Who Has the Best Gym Membership for College Students? Your Ultimate Fitness Guide

Being a student is an exciting time full of personal growth, new experiences, and fun moments with friends while pursuing your studies. One of the bonuses of student life is access to discounts and special deals, including at gyms.

Many large gym franchises and local fitness clubs offer a variety of memberships, from basic access to more premium packages. The great news is that many of these gyms provide student discounts, making it affordable for young adults to stay active and healthy. Whether you’re into 24 hour fitness centers, boxing classes, or yoga studios, there’s something for everyone.

Building healthy habits sets you up for success now and in the future. Plus, top gyms with student deals help you save money and give you access to great facilities, group workouts, and additional perks.

Are you curious about who has the best gym membership for college students? Let’s explore your options and find the perfect fit for your needs!

5 Best Gyms for College Students Near You

1. Crunch Fitness

The first gym membership we’re highlighting is Crunch Fitness—a fantastic option for college students who want to kickstart or continue their fitness journey.

Crunch Fitness offers a variety of student discounts and membership options, making it affordable and accessible. Depending on your age, you may qualify for a specific student discount.

To take advantage of these deals, present your valid student ID with proof of your current student status at your nearest Crunch location.

Here’s what you can enjoy with a Crunch membership:

• Full access to the fitness center, including equipment and machines
• Circuit training options.
• Locker rooms with showers for your convenience.
• Online nutrition tools to help guide your meal planning.
• Support during your fitness journey, ensuring you stay on track with your goals.

While Crunch offers great benefits at an affordable rate, there are a few limitations to be aware of:

• Personal training services are not included in the basic membership
• Some group classes may require an additional fee or are not covered under the discounted membership

Despite these minor drawbacks, Crunch Fitness remains an excellent choice for college students. Its combination of student discounts, accessible facilities, and support services makes it a top pick for those seeking a reliable gym membership.

Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just starting, Crunch offers great value to students interested in staying active and healthy!

2. Planet Fitness: High School Summer Pass

Planet Fitness stands out as a leading option when considering gym memberships for college students. Known for being one of the largest and fastest-growing fitness center franchises, Planet Fitness offers a welcoming environment committed to accessibility for all members.

One of Planet Fitness’s most appealing features is its High School Summer Pass program. This initiative allows high school students aged 14 to 19 to workout for free at any of its more than 2,400 locations across the United States and Canada.

While this program is primarily aimed at high school students, it also encourages college students to explore similar gym memberships that offer flexibility and good value.

For college students, the benefits of choosing Planet Fitness include:

• Affordable Membership Options
• Gyms with Student Discounts
• Variety of Group Classes
• Convenient Access
• Welcoming Atmosphere

3. Best for Bodybuilders: Gold’s Gym

Gold’s Gym is another fantastic option for students searching for a gym membership, especially during the summer. They offer a special summer student discount, making it a great time to start working on their fitness goals without breaking the bank.

Here are some of the key benefits of Gold’s Gym student discount:

• There is no enrollment fee so you can join without any upfront costs
• Full access to gym facilities, including a wide variety of equipment
• There are no processing fees, which helps keep your membership affordable

However, there are a couple of things to consider when signing up for Gold’s Gym as a student:

• The summer student discount is a limited-time offer, so take advantage of it while it’s available.
• Some facilities may not be included in the student membership, so it’s important to check what’s covered at your local Gold’s Gym.

Overall, Gold’s Gym is a solid choice for students eager to jump-start their fitness routine and take advantage of the summer discount.

With no processing or initiation fee, it’s an accessible and budget-friendly way to enjoy a high-quality gym experience during the summer months.

4. Best for Frequent Travelers: Anytime Fitness

Are you constantly moving but still want to stay committed to your fitness goals? Anytime Fitness has you covered. The standout feature of this program is its global reach—boasting over 4,700 locations in more than 400 countries, making it easy to access a gym no matter where you are in the world.

What makes Anytime Fitness a great option? First, it’s open 24/7, allowing you to work out whenever it fits your schedule—day or night. Plus, with membership contracts ranging from 8 months to 18 months, you can save even more by committing to a longer term.

Pros

• Access to 4,700+ gyms worldwide—perfect for frequent travelers.
• Open 24/7, so you can work out anytime, even on the road.
• Cost savings with extended contracts (8, 12, or 18 months).

Considerations

• Some locations staff their facilities 24/7, so assistance may not always be available.
• It lacks certain luxury amenities, such as saunas and steam rooms.

While Anytime Fitness is ideal for those on the go, remember it’s more about accessibility and convenience than high-end extras. But if you’re looking for consistent gym access wherever your travels take you, this is one membership that won’t let you down!

5. Get Fit Anytime: 24-Hour Fitness

24-Hour Fitness actively supports college students in their wellness journeys by offering discounts on gym memberships. With flexible plans tailored to fit students’ agitated schedules, 24-Hour Fitness makes it easier than ever for them to prioritize health while managing schoolwork and other commitments.

Students enjoy access to state-of-the-art equipment and a welcoming environment, making this gym an excellent choice for anyone looking to stay active.

The student discount program stands out for its affordability. Students benefit from reduced monthly fees, allowing them to enjoy all 24 Hour Fitness offers without straining their budgets.

Additionally, the gym provides access to diverse facilities, including cardio machines, weight training equipment, and group classes. This variety ensures students have numerous options to keep their workouts fresh and engaging.

Moreover, 24 Hour Fitness recognizes that Fitness encompasses physical health and community building. The gym encourages students to participate in group classes, which promote Fitness and foster social connections.

