The 6 Best Membership Gyms in Ottawa
We all know that working out is something we can do at home, but being a member of a gym has its privileges. At the gym, you get access to more equipment and even a trainer of your own.
It’s also full of other people trying to improve themselves so you have accountability buddies to enjoy your workouts with. In this article, we discuss the best membership gyms in the city.
How much does a gym membership cost in Ottawa?
Gym membership typically costs around $7 – $15. Fancier gyms with other amenities may cost even more.
In the table below, we compare gym prices so you can get a gist of how much you’ll have to spend to be a gym member.
1. Anytime Fitness
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Amenities | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Rates | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Equipment | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Anytime Fitness prides itself on its gym’s convenience. Its locations are open 24/7, which is the reason it has become one of the most well-known gyms in the world.
Anytime Fitness has over 4,700 locations worldwide. We like that if you’re a member of one branch, you can visit the others as well for no extra charge.
If you’re a traveller, Anytime Fitness is perfect for you. Chances are, there’s a location in whatever country you’re planning to go to.
Another good thing about this gym is it gives out a Get Started Plan for every new member. This is a good way to guide newcomers on how to use the machines, as well as help them determine which equipment is best for their weight class, and more.
The people behind Anytime Fitness are also proud of their community. Because they have numerous locations around the world, there are so many members that can share their knowledge when it comes to keeping their customers in shape.
The only arguable downside is that the gym only has exercise equipment. It doesn’t have saunas or steam baths, theatre rooms, and so on.
This can be a downside for those people who aren’t just looking to lose weight but also relax. But if your main goal is just to keep yourself in shape, Anytime Fitness is a perfect option.
Pros
- Good options for workout
- Open 24 hours anytime
- Membership accepted in other locations
Cons
- Expensive
- Not much amenities outside of gym equipment
Customer Reviews
Clean amenities and friendly staff
“Absolutely amazing gym atmosphere. One of the most clean and friendliest gyms I have had the privilege of attending. Dedicated staff like Taylor and Jp keep the gym clean and bring an energized and refreshing view to all things fitness. Daily they can be found on the gym floor interacting with both club members and clients that they are training. The club was the first Anytime gym I have experienced and the gym employees there set a standard for exemplary customer service and professionalism 10/10 would recommend.” – Matthew Asquith
Great facility
“It’s a great facility with a wide variety of machines and free weights. The staff are friendly and the trainers are super knowledgable. Only two showers/change rooms but beyond peak hours there’s not typically a wait for them.” – Sarah Pulles
2. The Health Club Westin Ottawa
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Amenities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Equipment | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Location | ★★★★(4/5) |
For those who consider a gym not just a place to lose weight but also to relax, the Westin Ottawa Health Club is perfect for you. Located in downtown Ottawa, it is definitely an easy find — the question is having the budget to pay for it.
The gym equipment it offers is great, complete from cardio machines to weights. This health club is definitely a good choice for those who want to work out in silence and privacy in a less crowded gym.
Other than its gym equipment, it also offers a saltwater pool, hot tub, sauna, and sundeck all designed to be a place its members can relax. It even has massage therapists who will work on your muscles so you can feel more centred and ready to take on life’s challenges.
What’s also great about this health club is you can subscribe for a one-on-one session in one of its private studios. It won’t require you to have a long-term contract or membership.
In fact, it even offers a 1 day free trial for people who are interested and are thinking about joining the club.
Overall, this gym and health club is definitely one of Ottawa’s best — not just for getting in shape but also for relaxing. The only downside we see here is the fact that its amenities can be tempting and can distract guests from pursuing their weight-loss goals.
Pros
- 1-day free trial
- Spa options
- Nutrition consultancy
Cons
- Spa can be tempting
- Few exercises equipment
Customer Reviews
Like a vacation
“Going to the Westin health club is like being able to go on a mini vacation multiple times a week. The fact that you can work out on top of the line equipment like the new Peloton bikes, but also enjoy the pool, sauna, hot tub, and just relax with a book by the deck is what makes it ultra special. The best part? They have towel service so you don’t need to carry around a wet towel in your bag all day. Love this place.” – Carla C.
Great options health-wise
“I come here fairly frequently for massages, and have nothing bad to say! The team here is excellent, the prices are quite reasonable, and the ability to relax in the pool/hot tub/sauna before and after one’s massage is quite pleasant. I highly recommend coming here for a massage, or any other needs. (I am aware there is a fitness center but have never used it, although it seems quite well equipped).” – Ben B.
3. Goodlife Fitness
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Amenities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rates | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Equipment | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★(4/5) |
Goodlife Fitness is another good option for those looking for a gym with good membership benefits. With over 200 clubs, you’re able to access numerous pieces of equipment in different locations.
We also appreciate the gym’s 120 tutorial classes on fitness, equipment, and diet. We’re big fans of how it provides personal trainers for newcomers as well.
The gym also offers team classes and performance training with certified instructors. Team classes are for team-based workouts and performance training comprises high-intensity exercises.
Goodlife Fitness’ instructors can help you with a specific weight goal you have in mind. This is something that not all gyms offer and is also a good benefit to being a member of this gym.
We also love that it has squash courts where members can play. This is a good option for those who want to have fun while losing weight, especially those who find lifting and running in place boring and too repetitive.
For other amenities, Goodlife Fitness also has steam baths and saunas so its gym goers can relax their bodies after a solid workout.
