LA Fitness is one of the more popular gym chains out there, with big clubs, lots of equipment, and group classes included with most memberships. But one thing a lot of people want to understand before joining, or before bringing someone along, is how the LA Fitness guest membership actually works.
Whether you want to bring a friend as a workout partner, let a family member try the gym before they sign up, or test the club yourself before committing to a full membership, knowing the guest pass rules and guest privileges upfront saves you a lot of hassle at the front desk.
This Guide explains what guest passes are, the types of memberships that provide guests access, and what guests can access, as well as all rules that you should know before you head out for la fitness Guest Membership.
Two Ways to Visit LA Fitness With LA Fitness Guest Membership
There are basically two different types of fitness passes that are meant by the term “LA Fitness guest pass”:
| Feature | Free Trial Guest Pass | VIP Guest Privileges |
|---|---|---|
| Who It’s For | Non-members wanting to try the gym | Current members bringing a guest |
| How Long | 3–7 Consecutive Days | Ongoing (Membership Plan) |
| Works At | One Club Only | Member’s Eligible Club(s) |
| Member Required? | No | Yes |
| ID / Waiver Needed | Yes | Yes, Every Visit |
The gym is available in both, but they are very different. Let’s go through each one.
Guest Pass vs Buddy Pass: What’s the Difference?
LA Fitness offers different passes for its members. Here you can check the details of the Guest and Buddy Pass.
| Feature | Guest Pass | Buddy Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Who It’s For | Non Members | Current Members Bringing a Friend |
| Cost | Free | Included in Select Plans or ~$20/Month Add-on |
| Duration | 3 to 7 Consecutive Days | Ongoing |
| Member Required | No | Yes |
| Works At | One Club Only | Member’s Eligible Clubs |
| ID Required | Required | Required for Every Visit |
What is Free Trial Pass & how to get it
This is the option if you’ve never been a member and want to test the gym before committing. The club considers it a free guest pass and offers you a free trial of 3 days, which could be up to 7 days depending on the promotion in effect at the time.
How to Get It
Getting the pass is straightforward. Head to the official website, enter your zip code to find your nearest club, fill in your name, email, and phone number, and the pass gets sent to your email. That’s it.
Once you have it, you have 30 days to activate it at the club. You’ll not start the clock until you’ve walked into and signed up at the pass, so don’t worry about the pass running out before you use it.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
When you arrive, the staff will ask you to:
- Show a valid photo ID (one that includes your date of birth)
- Sign a liability waiver
- Complete a fitness analysis form
- Have a quick orientation with a membership counselor
That last part, the orientation, is basically a short meeting where a membership counselor walks you through the club and, yes, may mention membership options. For most people, it isn’t a difficult sell, but know that it’s one of the steps. Allow a couple more minutes for it before your first exercise.
Rules to Know Before You Go
A few things to keep in mind so you don’t run into surprises:
- The pass is valid for consecutive days only; skip a day, and that day is gone
- It works at one club only, the location where you activate it
- You’re limited to one free pass every six months
- The pass is for non-members only; if you currently have a membership, you can’t use it
- Minimum age is 16 years old (13–15 with a parent or legal guardian present)
What Can You Access?
During your free trial, you’ll have access to:
- Cardio machines and free weights
- Strength training equipment
- Standard group fitness classes (space permitting)
- Locker rooms, showers
- Sauna and whirlpool (where available at that club)
Some items have additional fees, even on a trial pass, such as racquetball or basketball courts, Kids’ Klub (childcare), personal training sessions, and some specialty classes. Ask the front desk if there are any charges for any particular item you wish to use.
VIP La Fitness Guest Membership Privileges (For Members Bringing a Guest)
For existing members, here’s how to recruit a member. These are known as VIP guest privileges and are linked to your la fitness membership package.
Which Memberships Include Guest Privileges?
Guest privileges are not always granted with membership. Typically, the more expensive and national plans will allow guests, and the lower-cost single-club plans might not.
If you’re unsure whether your plan includes guest access, the easiest way to check is to log into your account online or call your home club directly. Some members on third-party or insurance-based plans (like Prime or Active & Fit) have found that guest privileges work differently, or not at all, so it’s worth confirming before you show up with someone.
If your existing subscription doesn’t include guest access, you can pay an extra fee for some subscriptions to get it.
Which LA Fitness Memberships Allow You to Bring a Guest?
Guest access at La Fitness depends on your membership plan. Some Nationwide, Signature, or Premium Promotional Memberships allow one guest per visit. If your plan does not include this feature, then you can purchase additional addons through the front desk or through your online account.
