Is In-Shape Health Clubs worth it?

Welcome to the ultimate guide to In-Shape Health Clubs. We've rounded up all our expertise on this page—giving you everything you needed to know about the popular gym chain.

45
Total Locations
Average Size (sq ft)
4.35
Average Google Rating

Welcome to the ultimate guide to In-Shape Health Clubs. We've rounded up all our expertise on this page—giving you everything you needed to know about the popular gym chain.

Amenities offered at In-Shape Health Clubs

HUGE NEWS: As of October 2023, In-Shape Health Clubs is merging with popular Sacramento gym chain California Family Fitness. Our review below refers to In-Shape prior the merger—we'll update and combine the two once the chain fully provides details.

In-Shape Health Clubs are gigantic fitness centers chocked full of amenities. Their offerings are above mid-tier big box gyms, but just a bit below the luxury, boutique country clubs. And it's a great place to be, as In-Shape's sprawling hubs are amazing places to swim, lift, play and socialize.

  • 100% of their locations have childcare! All 45 of them!
  • 93% of their gyms have a sauna, 42 total
  • 93% offer up a pool—with some locations having multiple
  • 89% of their locations have a hot tub, 40 total.

The 4 amenities above are typically what separate higher end gyms from other more budget options. Plus, all your standard gym offerings are available at In-Shape:

  • Free weights with benches
  • Cardio machines (treadmills, stair-masters, ellipticals)
  • Strength machines of various sorts
Amenities
These amenities are available at some locations
Personal Training
Group Training
Sauna
(
42
Locations
)
Swimming Pool
(
42
Locations
)
Basketball
(
4
Locations
)
Childcare
(
45
Locations
)
Steam Room
(
38
Locations
)
Tanning
(
0
Locations
)
Open 24-hours
(
0
Locations
)
Spa/Hot-Tub
(
40
Locations
)
Racquetball
(
16
Locations
)
Pickleball
(
15
Locations
)
Tennis
(
0
Locations
)
Squash
(
0
Locations
)
Retail
(
0
Locations
)
Free WiFi - LocalListing X Webflow Template
Wi-Fi
(
0
Locations
)
Women-only Workout
(
0
Locations
)
Smoothie/Shake Bar
(
0
Locations
)
Equipment
This equipment is available at some locations
Cardio Machines (treadmills and more)
Weight Training (free weights & machines)
Locker Room
Shower
Restroom
Cold Plunge
(
0
Locations
)
Cardio Cinema
(
17
Locations
)
Towel Service
(
2
Locations
)
Massage Chairs
(
6
Locations
)
Olympic Lifting
(
10
Locations
)
Functional Turf
(
11
Locations
)
Unavailable

These amenities are not offered at any In-Shape Health Clubs location.

Sauna
Pool
Childcare / Daycare
Basketball
Steam
Open 24-hours-a-day
Pickleball
Tanning
Spa/Whirlpool/Hot-Tub
Massage Chairs
Racquetball
Cardio Cinema
Functional Turf
Towel Service
Olympic lifting
Tennis
Squash
Retail Area
Free WiFi - LocalListing X Webflow Template
Wi-Fi
Women Only
Workout Area
Cold Plunge
Smoothie/Shake Bar

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Fast Facts

In-Shape Health Clubs was founded in 1981 in Stockton, California. Its current CEO is Paul Rothbard. The headquarters of In-Shape Health Clubs is located in Stockton, California.

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What time does In-Shape Health Clubs open & close?

No In-Shape Health Clubs locations are open 24/7.

Awesome! 0 of their clubs are open 24/7!

The exact opening hours for each location is different, but the most common we've seen:

  • Monday: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Thursday: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Saturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

In-Shape Health Clubs by the numbers

45

Total Locations

The total amount of locations we're tracking from this fitness chain.

4.35

Average Review Rating

The average rating of all their clubs combined.

Average Gym Size

Room for activities! Average square footage of their gyms.

$34.99

Average Monthly Membership Cost

How much you can expect to pay for the entry-level membership every month

14

Total Cities

Find a In-Shape Health Clubs in this many cities.

What we love about In-Shape Health Clubs

A growing, Sacramento and Central California near-luxury fitness chain. We love the enormous amount of amenities available, with a large focus on pools and kid-friendly options/activities. 

  • Their comprehensive approach to amenities. Sauna, steam, hot tubs, childcare, racquetball, basketball, even pickleball! Plus, nearly all of their locations have one or several of the above.

  • Sooo many pools! 42 of 45 locations offer up the amenity at In-Shape--giving members in California a fantastic option to dive into.

    Parents will appreciate that every single location (45 total!) from In-Shape has childcare. Workout with no worries with your child nearby!

  • HUGE NEWS: As of October 2023, In-Shape Health Clubs is merging with popular Sacramento gym chain California Family Fitness.

    The new company is now named "In-Shape Family Fitness" and is set to become a powerhouse in the California gym landscape. Combining these two gives members access to "over 120 pools and spas" plus "75+ pickleball and tennis courts." 

    More info coming in early 2024!

What we wish In-Shape Health Clubs would improve

While In-Shape checks off nearly all the boxes for most folks, there are still a few things we'd like to see.

  • There were more competitive (cheaper!) membership options. With single-club monthly pricing hovering around $60, In-Shape membership fees are what we consider mid-tier. Add on your spouse or children, and that number continues to climb.

