Quick Answer
LA Fitness has a full commercial gym equipment set: cardio (treadmills, ellipticals, stair mills, rowers, bikes), 30+ selectorized machines, plate-loaded strength equipment, dumbbells to 100 lbs, 2 to 4 power racks, cable stations and functional training zones.
Equipment brands are primarily Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Precor and Cybex.
Cardio Equipment
Standard cardio floor: 15 to 30 treadmills (Life Fitness or Precor), 10 to 20 ellipticals, 5 to 10 stair mills (StairMaster), 5 to 10 stationary bikes (upright and recumbent), 2 to 6 rowers (Concept 2), 2 to 4 arc trainers, 2 to 4 curved runners (Woodway) at premium clubs.
Machines have iPod or Bluetooth connections, HDTV screens on newer models and heart-rate grips. Newer treadmills have compatible apps for Peloton-style follow-along runs.
Selectorized Strength Machines
- Chest: Chest press, incline press, pec fly, dip station.
- Back: Lat pulldown, seated row, reverse fly, pullover.
- Shoulders: Shoulder press, lateral raise, rear delt.
- Legs: Leg press, leg extension, leg curl (seated and lying), hip abductor and adductor, calf raise.
- Core: Ab crunch, oblique twist, hyperextension.
Free Weight Area
Dumbbells from 5 to 100 lbs in 5 lb increments (100+ lb dumbbells at some Signature clubs). Adjustable benches (flat, incline, decline). Fixed-weight barbells (20 to 110 lbs). Olympic barbells and bumper plates. 2 to 4 power racks or squat cages.
Deadlift platforms are becoming more common at newer clubs. Older clubs sometimes lack platforms which discourages heavy deadlifting.
Plate-Loaded Strength
Hammer Strength plate-loaded machines cover the same movement patterns as selectorized: iso-lateral chest, iso-lateral row, decline press, high row, ground base squat and more. These are heavier-feeling and closer to free-weight biomechanics.
Plate storage nearby with 2.5 to 45 lb Olympic plates in bumper and iron variants.
Cable Stations and Functional Training
2 to 4 dual-cable adjustable columns (Freemotion or Life Fitness Signature). 1 to 2 four-way cable crossovers. Functional training rig with pull-up bars, TRX anchors, battle rope hooks and dip stations.
Kettlebells (typically 10 to 70 lbs), medicine balls, slam balls, plyo boxes and battle ropes complete the functional zone.
Signature and Specialty Equipment
Signature clubs sometimes include: Nordic hip curl, GHD (glute-ham developer), reverse hyper, safety squat bar, trap bar and specialty barbells. Sled push tracks and turf strips are common at newer clubs.
The LA Fitness Pendulum Squat is a semi-recent addition at flagship clubs; see the dedicated pendulum squat post for full details.
Pro Tips Before You Commit
- Tour on a weekday evening between 5pm and 7pm. That is the busiest window. If the equipment is still accessible then, it will be fine any other time.
- Ask for the promotional rate, do not accept the rack rate. LA Fitness runs quiet in-club promos almost every month; sales counselors have discretion to waive the initiation fee if you ask.
- Get every quote in writing. Verbal promises about future price locks are worth nothing once the sales rep leaves the club.
- Read the exact clause on annual fees. Most members are surprised in month 8 by a $59 annual fee they were never verbally told about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LA Fitness have squat racks?
Yes, every club has at least 2 racks. Newer clubs have 4 to 6.
Can I do heavy deadlifts at LA Fitness?
Yes, but drop platforms are more common at newer clubs. Older clubs may frown on dropping weights.
Does LA Fitness have Peloton bikes?
No, but standard cycle bikes work with the Peloton app.
Is there a stretch area?
Yes, every club has a stretch zone with foam rollers and space to move.
Bottom Line
LA Fitness has a complete commercial-grade equipment set at every location. Serious lifters occasionally want more specialty barbells or platforms; casual to intermediate lifters and cardio users have everything they need.
