Finding the right gym in Tuscaloosa can be tough with so many options available. Whether you’re looking for high-intensity workouts, a unique fitness experience, or a convenient place to burn some calories, here’s our breakdown of the top gyms around town:
1. The Rec (University of Alabama Student Recreation Center)
Rating: 9/10
The Rec is a staple for UA students. It’s packed with great equipment, an extensive range of classes (Pilates, yoga, and cycling), and offers plenty of opportunities to stay active. It offers a well-rounded fitness experience, whether you’re focused on building muscle in the weightlifting area, toning your abs in the core section, or boosting your endurance with a variety of cardio machines.The downside? You’ll likely run into everyone you know, so be prepared for socializing between sets. With top-notch facilities, you’ll get everything you need without leaving campus. Plus, the cycling classes here are solid, so if you’re not looking for something extra fancy, it’s hard to beat.
Pros:
- High-quality equipment and a variety of free classes
- Convenient for UA students
- You’ll see familiar faces (could be a pro or a con)
Cons:
- Can get crowded with familiar faces
- Limited to UA students, staff, and alumni
Best for: UA students who want a well-rounded fitness experience and don’t mind seeing everyone they know.
2. F45 Training
Rating: 9/10
F45 is the go-to for anyone who wants an intense, results-driven workout. The 45-minute sessions combine strength training, HIIT, and functional movements, designed to boost metabolism and burn fat. F45 builds muscle through its combination of strength training and functional exercises, using resistance-based movements that target all major muscle groups for maximum growth and definition. Every workout is different, which keeps things exciting and challenging. F45’s community vibe is motivating, and if you’re serious about fitness and want quick results, this is where you need to be.
Pros:
- Fast-paced, efficient 45-minute workouts
- Full-body strength and cardio sessions
- Great for building muscle and burning fat
- Strong community and support
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Intense for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed gym vibe
- Not much freedom in what your doing
Best for: Fitness enthusiasts who want fast results and thrive in a high-energy, group setting.
3. 9Round
Rating: 8/10
9Round brings a cool kickboxing vibe to your workout, incorporating functional and circuit training into 45-minute high-intensity sessions. This helps tone your body by incorporating high-intensity kickboxing and circuit training, which engage multiple muscle groups, helping to sculpt and define your physique while improving overall strength. It’s a quick but brutal workout that will definitely push your limits. The best part? It’s right by the Riverwalk, so you can enjoy a post-workout stroll to cool down. This gym is great if you’re into short, high-intensity bursts of exercise and want something more dynamic than your typical treadmill or weight session.
Pros:
- High-intensity, kickboxing-style workouts
- Quick 45-minute sessions
- Great location by the Riverwalk for a post-workout stroll
Cons:
- Not ideal for those looking for a traditional gym environment
- Can be tough for beginners
Best for: Anyone looking for a high-energy, kickboxing workout and those who love quick, intense training sessions.
4. Orangetheory Fitness
Rating: 8/10
Orangetheory Fitness offers a high-intensity workout with a focus on endurance and cardio bursts. Its structured classes are designed for maximum fat burning and metabolism boosting. While the workouts are intense and effective, the membership can be on the pricier side.
Pros:
- High-intensity, endurance-focused workouts
- Effective for fat burning and building stamina
- Structured, motivating classes
Cons:
- Expensive membership
- Intense for those new to fitness
Best for: Those seeking a high-intensity, structured workout to boost endurance and metabolism.
5. Crunch Fitness
Rating: 7/10
Crunch is where you’ll find a mix of frat boys and locals, making for an interesting gym environment. The equipment is solid, and there’s a decent variety of workouts available. However, the atmosphere can feel more like a social scene than a place to grind out a serious workout. Crunch not only offers great equipment but also has tanning beds, which are a popular perk among sorority girls looking to maintain their glow while staying fit. If you don’t mind the crowd and vibe, Crunch offers a great space to train.
Pros:
- Modern equipment and decent amenities
- Affordable membership options
- Group fitness classes for a variety of interests
- Tanning Beds, Spray Tanning, Red Light Therapy, Hydro Massage
Cons:
- Heavily populated by frat boys and townies
- Can get busy and feel like a hangout spot
Best for: Those who want an affordable gym with good equipment and don’t mind a lively, frat-heavy atmosphere.
