Finding a gym in the Valley is a bit of a nightmare. Honestly. You’ve got the high-end boutiques that cost a car payment and the "budget" spots where the air smells like old pennies and broken dreams. If you’re looking at the North Hollywood 24 Hour Fitness, specifically the Super Sport location on Lankershim Boulevard, you’re probably just trying to figure out if it's worth the commute through that brutal NoHo Arts District traffic.
It’s a massive space.
Located at 5300 Lankershim Blvd, this spot is a cornerstone for locals. But "24 Hour" is a bit of a misnomer these days, isn't it? Ever since the 2020 lockdowns and the subsequent bankruptcy restructuring of the parent company, many locations shifted their hours. You’ve got to check the specific daily schedule because showing up at 3:00 AM hoping for a deadlift session might leave you staring at a locked glass door.
What the North Hollywood 24 Hour Fitness is Actually Like Inside
Walk in and it's loud. The music is usually thumping, and the vibe is distinctively "NoHo"—a mix of aspiring actors, dancers from the nearby studios, and people who have lived in the neighborhood since before the Amazon Fresh moved in. It’s a Super Sport tier club, which in the 24 Hour Fitness hierarchy means it’s a step above the "Active" and "Sport" levels. You’re paying for the extra amenities.
The turf area is arguably the centerpiece. If you're into functional training, sled pushes, or just need space to stretch without getting stepped on, this is where you'll spend your time. Unlike some of the cramped gyms in Hollywood proper, this floor plan actually lets you breathe. Usually.
Equipment-wise, they’ve got the standard spread of Hoist and Life Fitness machines. The free weight section is deep, but let’s be real: during the 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM rush, it’s a battlefield. You will be waiting for a squat rack. You might have to fight for a 25-pound plate. That’s just the reality of a high-volume gym in a densely populated part of Los Angeles.
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One thing people often overlook is the pool. Having an indoor lap pool in this part of the city is a legitimate perk. Most people are there for the iron, so the lanes are often surprisingly accessible compared to the weight floor. If you're recovering from an injury or just hate running on a belt that goes nowhere, it's a solid fallback.
The Maintenance Factor
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Maintenance.
Gyms of this scale struggle. It’s a fact. When you have thousands of people cycling through a facility every week, cables snap and upholstery tears. At the North Hollywood location, the response time on repairs can be... hit or miss. You might see a "Out of Order" sign on a leg press for two days, or it might be two weeks. It depends on the part and the technician's schedule.
The locker rooms are big, but they show their age. This isn't Equinox. You aren't getting eucalyptus towels and chilled face masks. It’s a functional space to change and shower. If you’re picky about pristine floors, you might want to keep your flip-flops on.
Membership Costs and the "Hidden" Fees
Don't just walk in and sign the first thing they put in front of you. 24 Hour Fitness is notorious for having a fluctuating pricing structure. You’ve got the national "Silver," "Gold," and "Platinum" tiers now. Since this is a Super Sport, a basic "Active" membership won't get you in the door.
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- Monthly Dues: Generally, you’re looking at anywhere from $30 to $55 depending on the current promotion.
- The Annual Fee: This is the one that bites people. About 60 days after you join, you’ll get hit with an annual "maintenance fee" (usually around $50). It’s in the contract. Read it.
- Initiation: Sometimes it’s $0; sometimes it’s $50. If the salesperson says there’s a big sign-up fee, tell them you’ll think about it. Usually, they’ll "find" a promo to waive it.
The most savvy way to join? Check Costco. Historically, they offered two-year certificates that slashed the monthly average down significantly. While those aren't always available, it's worth a search before you commit to a month-to-month plan. Also, check your health insurance. Many providers like Blue Shield or Kaiser have "Active&Fit" programs that let you access gyms like this for a flat $25-$30 rate without the long-term contracts.
Parking: The NoHo Gauntlet
Parking at the North Hollywood 24 Hour Fitness is a specific kind of stress. There is a garage. It is shared. It is often crowded.
The validation situation is key. Make sure you scan your ticket inside, or you'll end up paying Los Angeles premium rates for a 90-minute workout. Also, the tight corners in that garage were designed by someone who apparently only drives Vespas. If you have a large SUV or a truck, take it slow. People whip around those corners like they're auditioning for a Fast & Furious spin-off.
Navigating the Crowds
If you want to actually use the equipment without a line, you have to be tactical.
Monday is International Chest Day. Avoid the bench press area on Mondays unless you have an hour to kill waiting. The "sweet spot" for this location is usually mid-morning—around 10:00 AM—after the 9-to-5ers have left but before the lunch break crowd hits. Or, if you’re a night owl, go after 9:30 PM. The energy shifts then; it’s quieter, more focused, and you can actually get a circuit done without someone asking "how many sets you got left?" every three minutes.
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The Personal Training Scene
The trainers here are a mix. Some are career fitness professionals with high-level certifications (NASM, CSCS), while others are just starting out.
If you're considering personal training, don't just buy a pack of sessions. Watch them on the floor first. See who is actually paying attention to their client's form versus who is staring at their phone or chatting with other staff. You’re paying a premium for one-on-one time; make sure the person you pick is actually invested in your goals.
Is it Better Than the Competition?
You have options in NoHo.
There's the NoHo Fitness down the street, which is more of a "hardcore" bodybuilding vibe. There's Planet Fitness if you just want cheap cardio and don't care about squat racks. Then there's the LA Fitness (Esporta) over in Valley Village.
The North Hollywood 24 Hour Fitness sits in the middle. It’s more versatile than Planet Fitness but less "intense" than a specialized lifting gym. It’s the "all-rounder" choice. If you need a sauna, a steam room, a pool, and a wide range of weights, this is probably your best bet in the immediate area. Just go in with realistic expectations about the cleanliness and the crowd.
Actionable Steps for New Members
If you're thinking about pulling the trigger on a membership, do these three things first:
- The Guest Pass Hack: Don't join online immediately. Go to the website and get a free 3-day pass. Use it on a Monday at 5:30 PM. If you can handle the gym at its absolute worst/busiest, you’ll be fine for the rest of the year.
- Check the HVAC: 24 Hour Fitness locations are famous for having "AC issues" during L.A. heatwaves. If you’re touring the gym and it feels like a sauna in the weight room, that’s a red flag for how they handle repairs during the summer.
- Verify the Hours: Don't trust the "24 Hour" name. Ask the front desk for their current closing times. Many locations now close at 11:00 PM or midnight on weekends, which can be a dealbreaker if you work late shifts.
Bottom line: The NoHo 24 is a workhorse gym. It’s not fancy, it’s not private, and it’s definitely not quiet. But it has everything you need to get the job done if you can navigate the parking and the peak-hour surges. Pack your own towel, bring a pair of noise-canceling headphones, and make sure you validate that parking ticket.