Gyms are supposed to be a place where men can go to work out and gain their desired body shape. However, not all gyms are created equal.

Some may promise to provide all the facilities you need to achieve your fitness goals but fall short in their implementation. In this article, we’ll be discussing the worst gyms for men.

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is known for its low membership fees and “judgment-free” atmosphere. However, this low cost comes at a price. Most Planet Fitness facilities are not equipped with many of the standard gym equipment that serious lifters require.

The organization has a no-grunting rule which can be off-putting to men serious about their workouts.

They also do not allow chalk, so eager gym-goers would have to find an alternative way to maintain grip while lifting heavy weights.

Curves

Curves was once popular among women but has since expanded to cater to men. It claims to offer Circuit-training workouts but often falls short. The gym is known to lack a wide range of machines that can help men achieve their desired body shape.

The facilities are also often outdated with most of the machines being old-fashioned and in need of an upgrade. The workouts at Curves are well suited for beginners but would not be challenging enough for men seeking real physical progress.

Crunch Fitness

Crunch Fitness markets itself as a low-cost gym with everything an athlete needs. However, in practice, this is far from the truth.

The gym is not equipped with enough machines to accommodate the number of users who want to work out at the same time, leading to long waiting times. Most of the machines and weight rooms are often overused and left in disrepair. The gym staff is often unmotivated and does not provide proper guidance or support to help clients reach their fitness goals.

24 Hour Fitness

24 Hour Fitness is considered one of the biggest gym chains in America, but it’s still not the best option for men.

Despite the name, most of its facilities have limited hours and services, thereby making it difficult for busy individuals to maintain their workout routines. The gym also lacks unique strength training equipment, especially for men, and there is often a shortage of weights and benches in the weight room.

CrossFit Boxes

Crossfit boxes gained a lot of popularity because of the intensity of their workouts and with the emphasis that CrossFit is for everyone.

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However, the complexity of the workouts is not suitable for every gym-goer, and the risk of injury increases with the lack of proper coach supervision. CrossFit boxes also tend to be expensive, and the CrossFit workouts may not be in line with men’s fitness goals. CrossFit tends to focus more on endurance and stamina exercises and less on muscle building.

Equinox Fitness Clubs

Equinox Fitness Clubs prides itself on having a luxurious atmosphere, but this comfort comes at a high cost. The gym charges a premium, and it’s often compared to a spa or hotel rather than a fitness center.

Most of its locations are not suited for men who need high-intensity workouts. The facilities do not have enough machines and weights necessary for a maximum impact workout routine, and most of the gym-goers are more interested in socializing than working out.

Blink Fitness

Blink Fitness is another low-cost gym option, but it’s not advantageous for men. The gym often lacks a wide range of machines and weight rooms that are necessary to achieve fitness goals.

The treadmill and elliptical machines are often oversubscribed, leading to waiting time and frustration for its patrons. The staff is also often unhelpful and not in tune with the needs of individual members.”.

The YMCA

The YMCA is a popular gym for beginners, but the facilities are not optimal for more advanced gym-goers.

Although the membership fees are generally low, the gym lacks many of the standard gym equipment and facilities men require to make their workout routine as efficient as possible. There’s also a lack of privacy in group workout sessions as the classes are open to everyone, leading to congestion in the gym and less personal attention from trainers.

Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness gyms are advertised to be open 24/7, but the facilities are quite cramped. The gym often lacks enough equipment, which makes it difficult to achieve the desired workout intensity.

The staff is not well supervised, and there is often a lack of trainers to help members with their workouts. The gyms are also often located in small spaces, thereby making it challenging for patrons to work out in a quiet, serene environment.

LA Fitness

Last on our list is LA Fitness. LA Fitness is seen as a suitable fitness option due to its variety of amenities and club locations. However, the facilities are often overcrowded, making it difficult for gym-goers to find available machines or weights.

There is often a lack of space to do bodyweight exercises or stretches and limited space for free weights. It’s also known to be quite expensive despite its facilities falling short of what a serious athlete would want in a gym.