After what feels like endless months in isolation, many of us are getting into that fitness-focused state of mind. If you’re looking to get some movement in (and intend to stay consistent!), you’ll want to consider getting a gym membership.
But with so many fitness centers in the city, it can be difficult to figure out where to sign up. Here, we solve that problem for you.
Ahead, discover the best places to get a gym membership in Calgary!
Table of Contents
How Much Does a Gym Membership Cost in Calgary?
Let’s talk about what you’ll have to spend first.
The first thing to note here is that gym memberships come with different perks and inclusions depending on where you’re looking.
We identified the best fitness centers for gym memberships in Calgary for our last—one each for spinning, yoga, weight training, boxing, and general fitness. To give you an idea of their pricing, monthly memberships can go from $55 to $150 per month.
The lower end of that range sets a maximum number of classes that can be booked within a month (usually 4 to 6 classes).
Meanwhile, the pricier memberships usually promise unlimited classes, access to in-person and virtual sessions, and additional perks like towel service or retail discounts.
The Best Places to Get a Gym Membership in Calgary
How do those price points sound? Now you know how much you can expect to shell out, let’s get into the thick of it.
Keep reading to discover more about the best fitness centers for gym memberships in Calgary!
1. Best for Spinning: Core Spin Club
| PRODUCTS | Spinning, HIIT, virtual barre and yoga |
| WEBSITE | https://corespinclub.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 3, 170 Mahogany Row SE, Calgary, Alberta T3M 2T6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403 523 5633 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Thursday, 5:45 AM to 9:00 PM Friday, 5:45 AM to 7:30 PM Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM |
Despite having to close down one of their Calgary locations due to the pandemic, Core Spin Club is still going strong. After all, they have a tight-knit community of students who frequent their spin classes—and for good reason.
Core Spin Club is known for being beginner-friendly, yet challenging at the same time. With everyone from instructors to students exhibiting warm and welcoming attitudes, this small but supportive community has been praised for being a great choice for first-timers.
Their most popular classes are their spinning sessions, which are done on stationary bikes from Schwinn, one of the most popular indoor cycling brands. These classes span 50 minutes and are a staple across all Core locations.
Their sole Calgary branch located in Mahogany is also their high-intensity interval training (HIIT) HQ. Their HIIT classes, which utilize a one-of-a-kind SkillMill treadmill, are a great option for those who want to sweat off as much as they possibly can in less than an hour.
Core Spin Club also offers barre and yoga classes, but these are unfortunately not available in their Calgary location. They are, however, included in Core’s online library of virtual workouts.
Core also has three membership types. The River Pass starts at $59 for spin classes and $69 for all access (HIIT and spinning), allowing students to book up to 4 classes a month.
Meanwhile, Lake Passes, priced at $109 for spin classes and $119 for access to all classes, allow up to 8 sessions per month.
The Ocean Pass, which is priced at a monthly fee of $129 for spinning sessions and $159 for both HIIT and spinning, entitles students to unlimited classes.
Those who prefer not to commit to a monthly membership fee can instead avail of class passes, which go for $120 for 10 classes. All these options—all of which are reasonably priced compared to many of Core’s competitors—give gym-goers plenty of flexibility.
Want to give Core a go? Good news: they offer first-timers a week’s worth of unlimited classes for just $25!
That’s just even more reason for us to recommend them, really. They basically offer great bang for your buck in a lot of ways.
Pros
- Reasonable pricing
- Offers membership tiers and class passes
- Introductory rate for first-timers
- Top-of-the-line equipment
- Cancellations are allowed until 4 hours before class (8 hours for the first class of the day)
- Surrounded by free parking
Cons
- In-person barre classes are exclusive to a location outside Calgary
Customer Reviews
Here’s what gym members have to say about their experience with Core!
