Blink Fitness Vs. Crunch: Which Gym Is Right For You?

When it comes to affordable gym memberships, Blink Fitness and Crunch are two popular options. With prices starting around $10-20 per month, they aim to provide quality facilities and classes at a fraction of the cost of high-end gyms.

But which one is better for your fitness needs? Here’s an in-depth comparison of Blink Fitness and Crunch gyms to help you decide.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Blink Fitness	Crunch Fitness
Cost	$15/month + $45 annual fee	$9.95+/month
Contract	Month-to-month	Month-to-month
Hours	24/7	Varies, can be 24/7
Equipment	Quality cardio and strength training. More budget-friendly equipment.	Premium equipment. More variety and accessories.
Classes	Basic HIIT, yoga, Zumba.	Huge variety and specialty classes.
Amenities	No pools, courts or frills.	Pools, courts, premium services available.
Vibe	Casual, unintimidating.	High-energy, exciting.
Locations	100+, only in NY/NJ/PA area.	300+ nationwide.

Overview Of Blink Fitness

Founded in 2011, Blink is a gym chain with over 100 locations across the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania area. Their motto is “everyone deserves to feel good” and they aim to provide an inclusive, unintimidating environment.

Some key features of Blink Fitness include:

• Low cost – Memberships start at just $15/month. Lower prices available with annual commitments.
• No contracts – Membership is month-to-month. Cancel anytime.
• 24/7 access – Cardio and strength training equipment available anytime.
• Personal training – Available for an added fee.
• Group fitness classes – Options like HIIT, yoga, Zumba® included with membership.
• Basic amenities – Facilities include locker rooms, cardio machines, weights and some locations have small turf areas. No pools or courts.

Blink caters towards casual gym-goers looking for an affordable way to get fit. The no judgement mantra focuses on the average person looking to get healthy, not just bodybuilders or athletes.

Overview Of Crunch Gyms

Founded in 1989, Crunch has grown to over 300 locations worldwide. They aim to provide a wide range of classes and top-quality equipment while keeping costs low.

Features of Crunch Gyms:

• Low cost – Memberships start around $9.95-$24.95/month depending on location. Discounts for students and teachers.
• No long-term contracts – Month-to-month commitment.
• Group fitness classes – Huge variety and number of classes included with membership like yoga, HIIT, dance, martial arts and more.
• Pool and courts – Many locations have basketball courts, indoor and outdoor pools. Great for athletes.
• Premium amenities – Options like saunas, steam rooms, spray tanning, massage and child care available.

Crunch offers more amenities than Blink, catering to those interested in classes, sports and premium features. They strive to provide a fun community environment.

Comparing Gym Equipment

Both Blink and Crunch aim to provide a wide range of high-quality fitness equipment so members can get a total body workout. Here’s how their offerings compare:

Cardio Machines

Treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, rowers, and stair climbers. Both have the latest cardio equipment; Blink often has more budget-friendly or older models while Crunch may have higher end.

Strength Equipment

Both have extensive free weights including barbells, dumbbells, squat racks, benches and machine weights. Crunch often has a greater variety.

Training Accessories

Options like resistance bands, foam rollers, physio balls, and ab wheels. Crunch has more variety and accessories.

Turf / CrossFit Areas

Some Blink locations have small turf areas. Many Crunch gyms have large open turf zones for HIIT, agility drills or foam rolling.

Overall, Crunch generally offers more types of equipment and premium features like virtual classes. But Blink ensures the basics are covered for strength and cardio training.

Gym Amenities and Features

In addition to equipment, convenience features and amenities can enhance your gym experience. Here’s how Blink and Crunch compare:

Also Read: Differences Between Crunch And Equinox.

Locker Rooms

Both have locker rooms stocked with basics – lockers, showers, etc. Crunch often has more amenities like saunas, tanning or spa lounges.

Group Fitness Classes

Crunch offers far more class options and specialty classes like pole dancing or underwater spin. Blink has basic classes like Zumba, yoga, HIIT.

Pools / Courts

Most Crunch locations have pools and basketball courts. Blink has no pools and only small turf zones in some gyms.

Premium Services

Crunch provides services like massage, spray tanning, Kid Crunch child care and hydration stations. Blink does not provide premium services.

Cleanliness

Both gyms focus on providing clean facilities. As a new gym, Blink locations tend to appear more modern.

For amenities, Crunch excels with services, classes and courts/pools. Blink takes a simpler approach focused on efficient gyms.

Cost and Fees

Both Blink and Crunch aim to offer exceptional value at affordable prices. However, here are some key differences:

• Blink memberships start at $15/month while Crunch starts around $9.95+/month.
• Blink requires $45 annual fee. Crunch has no annual fees.
• Blink requires fob key fees ($5-$15 one time). No fob fees at Crunch.
• Crunch has more add-ons if you want classes, towel service, etc. Blink only charges for personal training.
• Both require annual fees if you want to cancel – $60 for Blink, $58 for Crunch.

Overall Crunch offers lower base membership prices, but watch for add-ons. Blink is slightly simpler for budgeting but has a required annual fee.

Vibe and Culture

When it comes to gym environment, both Blink and Crunch aim to provide an unintimidating, inclusive atmosphere. However, here are some differences:

Blink

• Focus is purely on efficient, affordable workout experience. No frills.
• Gyms have a basic, grittier warehouse type aesthetic.
• Less membership options or amenities that can increase costs.
• Caters to all ages. Popular among younger locals.

Crunch

• Aim to provide high-end features and tons of classes while keeping costs low.
• Gyms are more flashy, dynamic, music-focused. Made for a party atmosphere.
• Caters to a wide demographic but tends to attract more young professionals.
• More membership add-ons so can feel less budget-friendly.

Overall Blink tends to attract no-nonsense gym-goers while Crunch caters to those who want an exciting, high-energy experience.

Also Read: Choose Between Tmpl And Equinox.

Pros And Cons Of Blink Fitness And Crunch Fitness

Blink Fitness

Pros

• Open 24/7 for convenience
• Simple monthly pricing starting at $15
• Modern strength training and cardio equipment
• Classes like yoga, Zumba® included
• Casual, unintimidating vibe

Cons

• Requires annual membership fee
• Only located in NY/NJ/PA area
• No pools, courts, premium amenities
• Limited class options compared to Crunch
• Fewer locations than competitor gyms

Crunch Fitness

Pros

• Huge variety and number of classes
• Low base membership starting around $10/month
• Pools, basketball courts, turf zones
• Premium amenities like massage, tanning
• National chain with tons of locations

Cons

• Month costs add up quickly with add-ons
• Long waits and crowding during peak hours
• Can be cliquey with less inclusive vibe
• Quality depends on individual franchise locations

Also watch the video about Crunch Fitness!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Also Read: Is XSport Better Than Planet Fitness?

The Bottom Line

For budget-focused gym-goers who want convenient 24/7 access, quality equipment and basic classes, Blink Fitness is an excellent choice. However, those wanting premium amenities, expansive GFX programs and courts will appreciate Crunch.

Determine your must-have features, preferred environment and budget to decide between these affordable gym chains. With either option, you can’t go wrong getting fit without going broke.