Best value gym and CrossFit (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)

For gym memberships, CrossFit classes, and other fitness programs, we offer a list of facilities with modest fees, based on the average gym and fitness class prices in the Seattle metro area. In the lists below, we include only regular prices and initiation fees. However, many fitness retailers offer discounts at various times of the year.

How to save money on gym membership

he two best times to sign up for gym membership are usually January and late spring (May or June). Gyms tend to offer sign-up specials and membership discounts, knowing that people are focused on healthy habits for New Year’s resolutions or want to get into shape for summer’s skimpier warm-weather clothing.

Some gyms offer free or modest trial passes. Definitely take advantage of free or paid trials. It’s a great way to confirm that the staff, classes, and facilities meet your exercise needs before you sign up for a membership lasting several months or longer. You may be able to leverage free gym use for several weeks, if you try a different trial offer each week.

Free trials are sometimes (though not always) followed by a high-pressure sales pitch. If you have difficulty resisting coercion, free trials may not be a good option for you, especially if it ends with you signing up for membership you don’t like or cannot afford. A good way to delay the pressure to sign up is to let them know in advance that you are trying several gyms, and expect to decide on membership only after you’ve tried all your options.

When considering the cost of a gym membership, it is important to carefully weigh the amenities against cost. If you prefer Stairmaster to free weights, spin classes to yoga, or want to end your exercise regimen by taking a steam shower or swimming laps, then a gym with lower cost that doesn’t have the amenities you desire will likely go unused.

Likewise, you are not likely to use a gym membership that is inexpensive, but not convenient to your normal daily routine. So be sure to confirm hours, busy times, parking, childcare, or any other option that may affect the overall value to you.

Finally, be sure to inquire about any applicable discounts that may apply in your situation, such as reduced rates for additional family members, children, seniors, military, government employees, and first responders.

Love our cheap ideas? Get our FREE email newsletters.
Choose from daily, weekly, and monthly lists:

Click here to subscribe

Seattle and Puget Sound gyms and fitness clubs

Our list of value gym memberships in the Seattle area focuses on gyms whose per session price is around $20, or ones that offer monthly memberships around $65 or less, plus enrollment fees under $100 per month. Most are locally owned and operated. Most gyms have day/week drop-in rates as well as discounted monthly or annual memberships—be sure to read the fine print before you commit!

Discounts: Sign-up specials are typically offered at many gyms in January and late spring (May or June). Some have a standing “free to try” option (often accompanied by a hard sell…). Seniors on Medicare should check for SilverSneakers benefit.

(Listed alphabetically by city. Seattle gyms listed by zip code.)

Olympic Fitness Club, 4459 SE Mile Hill Dr, Port Orchard, WA 98366. Monthly membership $45 plus $75 initiation fee; discount for additional member. Also offer day/week passes, punch cards, and drop-in classes.
KlickWay Athletics, 16410 SE 128th St, Renton, WA 98059. Monthly rmembership ate $69 plus $99 initiation fee.
Eastside Gym, 15040 NE 95th Street, Redmond, WA 98052. Monthly membership $23 (3-month minimum). Discount on 6- and 12-month plans.
Fremont Health Club, 920 N 34th St Seattle, WA 98103. Monthly membership $99/80. Also offers weekly, drop-in, and punch cards.
Ballard Health Club, 2208 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107. Monthly membership $49 plus $35 initiation fee; discount on annual plan. Also offers drop-in, weekly, monthly, and punch cards.
Columbia City Fitness Center, 4525 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118. Wide variety of membership plans offered with 24-hour access.
Rainier Health & Fitness, 7722 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118. Monthly membership $32, recurring monthly.
Rival Fitness, 510 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122. Monthly membership $100 plus $75 initiation fee. Also offers day/week/month passes.
YMCA of Greater Seattle (14 Puget Sound locations). Access any location with monthly membership $91 plus $79 initiation fee. Couples/family memberships are lower monthly per person cost. Financial assistance available.

Unique Fitness Programs (boxing, bouldering, personal training)

These businesses operate unique programs that offer an alternative to traditional gyms with various equipment, fitness classes, and personal trainer sessions. Most are locally owned and operated. While some of these programs are higher than our target of $65/month, they offer something unique that may be of more value and help you achieve your fitness goals.

(Listed alphabetically by name.)

