The holiday buzz + subsequent hangover is probably wearing off and you’re getting back to real life now, and for many people — ⅔ of the population, actually — that means resolving to be more active. 💪
If you’re one of the countless people looking to improve yourself by exercising more, we are here to help you figure out the best gym option.
We’ve outlined details about local workout options + sourced reader feedback to see what you had to say about why you love your gym.
Most local gyms let you try them out before you commit, and as the Better Business Bureau points out, it’s important to do your research before you sign a portion of your paycheck away.
Check out those BBB tips + use the below guide to get on the way to your fitness goals.
This list isn’t comprehensive, so reply to this email or find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and tell us how + where you work out and why.
✅ProTip: Check with each gym re: amenities to make sure your favorite location has the ones you want.
Individual memberships/gyms
Sports Barn
📍Locations: Downtown, Hixson, Lee Highway
💰 Cost: There are a range of membership options. Your first visit is free + you can call and discuss options with membership coordinator Stephanie Bassett at 423-320-4837.
— Amenities: Strength-training + cardio equipment, free weights, track, pilates, swimming, yoga, cycling, more than 60 classes a week, other training options
— Other details: Sportsbarn is locally owned and has been serving the Chattanooga area for 40 years. There are three “boutique-style clubs” designed to offer circuit, cycling, yoga, weights/machines, training and more while also providing traditional amenities of a large fitness club.
Gold’s Gym
📍 Locations: Downtown, Hixson, East Brainerd
💰 Cost: Membership options start at $39.99/month + enrollment fee. There’s a free pass available.
— Amenities: Pool, personal training, boot camp options, group cycle, cardio equipment, spa, resistance machines, free weights, sauna/steam room, group exercise
— Other details: Gold’s offers access to its amenities + coaches, personal trainers and group exercise instructors.
Workout Anytime
📍 Locations: North Chattanooga, Hixson, Ooltewah
💰Cost: Membership options start at $19/month + enrollment fee. There’s a pass available.
— Amenities: 24-hour access, strength-training equipment, cardio equipment, free weights, monthly fitness evaluations, personal coaching, tanning beds, hydromassage units, free Wi-Fi
— Other details: This gym aims to be close to your home, provide easy parking, prevent cost from being a barrier and allows for 24/7 workouts.
YMCA
📍 Locations: Downtown, East Brainerd, Hixson
💰 Cost: Individual adult memberships start at $61/month + joining fee, which is waived through Jan. 31. Check out other promotions here. Financial assistance is also available.
— Amenities: Indoor/outdoor pool, cardio equipment, strength-training equipment, free weights, free child care, programs for families, children + teens, group exercise classes, individual fitness evaluation, volunteer opportunities, mind/body/spirit growth
— Other details: The YMCA is a nonprofit, community-centered organization that aims to make working out accessible for people of all income levels. Amenities can vary by location.
Planet Fitness
📍 Locations: Perimeter Drive, Hixson
💰 Cost: Membership options start at $10/month through Jan. 15.
— Amenities: Open 24/7, weight-training equipment, circuit-training, cardio equipment, hydromassage, tanning, small group classes, free fitness training
— Other details: Planet Fitness aims to be a judgment-free zone for people of all fitness levels. The clubs have pizza nights on the first Monday of the month and bagels on the second Tuesday of the month.
Group workouts
📍 Location: 525 W Main St.
💰 Cost: Costs range from $48 for four classes per month to $176 for unlimited classes. You can take your first class for free.
The class: Kyle House Fitness classes are interval workouts designed to boost fat loss, tone muscle and increase metabolism. It’s like cardio, strength-training and yoga in one class.
Other details: The high-intensity interval training programming classes are available for people of all fitness levels. To get more of an idea about what the classes are, check out these videos. More information about what to expect is online.
Orangetheory
📍 Locations: North Chattanooga, East Brainerd
💰 Cost: Varies depending on the number of classes. You can try it for free.
Offerings: During classes, participants rotate between cardio, rowing and strength-training stations.
Other details: Orangetheory aims to provide results through science, coaching and technology.
For your first class, be sure to arrive 30 minutes early, bring a towel + water. Here’s more information for first-timers.
Lookout Fitness
📍 Location: 1802 Washington St.
💰 Cost: Call 423-463-0128 or fill out this form for pricing information. You can get a free introduction.
Offerings: Lookout Fitness provides several programs — Crossfit, LeanX, one-on-one training and nutrition. Check out information on each here.
Other details: The Lookout team is all about a focus on illness + injury prevention, “proper functional movement” and making exercise fun.
Chattanooga Functional Fitness
📍 Location: 125 Cherokee Blvd.
💰 Cost: Call 423-504-0945 for pricing information.
Offerings: This gym offers daily workout classes that include anything from barbell work to gymnastics and cardio endurance. There’s also a barbell club class, which is a focuses on lifting development, technique and strength. A kids class is coming soon.
Other details: The gym franchise started as a location of Iron Tribe Fitness.Read more background here.
Personal training + more
There are countless other workout options in Chattanooga, from personal/semi-personal training options at Onsight Fitness to barre + yoga to CrossFit classes. There are mixed martial arts academies and boxing gyms.
Feel free to help us expand our guide by telling us what other workouts you love and why. Respond to this email or find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Reader responses
We asked readers about their workout routines and favorite places to get fit. Here’s what you said.
Fifty-five percent of respondents to our Instagram story poll said “Oh, yeah,” we work out at a gym. Forty-five percent said, “Ew, no,” to gyms.
And check out the results of our Twitter poll.
Others weighed in via Instagram and Twitter on where they love to work out.
“Workout Anytime because a membership gets you access to any gym anywhere.” @makenzie_jones
“Siskin. Nice gym. Low pressure. Everything you need.” @upstatemississippi
“YMCA — value.” @plant_munch
“Sportsbarn. I like the atmosphere.” @toots.mcghee
“Orange Theory! The coaches are so helpful and everyone is so welcoming.” @Karlee_wright
“@WorkoutAnytime I like how it is small, never too many people there, I can go whenever I want, clean, has the equipment I need, and it is walking distance from work.” @trestontanner
“Best gym in Chattanooga is @KHFitnessCha! Whether you want to gain, lose or maintain weight. Great gym with great people that care for their members.” @KellH7
“Love going to Neighborhood Barre Chattanooga! Classes are fun and the people are awesome. Other family members love Highpoint Climbing. @HighPointChatty” @gardenertate
