5 Best Gyms In Austin (Budget, Pools, CrossFit, & More)

5 Best Gyms In Austin (Budget, Pools, CrossFit, & More)

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Austinites have an awesome choice of gyms to pick from – something I discovered pretty quickly! And if you’re moving to Austin or looking to switch up gyms, I’ve reviewed the 5 best gyms in Austin worth talking about.

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The Best Gyms In Austin Are:

  • Onnit Gym – Best For Personal Training 
  • Big Tex Gym – Best For Powerlifting & Strength Training
  • Anytime Fitness – Best For General Fitness
  • YMCA of Austin – Best For Pool Facilities & Group Fitness
  • CrossFit 2024 – Best For CrossFit & Sense of Community

There’s more to these gyms than what they’re best for though! Check out why they made the list below along with the benefits, drawbacks, and membership prices – all the straight facts you need before you sign up.

5 Best Gyms In Austin (Budget, Pools, CrossFit, & More)

Does Austin Have Good Gyms?

As one of the most populated cities in Texas, Austin TX has good gyms to find around every corner. It offers independently run gyms and franchise gyms, plus boutique fitness studios and health clubs – so there’s definitely something for everyone in Austin.

Gyms In Austin: 5 Best Options

1. Onnit Gym – Best For Personal Training

Onnit Gym
  • Website: https://www.onnitgym.com/
  • Address: 4401 Freidrich Ln #301, Austin
  • Hours: Monday–Sunday class schedule
  • Price: Memberships from $99 per month
  • Sign up fees: None
  • No lock-in contracts: Available
  • Free trial: None
  • Group fitness: Limited

Onnit Gym is co-founded by Joe Rogan. But that’s not the reason it’s on this list; Onnit Gym is a top choice for personal training, boasting world-class programs in an impressive 10,000-square-foot gym with top-notch equipment and facilities.

What Are The Gym Benefits?

There’s nothing better in Austin if you’re looking for small group training with attentive coaching. The best thing is that the programs are individually tailored, which is ideal if you’re a newbie or athlete wanting to take your fitness game up a level.

Programs at Onnit Gym last 6-12 weeks, comprising three weekly 75-90 minute sessions. The professionally curated workouts involve barbell training, circuit HIIT, and metabolic conditioning, so you can expect to lose fat and build muscle with fast results.

What Do You Need To Know Before Purchasing A Membership?

There are two main memberships: Essential Membership for $299 per month and Optimized Membership for $999 per month. Essential involves 3 weekly group sessions while Optimized Membership gives you the same with 8 extra private training sessions per month.

If you don’t want to commit just yet, there are 2-week trials for each membership: $149 for Essential and $499 for Optimized.

Onnit also has Open Gym Membership for $99 per month, but bear in mind that open gym hours apply (6am–6pm on weekdays, 9am–2pm on weekends).

Are There Any Drawbacks?

It’s pricey, but there’s no doubt you’ll get what you pay for.

Who Should Work Out Here?

If you lack motivation and want a tailored workout program for fast results, Onnit Gym is worth checking out. The world-class coaching, equipment, and facilities are more big reasons to join. But if your budget is tight, you’ll want to consider other options.

2. Big Tex Gym – Best For Powerlifting & Strength Training

Big Tex Gym
  • Website: https://www.bigtexgym.com/
  • Address: 1921 Cedar Bend Dr, Suite # A130, Austin
  • Hours: Monday–Friday 7am–9pm, Saturday 9am–3pm, Sunday 11am–4pm (24/7 for members)
  • Price: $50 month-to-month
  • Sign up fees: None
  • No lock-in contracts: Available
  • Free trial: None
  • Group fitness: Limited

If you’re serious about lifting, Big Tex Gym is right up your alley. It’s a dedicated strength training gym for powerlifters and bodybuilders, providing 24/7 access plus personal training and onsite facilities that include an infrared sauna and tanning service.

What Are The Gym Benefits?

Big Tex Gym is an old-school weightlifting gym with a real sense of community. This is a 24/7 gym where you can train hard with people who are serious about their goals, using machines and equipment that are looked after by the members as much as the staff!

But despite that, Big Tex Gym still welcomes all fitness levels, as the team offers personal training and a weekly class schedule that includes yoga, bootcamp, booty camp, and Strongman technique – even kids’ fitness.

What Do You Need To Know Before Purchasing A Membership?

Month-to-month is $50. It comes with an annual fee of $35, billed 60 days after signing up. You can also pay 1, 3, 6, or 12 months in full – 1 month is $65 and, although not listed, I expect there are discounts the more months you buy. 

You can cancel your membership in person or online if you change your mind, but online cancellations have a $25 processing fee.

Drop-ins are $5 per session and week passes are $25, but take note that drop-ins don’t give you 24/7 access.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

The annual fee isn’t ideal but hey – at least you know this gym is properly maintained.

Who Should Work Out Here?

Powerlifters, Olympic weightlifters, bodybuilders, and anyone who’s serious about lifting. But if you’re not 100% committed to going to the gym just yet, then you’d simply be better off finding a cheaper gym.

3. Anytime Fitness – Best For General Fitness

Anytime Fitness

Like Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness has multiple locations (7, to be exact) in Austin. But Anytime Fitness wins for its upgraded equipment and personal training services for individuals and groups. Anytime Fitness in Austin is also 24/7!

