Have you ever wished you and your loved ones had more time together? Subscribing to the best affordable fitness programs for families near Philadelphia can be a game-changer for the health and relationships of the whole household.
Why Families Should Get Into Fitness Together
Family fitness can be challenging, as you need to get many people on the same page. However, once everything is sorted out, exercising as a family can have many perks. For instance, it can improve mental vitality by 11% and happiness by 5% compared to simply exercising alone. Several other metrics also increase, such as 7% more positive emotion generation.
Top 8 Cost-Effective Fitness Programs for Philadelphia Families
If you are wondering where to start, a family fitness program around Philadelphia can work wonders in kickstarting your journey and guiding you and everyone you love to healthier choices. Here are the most affordable options to consider:
1. The Greater Philadelphia YMCA
The Greater Philadelphia YM
CA is a nonprofit strength-building community with over 150,000 members and 240,000 individuals throughout the greater Philadelphia region. Its team can work with anyone, from older adults to kids and more. Plus, it is one of the few facilities that offers dedicated family memberships.
Key features:
- Offers 15 locations throughout the greater Philadelphia region
- Provides unlimited group exercise classes to members
- Babysits children for free while parents work out to prioritize safety
- Gives free wellness consultations through action-oriented wellness coaches
Review:“I joined the Y in January 2021 after I became a foster parent. I was a new single mom to a newborn. I came to the Y thinking I would have a chance to exercise while my son was safe in the child care room. What I found was a community who continues to help me raise him and watch him thrive and grow.”
2. AFC Fitness
AFC Fitness is a fitness and wellness destination that supplies families with all the facilities and equipment needed to meet their goals. It has a 110,000-square-foot sports complex and several other fitness centers that hold classes. You can get in touch with AFC Fitness’s family-oriented trainers to see how you can meld sports and fun together.
Key features:
- Offers three locations throughout Philadelphia
- Designs family-friendly fitness classes
- Organizes fun family sports like Padel, Zumba and Family Swim
- Offers a free 30-day trial on memberships
Review: “We have been training with Drew since 2023 and can’t say enough about how much he has helped our overall health and mobility. Drew is personable and truly cares about his clients! He makes every workout fun and is creative when it comes to keeping things interesting with his programming.”
3. Urge Fitness
Since its inception in 2013, Urge Fitness has expanded throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It is committed to providing an upscale fitness experience to individuals and family members of all ages. Family memberships can accommodate up to four members, but you can also explore classic and elite tiers.
Key features:
- Offers 24-hour fitness facilities even on holidays
- Provides a kids’ club with activities for children
- Organizes small and large group training sessions for a fee
- Gives a complimentary personal training orientation to family members
Review: “The massages at URGE FITNESS in Philadelphia are worth every penny. Combined with the 24/7 access, this gym has everything I need to stay motivated and on track with my fitness goals.”
4. The Sporting Club at the Bellevue
The Sporting Club at the Bellevue is a premier lifestyle and wellness destination where you can exercise and get access to physical therapy, nutrition advice and preventive programs. While it does not directly offer family memberships, group exercises are encouraged. There are also children’s hours, during which kids aged three to 15 years old can come with members.
Key features:
- Offers executive memberships and personal training
- Has on-site residences and hotels
- Provides family locker rooms
- Preps group sports facilities for pickleball, basketball and squash
Review: “This is the BEST gym in Philadelphia! They have everything you need for a successful workout. Basketball court, indoor track, hot tub, cold plunge, sauna, steam room, fitness classes, spin, TRX, business area, game room, snack bar. The housekeeping staff is respectful and amazing.”
5. Y2B Fit
Y2B Fit helps you on your fitness journey by providing customized wellness coaching, personalized fitness training and more. You can request semi-private small group sessions for you and your family to take together, whether in person at their facility or from the comfort of your own home.
Key features:
- Provides mind-body assessments for individuals
- Ensures a compassionate approach to health and fitness
- Specializes in sustainable weight loss
- Offers all services in-person or virtually
Review: “I just wanted to say that I LOVE your studio, and all of the instructors. I felt like every class I took was specialized just for me, even when the class was full. I don’t write reviews often, but I love every class I take at Y2B and wish that I had discovered the studio and Crystal sooner.”
6. Fitness Alive
Fitness Alive is one of the top swimming schools and aquatic fitness centers in Philadelphia. Many families love enrolling their children, but the facility invites both kids and adults to the water. You can explore family swim membership tiers that let you invite four to six family members. If you have more people you want to ask, you can discuss options with management.
Key features:
- Offers specific family membership hours
- Provides guest passes with an extra fee
- Organizes themed and pop-up Family Swim events
- Ensures excellent customer service at the front desk and online
Review: “I just wanted to send a note to let you know that Emelia was really amazing with both Simon and Lex. Both my boys are difficult in their own ways in the pool and she handled both beautifully, made them comfortable, and fostered some new skills for them. I was really impressed. Thank you for everything.”
