Well, folks. It’s that time of year again. The holiday festivities are over and we’re staring at empty cookie tins wondering how we let things get so out of control…again. As we all know, the new year marks a time to make positive changes in our lives. And sure, these are things we can do any time of year, but the start of a new year sometimes adds that little bit of extra inspiration we need.
For many of us, fitness is often one of our top goals. Whether we want to start working out, work out more, or find ways to be active as a family, exercise is undoubtedly an important part of our overall health. And sure, it’s nice to find time to work out on our own, with friends, or as a couple, but having a family can sometimes make finding that time a greater challenge.
With that in mind, we have found some of the top Richmond area gyms that cater to families. From child care to kids’ classes and camps, these gyms make working out something that you can do alone or with the whole crew in tow.
To meet our criteria for the top family gyms, each of our picks needed to provide the following:
- Child care and/or activities and classes for kids
- Convenient location(s)
- Reasonable pricing and/or family discounts
And while you may hate us for taking away your excuse for skipping the gym this year, we think that you’ll love the fitness options that are out there. Take a look at our list, but let us know if you have family-friendly gyms in your area that you would like us to know more about. Drop us a line at cs@richmondmom.com!
In the meantime, have a happy, healthy new year!
5. Gold’s Gym
Gold’s Gym / FacebookWell known for its muscle-building clientele, Gold’s Gym is not always known for its family-friendly vibe. That’s why we’re excited to tell you a little more about Gold’s Gyms in the Richmond area. First off: location, location, location. Gold’s Gym offers 11 separate fitness centers in the Greater Richmond area, making them easy and convenient to access. Secondly, they consistently receive top rankings for cleanliness, professionalism, and services offered. But, what you may not know, is that they also provide childcare, making it possible for you to reach your fitness goals, however intense they might be, without worrying about the little ones. And when it comes to value, they fit just about any budget, with Express Memberships starting as low as $9.99/month with an annual facility fee of only $39.99. If you’re still not sure, try their free pass for your first visit!
Why we love them: For those of you who are into serious fitness, meaning that you are looking for top-rated trainers, programs, and equipment, Gold’s Gym will be the obvious choice. They don’t offer the same programs for kids that some of our other options do, but they are committed 100% to helping you reach your goals. And that means making sure that you have a safe, clean, family-friendly environment for everyone—kids included. Plus, with their exclusive GOLD’S AMP™ app, you can keep your fitness routine going, even when you’re not at the gym. The app offers a free trial and includes original workouts, coaching, workout tracking features, and a massive library of music designed to keep you moving. So even on-the-go with the family, Gold’s is there for you.
Contact: Click here to find a Gold’s Gym location near you.
4. ACAC
ACAC Midlothian / FacebookWhile not one of the cheapest gyms on our list, the value of ACAC comes through plain and clear. With two locations in the Greater Richmond area (Midlothian and Short Pump), this state-of-the-art fitness facility goes above and beyond the definition of a “gym.” Designed to be a complete family fitness center, ACAC offers the latest and greatest in just about everything. For those of you looking to really up your fitness game, you’ll love the wide range of group classes, personal training options, advanced cardio and fitness equipment, weight machines, and much more. For those of you who are in it for the whole family, you’ll love the Kid Zone (childcare that is free with a family membership), specialized youth programs, indoor and outdoor pools (with swim lessons and aquatic programs for kids and adults), summer camps, family events, and, at the Midlothian location, an outdoor waterpark, indoor water play areas, and tennis courts.
Why we love them: It’s hard not to love a place that makes exercise an adventure. With some of the nicest facilities available, ACAC makes working out something you actually want to do. Plus, with such a focus on families, they have ensured that telling your kids “it’s time to go to the gym” will never be a bad thing. In fact, even on days when you don’t feel like a hard workout, ACAC is still a place where you can go to enjoy time as a family. We mentioned they’re not as inexpensive as some of our other options, but they offer ongoing specials and introductory offers to help sweeten the deal—and it’s a pretty sweet deal considering all the benefits. Click here to select the location nearest you and request rate information.