Memberships More Likely to Include Guest Access
LA Fitness offers different types of plans that include a VIP guest facility:
- Multi Club or Nationwide memberships include guest convenience with access to more locations.
- Premium or Signature tier plans have higher monthly fees and additional benefits.
- Family Plans are designed to include additional guests.
- Upgraded plans that include guest support and have a monthly guest fee of around $20.
Memberships with Limited Guest Access
There are many memberships that do not include guest access.
- Single club memberships don’t include guest amenities.
- Insurance-based plans (such as Prime, Active & Fit, SilverSneakers) do not have guest access.
- Corporate or third-party plans may vary. It is better to confirm directly with your home club.
- Basic digital plans do not include club guest benefits.
How It Works Day-to-Day
Bringing a guest is simple enough once your membership includes it:
- Visit the club together
- Check in at the front desk
- Show your membership barcode
- Your guest shows their photo ID and signs the waiver
- Staff approves entry
One important rule: you must be present every time your guest visits. They are not allowed to be in with you under your guests. Not only on the first visit, but on every visit, your guest signs the waiver.
How Often Can You Bring a Friend to LA Fitness?
You can bring one friend for every visit if your membership includes guest privileges. You can check more details here.
- It’s not necessary to bring the same person each time. You can bring different friends on different days.
- There is a $20 day fee for bringing another guest on the same visit.
- If the other guest has made a 7-day trial pass at least 24 hours before, then he does not have to pay the daily fee.
- Guests cannot enter without you. It is better to be accompanied by a member on every visit instead of just the first visit.
How Many Guests Can You Bring?
Most plans allow one guest per day. That one guest could be one guest the first time, one guest the second time, a different guest the third time, etc., so long as the same guest is involved each time.
If you want to bring two people at once, a second guest can usually be accommodated for a $20 day fee, unless that person already has an active 7-day pass that was set up at least 24 hours in advance.
What Guests Can and Can’t Access
Guests can typically use:
- Cardio and weight areas
- Standard group fitness classes (space permitting, members get priority)
- Locker rooms and showers
- Sauna and whirlpool (where available)
Not included for guests:
- Kids’ Klub, this is not available to guests at all
- Personal training sessions
- Court sports often require an extra fee
- Some specialty or small-group training formats
Note for classes: It is not possible to book a place in advance. If you want to ensure that you make it into a crowded class, particularly in the evening rush, you may need to arrive early.
Bringing a Guest to a Different LA Fitness Location
Bringing a guest to a different LA Fitness location completely depends on your membership tier. You can check this list.
- Free Trial Pass Holders: The pass is only valid for the club where it is activated.
- Single Club Members: They are limited to your home club only, and even guest facilities are included.
- Multi Club Members: You can take guests to other locations, but this is not guaranteed at every club.
- Signature Clubs: These locations have stricter guest policies, even if you don’t have a National Plan.
It is better to call the home club before visiting a new location with a guest because different clubs in the same city may have different policies.
LA Fitness Guest Membership Policy
These are the basics for all locations of LA Fitness, regardless of whether you are a free trial member or a VIP guest:
Some clubs have a “no guests after 7 PM” policy, especially in some areas. If it happens to be an evening visit that works out for your schedule, it’s worth calling ahead to make sure.
Age Rules for Guests
LA Fitness has different age rules for guests that you should consider. You can check the rules below.
| Situation | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Free Trial Guest Pass | 16 Years Old |
| Free Trial with Parent or Guardian Presence | 13 to 15 Years Old |
| VIP Guest (Member’s Guest) | 18 Years Old |
| VIP Guest with Parent or Guardian Presence | 14+ Years Old |
How Much Does a Guest Pass Cost at LA Fitness?
The free 3-day trial pass is free for non-members; that’s the whole point of it.
If you’re a member who brings guests under VIP privileges, it will depend on your plan.
- Plans that include guest privileges: no per-visit charge for one guest
- A second guest in the same visit: typically $20 for the day
- If your plan doesn’t include guest access, a daily guest fee applies (varies by club)
Historically, it has been an additional $20/month to add guest privileges to a membership, but current pricing varies, so please check with your club.
Best Times to Visit
For those who are coming in on a free trial or as a guest, when you come might be the difference between a good and a bad experience. When it’s busy, equipment is packed, and classes are full.