6. Three15 Studio
Rating: 7/10
Three15 is Tuscaloosa’s answer to the cycling craze. It’s fun, intense, and perfect for anyone who loves to sweat it out on a bike. However, it doesn’t quite reach the level of SoulCycle, and you’ll need a membership to keep coming back. With The Rec offering solid cycling classes, Three15 may not be worth the extra cost unless you really love that cycling studio vibe.
Pros:
- Fun and high-energy cycling classes
- Membership required, which adds exclusivity
- Perfect for cycling enthusiasts
Cons:
- Not as good as SoulCycle
- You can get similar cycling classes at The Rec without the membership fee
Best for: Hardcore cycling fans who want a boutique fitness experience.
7. Hotworx
Rating: 7/10
Hotworx combines workout routines with the detoxifying benefits of an infrared sauna. It’s mostly frequented by sorority girls, but it’s perfect for those who love the idea of working out in a heated environment. This 24-hour gym allows for flexible workout times, and the infrared saunas add a unique twist to your fitness routine. However, if you’re not into heat or prefer traditional lifting, it might not be for you.
Pros:
- Infrared sauna benefits (detox, calorie burn, skin health)
- 24-hour access
- Unique workout experience
Cons:
- Can feel niche and may not appeal to traditional gym-goers
- More popular among certain crowds
- Always busy
Best for: Those who love boutique-style fitness environments and are interested in adding infrared heat to their workout routine.
8. Planet Fitness
Rating: 6/10
Planet Fitness sits right above Taziki’s, and to be honest, it’s pretty mid-tier. It’s an affordable option, but I don’t know too many people who go here besides moms. If you’re looking for a no-frills gym and want to avoid the hustle and bustle of other fitness spots, this could be the one. Just don’t expect any thrills or extras.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Open 24/7
- Low-pressure, judgment-free zone
Cons:
- Not a lot of buzz or community presence
- Basic equipment and limited amenities
Best for: People looking for a budget-friendly, quiet space to get a workout without the social aspect.
Final Thoughts:
Tuscaloosa offers a wide array of fitness options, making it easy to find a gym that suits your specific needs, goals, and preferences. For UA students, The Rec stands as an unbeatable choice, not only because of its extensive range of equipment and classes but also because it offers a convenient on-campus experience that fosters both fitness and social interaction. It’s ideal for students who want access to high-quality facilities without leaving the university grounds.
For those looking to branch out or seeking more specialized experiences, 9Round and Hotworx offer something entirely different. 9Round appeals to those who crave high-intensity, kickboxing-style workouts that challenge both strength and stamina in a short amount of time. Located conveniently by the Riverwalk, it’s also perfect for those who want to pair a tough workout with a relaxing outdoor stroll afterward. Meanwhile, Hotworx provides a boutique fitness experience centered around the benefits of infrared heat. With 24-hour access and a focus on shorter, efficient sessions, it’s a great option for people who enjoy working out in a unique environment, particularly those who prefer a more detoxifying, low-impact workout routine.
If you’re after maximum efficiency and high-intensity training, F45 should be at the top of your list. Its 45-minute classes are designed to push you to your limits, using functional training and plyometrics to deliver full-body workouts that are both challenging and effective. Whether your goal is to build muscle, burn fat, or boost your metabolism, F45 provides the structure, variety, and community support needed to achieve quick, tangible results.
On the other hand, Planet Fitness and Crunch cater to those looking for more affordable, laid-back options. Planet Fitness offers an extremely budget-friendly membership, providing a no-pressure environment that’s great for beginners or those who want a simple, no-frills space to exercise. Crunch, while offering slightly more amenities and a social vibe, brings together a unique mix of students and locals, creating a fun yet functional workout space that appeals to a broader audience.
Ultimately, Tuscaloosa has something for every fitness enthusiast—whether you’re a student looking for the convenience and variety of The Rec, someone seeking a more intense or specialized experience at 9Round or Hotworx, or a budget-conscious gym-goer opting for Planet Fitness or Crunch . From cycling to kickboxing, functional training to infrared saunas, the diversity of gyms in town ensures that everyone can find a fitness routine that fits their lifestyle. So no matter where you are on your fitness journey, Tuscaloosa gyms have you covered with plenty of options to keep you active, healthy, and motivated!