What Are The Gym Benefits?

If you’re looking for a no-judgment gym with 24/7 access, multiple locations, and all the basics for general fitness, Anytime Fitness is what it says it is. You’ll find everything you need here, no matter whether you’re training for cardio, strength, or functional fitness.

Beginners can also benefit from individual or group training that includes nutrition guidance and in-app coaching. Another thing worth knowing is that Anytime Fitness Austin is under new management, so these gyms have been partially upgraded with new equipment.

What Do You Need To Know Before Purchasing A Membership?

Anytime Fitness memberships start from $39.99 per month – depending on location. The same applies to sign-up fees, unfortunately, so you won’t know the exact prices unless you visit the gym in person.

But the good news is that you can grab a free 7-day trial on their website. Memberships also provide access to any Anytime Fitness gym and there are 7 located in Austin.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

Anytime Fitness isn’t clear about all its membership prices or fees. This big gym franchise also doesn’t offer any group fitness classes.

Who Should Work Out Here?

Casual gym users and beginners who want 24/7 access to multiple locations. Anytime Fitness is also a good choice for personal training. But if you don’t like hidden prices or want something cheaper, I’d simply recommend Planet Fitness Austin instead.

4. YMCA Of Austin – Best For Pool Facilities & Group Fitness

YMCA Of Austin
  • Website: https://www.austinymca.org/
  • Address: 8 locations in Austin!
  • Hours: Monday–Thursday 5:30am–9pm, Friday 5:30am–8pm, Saturday 8am–8pm, Sunday 12pm–6pm
  • Price: $65 per month for adults 27 and over, $40 per month for adults aged 19-26
  • Sign up fees: $49 for adults 27 and over, $15 for adults aged 19-26
  • No lock-in contracts: Available
  • Free trial: None
  • Group fitness: Extensive

YMCA has 8 Austin locations offering fully equipped gyms, personal training services, group classes, and sports facilities – including a total of 18 indoor and outdoor pools. And for that reason, it’s easily the best option in Austin for swimming.

What Are The Gym Benefits?

YMCA is as much a community sports center as it is a gym, making it ideal for families, seniors, and casual gym-goers. The bonus here is the group fitness classes—everything from yoga to water aerobics—that run daily from morning to evening.

With the YMCA membership, you get access to all 8 Austin locations and group fitness classes – totaling over 500 classes per week. Another perk is free childcare, so you can work out anytime without having to worry about finding a babysitter.

What Do You Need To Know Before Purchasing A Membership?

An adult (27 years and over) YMCA membership costs $65 per month with a $49 join fee. A young adult (ages 19-26) membership costs $40 per month with a $15 join fee.

For families looking to use the facilities, another option is the “one adult household” membership (one adult and any children under 23 years), which costs $79 per month with a $49 join fee.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

Just don’t expect to be blown away by the gyms; YMCA is more of an all-in-one community sports center for casual gym users, seniors, and families.

Who Should Work Out Here?

If you’re looking for group fitness classes or gyms with pools in Austin, this is the place to go. It’s also perfect for families and seniors. If you’re just in it for the gym and won’t take advantage of the pools or classes, though, you’ll be better off joining a standard gym.

5. CrossFit 2024 – Best For CrossFit & Sense Of Community

CrossFit 2024
  • Website: https://crossfit2024.com/
  • Address: 2015 E Riverside Dr, Site 7BB, Austin
  • Hours: Monday–Saturday class schedule
  • Price: Unlimited month-to-month $210, 6 months unlimited $195, 12 months unlimited $180, one year upfront $2040
  • Sign up fees: N/A
  • No lock-in contracts: Available
  • Free trial: Free intro session
  • Group fitness: Extensive

CrossFit 2024 is one of the top CrossFit gyms in Austin and for good reason. This 1500-square-foot facility boasts all the essential CrossFit equipment and facilities, an inclusive community, and classes for all levels led by experienced CrossFit coaches.

What Are The Gym Benefits?

This is a CrossFit gym for veterans and newcomers. It offers daily classes and foundation programs, which involve everything from group functional fitness workouts and Olympic weightlifting to dedicated pull up, ring muscle up, and handstand training.

The good thing is that you can dive right in no matter your fitness level. Expert coaches will help you get started with a free intro session and you can expect to fit in straightaway thanks to the diverse CrossFit community here that will support and motivate you.

What Do You Need To Know Before Purchasing A Membership?

Here are your options: unlimited classes for $210 month-to-month, 6 months of unlimited classes for $195, 12 months of unlimited classes for $180, or one year of unlimited classes for $2040 upfront.

The foundation program, which gives you three 1-hour one-on-one sessions, is $150. Or you can book 5 personal training sessions for $375 or 10 personal training sessions for $750.

You can also train specific skills, like handstands or ring muscle ups, with skill packages that cost $120 for three 30-minute sessions or $200 for five 30-minute sessions.

Drop-in is $25 a day or $60 weekly (“for experienced out of town CrossFitters only”).

Are There Any Drawbacks?

Drop-ins are by schedule only, so you always have to contact them to find out when you can visit.

Who Should Work Out Here?

New and experienced CrossFitters looking for an exciting CrossFit gym with a close-knit community. If you’re not sure about CrossFit or want a CrossFit gym where you can drop in anytime, though, it’s worth looking elsewhere.

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Avi Silverberg
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