Whether students are interested in yoga, spinning, or high-intensity interval training, these classes provide a fun way to stay active and meet new friends. Overall, the student discounts at 24 Hour Fitness make it a valuable resource for college students striving to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Top 8 Benefits of Exercise for College Students

We all know exercise is good for us, but the benefits are even more exciting than you might realize—especially for college students!

Here are eight of the top benefits of working out for college students:

1. Physical Health: It’s no secret that exercise boosts physical health, but it also improves brain and gut health. Regular workouts help prevent chronic diseases, boost energy, improve mood, and enhance overall quality of life. Plus, staying active helps you feel better during everyday activities, whether walking to class or studying late into the night.
2. Strength: Imagine being able to carry that heavy backpack across campus easily. Even 30 minutes of strength training each week can improve functional fitness, making you stronger and more capable of handling daily tasks.
3. Confidence: When your body feels strong and healthy, your confidence grows, too. Whether tackling a new workout or making new friends, regular exercise can give you the self-assurance you need to thrive in all areas of college life.
4. Mental Health: College can be stressful as you navigate new responsibilities and adulthood. Exercise is a powerful way to boost mental health, helping to reduce anxiety and improve your emotional well-being. Movement is a great stress-buster, whether hitting the gym or taking a quick morning walk.
5. Improved Mood: Thanks to those feel-good endorphins, exercise can immediately lift your mood. A few minutes of physical activity can make you feel more positive and energized, a big bonus during busy college days.
6. Lower Stress: College life can be stressful, but exercise helps you manage it. Whether you’re facing deadlines, midterms, or finals, a quick workout can significantly reduce your stress levels and help you stay calm.
7. Stability: Regular exercise helps you stay grounded in other areas. When you’re less stressed and more confident, you’re better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs—whether it’s a tough exam or a change in your major.
8. Improved Academic Performance: Remember those after-school sports in high school? They were boosting your grades! Exercise improves focus, memory, and cognitive function, which can help you perform better academically. Just make sure to stay active despite your busy college schedule!

By making exercise part of your routine, you’ll feel stronger, happier, and more ready to tackle whatever college throws your way!

How to Balance Exercise and School as a College Student

As a college student, it can feel impossible to fit exercise into your busy schedule. Between rushing from class to class, work, and study sessions at the library, finding time to work out can be tough.

But the truth is, regular exercise offers huge benefits, and fitting it into your routine is more important than you might think—even if your campus doesn’t have a top-notch gym.

Here are some simple ways to squeeze in movement during your hectic school day:

1. Stretch during study breaks – Long hours at the library don’t have to be completely passive. Take a 7-10 minute break every hour to stretch, walk around, or do a quick bodyweight exercise. It’ll refresh your mind and body!
2. Bike to class—If possible, Skip the car and bike to campus. If you live too far away, park in the farthest spot and enjoy a walk across campus. Adding extra steps is a simple way to boost your daily activity.
3. Active studying – Studying doesn’t always mean sitting. Explore a nearby hiking trail while listening to audio notes or recorded lectures. It’s a fun way to combine fitness with study time!

Whether you hope to improve your grades through exercise’s brain-boosting effects or want to maintain your mental health, balancing school and a fitness routine is key.

Many gyms offer student discounts, and some even include group classes, so you can find a membership that fits your schedule and budget.

Making small adjustments and taking advantage of gyms with student discounts allows you to maintain a healthy routine and stay on top of your studies.

The Best College Discount Goes To…

Now that we’ve reviewed different gym membership options for students, we can say without a doubt that Crunch’s student membership is the best choice for those who wish to find a perfect training place where they can feel comfortable and have all the equipment and facilities they need to achieve their fitness goals.

With three different student discount options, Crunch’s membership adapts to the student’s needs and provides the best option according to the type of membership they choose to acquire.

How to Find Gym Deals Near You

Affordable gym memberships are available even without discounts, but when you add special promotions, you can get even more value for your money. By taking advantage of these deals, you’ll maximize your investment and achieve your fitness goals without overspending.

At Crunch Fitness, we’re committed to offering great value to our members. While the deals in this article are available throughout the year, it’s always worth checking our website or stopping by your local Crunch to see if any new promotions are running.

Join Us!

Crunch promotes a culture of positivity, inclusivity, and fun with no judgments by providing an environment for all individuals regardless of their health and fitness goals. Find a Crunch gym near you to try our free trial membership, or join Crunch now. We’re here for you – at the gym or at home. Access the best live & on-demand workouts anytime, anywhere with Crunch+. Ready to get sweaty? Try hundreds of workouts for free! Start your free trial now!

FAQ 

Does Every Luxury Fitness Center Have a Student Discount Membership?

No, not every luxury fitness center has a student membership. Every individual gym offers discounts and various membership options, including different group fitness classes, enrollment fees, and gym memberships. 

Can I Enjoy the Same Benefits in Every Student Membership Option? 

No, every gym has its policies and memberships, which give you access to partial or full use of its facilities, free classes, and personal trainers.  

Are Student Memberships for Any Age?

Some student discounts apply only to certain students, and aspects like age and grade of studies might limit some memberships.

What Other Benefits Can I Find in A Student Discount Gym Membership?

Aspects like free fitness training, tanning beds, class schedule possibilities, basketball courts, and yoga classes, among others.

Can I Go and Train In Other Locations?

Most gyms with student discounts offer the possibility of visiting different fitness center locations with their student memberships; however, the type of membership you acquire will also be important in this situation.