“Great local business in Calgary! I’ve tried many spin and fitness studios, both in-person and virtual, but nothing compares to Core. What makes them stand out among others is their heart. They really care about their clients and riders and treat them like family. Their virtual library boasts many videos—from spin, yoga, and HIIT, among other things. If you’re looking for a studio to sign up with, you won’t go wrong with Core!” —Paulo Arago
“Core is one [of] my absolute favourite places to be. I have been going for almost a year to the Mahogany location and I couldn’t ask for a better place to work out! Krista and Tyler do an amazing job creating a sense of community, and really make sure their members are taken care of. Their instructors are all unique and make spin and HIIT so much fun. I love getting stronger and continue to be challenged a year in!” —Andrea Hardy
2. Best for Yoga: Yoga Santosha
| PRODUCTS | Vinyasa flow, yin/yang, hot yoga, kundalini, warm hips and hamstrings, warm yin/restorative yoga, yoga nidra, great yoga wall, ashtanga yoga, yoga teacher training, wellness services |
| WEBSITE | https://yogasantosha.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | Mission: #320 1800 4th St SW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2S 2S5 Kensington: 821 14th St NW Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 2A4 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Mission: 403 244 9642 Kensington: 403 270 0219 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mission: Monday to Thursday, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM Friday, 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM Saturday, 7:45 AM to 7:00 PM Sunday 9:45 AM to 9:00 PM Kensington: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 9:45 PM Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:45 PM Saturday, 7:45 AM to 7:45 PM Sunday, 9:45 AM to 9:45 PM |
Traditional gyms can feel stifling in the way they’re heavily results-oriented. At Yoga Santosha, there’s none of that pressure.
Instead, they foster an environment that prioritizes authenticity and self-exploration. There’s no moving too fast or too slow—all progress is good progress here.
Founded in 2007, Yoga Santosha was built with the intention of creating a sanctuary for yoga lovers. With clean interiors, a serene ambiance, and a supportive team of instructors, it has managed to become just that.
Yoga Santosha currently has two locations in Calgary. Both studios offer a variety of yoga practices, from vinyasa and ashtanga to restorative yoga.
Like most studios that have survived throughout the pandemic, they also offer virtual sessions and on-demand classes.
Since there are so many different kinds of yoga to explore, they allow first-timers ample time to try things out. For just $49, yoga newbies get to enjoy one month of unlimited sessions.
Regular membership—which includes unlimited in-person, live stream, and on-demand classes—is priced at $99 per month. Also folded into the membership: a 10% discount on all retail items, workshops, events, and massages.
A pro tip: treat yourself to one of their therapeutic massages after a yoga session! They come highly recommended.
Pros
- Membership fee covers drop-in, video-on-demand, and live stream classes
- Membership includes a 10% discount on retail, events, and massages
- Students and seniors can enjoy a 20% discount on membership fees
- Has two Calgary locations
Cons
- Due to COVID, limited classes on schedule and limited capacity per class
Customer Reviews
Check out these reviews from folks who frequent Yoga Santosha. What exactly makes it one of the best places to avail of a gym membership in Calgary?
“Incredible, highly-trained instructors; beautiful, serene space, and a welcoming and cohesive community who practices here. My home away from home!” —Allison Smith
“A beautifully peaceful studio with professional, skillful and knowledgeable staff. A wonderfully diverse schedule of varying classes from beginner to advanced and even has evening classes which are incredibly difficult to find. 10 out 10!” —Sandy Pitaoulis
3. Best for Strength Training: The Strength Edge
| PRODUCTS | Gym access, personal training |
| WEBSITE | https://www.thestrengthedge.com/ |
| ADDRESS | #1 4828 Pacific Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 5S5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403 901 4141 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Open 24/7 |
Not everyone enjoys being bound to a class schedule—or even regular gym hours, for that matter. If you’re the kind of person who wants to be able to saunter up to the gym for a good workout no matter what the time or day of the week it is, you may want to consider going for a membership at The Strength Edge.
Like the place’s name suggests, The Strength Edge focuses heavily on strength and weight training. It’s actually a strongman/powerlifting gym, so you can expect to see an abundance of dumbbells, barbells, and equipment and machinery for heavy lifting.
They even hold competitions regularly, considering how many powerlifters and athletes choose The Strength Edge as their gym of choice.
If weightlifting isn’t your cup of tea, don’t turn away just yet. Despite their focus on strength training, this gym still has all the equipment you’d need for a good cardio or HIIT session.
Membership at The Strength Edge is available for a flat rate of $60 per month, or $630 for a full year. This fee covers 24/7 access to the gym and all the equipment therein.
A word of caution, though: because it’s open ‘round the clock, the gym is unstaffed. There are also no saunas and other similar facilities.
