Best Gym

When it comes to fitness, do you head for the free weights or the cardio machines? Swim laps solo or crave the competition of the court? Everyone has a preferred fitness style, and that's often reflected in where they choose to exercise. Budget-friendly gyms, community-oriented activity centers or elite health clubs—no matter what kind of fitness center helps you meet your wellness goals, you'll find a representative on our list of top gyms.

These 10 gyms were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

1. Orangetheory Fitness

With more than 1,300 studios nationwide, Orangetheory Fitness brings its tailored one-hour workout to a wide array of members. Focusing on heart rate zones and strength training, workout classes allow for personalization within a group setting, all while boosting metabolism, burning fat and improving total fitness. Members can visit any U.S. location and track their progress through the Orangetheory app.

2. Anytime Fitness

As the name suggests, Anytime Fitness offers around-the-clock access to its more than 5,100 locations, making it easy to keep up with your fitness routine on your personal schedule. If you need support in your health journey, you can participate in group workouts and one-on-one training sessions as well as consult with a fitness coach.

3. Life Time

Part gym, part lifestyle location, Life Time strikes a balance between fitness and general life with upscale live, work and play facilities. In addition to athletic country clubs, Life Time includes luxury apartments and well-appointed coworking spaces at various locations. The Life Time digital platform pairs digital coaching with both live-stream and on-demand classes, letting you workout from anywhere.

4. Planet Fitness

One of the largest and most inclusive fitness chains around, Planet Fitness boasts more than 2,500 clubs globally. Part of its popularity stems from its low monthly fees, well-stocked equipment and the convenience of extended hours. The Black Card membership lets you visit any location, bring a friend on your workout and access the Black Card Spa for free.

5. Blink Fitness

A gym chain with a fitness-for-everyone philosophy, Blink Fitness invites people of all exercise levels with a mood-boosting interior that's bright, clean and spacious. You can book a personal training session for a reasonable fee via Blink's resource-full app, which also includes mobile check-in, training sessions and more. Some branches also offer Amazon locker access and unlimited towel service.

6. YMCA

While the YMCA promotes healthy living in people of all ages, it also promotes your development and social responsibility. If you're looking for a place to stay or get fit and build community, the Y is the gym for you. There are 2,650 Ys serving communities in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

7. 24-Hour Fitness

With more than 270 locations spread across the United States, 24-Hour Fitness offers three levels of membership. The Basic plan gives you access to all the weights and cardio machines you'd expect; the Gold adds GX24 studio classes and premium amenities, such as pools and the ability to visit any regional location; and Platinum opens attendance to any location nationwide, making it handy for frequent travelers.

8. CrossFit

More than just a gym, the CrossFit program is a total-package regimen that emphasizes both physical training and nutrition. Its varied workout classes focus on high intensity and functional movement, all while building a strong sense of community and life-long wellness. Coaches ensure that participants of all ages can join in the program.

9. Crunch Fitness

Crunch Fitness brings a sassy and fun attitude to routine fitness with an eclectic array of fitness classes that are anything but routine. Of course, you still have access to the standard free weights, cardio machines and personal training options you'd expect from a modern gym. An upgraded membership also gets you access to perks like hydromassage and tanning.

10. Gold Gym's

Billed as the Original Home of Serious Training, Gold's Gym has been going strong since 1965. Now with nearly 600 locations across six continents, this fitness icon continues to inspire athletes with special regimens, strength-training equipment and cardio options. Its nutrition line is designed by expert nutritionists and exercise scientists.

About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Our Featured Panelist

Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.

Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.