The Best Gay-Popular Gyms in America

The gym isn’t just for working out – it’s a social hub for you, your “gym buddy” and even a dating pool, especially in big cities. Across the U.S., certain gyms have gained reputations as the go-to spots for gay men to break a sweat and maybe sneak a glance or two. Whatever does or doesn’t happen in the locker room is a topic for a different blog.

Below is a curated list of gyms known for their muscle marys, along with what makes each special. In these gyms, the guys may look like Tarzan but talk like Jane, and that’s why they get our vote.

Crunch Fitness – Chelsea (New York City)

In Manhattan, all gyms have some gay clientele, but Crunch’s Chelsea location is legendary. Located in NYC’s historic gayborhood, it’s known as something of a gay magnet. The motto here is “No Judgments,” and indeed you’ll see all body types, though eye candy abounds. A few years back, management even had to post a tongue-in-cheek reminder asking members not to have sex in the locker room – yes, it’s that kind of place. With free 3-day trial passes and a culture of inclusivity, Crunch Chelsea is really quite gay. Come for the workout, stay for the view.

24 Hour Fitness – Hollywood (Los Angeles)

In Los Angeles, the epicenter of buff bodies, this particular 24-Hour Fitness has a reputation as the “gay gym” of the area. Formerly, West Hollywood’s location was the reigning champ, but since its closure, the Hollywood branch (Sunset Blvd) carries the torch. Expect lots of tank tops, maybe a famous face or two, and guys who treat leg day like a competitive sport. The cruising is playful and above-board; it’s mostly conducted via Grindr so keep your notifications on: “Hey, are you at the gym?”.

An added bonus: being in Hollywood, the crowd is diverse – aspiring actors, dancers, professionals – all united by the goal of looking fabulous. If you want that quintessential LA gym experience where you can network and maybe find a date, this is your spot.

Fitness SF – Castro (San Francisco)

San Francisco’s Castro district has long been a gay mecca, and its local gym – now part of the Fitness SF chain – is known locally as “the gay gym.” Housed on Market Street in the heart of the Castro, this gym has been around in one form or another for decades. It’s been updated with modern equipment and even a luxe locker room (famous for once having communal showers that were, shall we say, a community institution – there was an actual candlelight vigil when the communal showers closed.

During Pride month, the gym gets decked out in rainbow flags. It’s not unusual for impromptu meetup groups to form here – from LGBTQ+ CrossFit teams to gay running clubs using it as a base. If you’re visiting SF, Fitness SF Castro offers day passes, so you can experience working out alongside the locals with the giant rainbow flag flying outside. Towel service, pumping music, and a chance to make new friends – it’s a must for fitness-minded travelers.

Cheetah Gym – Andersonville (Chicago)

Chicago’s North Side has a couple of gay enclaves – Boystown (East Lakeview) and Andersonville – and Cheetah Gym sits proudly in the latter. It markets itself outright as an LGBTQ-friendly gym, and it’s a bit more intimate and community-oriented than big chains. You won’t find chrome and glass glam here; instead, think exposed brick, a neighborhood vibe, and maybe cookies at the front desk (they’re about balance!). Cheetah is appreciated for its welcoming atmosphere – transgender and non-binary members are explicitly welcomed, and you’ll often find staff chatting with regulars about the latest RuPaul’s Drag Race episode.

Many local gay folks choose Cheetah for its lack of pretension and its sense of safe space. Of course, you’ll still see the local muscle bears pumping iron next to young hipsters on the treadmills, but ego is checked at the door. After your workout, step outside and you’re in Andersonville, surrounded by gay-owned cafes and shops – the whole experience is like a slice of wholesome gay Midwest life.

Mussel Beach Health Club (Provincetown)

Located on Provincetown's buzzing Commercial Street, Mussel Beach Health Club stands as much more than just a place to work out – it's a bona fide gay institution. This legendary gym has been serving the LGBTQ+ community since the early 1990s, establishing itself as P-town's premier fitness destination for gay travelers.

What gives Mussel Beach its unmistakable gay credentials isn't just its location in America's most famous gay resort town – it's the atmosphere that perfectly captures Provincetown's unique blend of fitness, fun, and flirtation. During the summer high season, the gym transforms into an unofficial social hub where circuit party boys prep for Tea Dance, bears pump iron before Bearweek events, and longtime seasonal residents catch up between sets.

The gym is small but then again so is Provincetown. It has all the equipment you’ll need along with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Commercial Street, creating the perfect see-and-be-seen workout environment that's quintessentially P-town.

(Of course, plenty of other gyms across America are popular in the gay community – from Equinox West Hollywood (where you might spot an LGBT celeb at the juice bar) to Barry’s Bootcamp classes in NYC (half the guys in the “Chelsea” class might head to brunch together after). The five above, however, are iconic in their cities for being as much social hubs as fitness centers. Remember, gym etiquette still applies: a smile can go a long way, but always ask before you flirt mid-set – nobody likes being interrupted at 150 bpm heart rate! Happy lifting!)