NYC Trainer Names 4 Gyms That Get Fitness Culture Right

Gym memberships in America just hit an all-time high in 2025, giving people more fitness options than ever before. With that growth comes a big question: what actually makes a gym worth joining?

Kenny Santucci has an answer. The New York City trainer, gym owner, and podcast host visits fitness clubs across the country, and he's calling out four that truly get it right.

His criteria might surprise you. "A lot of people traditionally look at gyms like they have to have all the bells and whistles," Santucci told Fox News Digital. "For me, a gym is a gym. I go there for the equipment, the culture, and the look and feel of the place."

Santucci says the magic ingredient isn't expensive showers or fluffy towels. It's great people and owners who care deeply about their spaces.

His top picks span from luxury chains to specialized training centers. Life Time Fitness earned praise for CEO Bahram Akradi's hands-on approach across hundreds of locations nationwide. "His mentality and belief system around the fitness space, I absolutely love," Santucci said.

In Florida, Anatomy Fitness stands out for its culture and atmosphere. "You walk in that place, and you want to train," he shared. "Those are things you can't just buy. You have to live it, love it and be involved in the day-to-day operations."

Powerhouse Gym in New York and New Jersey impressed him with its focus on weight training and bodybuilding community. For group fitness and Hyrox training, he recommends The Training Lab in NYC, run by another owner who stays involved in daily operations.

Why This Inspires

Santucci's picks reveal something powerful about wellness in 2025. The best fitness spaces aren't built on luxury amenities but on genuine community and passionate leadership.

While premium memberships can cost over $300 monthly, Santucci says results don't require big spending. What matters is finding a space that makes you actually want to show up.

"We need to restructure the way we think about health and wellness," he explained. "People aren't going out as much anymore. They're not spending as much on alcohol. It's all what you prioritize."

His message resonates as more Americans invest in their health. The gyms succeeding aren't just selling access to equipment but creating cultures where people feel motivated, supported, and excited to improve.

That's the kind of fitness revolution worth sweating for.