Pros
- Open all day, every day
- Cool, modern interiors and extensive weight training equipment
- Gym-goers are a good mix of men and women
- Affordable membership fee
Cons
- Gym in unstaffed
- No sauna or additional gym facilities
Customer Reviews
Discover more about why The Strength Edge made it to our list of fitness centers with the best gym memberships in Calgary. Read through the reviews below!
“This is the coolest gym I’ve ever been to, hands down. The graffitied walls, friendly members, and variety of strength equipment all contribute to making this place what it is. It’s not a place for the average gym-goer or someone that doesn’t take their training seriously. But at the same time, the people here know how to have fun, joke around, and there’s a genuine sense of community.” —Yeg Gym Review
“A great strength gym with everything you need. It even has cardio equipment. Not to mention the super friendly and nice people there! I felt welcomed from the first visit.” —Jennifer Berard
4. Best for Boxing: Southpaw Boxing
| PRODUCTS | 6-week program, 12 x 12 army boot camp, personal training, small group circuit training, small group boxing training, open gym, online training programs and nutrition tracking |
| WEBSITE | https://www.southpawboxing.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 3130 Glenmore Court SE, Calgary, AB T2C 2E6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 587 433 2218 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | 24/7 |
If you’re looking for a place to teach you the ropes of boxing, you’ve found the right place.
Established long before the boxing wave began, Southpaw Boxing’s members are made up of both recreational and competitive boxers. Pair that with instructors with the highest level of boxing certification in the country and you get a place that will not only help you achieve your fitness goals, but help you develop a love for the sport.
Now, let’s talk about the classes.
Southpaw offers one-on-one boxing training, small group boxing training, as well as circuit training and army boot camp. Folks who are looking to abide by a mapped-out program can give their six-week program a spin.
On the other hand, those who want to train freely can do so with the equipment at Southpaw’s open gym. Meanwhile, customers who prefer learning virtually can benefit from their online training programs.
Because they have a wide array of classes and programs, it only makes sense for Southpaw Boxing to put various membership options and bundles on the table. Their monthly memberships are as follows:
Their gym membership, which gives members open gym access, goes for $55. Their circuit and boxing memberships are $100 each, with each allowing members to book up to 5 classes per week.
They also have a boxing & fitness circuit membership, which allows members to book 5 sessions of each in a week. This is priced at $150 per month.
While they do not offer unlimited classes like most gyms, being able to book 5 sessions in a week is more than enough for most gym-goers. $55 a month for open gym membership is also a steal—however, it’s important to note that they are open only 6 days a week.
Pros
- Offers the first class for free
- All instructors have the highest boxing certification level in Canada
- Offers training one-on-one and in small groups
- Competitively priced membership packages
Cons
- Unlimited classes are not included in their membership packages
Customer Reviews
Here’s what folks have to say about Southpaw. What exactly makes this one of the most worthwhile gym memberships in Calgary?
“Going to Southpaw has quickly become a staple for my personal health and happiness. Each visit you get to choose between 3 circuit classes (boxing, 12×12 and Bulgarian bag), all designed to give you a full body workout at any level of fitness. […] The best and most surprising part of going to Southpaw Boxing Gym is the camaraderie. As a new person I quickly felt welcomed by the talented trainers hosting the circuits.” —Nicole Lajoie
“I completed the 6-week challenge at Southpaw Boxing and I ended up with amazing results. After 6-weeks of following the meal plan they provided and going to their circuit classes 3x a week, I was able to hit my weight and body fat loss goals. The coaches are friendly, super motivating, and it was nice that they even knew my name. This is definitely a local gym worth supporting!” —Christina Ly
5. Best for General Fitness: Urban Athlete
| PRODUCTS | Yin yoga, cycling, bootcamp, HIIT, stretching & mobility, TRX 60, pilates, abs & core, strength circuits, open gym, virtual classes |
| WEBSITE | https://urbanathletecalgary.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 480 – 14th Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z7 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403 244 1445 [email protected] [email protected] Contact form |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
Those who enjoy the freedom of exploring a variety of exercises in the same fitness center may want to consider a gym membership at Urban Athlete. Here, you’ll find a little mix of everything: a cardio area, an abundance of weights, personal training and group classes.
Let’s zero in on these classes first.
Urban Athlete classes are hosted both in-person and online. In a week, members can choose from over 35 diverse sessions, which include HIIT, yoga, pilates and more.