Contact:
ACAC Short Pump
2201 Old Brick Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 464-0990
ACAC Midlothian
11621 Robious Road
Midlothian, VA 23113
(804) 378-1600
Weinstein JCC / FacebookAlthough the Weinstein JCC was founded within the Jewish community, they state from the start that they are a place for all ages and faiths to come together—and they couldn’t mean it more. With a focus on family, this community-centered recreation center has everything you could ask for: fitness classes, training facilities, summer camps, and ongoing family-friendly events. Plus, when it comes to value, they’re hard to beat. Full membership provides access to their cutting-edge cardio equipment and weight room, heated saltwater pools (including a lap pool and family pool), basketball gyms, and multipurpose gyms, as well as adult locker rooms with saunas, steam rooms, a whirlpool, youth locker rooms, family locker rooms, and more. That’s not to mention classes which include dance, cycling, and group fitness. Last but not least, they offer free fitness assessments, free personalized training, and, best of all, free babysitting.
Why we love them: If you’re looking for a gym or workout location that will truly provide a community and full inclusiveness for your whole family, then this might just be the place for you. In addition to an onsite café (perfect for after workout treats with the family), they also offer rental spaces for events, making them a home away from home. But what really sets them apart is the incredible value they provide. With full family memberships starting at only $99/month (and you saw all that it includes above!), it’s hard to deny that Weinstein JCC is a great deal. But they are flexible, as well. General membership is also available with family rates that start at only $63/month. Click here to see a complete list of their membership options and rates.
Contact:
Weinstein JCC
5403 Monument Avenue
Richmond, VA 23226
(804) 285-6500
YMCA of Greater Richmond / FacebookThe YMCA has been around for a long time. In fact, you might know of it for a number of reasons…and yes, we are thinking of the song. But if you don’t know if for being one of the best places for family fitness in the Richmond area, then it’s time to rethink a few things. The YMCA offers everything your family needs to lead a fit lifestyle, including group classes, cutting-edge training equipment, fitness training, personal training, massage, healthcare training and education, aquatics programs for youth and adults, and both adult and youth sports program. That’s not to mention the fact that they offer countless community programs, summer camps, childcare, and more. With something for the whole family, the “Y” is a no-brainer when it comes to family fitness.
Why we love them: We listed many of the reasons that the YMCA is a winner up above. But when it really comes down to it, location and value take the cake. With 17 locations in and around the Greater Richmond area, the YMCA is close by—no matter where you live. As for value, they offer memberships with no sign-up fees, no contracts, and the ability to use any of their 84 nationwide locations as long as 50% of your visits are to your home YMCA. If you’re concerned about adding a gym membership into an already tight budget, be sure to check out their sliding scale (rates based on income), discounts on additional programs, and financial assistance programs, as well. Plus, you can choose from a wide range of membership options, including family memberships starting around $69/month. Click here to choose your nearest location and learn more about their pricing and options. You can even sign up online!
Contact: Click here for a complete list of YMCA of Greater Richmond locations.
American Family Fitness / FacebookThis Richmond area-based chain is consistently ranked among the top gyms in Greater Richmond and beyond. Offering clean facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and a wide range of fitness services, it’s easy to see why. Their offerings include group fitness classes, mind and body programs, cycling classes, AMFAM U (an eight-week course on the basics of fitness taught by professional trainers), and aquatics programs. With these options, you’ll have no trouble finding the right class, if that’s your thing. If you prefer training on your own, no worries, they have that, too. Take advantage of their top-performance training equipment with or without a personal trainer – or consult with a trained nutritionist to set and keep your health and fitness goals. With nine locations in the Greater Richmond area, Fredericksburg, and Williamsburg, they are convenient not only for you but for the whole family.
Why we love them: With a name like “American Family Fitness,” you might assume that “family” is part of the deal. The good news is that you’re right. At American Family Fitness, they include everyone in fitness, from your littlest ones who can participate in the KidZone from the age of 6 weeks on up, all the way to your toddlers and older kids who can participate in swimming programs and youth fitness programs and camps designed specifically for young bodies and minds. But best of all? You can try them out for free!
Contact:
American Family Fitness Chester
12201 S Chalkley Road
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 748-4222
American Family Fitness Midlothian Swift Creek
4751 Brad McNeer Pkwy
Midlothian, VA 23112
(804) 763-1111
American Family Fitness Midlothian
12900 Amfit Way
Midlothian, VA 23114
(804) 378-7667
American Family Fitness Mechanicsville
6337 Mechanicsville Turnpike
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
(804) 569-1600
American Family Fitness Glen Allen VCC
10101 Brook Road, Suite 100
Glen Allen, VA 23059
(804) 261-1000
American Family Fitness Richmond Short Pump
11760 West Broad Street
Henrico, VA 23233
(804) 364-1200
