Are luxury gyms getting cheaper in Charlotte? Some are — here’s what to know.
Fitness is a for a lifetime, not just at the beginning of each year when the resolutions hit. And setting yourself up for a wellness experience you’ll look forward to and enjoy is key to keeping a routine. So in keeping with with that thought, we set out last year to check out some of Charlotte’s most luxurious gyms.
Since then, things have changed a bit, so we’ve updated the information for you. What we found is that while some luxury gyms have raised prices — quite a bit in the case of Barry’s, for example — others have become more accessible.
Luxury fitness is still in high demand in Charlotte overall, as exemplified by the fact that Life Time Charlotte — a high-end dream gym for fitness fanatics that offers nearly every feature imaginable — currently has a wait list to join.
Here are a few luxury options for you to explore what’s out there and find the Charlotte gym that’s the right fit for you.
Barry’s
Location: Atherton Mill, 2140 South Blvd Suite 2, Charlotte, NC 28203
Barry’s famous Red Room claims “the original HIIT workout,” with half interval cardio and half strength training. Instructors guide you through a treadmill run, and the class schedule focuses on a different muscle group each day — all in the glow of red neon lights. (If you’re not a runner, you can book a double floor workout, too.)
Read more: We tried a Barry’s workout. Is the fitness program worth the hype?
Pros:
- Open 365 days/year.
- There are locations worldwide, and there’s also an app, so you can work out anywhere you go.
- Amenities include a shake bar, OUAI products in the locker room and retail merchandise.
Cons:
- Pricing is complicated. (See below.)
- Classes only: You’re limited to instructor-led cardio and strength training for 50-60 minutes.
Cost: There are all kinds of class packs, membership options and early booking credits. You can try out one class for $29, but prices have gone up quite a bit in the past year.
What’s changed? Last year, you could get a first-timer three-pack that comes with a shake on your third visit for $33. Now, that three-pack option is $45 and must be used within 30 days (without that shake perk). There was also once a membership option for eight classes a month for $150/month or 30 classes per month for $229/month, but those options are no longer available. Now, your choices are 10 classes for $270/month and 20 classes for $520.
Core24
Location: 2320 Toomey Ave Charlotte, NC 28203
Step inside Core24, a brand new gym built with fitness influencers in mind, and you be set awash by neon lights, drawn to an enormous Bugs Bunny mural blurting out “Enjoy your f****** workout.”
You’re going to see crop tops, booty shorts and ball caps everywhere amongst the selfie setups, squat racks and benches. The vibe check on its website is giving Mojo Dojo Casa House mixed with Red Bull fever dreams. (But if it’s too loud, you’re too old.)
Pros:
- No contracts — memberships are month-to-month.
- If music, art and beautiful bodies inspire you, you’ve found your home.
Cons:
- If you don’t want to make a sweaty appearance in the background of some bro’s TikTok, this may not be the gym for you.
Cost: $110/month when an entire year is paid in full; $117/month for six months paid in full or $125 for month-to-month. Day passes are free for first time visitors and $25 after that.
What’s changed: Costs have gone down for those who can swing paying in advance. Last year, the price was $125/month flat. That’s a notable change, especially with added amenities now available, which include a sauna, cold plunge and red light therapy.
Core 704
Location: 2300 N Davidson St Suite 1, Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: Sedgefield Shopping Center, 2729 South Blvd Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28209
Location: 1034 Gold Hill Rd Ste 103, Fort Mill, SC 29708 (opening Saturday, Feb. 15)
Shaded with pink and purple neon lights, you’ll find Core 704 locations packed with pilates reformers and step-climbing machines. Expect a room full of tight-knit women in bold bra tops and bike shorts or running tights. Oh, and there are a few men sprinkled in here and there, too.
Choose from multiple CoreFORMER classes:
- 50-minute high intensity
- a CoreSTRETCH version that splits the 50 minutes between high intensity work and deep stretch
- a 50-minute core-focused version
- CoreFORMER MOCK, taught by instructors who are finishing up their pilates instructor training.
Its ClimberBEATS classes are 30-minute full-body workouts on the resistance-based CoreCLIMBER machines for those looking for a high-intensity experience while keeping things low impact. Its 30-minute ClimberINTERVAL classes are similar, but not beat driven.
Pros:
- No contracts — memberships are month-to-month.
- It’s the perfect setting to get to know people quickly and form bonds.
Cons:
- If you’re looking for a lot of variety or something unstructured where you can mix up your workout routine from day to day, this probably isn’t it.
- Pricing is complicated — and changes — with class pack purchases that must be used within a certain time frame, depending on which pack you select.
Cost: Right now, costs are $25 for a single class, $69 for a three-class pack, $110 for a five-class pack, $210 for a 10-class pack or $380 for a 20-class pack. Unlimited monthly classes are $169.
Those prices will go up March 15 to $27 for a single class, $75 for a three-class pack, $120 for a five-class pack, $230 for a 5-class pack, $230 for a 10-class pack or $399 for a 20-class pack. Unlimited monthly classes will be $189.
What’s changed? Last year, prices were $219/month for unlimited access; CoreFORMER only monthly unlimited access was $169, and CoreCLIMBER only monthly unlimited was $89.
There’s also a new location opening in Fort Mill, where you can get in on “founding rates” of a four-class pack for $80/month, an eight-class pack for $149/month. There’s also a new member special where you can get your first month of unlimited classes for $99.
The Health Club
Location: 4000 Monroe Road, Building 5, Suite 150, Charlotte, NC 28205
The Health Club, a new luxury gym opening Feb. 15, offers a host of amenities and brand new equipment. The upscale environment is aimed at “the ‘healthy hustler’ who cares for quality experiences, an inspiring atmosphere, and a one-stop shop for all your health needs.”
