Top Gyms To Get The Biggest Bang For Your Buck

by Sun Kersor · January 5, 2011

    A new day is dawning for those who want to lose the badonk in 2011, but amidst all the options from snazzy David Barton's to Equinox, are there any ways to lose the weight while penny pinching?

    Walletpop.com has a nice list of gyms that won't break the bank.

    24 Hour Fitness: With five locations in the city, this is the go-to location for flexible gym hours: it's open 24/7.

    Bally Total Fitness: With 20 locations in and around the city, Bally has great Pilates and martial arts classes in addition to free week passes and discount memberships for friends and family.

    LA Fitness: Has a few locations around New York City often with 24-hour gym access and heated lap pools, whirlpool spas, and saunas.

    Planet Fitness:Has the best price point at $149 for the annual rate. In terms of noise control there's a "no grunting allowed" rule in effect, so you can save the animalistic urges for the bedroom.

    Personally, we like running in Central Park year-round and find the cold winter runs invigorating and more strenuous; when the heat doesn't put a damper on your stamina, you can actually increase your cardio in the winter months.