  • Even just a single location were open 24-hours-a-day. With such expansive amenities available at a majority of their clubs, it would be awesome if their doors remained open all night.

  • More than just 4 locations had basketball courts. Other big box gym chains nearby have places to shoot hoops. In-Shape certainly has the space to add this—plus they'd be able to expand their pickleball offering as the hardwood can serve a dual purpose.

How much is In-Shape Health Clubs?

Positioned underneath full-on country club and resort-style fitness options, but above big box gym chains at the mid-price, In-Shape Health Clubs have carved their own niche (and price points) out in the California Market. 

At the high end, we've seen monthly pricing for their Napa location at $84.99 and $1 enrollment. You'll pay a $49.99 to $89.99 annual fee as well, exact amount depends on how many members in your plan. 

However at possibly the low end, were able to spot a $34.99 and $1 enrollment at their Brentwood gym. Annual fee remains the same as above.

Where costs start to add up are the additions to your base membership price. If you'd like to work out at additional locations, use massage chairs, or even get into small group training—those are additional charges. Here's the total breakdown from a price check in December, 2023:

Brentwood, California:

  • $34.99 @ $1 enrollment
  • $54.99 @ $1 enrollment (2 clubs, massage chairs)
  • $99.99 @ $1 enrollment (all clubs, Small group training, tennis/pickleball RQT)
  • $49.99 to $89.98 Annual enhancement fee. $7.99 monthly if using debit/credit card.

Napa, California:

  • $84.99 @ $1 enrollment 
  • $89.99 @ $1 enrollment (all clubs, massage chairs)
  • $99.99 @ $1 enroll (all clubs, small group training, tennis/pickleball RQT
  • $49.99 to $89.98 annual enhancement fee. $7.99 monthly if using debit/credit card

Like we said, overall the prices aren't as high as a luxury option like Equinox, and they're a step up from big-box gyms like 24 Hour Fitness.

  • There is an annual fee of $49.99 to $89.99, depending on the amount of users in your plan.
  • Website shows an enrollment fee of just $1—this might be their promotional offer.
  • Gym prices got you stressed out? Start with a free trial instead.
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Who does In-Shape Health Clubs cater to?

We all have different bodies, different goals and different fitness journeys. Some gyms may fit a person better than others. So who would enjoy this gym most?

Frequently asked questions about In-Shape Health Clubs

Top amenities offered at In-Shape Health Clubs

All the gym essentials

Free weights, strength machines and cardio equipment.

42 saunas to choose from

Nothing like the hot heat to warm muscles up.

Swim laps in 42 different pools

Dive in to relax after your work—or you can swim laps at In-Shape Health Clubs.

Practice your shot at 4 courts

Courts with regulation rims and beautiful hardwood. Just 8% of gyms nationwide have a court.

45 different locations with childcare

What a rare treat. Less than 9% of gyms in the country have childcare/daycare!

0 gyms that are open all night long

An extra early or real late workout—your choice.

Functional turf workouts at 11 gyms

Stretch, sleds, bodyweight or box jumps. The turf area is the place to be.

40 hot tubs FTW!

Relieve pain post workout or soothe sore muscles.  

Additional info about In-Shape Health Clubs

Final thoughts — Is In-Shape Health Clubs worth it?

Gym Pricing Tiers Explained

There are 3-4 main pricing tiers that nearly all gyms across the country fall into. Generally, higher prices = more amenities and services.

$10 - $25 /month — Value

  • Standard/basic equipment
  • Cardio machines: treadmills, ellipticals
  • Various free-weights, strength machines

$15 - $30 /month — High Value Low Price

  • All the above, plus a few have saunas or pools
  • Massage and/or Tanning options
  • Expect newer style amenities like Olympic lifting platforms, functional turf and cardio cinema.

$25 - $65 Monthly — Mid-Tier

  • All the above, placed in larger facilities and spaces. Pools, saunas and steam are a must.
  • Basketball courts and childcare were the main amenities.
  • These are your "older" more aged "big-box" gyms, often with hundreds of locations spanning the country

$65 and up  — Boutique/Specialty/Luxury

  • Highest end cardio equipment with advanced, expensive machines
  • Specialty group training and fitness classes
  • Luxury or boutique locker rooms, workspaces and lounges

"Is this gym worth it?"

Use our guides to help inform and educate what a gym can offer your fitness lifestyle. Only you can truly decide if a gym is worth it!

Right away: yes, absolutely.

Actually, let's back up. Everybody's fitness journey is different, and we do our best to match you to one that fits your lifestyle best. Here's who we see would enjoy In-Shape:

  • You have a growing, fitness-oriented family
  • You play specific sports like tennis, racquetball, pickleball
  • Aqua activities (pool, sauna, steam) are important to you
  • You're comfortable with a higher price-point, and will generally pay for convenience

In-Shape sure does deliver with its varied offerings, but you do have to be willing to pay. A family of four could potentially run into the $300+ range, monthly. While that may be steep for some, it'll look like a bargain to others. 

It's key to remember that In-Shape is less traditional gym, and more of social-gathering, family-focused and fitness-higher end experience. If those things are of value, then In-Shape climbs the list in your value and "worth it" charts.

Find your perfect gym!

Unlock the secrets to finding the right gym, starting your fitness journey, and achieving your goals.
Download the guide now! 🙌

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