You know that feeling when you drive past the big LA Fitness sign on Egg Harbor Road and wonder if it’s actually worth the monthly draft from your checking account? I get it. Picking a gym in Gloucester County isn't just about the proximity to the ACME or how many treadmills they have lined up in a row. It’s about whether you’ll actually show up. The LA Fitness Washington Township NJ location—specifically the one in the Sewell/Sewell-adjacent area of the township—is one of those massive, multi-purpose clubs that tries to be everything to everyone. It’s big. It’s busy. Honestly, it’s a bit of a local landmark if you’re into the South Jersey fitness scene.
Walking in, the first thing that hits you is the scale. We aren't talking about a boutique CrossFit box or a tiny 24-hour keycard spot. This is a massive footprint. If you’ve spent any time at the older clubs in the region, you'll notice the layout here follows that classic LA Fitness blueprint: high ceilings, plenty of glass, and that specific scent of cleaning supplies and hard work. But let’s be real for a second. A gym is only as good as its maintenance and its community.
The Reality of the Floor at LA Fitness Washington Township NJ
The weight room is usually where the drama happens. In Washington Township, the free weight area is the heart of the beast. You've got your standard rows of dumbbells, several power racks, and a fleet of plate-loaded machines. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see serious lifters grinding out heavy sets right next to someone just trying to figure out how the leg press works.
Timing is everything. If you show up at 5:30 PM on a Tuesday, be prepared to wait. That’s just the reality of a suburban hub. The "after-work rush" is a legitimate phenomenon here. You might find yourself circling the dumbbell rack like a hawk. However, if you can swing a mid-morning session or a late-night burn, the place opens up significantly. You’ll have your pick of the cable crossovers.
One thing people often overlook is the cardio deck. It’s massive. They have rows upon rows of treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes. Even during peak hours, you can usually snag a machine to get your heart rate up. Most of them have individual screens, though let's be honest, most of us just stare at our phones or the TVs mounted on the wall anyway.
Basketball and the Pool Scene
Not every gym in the Sewell area has a full-sized basketball court. The LA Fitness Washington Township NJ location does, and it’s a major draw. You’ll find pickup games going pretty much every evening. The vibe on the court is competitive but generally respectful. It adds a layer of energy to the building that you don't get at "quiet" gyms.
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Then there’s the pool.
It’s a three-lane lap pool.
Indoor.
Heated.
For people dealing with joint pain or those who just want to swim laps without joining a dedicated swim club, this is a huge perk. They also run water aerobics classes, which are surprisingly popular with the morning crowd. Just check the schedule before you head over with your goggles, as the lanes can get packed during class times.
Beyond the Equipment: Amenities and Extras
Let’s talk about the locker rooms. They’re functional. You have lockers (bring your own lock!), showers, and a sauna. The sauna is a big "selling point" for many, especially in the dead of a Jersey winter when your bones feel cold. It’s a dry sauna, usually kept at a decent temperature, though like any high-traffic gym, the cleanliness of the locker room can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the staff’s rotation.
They also offer:
- Personal Training: There’s a dedicated desk for this. The trainers range from "very intense" to "very encouraging." It’s an extra cost, obviously.
- Kids Klub: This is a lifesaver for parents in the Township. Being able to drop the kids off for an hour while you hit the weights is sometimes the only way a workout happens.
- Group Fitness: The studio hosts everything from Yoga to HIIT and Zumba.
The instructors at this location tend to have their own loyal followings. If you find a teacher you like, you’ll start seeing the same faces every week. That’s where the "big corporate gym" starts to feel a bit more like a local community.
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What Nobody Tells You About the Membership
The sales process at LA Fitness is... well, it’s a sales process. You’ve probably heard the stories. They want you to sign up today. They’ll talk about initiation fees and monthly dues and the "all-club" versus "single-club" access.
Pro tip: Ask about the "Signature Club" status. Some locations are tiered differently. The Washington Township spot is generally accessible under standard multi-club memberships, but it’s always worth double-checking if you plan on using the ones in Cherry Hill or Deptford as well. Also, keep an eye out for the annual "Club Fee." It’s a hidden charge that catches people off guard once a year. It's not a scam; it's just in the fine print of the contract. Read it.
Is It the Right Fit for You?
Honestly, it depends on what you value. If you want a place where nobody knows your name and you can disappear into a crowd of 200 people while wearing your headphones, this is it. It’s anonymous in a way that’s actually kind of liberating.
If you’re looking for a "luxury" experience with eucalyptus towels and fancy soaps, you’re looking in the wrong place. This is a high-volume, functional fitness center. It’s built for utility.
Common Gripes:
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- Maintenance Speed: Sometimes a cable machine stays out of order for a week longer than it should.
- Crowds: As mentioned, the 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM window is intense.
- The Music: It’s usually generic Top 40. Invest in good noise-canceling headphones.
Major Pros:
- Variety: You won't run out of things to do. If you're bored with weights, go swim. Bored with swimming? Play ball.
- Hours: They open early and stay open late. It fits almost any work schedule.
- Location: Right in the heart of the Township. You can hit the gym and then grab groceries or coffee without driving across the county.
Actionable Steps for New Members
If you're thinking about joining or just moved to the Sewell/Washington Township area, don't just go in and hand over your credit card.
First, go to the website and grab a 3-day guest pass. Use it during the time of day you actually plan to work out. If you plan on going after work, go at 5:30 PM on a Monday. That’s the "stress test." If you can handle the crowd then, you’ll be fine the rest of the week.
Second, walk the floor and check the equipment you use most. If you’re a squatter, check the racks. If you’re a runner, check the treadmills. See if things look well-maintained.
Third, talk to the front desk about the current "initiation" specials. They change constantly. Sometimes it’s $0 down; sometimes it’s a discounted first month. Everything is negotiable to a point, especially if you’re bringing a partner or family member to sign up with you.
Once you’re in, download the mobile app. You’ll need it to check in—no more plastic key tags—and it’s the easiest way to keep track of the group fitness schedule, which can change seasonally.
This gym is a tool. It’s a big, slightly noisy, very busy tool. Used correctly, it’s one of the best resources in Washington Township for staying in shape, provided you actually show up and do the work.