Quieter times to aim for:
- Weekdays between 9 AM and 11 AM
- Early afternoon, roughly 2 PM to 4 PM
- After 9 PM on weekdays
Times to avoid if possible:
- Weekday evenings from 5 PM to 8 PM (the after-work rush)
- Saturday mornings from 9 AM to noon
- Sunday mornings until about 1 PM
For classes specifically, weekday peak hours (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM) fill up fastest. If you’re in class during a trial, choose the middle of the day; you will have a greater chance of getting in.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Your LA Fitness Guest Membership
Knowing the LA Fitness guest membership regulations is different from making mistakes that you can avoid making. These are the most popular ones:
- Bringing a guest without ID: they won’t be allowed in, no exceptions
- Assuming unlimited guest visits: most plans allow one guest per day, not unlimited
- Showing up during peak hour: busy evenings mean full classes and long waits for equipment
- Expecting guest access at Signature Clubs: rules can be stricter at premium locations
- Not confirming your plan means you don’t have guest privileges: Not all memberships offer this.
Why LA Fitness Limits Guest Access
LA Fitness has some rules to improve the member experience and allow for the occasional guest.
- Capacity management: Clubs have limited equipment and space for classes. If guests are allowed, then the rush and pressure increase (especially during peak hours).
- Revenue protection: If free access is unlimited, then people will only use guest access instead of taking a membership.
- Security and liability: ID checks and waivers give the gym legal protection and keep the environment safe and responsible.
- Fairness to paying members: Those who pay membership fees get priority access to classes and equipment, and open guest access can disturb this balance.
Is Bringing a Friend Worth It at LA Fitness?
It is really useful for members to bring a guest, but it depends on how you want to use it.
This is beneficial if:
You want to have a friend do a trial workout once before you join.
You want to bring a workout partner without buying their full membership
Your plan already includes free guest facilities
It may not be beneficial if:
- You will need to add guest access to your plan, which costs about $20 a month.
- Your friend visits a lot, so it is cheaper to get their own membership.
- You train at peak times, but guests don’t get class reservations and have to wait longer for equipment.
- You want to use the Kids’ Klub, but guests are not allowed.
Key Takeaways
- If you are not a member of LA Fitness, sign up for their website for a free 3-day guest pass.
- The pass must be used within 30 days, and can only be used one day at a time at one location.
- You’re limited to one free pass every six months.
- VIP guest privileges are available for members to bring guests, but the member must attend all visits
- Most plans allow one guest per day; a second guest typically costs $20
- Guests need a valid photo ID and must sign a waiver on each visit
- Kids’ Klub is not available to guests, and courts often carry extra fees
- Not all membership packages offer guest privileges; double-check before assuming.
- There is a ‘no guests after 7 pm’ rule at some clubs, so please call in advance if you visit late.
For more related info visit Official LA Fitness guest pass page
FAQs
You request the pass online, receive it by email, and activate it at the club within 30 days. The trial usually lasts 3 consecutive days, although some locations may offer up to 7 days. A valid ID, signed waiver, and brief orientation are required on your first visit.
Guest privileges are generally included with premium and nationwide membership plans. Basic single-club memberships usually do not include guest access. Check your membership details or contact your home club for confirmation.
Yes, you can bring the same guest repeatedly, provided you accompany that guest during every visit.
No, the free trial pass is only valid at the club where it is activated. Some nationwide memberships may allow guests at multiple locations, but it is best to verify before visiting another club.
The free trial pass for non-members is free. Guest privileges added to a membership often cost around $20 per month, while an additional walk-in guest may cost approximately $20 per day, depending on the location.
Yes, standard group fitness classes are usually included for guests. However, guests cannot reserve spots in advance, and members receive priority if classes become full.
You must present a valid government-issued photo ID that includes your date of birth. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued identification card.
For free trial passes, guests are generally required to be at least 16 years old, although some clubs allow ages 13–15 with a parent or legal guardian present. VIP guest privileges may have different age requirements depending on the location.
Final Thought
The LA Fitness guest membership options are pretty flexible once you understand how they work. It’s not just for those who are not members and wish to try out the gym for the first time using a free 3-day pass, either; it’s for the members as well, who want to bring their friend to the gym now and then.
The main things to keep in mind: confirm your plan includes guest privileges before showing up, always bring a valid photo ID, and check your specific club’s rules since policies can vary by location. You can often extend guest access, but it must be added to your plan and will cost approximately $20 per month.
When done properly, this is a pretty decent option for either of two reasons: having a workout partner or wanting someone to test the gym prior to joining.
Michael Reynolds is a U.S.-based fitness writer and gym membership analyst with over 7 years of experience reviewing health clubs and workout programs. He specializes in breaking down pricing structures of major gym chains like LA Fitness, helping readers understand real costs, hidden fees, and the best membership options. When he’s not writing, Michael focuses on strength training and gym-based fitness routines.