When it comes to choosing a gym, Crunch and Retro Fitness are two popular options. Both gyms offer affordable memberships, a wide variety of fitness classes, and amenities like pools and saunas.
But there are some key differences between Crunch and Retro Fitness that can help you decide which gym best fits your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Crunch Fitness | Retro Fitness |
| Monthly membership cost | $9.95 – $29.95 | $19.99 – $29.99 |
| Gym focus | Group fitness classes | Strength training and cardio equipment |
| Gym amenities | Pools, saunas, hot tubs, massage, tanning | Minimal, some locations have tanning beds |
| Open 24/7 | Yes, most locations | Yes, most locations |
| Classes offered | Huge variety like Zumba, yoga, Pilates, cycling | Limited class schedule |
| Workout vibe | Energetic, social | Warehouse, no-frills |
| Membership terms | Month-to-month, no commitment | Month-to-month, no commitment |
| Personal training | Available for added fee | Available for added fee |
| Discounts | Students, teachers, military | Students, teachers, military |
Overview Of Crunch Fitness
Crunch is one of the largest gym chains in the country, with over 300 locations across the United States and abroad. Crunch aims to provide a diverse range of classes at an affordable price point.
Some key features of Crunch gyms include:
- Membership fees typically range from $9.95 to $29.95 per month. Discounted rates are available for students, teachers, military, and more.
- Group fitness classes are a major focus, with options like Zumba, yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, and indoor cycling.
- Gyms are open 24/7 in most locations.
- Amenities vary by location but can include pools, saunas, tanning beds, HydroMassage beds, and more.
- Month-to-month memberships are available, with no long-term commitments.
- Personal training is available for an additional fee.
- Online workout classes are included with memberships.
Overview Of Retro Fitness
Retro Fitness centers provide a barebones, “back to basics” workout environment.
Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
- Membership fees range from $19.99 to $29.99 per month. Discounts are offered for students, teachers, military, and more.
- Most locations are open 24 hours.
- Cardio equipment and strength training machines/free weights are the central focus.
- Group classes like Zumba, yoga, and boot camp may be offered on a limited schedule.
- Amenities are minimal – some locations may have tanning beds or massage chairs available.
- No frills environment – expect a warehouse-style layout.
- Month-to-month memberships are available.
- Personal training is available for an additional fee.
Comparing The Workout Experience
When it comes to workouts, Crunch and Retro Fitness take very different approaches.
Crunch prides itself on providing a wide range of group fitness classes, from dance to HIIT workouts. Classes accommodate beginners to advanced exercisers. If you enjoy varied, high-energy classes with great instructors, Crunch is a good fit.
However, the focus on classes means fewer cardio machines and weight stations compared to other big box gyms. During peak hours, you may have to wait to use equipment.
Retro Fitness has a straight-forward workout environment focused on weights and cardio. You’ll get in a solid workout using the extensive selection of strength training machines, free weights, and cardio equipment. Retro Fitness lacks the frills of more upscale gyms – expect a sparse, warehouse-like environment.
Group classes are limited compared to Crunch. Retro Fitness caters to self-directed exercisers who want to build their own routines.
Also Read: Comparison Between Equinox And Orangetheory.
Comparing Amenities
The amenities at Crunch and Retro Fitness reflect their different workout approaches.
Crunch locations pride themselves on their extensive amenities meant to enhance the member experience. Expect features like:
- Pools for swimming laps and aquatic classes
- Hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms
- Expansive locker rooms
- Tanning beds and spray tan booths
- Massage chairs and Hydromassage loungers
- Retail shops selling fitness apparel and supplements
Retro Fitness takes a minimalist approach to amenities. Most locations offer limited extras like:
- Small locker rooms
- Tanning beds in select locations
- Bring your own lock for lockers
- Vending machines for snacks and drinks
Retro Fitness focuses on keeping costs low rather than providing upscale facilities. If amenities are important to you, Crunch is the better choice. Also watch this video!
