The 3 Types Of Gyms | Which Is Best For You?

Linette Teerlink • April 7, 2025

“There’s always the right tool for the job.”


That saying rings true in so many different aspects of life. And fitness is no different.


Believe it or not, there are different types of gyms that are better suited for you based on what your goals are and what type of personality you have.


This list doesn’t include every single one of them, but it does include the most popular types of gyms that most people have access to.


I’ve compiled this list based on 15 years of workout experience with half of those occurring as a certified personal trainer.


As a quick note before we get into this, I’ve compiled a list of gyms in the Columbia area since that is where we are located so if you are reading this in a different city, many of the smaller gyms may not have locations near you. There should be similar alternatives though.


So without further ado… let’s get into it.


Commercial Gym

Examples - Columbia Athletic Club , Lifetime Fitness , Retro Fitness , and Planet Fitness.

The “Commercial Gym” is what most of us think of when we picture going to the gym. They are typically large structures with tons of equipment, group fitness rooms, pools, basketball courts, and plenty of other amenities. In fact, that is the main draw for a lot of people.


The main selling point of Box Gyms is that they have so many different things to offer and they do so at a cheaper price.


The cheaper price does come with a tradeoff though…


You are left to figure out fitness on your own.


This is fine if you’ve been working out for a while and know how to work out, but if you aren’t sure how to use weights or don’t know which machines to use this can lead to injuries or wasting your time.


Many commercial gyms do offer personal training, but that is going to be a separate cost and in my experience, the personal trainers at commercial gyms aren’t as high quality as the trainers you will find at some of the other types of gyms listed below.


The Verdict - If you already know how to exercise, don’t have a specific goal, and just want a lot of options then the “Commercial Gym” is the best choice for you.



Box Gym

Examples - Orangetheory , Top Tier Crossfit , F45 , and Cove Fitness.


The “Box” gym was made popular by Crossfit over the last 15-20 years and it’s not hard to see why these types of gyms have been popping up all over the place during that time.


People are drawn to these gyms for a few different reasons.


The most enticing draw would have to be the structure of each workout. These gyms typically have specific class times that their members register for. When you show up, you’re greeted by your classmates and taken through a pre-planned workout by your trainer.


This takes a lot of the guesswork out of fitness since you don’t have to plan your own workout. You just show up, get sweaty, and move on with your day.


You also get to work out alongside other people so there is an additional element of social support that helps you stay accountable.


There are a couple of downsides to joining this type of gym though.


Because everything is structured, if you want the freedom to do your own thing, you’re out of luck. You typically only have access to equipment during your specific class time.


There are also fewer amenities and because you are being led by a trainer, the cost of membership tends to be higher than that of a commercial gym.


Lastly, box gyms that have large class sizes can be risky. If there are too many members in a class, the coach isn’t able to correct your form as frequently. This can result in injuries.


The Verdict - If you feel like you need the attention of a trainer and the accountability working with a group/having an appointment, then the “Box” gym is the best option for you.



Boutique Gym

Examples - Progressive Athletics , Fitness Together , Synergy FX , and LiveNow Fitness.


The “Boutique” Gym was created as a bridge between personal training and group fitness. These types of gyms are typically run by an experienced fitness coach and the programming and culture reflect that. Each Boutique Gym tends to be extremely unique. A strong counter to the corporate commercial and box gyms.


The main draw for these types of gyms is the personal touch. At boutique gyms, you typically know the owner and he or she will be holding you accountable every step of the way.


This additional accountability is why so many people get great results from working out at a boutique gym.


You get the accountability and results of working with a personal trainer along with the social aspect of working in a group.


It is hard to say exactly what working out at a boutique gym looks like, because each one is a reflection of the owner and their training philosophy.


Like the other gyms, there are some drawbacks to joining a boutique gym.

Because everything is so personalized, the cost is usually the highest of the 3 types of gyms. And a lot like box gyms, you won’t find as many amenities as you will in a commercial gym.


The Verdict - Boutique gyms are your best option if you have an audacious goal like losing a bunch of weight, or if you have injuries that require modifications to your workouts. They also offer the most accountability, so if you struggle to get into the gym regularly, boutique gyms are your best bet.



Final Thoughts

The gym industry is a lot like the restaurant industry.


You’ve got your fast food, sit down, and fine dining.


All 3 will get you fed, but it depends on what type of experience you want to have while eating.


Similarly, we have gym counterparts in the commercial, box, and boutique gyms.


All 3 will get you sweaty, but it depends on what type of experience you want to have while working out.


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