Pros:
- Unlimited fitness classes are included.
- Recovery options include a dry sauna, eucalyptus steam room, cold plunge and hot tub.
- Towel service is included.
Cons:
- Memberships have sold out, even before it opens, but there will be space for a few more to join in the coming weeks.
- Pilates reformer classes are an add-on that aren’t included with the unlimited fitness classes.
Cost: Individual memberships are $249/month or $409 per couple for a month. All access memberships that include Pilates are $349/month for individuals and $509/month for couples. Day pass costs have not yet been determined.
Life Time Charlotte
Location: 11220 Golf Links Dr, Charlotte, NC 28277
If you can think of something you’d want in a luxury gym, there’s a good chance Life Time has it somewhere on its 320,000-square-foot grounds of space, accented with palm trees. Fitness options include:
- Cardio machines
- Studio classes featuring barre, bikes, boxing, strength and cardio — plus access to on demand and livestream classes
- Swimming, both indoor and outdoor
Tennis and pickleball, both indoor and outdoor
- Pilates, using reformers
- Weightlifting with free weights, machines and classes
- Yoga, both indoor and outdoor.
And that’s just scratching the surface. There are 45+ personal trainers on staff to schedule sessions with at the click of an app, including options such as dynamic assisted stretch. You can easily immerse yourself at Life Time for an entire day, getting in a workout, recovering in a massage chair and then grabbing some lunch before visiting the spa to get a facial and relax in the sauna.
Pros:
- Uber-premium childcare includes fitness opportunities for kids, as well as games and learning.
- Normatec compression and HydroMassage chairs for recovery are included with your membership.
- Spa services include massage, facials, hair and nails are available, in addition to a pro shop and cafe.
Cons:
- Add-on services via the Life Time app can ramp up costs.
- Some features such as the recovery chairs and childcare are reserved via the app, so a little planning ahead is required.
Cost: $249/month+ for signature level.
What’s changed? There’s now a wait list to join.
(Pro tip: Non-members can book services at the LifeSpa, then hang around to explore the resort-like gym for the rest of the day.)
MG Body Space
Location: 820 E 7th St STE R3, Charlotte, NC 28202
MG Body Space is the only fitness studio of its kind in North Carolina — and it’s a little futuristic. The shiny new gym that opened in January uses European-style technology that combines vacuums with infrared light to create pod-style machines such as the Vacutherm Treadmill, Vacutherm Recline Bike, Climber Machine and Body Roll. (You may have seen these infrared machines on “Selling Sunset.”)
Pros:
- MG Body Space touts benefits such as enhanced circulation, skin improvements and metabolism boost.
- The machines are designed to increase your calorie burns in a shorter time than what you’d find in a traditional workout.
Cons:
- Pricing is complicated. (See below.)
Cost: You can book an appointment for individual services, such as a 15 minutes on the Body Roll InfraRed Fit Roller for $20, or package a few together like the Treadmill + Climber + Roller bundle for $60.
What’s changed: You can now get a membership for a little cheaper, with a four session and four service membership option for $110.50/month. The highest monthly membership package is now eight sessions (twice a week) and four services for $212.50. Last year, pricing was set at a one-month membership option with choices including eight sessions with four services for $250 on up to the highest monthly package of 16 sessions with four services for $600.
Motion Fitness
Location: 2101 Rexford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
Location: 2820 Selwyn Ave, Suite 200, Charlotte NC 28209
There are two locations of Motion Fitness, but the SouthPark location is new. In addition to an open gym, classes and personal training sessions, it offers a host of recovery-oriented services including chiropractic care, bodywork and massage therapy, and a tailored Autism Fitness program.
Pros:
- A cold plunge area and a sauna add to the wellness experience.
- Memberships give you access to both locations, and unlimited classes and yoga at the SouthPark location.
- A body composition analysis and one personal training session get you started with your membership.
- Included in the services are a pelvic floor specialist and a nutritionist/dietitian.
- Childcare will be available.
Cons:
- Group classes are not included in your membership at the Selwyn location, other than an introductory freebie.
- Some features aren’t available yet, but are on the way in the coming weeks and months.
Cost: Membership costs vary by location and include a year-long commitment, starting at $149 a month for a gym + recovery membership at the Myers Park location and $189 at the SouthPark location. You can add on family members, as well.
What’s changed? For a limited time, pricing at the South Park location has gone down from $229 for the gym + recovery membership.
Rally
Location: 101 Southside Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217
Is it a stretch to consider the 27,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space at Rally Charlotte a fitness facility? No. But would you call it a gym? We’re not sure.
In any case, we think it’s worth considering Rally among the luxury wellness options in town. After all, how many other places you can get moving while you play pickleball for a while, then sit down for tacos and cocktails?
Pros:
- There’s no membership fee.
- There are also classes for all skill levels, from beginners to elite players.
- Open play is available, along with groups like Courts & Coffee and Rally Social for meeting new people.
Cons:
- Payment is generally by court reservation fee or by league fee, so it could add up if you go quite a bit.
- Pickleball also requires you to play in a group, so if social interaction isn’t your jam, this won’t be for you.
Cost: Varies by program. A Polar Bear Club membership good through February starts at $75 and includes unlimited court reservations, guest privileges, discounted pricing for pickleball programs and complimentary hot beverages.
What’s changed? Rally’s programming has evolved over time. Pickle Pump classes are no longer offered, and neither is the Cocktail & Courts program. But it’s added a Singles Social program and a Rookies Instructional Series.
