When it comes to finding the perfect gym, there’s a lot to consider – cost, amenities, classes, location, and more. Two popular national gym chains are LA Fitness and XSport Fitness.
They both offer similar facilities and pricing, so how do you choose between them? This comprehensive guide will compare and contrast LA Fitness and XSport to help you select the right gym for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | LA Fitness | XSport Fitness |
| Number of locations | 700+ nationwide | 60 primarily in IL, NY, DC |
| Gym size | Varies, signature clubs are large (50,000+ sq ft) | Typically 25,000 – 40,000 sq ft |
| Membership cost | $30-50/month | $30-50/month |
| Contract terms | Annual contracts typically | Month-to-month or annual |
| Weights and cardio equipment | Extensive selection | Extensive selection |
| Group fitness classes | Wide variety, 100+ classes/week at larger clubs | 30-70 classes/week |
| Swimming pools | Many locations have lap pools and whirlpools | Most locations have pools and whirlpools |
| Basketball courts | Full and half courts available | Mainly half courts |
| Racquetball courts | Full courts available at some locations | Mainly half courts |
| Childcare | Kid’s Klub, some offer Prime Kare for infants | Kid’s Club for ages 6 weeks to 12 years |
| Premium amenities | Spas, saunas, steam rooms, salon services | Limited spa services |
| Personal training | Available at added cost | Available at added cost |
| Corporate discounts | Offered | Offered |
| Cancellation difficulty | Can be difficult | Flexible month-to-month available |
Overview Of LA Fitness
LA Fitness is one of the largest gym chains in the US with over 700 locations across the country. They offer a wide range of amenities including:
- Extensive selection of cardio and strength training equipment
- Group fitness classes like Zumba, yoga, cycle, and aquatic programs
- Basketball courts
- Racquetball courts
- Swimming pools
- Spas, saunas, and steam rooms (at select locations)
- Kid’s Klub childcare
- Personal training
- Nutritional counseling
Memberships start around $30-50 per month depending on your location and plan. Discounts are offered for couples, students, teachers, first responders, and corporate employees.
Overview Of XSport Fitness
XSport Fitness has about 60 locations primarily in Illinois, New York, and Washington D.C. Their gyms provide:
- Lots of cardiovascular machines like treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers
- Strength training equipment and free weights
- Group fitness classes
- Lap pools and whirlpools
- Basketball courts
- Racquetball courts
- Kid’s Club childcare
- Personal training
- Pro shop and juice bar
Pricing is similar to LA Fitness with monthly rates from $30-50 depending on location and membership type. They offer corporate discounts but not as many specialized membership types.
Facilities And Amenities Comparison
Both LA Fitness and XSport provide extensive cardio and strength equipment along with amenities like pools, courts, classes, and personal training. A key difference is that LA Fitness has over 10x more club locations, so they will be more convenient if you travel frequently.
LA Fitness tends to have more amenities like spas, saunas, steam rooms, and racquetball courts depending on the individual location. Their Kids Klub childcare and pool areas also tend to be larger.
XSport facilities are still high quality but some of their gyms are smaller and have fewer addon services. You’ll want to check an individual location to see their specific offerings.
Overall, LA Fitness will provide greater facility size, amenities, and location options compared to XSport.
Also Read: Comparison Between VASA Fitness And Chuze Fitness.
Group Fitness Class Comparison
Both gym brands offer group fitness classes ranging from yoga to bootcamp to cycling. Class variety and schedule will depend on each location.
In general, LA Fitness tends to offer a greater variety and number of classes. Even their smaller gyms will have around 30-50 classes per week covering cardio, strength, mind/body, aquatic, cycling, and more. Larger clubs can offer 100+ weekly classes.
XSport Fitness has solid group fitness class options including Les Mills branded programs. Class schedules vary more between locations depending on gym size. Expect to see around 30-70 classes per week.
For the widest selection of specialty fitness classes like barre, HIIT training, Pilates, and dance, LA Fitness is the better choice.