They also offer personal training and open gym usage. However, in order to keep up with social distancing protocols, they require members to pre-register prior to showing up.
Members can book open gym time in 45-minute intervals. Members who like taking their time with their workouts can book up to two slots in a day.
Urban Athlete memberships are offered in yearly and monthly plans. Monthly plans are available for $95 while yearly plans cost $1,020—and while that figure may be daunting, it’s more cost-efficient in the long run with the monthly price amounting to $85.
This membership fee includes unlimited access to both on-ground and face-to-face classes, access to their spa-level bathroom and locker facilities, and towel service. It also grants you access to their supplement and smoothie bar, which is a nice little bonus!
Memberships can be cancelled without additional cost, as long as a notice of 30 days is given prior to the cancellation. However, violating this rule may spell high penalty fees.
Pros
- Membership covers in-person and virtual classes
- Additional membership perks: spa-level shower and locker area, towel service, supplement and smoothie bar
- Offers yearly and monthly membership plans
- Ample free parking
Cons
- Complaints of high penalty fees for cancelling memberships with less than 30 days’ notice
- Smaller than most well-known gyms
Customer Reviews
Want to know more about why Urban Athlete made it to our list of the best places to get a gym membership in Calgary? Check out these reviews.
“Urban athlete has to be my favorite gym by far. I tried so many gyms before but none scream community and “we care” like this gym. The equipment is always there ready to use and clean. Great prices, instructors, programs. Love this gym.” —Victoria Duruye
“Urban Athlete is one of the best fitness studios I have ever been to! The facility itself is extremely clean and the equipment is well-kept, the staff is friendly and helpful, [and] for a smaller space, everything that you need for a great workout is there—as well as beautiful change rooms with everything you need to get ready for work again.” —Antonia Declercq
6. Movement U
| PRODUCTS | 17th Ave: HIIT Spin Personal Training Semi-Private Traning LIFT Program Bridgeland: Yoga Row HIIT Spin Personal Training Semi-Private Traning LIFT Program |
| WEBSITE | https://www.movecrew.ca |
| ADDRESS | Bridgeland: #16 – 4th Street NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 3R5 17th Ave: 919 17 Ave SW (1.25 mi) Calgary, AB, Canada, AB T2T 0A4 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 587-351-MOVE (6683) |
| OPERATING HOURS | Contact for more information |
MOVE is one of the best gyms that offer pretty affordable services. For a single session, it costs $22 and for 5 sessions in a month, it is only $19. Regarding memberships, it starts at $12 per class.
Only a beginner? No problem. Over the years they built a reputation as one of the gyms that have the most professional trainers. According to a few previous clients, their trainers are well mannered and always focused. They also mentioned that they really adjust your program if you are not yet ready for it.
Although they aren’t doing equipment rentals anymore, they we will now be selling bikes and equipment through their new website when it launches.
Unlike other gyms, they offer affordable underground paid parking directly below their studio at the Bridgeland Location. Access is off the alley on the south side of the building and costs $4.00 for 1 hour with a flat rate of $2.00 after 5 pm for evenings and weekends.
7th Ave is their newest location within Calgary, featuring a one of a kind floor light for the spin room, and turfed HIIT room.
Pros
- Rates are available on their website
- Free 1-hour street parking available
- Before 9am/after 6pm parking is unrestricted
Cons
- Some complaints about how classes fill up quick that they were not able to try all the classes
- Lack trainers
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their previous clients:
“Movement U is one of the most diverse studios that we’ve come across in Calgary yet. They offer both slower, low-impact and restorative classes like MOVEMENT RECOVERY and YOGA, complimented by balls-to-the-wall hardcore classes like SPIN, HIIT, MOVMT, and ROW. They appeal to the working professional crowd, given their convenient location and quality classes taught by highly technically trained instructors. They’ve truly mastered the balance of hardcore and chill while keeping the vibe cool and totally accepting.“
“Amazing! The instructors are super friendly and helpful. Such a fun and welcoming environment for newcomers like myself to ROW and HIIT. The best studio I have been to!”
