Which Gyms Allow Kids Under 18? | Best Gyms for Teenagers

You’re never too young to take the initiative toward better health.
According to the Mayo Clinic, kids as young as 7 or 8 can even begin strength training with proper supervision. And for teenagers, regular exercise has a ton of physical, mental, and social benefits.
The only problem is that many big box gyms have restrictions on how old you can be to use the facilities.
For the most part, you have to be at least 18 years old to go to the gym, but some clubs are willing to make exceptions under certain conditions.
So let’s take a look at some of the best and most common gym chains that allow teenagers under 18.
But first, it’s vital to remember to check with each individual gym to see exactly what its terms and conditions are. Some may have different rules than others and policies almost always vary by location.
The YMCA
The YMCA is one of the most family-friendly gyms around.
It has tons of programs specifically designed for preteens and teenagers - from camps to college preparation courses.
Minors can also utilize the gym facilities at the Y, if they’re a minimum of 14 years old and have gone through a teen orientation. After this orientation, teenagers will often be able to workout at the Y without an adult present.
Best of all, your local Y might even offer a youth discount for teenagers joining up alone.
YMCA monthly prices tend to vary between $30 to $70 a month for a single membership, or adults can opt for a membership for the whole family. But in some locations, teenagers can join on their own for as little as $10 or $20 per month.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is one of the most affordable options out there with memberships starting at just $10 per month.
You’ll find all of the basic equipment you need to work up a sweat, and better yet, it’s one of the easier gyms for teens to get into.
In order for anyone between the ages 13 and 17 to utilize the facilities, they have to bring a legal guardian with them for their first visit.
The guardian has to sign a waiver to allow the teen to exercise without supervision from that point forward.
As long as the membership remains in good standing, the teen can work out at Planet Fitness any time.
Planet Fitness gyms are almost always open 24 hours a day, which makes them a convenient choice for teenagers working out before school or late into the evening.
24 Hour Fitness
24 Hour Fitness is a really solid mid-range gym with a lot of attractive amenities.
The exact features vary by location, but you may be able to find a pool, basketball court, racquetball court, turf zone, group classes, and more.
This is one gym, however, where minors require parental supervision any time they want to exercise.
Still, it’s easy for parents to add a minor ages 12 to 17 to their membership for a small monthly fee. A membership for adults generally costs in the range of $30 to $50 a month to start. But from there, parent and child can come to the gym together whenever they want.
24 Hour Fitness is a great option with 24/7 access, and it’s a big step up from Planet Fitness if you’re looking for more amenities and a better gym experience.
Gold’s Gym
Gold’s Gym is known for its killer selection of weight lifting equipment, but it’s also a great choice if you’re looking for group classes, a pool, or personal training.
Adults who are members at Gold’s can add kids as young as 13 to their plan for a small monthly fee, which varies by location. The parent or guardian will need to be present for the teenager to workout, however.
Gold’s isn’t usually open 24 hours, but it’s a solid mid-budget gym with adult memberships starting around $30 per month.
If you’re a teenager who’s looking to get serious about training, the equipment and facilities here will get you off on the right foot - as long as you have an adult with you.
Crunch Fitness
Crunch is another excellent budget gym, with a basic membership starting at just around $20 per month. The facilities are simple but well-maintained and a definite step-up from Planet Fitness, Crunch’s main competitor.
However, for teens to workout at Crunch, they’ll need an adult to pony up for a higher-end membership and come along with them each time they want to work out.
Individuals as young as 13 can visit Crunch Fitness provided they have a guardian who’s at least 21 years of age or older with them.
Crunch is a great choice for cardio and weight lifting on a budget, with the extra perk of 24 hour access for anyone on the membership.
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For teenagers looking to get in better shape, there are plenty of options out there.
A gym membership is an excellent investment for teenagers. The immediate health benefits are great, but the fact that it sets them up for a lifetime of fitness is even better.