Membership Cost Comparison
Membership pricing is very similar between LA Fitness and XSport Fitness. Both offer monthly rates starting around $30-50 depending on location with discounted corporate and group rates.
LA Fitness provides a few more membership tiers like student/teacher discounts and multi-location packages. XSport memberships are slightly more one-size-fits-all.
When comparing overall cost, be sure to consider each gym’s amenities and extras to see what you’re getting for the monthly fee. Also check for any signup fees or annual fees.
LA Fitness typically provides greater facilities and amenities, particularly at their signature clubs, so you may get more value per dollar of membership cost compared to XSport.
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Pros And Cons Of LA Fitness
Pros
- Nationwide chain with over 700 locations
- Signature clubs have expansive amenities like pools, basketball courts, spas
- Huge selection of cardio equipment and weight machines
- Variety of classes cover all types of exercise
- Kid’s Klub childcare services available
- Reasonable membership rates
- Multi-location access packages available
Cons
- Quality and amenities can vary between locations
- Some clubs get very crowded, especially at peak times
- Upsells for personal training, small group training
- Frequent sales calls encouraging personal training purchases
- Can be difficult to cancel memberships
Pros And Cons Of XSport Fitness
Pros
- Well-equipped gyms with extensive weights and cardio machines
- Group fitness classes included with membership
- Swimming pools, basketball courts, and racquetball courts
- Kid’s Club childwatch for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years
- Month-to-month memberships available, no long contracts
- Corporate wellness rates offered
Cons
- Limited to 60 locations primarily in IL, NY, and DC
- Smaller overall gym footprint and fewer amenities than LA Fitness
- Quality varies between locations
- Gets crowded at peak hours
- Mobile app and website limited compared to competitors
- Half courts for basketball and racquetball
Also Read: Comparison Between Planet Fitness And Fitness 19.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Good Life and LA Fitness are two leading national gym chains. Overall, LA Fitness tends to have larger gyms with more amenities like swimming pools, basketball/racquetball courts, and spa services. Their weights, cardio, and group fitness class selection also edges out Good Life. However, Good Life gyms are well-equipped and offer excellent value. Check your local clubs, but LA Fitness rates as the “better” option if you want expansive facilities.
Most LA Fitness membership types allow access to any of their over 700 clubs nationwide. So in that sense, memberships work at all locations. However, amenities vary between gyms – smaller or older clubs won’t have all the same services as newer signature locations. You’ll want to check out your home gym to make sure it has what you need. But overall, their multi-location access memberships provide excellent flexibility.
LA Fitness and Lifetime Fitness are separate gym chains. Lifetime operates around 150 clubs compared to LA Fitness’ 700+ locations. The two brands have some similarities like large gyms, extensive amenities, pools, and racquetball courts. However, Lifetime gyms tend to be higher-end with luxury locker rooms, enhanced childcare, salons, and outdoor features. Lifetime Fitness has premium pricing starting around $70-$150/month. In comparison, LA Fitness is more budget-friendly.
Yes, Fitness International LLC owns and operates the LA Fitness brand and gyms. They have their headquarters in Irvine, California. Fitness International purchased the LA Fitness club chain in 2012 and rebranded some existing gyms under the LA Fitness name. So Fitness International and LA Fitness refer to the same overall company.
Also Read: Comparison Between Crunch And Retro Fitness.
Verdict
For most people, LA Fitness edges out XSport as the better overall gym choice. With 10x more locations and generally larger, more amenity-filled gyms, LA Fitness provides greater convenience and facilities. They excel at having extensive cardio, weights, classes, courts, pools, and other services under one roof.
XSport Fitness still offers solid facilities and a quality workout experience. Their gyms deliver robust fitness essentials like weights, cardio equipment, and classes. XSport is a good option if you specifically want month-to-month, no contract memberships.
When choosing a gym, visit the specific locations you’re considering and compare for yourself. Both LA Fitness and XSport have excellent equipment and classes, but amenities and culture will vary club to club. Select the option that best matches your preferences, budget, and fitness goals.