Always Running Personal Conditioning (Redmond, Seattle/Greenwood and Central District). Customized approach to fitness training that fits your lifestyle.
Arcaro Boxing (Seattle/Central District). Beginner to advanced boxing training for Recreational and Competitive people.
Emerald City Athletics (Everett, Seattle/Columbia City and Wallingford, Shoreline). Time-tested fitness programs to meet your lifestyle goals.
Emerald City Boxing & Fitness Gym (Seattle/Roosevelt). Programs to get fit, learn boxing, improve skills, or just try something new.
Experience Momentum (Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Seattle/Fremont). Integrated wellness center supported by an expert team to achieve your personal fitness potential.
GymSmythy (Seattle/Columbia City). Personal /small group instruction in holistic, functional circuit training. Open studio times available.
Seattle Bouldering Project (Seattle/Fremont and Central District). Bouldering (rock climbing without using ropes or harnesses) from 13-17 feet off the ground.
Seattle Strength & Performance (Seattle/Phinney, Queen Anne, West Seattle). Personal training, group classes, and Obstacle Course Racing (OCR). In-person, online, and hybrid programs available.
TITLE Boxing Club (Redmond, Seattle/Greenwood). Boxing program that incorporates skill progression, interval training, and stress relief. No experience needed!

Multiple location franchise gyms and fitness clubs

These gyms (mostly national/international franchises franchises) offer multiple locations. Fees are modest but amenities and classes vary by location and may include strength/cardio equipment, free weights, personal training, classes, swimming pools, and other specialty options. Some offer “all access” to locations for a slightly higher fee.

If you travel regularly and want to work out away from home, a gym with reciprocal privileges in other locations can be a great option. Be sure to inquire if you plan to use (or not use) more than one location with your membership.

(Listed alphabetically by name)

24 Hour Fitness (multiple Puget Sound locations). Nearly 300 clubs in 11 states nationwide.
Anytime Fitness (multiple Puget Sound locations). Access to gyms nationwide AND around the globe
Gold’s Gym (Kirkland, Woodinville). Access to 700+ locations.
LA Fitness (multiple Puget Sound locations).
Planet Fitness (multiple Puget Sound locations). Access to 2,600 locations.
Snap Fitness (Bremerton, Poulsbo). Join and use any Snap Fitness location.

What is Crossfit?

CrossFit workout gyms are no frills facilities that appeal to people who don’t like traditional gym equipment and fitness classes. The program features high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts that rotate daily. CrossFit is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to Olympic athletes. There are dozens of CrossFit affiliates across Washington State, most in Seattle-Tacoma metro area. CrossFit programs and fees vary by facility.

Due to rigorous instructor certification and small class size, CrossFit programs cost two to three times more than the average gym membership. However, they are fun, effective programs for building and maintaining physical fitness, whether you are currently a couch potato or already active and toned.
Each “workout of the day” (WOD) includes a routine composed of activities from calisthenics, running, rowing, weightlifting, and gymnastics. For example, a WOD might include a routine composed of repeated sets of rowing, barbell lifts, and pull-ups; or burpees, squats, and sit-ups. The variations are endless.
All CrossFit gyms require that newcomers to the sport complete an introductory program to introduce the WOD format and fundamentals of the WOD routines. Fundamentals programs range from $100-$300. After completing a beginner course, most CrossFit programs recommend a minimum of 3X weekly workouts, though some offer membership with fewer, as well as unlimited weekly workouts.

Below we list a few popular CrossFit gyms offering the most economical programs, costing less than the average $175-$185 per month for 2X or 3X weekly sessions. Some gyms also have a setup or initiation fee.

Seattle CrossFit programs

(Listed alphabetically by name)

CrossFit Felix (Seattle/Belltown). Monthly membership begins at $200. Discount for pre-paid plans.
CrossFit LOFT (West Seattle). Contact for pricing.
CrossFit MKG (North Seattle). Contact for pricing.
CrossFit West Seattle. Contact for pricing.
Foundation CrossFit (Seattle/Capitol Hill). Monthly membership begins at $169.
Seattle Strength & Performance (Phinney, Queen Anne, West Seattle). 3-Week Unlimited Trial Membership $179.00.
South Seattle CrossFit (South Seattle). Contact for pricing.

Puget Sound CrossFit programs

(Listed alphabetically by city)

Renascent CrossFit (Burien). Contact for pricing.
CrossFit Federal Way (Federal Way). Contact for pricing.
Narrows CrossFit (Gig Harbor). Contact for pricing.
Imperial CrossFit (Kent). 6 On-Ramp Classes + 2 weeks of unlimited classes (one month of membership) $165.
Lake Washington CrossFit (Kirkland). Monthly membership begins at $145. Discount for prepaid plans.
Acuo CrossFit (Redmond). Unlimited monthly membership $235. Free 1-week trial available.
RCF.FIT (Renton, Tacoma). Monthly membership begins at $125.
Town Athletics (Tacoma). Unlimited monthly membership begins at $189.

But wait, there’s more!

You might also like our Exercise & Meditation page.
Still more ideas for frugal fun: Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page.

Event calendar of free and affordable things to do

Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do in the next 30 days.

Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.