Other than the fact that the membership is a bit pricey, Goodlife is definitely a good choice for all kinds of people who want to lose weight. Whether you’re new to working out or a regular gym buff, you’ll find your place here.
Pros
- Good options for workout
- Sauna
- Regymen
Cons
- Pricey
- Closes early on weekends
Customer Reviews
Great club
“Good club but gets very busy during peak hours. As of February 2022, expect a 15-25 minute wait to get in during peak hours with the capacity restrictions. Staff are quite friendly and machines are in good condition. Quite clean.” – Stuart T.
Friendly staff and clean area
“The staff here are very friendly and have done a great job of keeping the gym safe and clean during the pandemic.” – Sadie Litchfield
4. Elgin Fitness
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Amenities | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Equipment | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Although smaller than the others on this list, Elgin Fitness is another great choice for your gym membership needs. Its location in the centre of Ottawa is another positive since it’s easy to find even for newcomers.
What we like about Elgin, aside from its great set of equipment, is its cardio theatre. It can be a bit boring and repetitive to just run in place on treadmills, but the gym has found a way to make it a bit more entertaining.
Its cardio theatre allows its members to watch movies while they run miles on the treadmill.
We also like its machine circuit and dedicated stretching room. As we know, stretching is very important before and after a workout.
But unfortunately, many gym goers often forget about it. That’s why we really appreciate Elgin’s dedicated stretching room, which gives its members a good reminder to stretch before and after their workouts.
Elgin Fitness is a small gym that doesn’t have its own spa or other amenities. However, it’s affordable and has complete workout equipment.
With the bonus of the cardio theatre, working out is made easier in Elgin and is one of the reasons it made it on our list.
Pros
- Good options for workout
- Good price
Cons
- Not many amenities
- Closes early on weekends
Customer Reviews:
Well maintained and clean amenities
“My partner and I joined the gym last year and have had an excellent experience there. Friendly and helpful owner and staff. The equipment is well maintained and clean. It has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.” – Melissa Rajaja
Focused on just working out
“We love Elgin Fitness and the vibe they bring to the fitness community. No locked in contracts or sales tactics. Month to month options which are reasonably priced (note: 4 month minimum) and a clean environment with good people. This is what a community gym is! – Steve S
5. Ottawa Gymnastics Centre
| SERVICES | Gym Equipment, Personal Training, Team Workouts, Tanning, Motion Trainers, Spinning Classes, Zumba Classes, Cardio Classes, Yoga Classes |
| WEBSITE | https://www.ottawagymnasticscentre.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 294 Elmgrove Ave Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 6V1, CAN |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (613) 722-8698 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Sunday: Closed Monday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday: Closed |
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Amenities | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Rates | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Equipment | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★★(5/5) |
We recently joined Ottawa Gymnastics Centre and have been thoroughly impressed with the quality of services provided. Their experienced trainers and structured programs ensure a top-notch experience for all members.
Moreover, the efficiency in scheduling and class management is noteworthy. The streamlined processes allow us to focus on our training without unnecessary delays.
Transitioning to affordability, the membership plans are competitively priced. They offer great value for the comprehensive services and facilities available.
Additionally, the facilities are well-maintained and equipped with modern gymnastics apparatus. The clean and inviting environment enhances our overall workout experience.
Pros
- Good options for workout
- Good price
Cons
- No promos at the present
6. Trueform Fitness
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Amenities | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Equipment | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★(4/5) |
Trueform Health Fitness has been around for more than 20 years. It has a reputation for being friendly to newcomers and usual gym goers alike.
What makes this gym special is its unique equipment, specifically its cardio machines. It offers state-of-the-art cyber ARC ellipticals, Schwinn spin bikes, lifecycles, and Concept II rowers.
These machines are of high quality and are very expensive. But with membership in Trueform’s gym, you get to use them as freely as you like.
Speaking of membership, we also appreciate Trueform Health Fitness’ waiving of initiation fees. Essentially, the price you pay will be for a full membership, which is good for those who are on a budget.
It also has an impressive collection of weight training equipment, particularly the Atlantis strength machines that are used by professional athletes all over the world. These weights are easier to handle because of the material that surrounds the plates.
As it is mentioned in its name, form is very important to this facility. So it has professional trainers available so help clients.
No matter how much you do a workout, if your form is wrong, you won’t see good results. So we like how this gym makes sure that its clients know what they’re doing.
Overall, Trueform Health Fitness is definitely a good option for a membership gym. It doesn’t have saunas or steam baths, but it is complete with a good set of workout equipment, which, to us, is much more important.
Pros
- Good set of equipment
- Opens early, closes late
Cons
- Location may be hard to find
- Not many amenities aside from gym equipment
Customer Reviews
Great equipment for workout
“Great gym. Good selection of equipment, dumbbells, benches and heavy weights. There are a few components I’d like to see but if you get a little creative, you can still have a great workout. No loud music blaring and no “attitude”. People just come to get their workout on. If you’re looking for a nice place to train, in the heart of Centretown, check it out” – Michael D.
So comfortable
“This is a fantastic fitness studio. James is a truly outstanding trainer, the equipment is top notch, the parking easy, environment comfortable. I can’t speak highly enough about it.” – Alison Moore
FAQs about Membership Gyms in Ottawa
Hopefully, you found this information helpful. There are a lot of gyms in the city, so we chose the best for you so you don’t have to.
Need more info about keeping yourself healthy? Check out our article on living a heart-healthy lifestyle!