Cost Comparison
Both Crunch and Retro Fitness aim to provide affordable gym access, but Crunch membership rates tend to be slightly higher on average.
Here’s how the monthly membership costs typically compare:
- Crunch: $9.95 – $29.95 per month
- Retro Fitness: $19.99 – $29.99 per month
However, Crunch memberships often provide more perks like free online workouts, guest passes, and access to any Crunch gym worldwide.
Retro Fitness memberships are straightforward with fewer built-in perks. But the lower monthly fees appeal to budget-focused exercisers.
Both gyms offer discounts for students, teachers, military, medical professionals, and first responders. Overall, Retro Fitness tends to edge out Crunch for the most budget-friendly rates. But check rates for your local gyms, as prices can vary.
Also Read: Comparison Between YAZIO And Noom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Planet Fitness and Crunch both offer budget-friendly gym access, but Planet Fitness caters to more casual exercisers while Crunch provides more amenities for committed gym-goers.
Planet Fitness has a judgement-free, low-key environment appealing to beginners. They are known for perks like free pizza and bagels, and low $10 per month memberships. They have limited weight and cardio equipment.
Crunch offers a wider range of amenities and classes for experienced exercisers who want intense workouts. Expect full-scale weights, pools, classes, and higher membership fees averaging $20+ monthly.
Planet Fitness is currently the largest gym chain in the United States with over 2,000 locations. Planet Fitness appeals to casual gym-goers thanks to their low-cost memberships, judgement-free vibe, and premium perks like tanning and massage chairs.
Other top national gym chains by membership include:
LA Fitness – Over 700 locations
24 Hour Fitness – Over 300 locations
Anytime Fitness – Over 5,000 locations
Gold’s Gym – Over 700 locations
The cheapest nationwide gym chains are Planet Fitness and Retro Fitness. Both offer memberships starting at $10-20 per month. Specific membership rates will vary by location.
Other affordable gym options include:
Local community center gyms
Gyms at schools and universities
YMCAs and YWCAs
Budget club gyms like YouFit, Fitness 19, and Planet Fitness
Look for gyms that offer no-contract monthly memberships, student discounts, and low sign-up fees to maximize savings.
Crunch is one of the most popular gym chains thanks to their diverse class offerings, upscale amenities, flexible membership terms, and nationwide locations.
Benefits of Crunch memberships include:
Hundreds of classes like yoga, Zumba, Pilates, martial arts
Gyms open 24/7 in most areas
Pools, saunas, hot tubs, massage, and tanning
Guest passes to bring friends
Reciprocal use of any Crunch gym
Downsides are that amenities vary by location, and monthly fees are higher than barebones gym chains. But for group fitness fans, Crunch provides an exciting workout environment.
Also Read: Comparison Between LA Fitness And Xsport.
The Verdict
When choosing Crunch or Retro Fitness, consider what gym experience and amenities appeal to you:
Choose Crunch if you want:
- Huge variety of group fitness classes
- Upscale amenities like pools, saunas, massage
- Flexible open 24/7 access
- Nationwide gym network
Choose Retro Fitness if you want:
- Extensive cardio and strength training options
- Simple, no-frills workout environment
- 24/7 gym access
- Low monthly membership fees
- Straight-forward commitment terms
For serious group fitness fans, Crunch provides energy-filled classes and motivating instructors. The extensive amenities enhance the social experience. But the higher membership fees and crowds during peak times are downsides.
Budget-focused exercisers who want unrestricted gym access will appreciate Retro Fitness’ simple, focused workout environment. You won’t pay for unnecessary amenities. But if you want classes or a vibrant social scene, Retro Fitness will leave you wanting more.
Ultimately, visiting your local Crunch and Retro Fitness can help determine which provides the right vibe and value for your fitness needs. Both gyms aim to make fitness accessible with flexible no-commitment memberships.