“MU, it’s community of instructors and members have really encouraged me to achieve my fitness goals as well as recover and become even stronger after a sports injury. Thanks MU 
“
7. World Gym Plus 15
| PRODUCTS | Yoga Studio, Spin Studio, Functional Training Zone, Plus Training, Tanning, HydroMassage, Sauna |
| WEBSITE | https://www.worldgymplus15.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 202 – 401 9th Avenue SW Calgary AB T2P 3C5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403.910.8033 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday, 5AM – 10PM Saturday – Sunday, 9AM – 4PM |
World Gym Plus 15 is your go-to gym if you are looking for one of the leading providers of fitness services in the whole industry. It is known to be one of the iconic companies in the fitness field since they were recognized for their consistent and world-class services way back in 1976.
They are also well-known in the body-building world wherein famous figures have been their clients and even at some point stepped in and managed it such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Dwayne Johnson. They feature a lot of state-of-the-art facilities that will surely help you engage your body to your fitness goal limits.
The company understands that Health and Wellness services must be for each and every individual and so they make it to a point to make their services accessible and affordable that will put good value to the money you pay. Furthermore, they take pride in harnessing the changes in the field and industry and incorporating them in every class that they hold for you.
If we had to nitpick something about them though, it would be their shorter operating hours on weekends, when more people have the free time to actually go to a gym.
We recommend this fitness company for you due to the wide range of resources and more than adequate facilities that will not only help you get to your fitness goals but also become part of a long-term relationship and family with them.
Pros
- Affordable membership
- Comprehensive packages
- Adequate facilities
Cons
- Limited hours on weekends
8. GoPerformance Fitness Lab
| PRODUCTS | Martial Arts, Personal Training, Gym |
| WEBSITE | https://www.goperformancefitnesslab.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 2123 33 Ave SW Calgary, Alberta Canada T2T 1Z7 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403.475.8638 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday, 5AM – 10PM Saturday & Sunday, 8AM – 7PM |
GoPerformance Fitness Lab is your partner when it comes to achieving your health and fitness goals at your own pace yet with efficiency. They have various packages you can choose that fit your personal preferences and your goals as well.
They pride themselves on being able to offer your the most innovative facilities and fitness spaces that will help you push your limits. Furthermore, this is coupled with highly efficient methodologies and technologies for your exercise routine which can greatly up your fitness game.
They also offer martial arts classes for all ages which you and even your children can enjoy. Their instructors have years of experience and are more than certified to conduct high degrees of instruction in these fields.
However, we believe they can still improve their services by expanding their facilities. We’ve seen a few complaints about the gym being full during peak hours.
Nonetheless, we recommend this fitness lab for your health goals due to their comprehensive packages along with amazing experts who are more than willing to help you all the way.
Pros
- No Term Memberships (month to month)
- Family owned and operated
Cons
- Gym may be full depending on time of day
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Gym Membership in Calgary
Ready to commit to a more active lifestyle? Before you give a gym your money, you’ll want to consider the following:
Kind of Gym
Around ten to fifteen years ago, most gyms were general fitness centers. Treadmills, dumbbells, some machines—you get the idea.
But the game has changed since then. From boxing and barre to Crossfit and cycling, specialized gyms are everywhere.
Figuring out where to get your gym membership starts with identifying which kind of workout you like enough to commit to. If you need some time to figure it out, many gyms give first-timers a session for free, so you can go ahead and experience a variety of workouts first-hand!
Location
The whole point of a gym membership is to get more bang for your buck, but if it takes plenty of time and effort to even just get to the gym… that isn’t a very good deal.
Choose a gym that is accessible to you, such as one near your home or your workplace. Not having to commute very far will make going to the gym feel like less of a task.
Class Schedules
Apart from a gym’s location, you’ll also want to take a look at their class schedules. There’s no point in availing a membership if you can’t make it to the classes you want!
Before you purchase a membership, take a good look at the place’s classes. How well do they align with your free time?
Perks
Last but not least, study the perks. This is especially important for gyms that offer multiple membership tiers, with unlimited classes being the most expensive.
Take a look at what each membership tier provides—whether these perks are limitless classes, discounts, on-demand virtual sessions, or access to certain facilities. Prioritize the perks that are most important to you, and select the best-priced tier that provides you with what you value most.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gym Membership in Calgary
That wraps up our guide for the best gym memberships in Calgary! We hope that our list and all the details we’ve provided help you narrow down your search. Go forth and be fit!
If you find that none of the fitness centers listed here are your cup of tea, you might prefer a place that allows a little more self expression, like a dance studio. If you need recommendations, check out our list of the best dance studios in Calgary!
