Anytime Fitness vs Les Mills — Quick Comparison
| Factor | Anytime Fitness | Les Mills |
|---|---|---|
| Price (from) | $16.95/week | $17.99/week |
| Joining fee | $49 | $49 (often waived) |
| Contract | 12 months | 3 months minimum |
| 24/7 access | Yes | No — staffed hours only |
| Group fitness classes | Limited (varies by club) | Extensive LM timetable |
| Pool / sauna | No (most clubs) | Selected clubs only |
| NZ locations | 100+ | 25+ clubs |
| Reciprocal access | Worldwide Anytime network | NZ Les Mills clubs only |
| Under-23 discount | No | 20% off |
Price Comparison
The starting prices are close — Anytime Fitness from $16.95/week vs Les Mills from $17.99/week. However, Anytime Fitness locks you in for 12 months, while Les Mills only requires 3 months. Over a 12-month period, both cost roughly the same. The key differences emerge in joining fees (both $49, but Les Mills fees are frequently waived in person) and the under-23 discount that Les Mills offers (20% off) — which Anytime Fitness does not match. If you're under 23, Les Mills is almost always the better value of the two.
24/7 Access
This is the clearest difference. Anytime Fitness is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — your keyfob lets you in at any time, including public holidays, 3am, and Christmas Day. Les Mills operates on staffed hours: typically 5:30am–10pm weekdays, and reduced hours on weekends. If you work shifts, travel for work, or simply prefer to train outside standard hours, Anytime Fitness wins by default. If you train between 6am and 9pm on weekdays, both options are available to you.
Group Fitness Classes
Les Mills is built around group fitness. The LM class timetable is the product — BodyPump, RPM, BODYATTACK, BODYCOMBAT, BodyBalance, Les Mills GRIT, and more. The instructors are trained to a standardised LM format, the music is licensed for each release, and the class structure is consistent and well-produced. Anytime Fitness clubs vary significantly in their group fitness offering — some have a solid timetable, others have almost none. If group fitness is central to your training, Les Mills is the clear choice. If you prefer to train alone or design your own programme, Anytime's 24/7 equipment access is more relevant.
Club Network
Anytime Fitness has over 100 NZ locations and your membership includes access to any Anytime Fitness club worldwide (if you travel internationally, this is a genuine benefit). Les Mills has approximately 25–30 clubs in New Zealand, concentrated in the major cities. For members in smaller cities and towns, Anytime Fitness simply has more coverage. If you're in Auckland or Wellington, both chains have multiple options.
Equipment and Facilities
Les Mills flagship clubs (Auckland CBD, Wellington) have excellent equipment — large functional training zones, extensive free weights, cardio equipment, pools (select clubs), saunas, and crèches. Standard Les Mills clubs outside the major cities have solid but not exceptional equipment. Anytime Fitness clubs are consistent in their equipment standard: good cardio, functional free weights, some resistance machines. They don't have pools or saunas. The premium facilities gap is wider in Auckland and Wellington than in regional cities.
Who Should Choose Anytime Fitness?
- Shift workers or anyone who trains outside 6am–10pm hours
- People who travel frequently and want nationwide (or worldwide) club access
- Solo trainers who follow their own programme and don't need classes
- Members in regional NZ cities where Les Mills isn't available
- Anyone who wants 24/7 access as a non-negotiable
Who Should Choose Les Mills?
- People who rely on group fitness classes for motivation
- Anyone under 23 (20% discount makes it competitive on price)
- Members in Auckland or Wellington where the flagship clubs are excellent
- Anyone who wants a specific LM programme like BodyPump or RPM
- People who don't need 24/7 access and prefer a structured, coached environment
The Verdict
If group fitness matters to you, choose Les Mills — the class quality is significantly better. If 24/7 access matters, choose Anytime Fitness — it's the only option of the two that provides it. For under-23s, Les Mills' discount tips the value equation in its favour despite similar prices. For frequent travellers, Anytime Fitness' worldwide network is a genuine advantage. These two gyms are genuinely different products aimed at different training styles — there's no universal winner.
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