7. City Fitness
City Fitness is a small business and community of fitness enthusiasts that invites everyone to work on their health. Thanks to its clean facilities and cutting-edge equipment, it already has 24,000 active members. Strengthen your bonds with your family or build other real-life connections while getting fit.
Key features:
Provides eight gym locations across Philadelphia
Offers a free first workout
Offers complimentary day passes at different locations
Includes rewards for membership holders
Review: “Staff is great— facilities are clean and up to date. Classes are numerous and teachers are perfect. What’s not to like?”
8. Stretch Lab
Stretch Lab is a beginner-friendly fitness concept prioritizing preventive and restorative wellness through stretching. Flexologists offer customized assisted-stretching sessions in comfortable group settings. With Stretch Lab’s unique app, it is easy to book and earn points on your account.
Key features:
- Welcomes clients of all ages
- Employs certified and licensed flexologists
- Offers members complimentary Normatec compression therapy
- Provides grip socks for purchase
Review: “I feel human again. I’ve gone to StretchLab once a week for the past 5 weeks. I have multiple issues with my back and neck. I am so thankful to have the help that StretchLab has given me to help me feel human again. I will continue to go because I can’t wait to see what other opportunities I can gain by going.”
Methodology for Choosing an Affordable Fitness Program for Your Family
Choosing a fitness program for your family can feel like a workout in and of itself. Affordability is a must, considering you are accounting for multiple members. Here are several other factors to think about:
| Compatibility | Can a fitness membership plan accommodate everyone in your family? Do the schedules for family-based events coincide with your personal ones? It is vital to get a program that is compatible with your family and lifestyle. |
| Proximity | To make it easier to commit to consistent workouts, seek accessible or convenient locations near your home. |
| Equipment and class variety | Variety tends to make fitness more fun. Look at what equipment or classes a facility offers. If you have little ones tagging along, make sure you look for providers that have equipment appropriate for younger fitness enthusiasts. |
| Safety policies | Ensure that these inclusive facilities still have regulations and restrictions to keep children, older adults and other vulnerable people safe. Your facility should require or provide supervision. |
| Cleanliness and atmosphere | A sanitized and welcoming environment contributes to physical and mental health in the long run. It is a bonus if the fitness professionals conduct virtual or at-home sessions to let you exercise in a more familiar environment. |
The Benefits of Family Fitness Programs
Joining the best affordable fitness programs for families near Philadelphia can have various perks, from stronger overall health to closer bonds. Here are some of the top benefits of participating in a fitness program with your family:
Strengthens Body and Health
Family fitness can help you and your loved ones improve your muscle and bone strength. A stronger body will enhance your capabilities, helping you stay active, complete strenuous tasks and more. Plus, you can gain confidence knowing that your loved ones are taking charge of their health and caring for themselves.
Improves Habits at Home
Working out more can inspire you and your family to improve your lifestyle. For example, you could make a point to eat healthier and avoid skipping meals to keep your energy levels up. Some also find themselves diving into more mentally healthy habits like meditating and journaling at the start of the day.
Builds More Bonds
Attending fitness classes with your family is precious bonding time, and many sports promote teamwork and communication. Plus, working on your health is quite a vulnerable process. Confiding in a loved one and getting that support in return can give you the vigor to hit your fitness goals.
Saves Costs
Family memberships that accommodate multiple people typically provide more value for money compared to solo plans. The actual price disparities and savings can shift depending on the fitness center, but you will still likely gain substantial value for the cost. Amenities like child care facilities and babysitting services can also help you save money.
Tips on Getting Your Family Into Fitness
Bringing up the idea of family fitness can be smooth in some households and a little trickier in others. Follow these tips to get everyone on board.
Set Up Family Fitness Goals
To help everyone warm up to using your chosen family fitness program, consider setting reachable goals. You can hold a quick meeting and talk about it together. You could also scale up to a family fitness program. For instance, you could suggest that you all go on a daily walk together. From there, you can expand to more challenging tasks, like organizing two family gym days weekly.
Engage in Family Sports
Consider discovering everyone’s favorite team sports and attending events at your fitness center. It can be memorable to collaborate and try to get a win together. If it is a sport like swimming or skating that your younger family members may not be well-versed in yet, consider having a family practice session.
Hire a Family-Friendly Trainer
If you are thinking of trying Zumba or pilates but are not sure what workouts would be appropriate for everyone, get the help of a family-friendly trainer. They have experience with curating sequences for all kinds of groups. Coordinate with them on your preferred exercise and have a group class together.
Have Cool-Down Plans Together
Families that exercise together should also rest together. Create some cool-down plans to get into after family gym sessions. It could be more celebratory, like dining out at your favorite restaurant, or more relaxed, like having a cozy movie night at home.
Invest in Your Family Fitness
Consider joining the best affordable fitness programs for families near Philadelphia to create more opportunities to stay active with those you love. The more your household moves together, the stronger and healthier everyone will be in the long run.
