Genesis Health Club memberships cost between $29 and $99 per month as of 2026, depending on location, membership tier, and any promotions.
Does a Genesis membership work at all locations?
Yes, Genesis Health Club memberships are reciprocal across all locations within the club’s six-state footprint: Kansas, Iowa, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
That means you can pop into any of the 40+ clubs in big cities like Wichita, Omaha, Kansas City, or Tulsa without paying extra. Reciprocity applies to all active members, though blackout dates or capacity limits might kick in during busy times. Always check with your destination club before you travel—just to be safe.
Does Genesis have a student discount?
Genesis clubs may offer a student membership at select locations, but it’s not available everywhere.
If your local club has one, you’ll need to show valid student ID when you sign up. Discounts usually run between 10% and 20% off the standard rate. Availability and pricing aren’t set in stone, so call ahead to confirm. Most student discounts also require you to renew your enrollment proof every year.
What is the cheapest gym to join?
Planet Fitness is typically the cheapest gym to join, with base memberships starting at $10–$15 per month as of 2026.
Other budget-friendly spots include local YMCAs ($20–$40/month), Cardinal Fitness ($25–$35/month), and Gold’s Gym (sometimes as low as $29/month with promotions). Prices shift depending on where you live and what perks come with the membership. Watch out for hidden costs—some “cheap” deals lock you into long contracts or require annual prepayments.
Is Planet Fitness publicly traded?
Yes, Planet Fitness went public in August 2015 and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker PLNT.
Big institutional investors like The Vanguard Group hold a big chunk of shares—about 8.6% as of 2026. If you’re into stocks, you can buy PLNT through most brokerage accounts. The stock’s had its ups and downs, but it’s still one of the few publicly traded fitness chains in the U.S.
Are gym memberships worth it?
A gym membership is worth it if you use it regularly and it matches your health goals—otherwise, it’s probably costing you more than it’s worth.
Run the numbers: A $58/month gym membership might save you a $30 doctor visit or replace a $150 weight-loss program. But if you’re not going, even a $30/month Planet Fitness plan beats paying $100/month for a club you ignore. Track how often you actually go for three months before committing.
Why are gym memberships so expensive?
Gyms are expensive because of steep fixed costs like equipment, staffing, real estate, utilities, and liability insurance.
High-end clubs pile on extras like pools, personal trainers, and 24/7 access, which drives prices up even more. According to the IRS, equipment depreciation alone adds $10–$30/month to membership fees. Marketing and sales commissions don’t help either. You can cut costs by choosing a basic plan, avoiding peak hours, or going with a smaller regional chain.
Does it cost money to go to the gym?
Yes, gym memberships cost money—averaging $58 per month or $696 per year nationwide as of 2026.
Some gyms throw in free trials or a few free days, but you’ll still need to pay to keep going. Discounts like corporate rates, student deals, or off-peak memberships can drop the price to $20–$30/month. Always check the fine print—some clubs sneak in initiation fees ($50–$150) or annual dues on top of your monthly bill.
Who owns the most shares of Planet Fitness?
The Vanguard Group, Inc. owns the largest stake in Planet Fitness with 8.64% of shares (7,290,998 shares) as of 2026.
Other major shareholders include SRS Investment Management LLC (8.25%) and BlackRock Fund Advisors (3.59%). Institutional investors hold over 60% of the outstanding shares. That kind of backing speaks to investor confidence in the brand’s growth and stability.
What company owns Planet Fitness?
Planet Fitness, Inc. is an independent, publicly traded company founded in 1992 by Michael Grondahl and Marc Grondahl.
The company’s based in Hampton, New Hampshire, and runs over 3,000 clubs worldwide. It’s not tied to any bigger fitness conglomerate and operates under its own leadership. Planet Fitness went public in 2015 and still trades under the ticker PLNT.
How much should you spend on gym membership?
Budget $31–$45/month for a basic gym membership or up to $90+/month for premium clubs in 2026.
Consumer Reports pegs the average mid-tier chain at $37.71/month. Set a realistic limit based on your income—aim to spend no more than 1–2% of your net monthly income on fitness. For example, if you make $4,000/month, cap it at $40–$80/month. And always double-check cancellation policies before signing anything.
Is it cheaper to have a home gym?
Yes, a home gym is usually cheaper than a commercial membership within 2–3 years.
For about $1,000 upfront, you can set up a decent space with a $600 treadmill, $200 dumbbells, a $150 bench, and $50 worth of resistance bands. That’s less than two years of a $58/month gym bill. Over five years, you’d save roughly $2,500. Quality equipment also holds its value—expect 50–70% resale value after three years.
Why do people buy gym memberships?
People join gyms to access equipment, structured classes, accountability, and social motivation.
A 2025 CDC survey found that 62% of gym-goers list weight loss or fitness goals as their top reason. Others appreciate the community vibe, childcare options, or wellness programs. Gyms also offer a climate-controlled escape, which is a huge plus during extreme weather.
Why are gym memberships so hard to cancel?
Gyms make cancellation difficult to keep members who might quit after the initial excitement wears off.
Many contracts include auto-renewal clauses, long notice periods (30+ days), or force you to cancel in person. Some clubs even hit you with penalties or try to talk you into downgrading instead. A 2025 Consumer Reports survey found that 37% of people failed to cancel a membership they no longer used. Always read the cancellation policy before you sign on the dotted line.
Does Costco offer gym membership?
No, Costco doesn’t run its own gyms, but it sells discounted multi-year gym memberships.
As of 2026, Costco members can grab a two-year Planet Fitness membership for $400 (~$16.67/month) or a two-year LA Fitness membership for $499 (~$20.80/month). These are prepaid deals, not traditional memberships owned by Costco. Availability varies by store, so check your local Costco before you buy.
How much does a gym owner make?
Gym owners’ salaries range from $26,500 (25th percentile) to $140,000+ (90th percentile) annually as of 2026.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median income around $50,000. Your take-home pay depends on club size, location, membership numbers, and extra revenue streams like personal training or supplement sales. Owners in busy urban areas or college towns tend to do better thanks to higher demand.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
