle and healthy habits.

Muscle is significantly more compact than fat, so we look trimmer the more we have – even at the same weight.

The days of 1200-calorie diets, obsessive weighing, and punishing our bodies with boring elliptical marathons are over. What’s in? Strength, nourishment, and gains. But where do you start?

Gym Memberships: Everything You Need to Know

There are numerous benefits to a monthly gym membership, the most important being access to different equipment. If you have ever tried to buy a Peloton, you know that a gym equipment is not cheap. Gym memberships allow us to access hundreds of pieces of strength and conditioning equipment that can fast-track our fat loss.

Additional benefits include access to fitness professionals like personal trainers and nutrition coaches, as well as amenities like pools, basketball courts, saunas, and more.

Choosing a Gym for Weight Loss

So you’ve decided you are ready to join a gym – congratulations! The next crucial step is selecting the right gym for you.

Take a Tour

Most commercial gyms have staff trained to show you around and answer your questions. Take advantage of this and get a feel for the space. I recommend going at the time of day you are most likely to work out.

Evaluate Culture

Each gym has a unique culture, and you must feel comfortable there. First, know that no one is looking at you. No, really. Most gym goers are preoccupied with themselves and their workout. It can be hard when you’re new to lifting, but own your space and know that this is your gym too.

Perks, Location, Price

What is your budget? Do you need childcare during your workout? Prefer to take a dip in the pool after your sweat session? Do you want massage chairs, snack bars, or a spa treatment? Is a 20-minute drive too far? These are personal preferences to consider.

Equipment

Heavy lifting is king when it comes to changing the way your body looks. Some equipment you want to see is a squat rack, a lifting platform (but a hex bar is fine, too), and dumbbells that go up to 100 pounds. Bonus equipment includes kettlebells, sleds, ropes, or a rowing machine.

Beware of One-Size-Fits-All

While the fitness industry has come a long way, there are still red flags to look for. Many gyms offer ‘nutrition’ counseling which can be an excuse to sell you overpriced, sub-par supplements.

Personal trainers at these gyms are often on the hook for pushing these products. If a personal trainer sells nutrition supplements, take those recommendations with a grain of salt.

Likewise, if you meet with a fitness professional and they do not offer you a customized fitness or nutrition strategy – run. There are endless ways to achieve fat loss, and it is the trainer's job to consider your individual needs, health concerns, and preferences.

Top Gyms for Fat Loss

• Budget-friendly – Planet Fitness
• Most Inclusive – Crunch Fitness
• Best Overall – LA Fitness
• Best No-frills – Anytime Fitness
• Best Hours – 24 Hour Fitness
• Best Amenities – Lifetime Fitness
• Best Luxury – Equinox