Local Fitness Guide
Best Gyms in Duluth, MN: A Complete Guide
An honest breakdown of every gym worth joining in Duluth, Minnesota — what they're great at, who they're best for, and how to pick the right one for you.
For a city of 90,000 people perched on the edge of Lake Superior, Duluth punches well above its weight when it comes to fitness. Whether you're moving here for the first time, getting back into a routine after a long break, or looking to switch things up, there's genuinely a gym in Duluth for every type of person.
We put together this guide because we get asked all the time: “What gym should I join?” The honest answer is it depends — on your goals, your budget, whether you need coaching or prefer to fly solo, and how important community is to you. So here's the real deal on every gym worth considering in Duluth, MN.
How to Choose the Right Gym
Before you tour every gym in town, get clear on a few things:
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Your Goals
Losing weight? Building strength? Training for a sport? Staying mobile as you age? Different gyms specialize in different outcomes.
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Your Budget
Duluth gyms range from $15/month to well over $100. More coaching and structure generally costs more — but delivers more, too.
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Coaching vs. Independence
Some people thrive with a coach telling them exactly what to do. Others want headphones in, program loaded, left alone. Know which you are.
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Community
For a lot of people, the social aspect is what makes them actually show up. If accountability matters to you, prioritize gyms with a strong community culture.
The Gyms
CrossFit Aerial
CrossFit / Functional FitnessOur GymBest for: People who want coach-led classes, real community, accountability, and a program built for long-term health
Full disclosure — this is our gym. But we're including ourselves in this guide because we genuinely believe CrossFit Aerial offers something you can't find anywhere else in Duluth, and we want you to make an informed decision.
CrossFit Aerial is Duluth's CrossFit affiliate, but if your mental image of CrossFit is shirtless dudes grunting through impossible workouts, that's not what happens here. Every single class is coached and every movement is scaled to your ability. We have members in their 20s training next to members in their 80s — our “Legends” program is specifically designed for active aging, and it's one of the things we're most proud of.
What really sets CrossFit Aerial apart from other gyms in Duluth is the holistic approach. We're the only gym in the area that combines group CrossFit classes, dedicated nutrition coaching, and personal training under one roof. Fitness alone doesn't get most people where they want to go — nutrition is the other half of the equation, and having a coach for both makes a massive difference.
The community here is the real magic. People stay for years because they genuinely like the people they work out with. It's not unusual for members to hang out outside the gym, do meal preps together, or show up to cheer each other on at local events. If you've ever quit a gym because you lost motivation going alone, this is the antidote.
We don't list pricing publicly because what you pay depends on the program that fits your goals — but we make it easy to figure out. Start with a free discovery call and we'll walk you through everything with zero pressure. Check out what our members have to say if you want the unfiltered version.
📍 316 Garfield Ave, Duluth, MN 55802
Northland Fitness
Traditional Gym / Open GymBest for: Self-motivated lifters who want 24/7 access and great equipment without needing coaching
If you know what you're doing in the gym and just want a clean, well-equipped space to train on your own schedule, Northland Fitness is hard to beat. It's independently owned (not a chain), 6,600 square feet of solid equipment, and you get 24/7 keycard access — perfect for early-morning or late-night sessions.
The equipment is legitimately good: dumbbells up to 125 lbs, quality machines, and everything well-maintained. A nice bonus is on-site physical therapy with Dr. Paul Glowacki, plus a 25% discount at All Star Nutrition. There are no group classes or coaching, so this is purely an open gym experience. Located in the Lincoln Park Craft District, it's a great choice for intermediate to experienced gym-goers who just need a space to execute their own programming.
📍 Lincoln Park Craft District, Duluth
💰 $59–69/month + $50 enrollment fee
Los Campeones Gym
Bodybuilding / PowerliftingBest for: Serious lifters, bodybuilders, and powerlifters who want a real iron gym
Los Campeones carries on a 30+ year tradition of bodybuilding and powerlifting gyms in the Duluth area. If you know what a calibrated kilo plate is and why it matters, this is your place. The 6,000 sq ft space is packed with Rogue, Hammer Strength, and Arsenal equipment — the kind of gear serious lifters actually want to train on.
They also run an in-house supplement shop, which is a nice touch. This isn't a gym for casual exercisers — it's built by lifters, for lifters. If you're into bodybuilding or powerlifting and want a no-nonsense environment with people who share that passion, Los Campeones is the move.
📍 5009 Matterhorn Drive, Duluth, MN 55811
PULSE Barre + Fitness
Boutique Barre & Fitness StudioBest for: People who want low-impact, music-driven classes that blend Pilates, yoga, and ballet
PULSE is the Northland's first boutique barre studio. Their classes blend Pilates, yoga, and ballet into one workout — low impact but high intensity. They also run yoga sculpt, strength-focused "Burn" classes, and a dance cardio class if that's your thing. Everything is set to music and moves to the beat.
If you want something completely different from a traditional gym — more studio vibes, smaller classes, and a focus on stabilizing muscles and flexibility — PULSE is a solid option. All classes are beginner-friendly with modifications offered throughout.
📍 Duluth, MN
Planet Fitness
Budget Chain GymBest for: Budget-conscious, casual gym-goers who want basic equipment at the lowest price
You already know what Planet Fitness is. At $15/month, it's the cheapest gym option in Duluth by a wide margin. You get access to cardio machines, a basic selection of weight equipment, and their “Judgement Free Zone” ethos. No coaching, no classes, no frills.
Planet Fitness is a fine starting point if you're just getting into fitness and budget is the primary concern. Just be honest with yourself about whether you'll actually go consistently without any structure or accountability — that's where a lot of people get stuck. For casual cardio and basic strength work, it does the job.
Lake Superior YMCA
Community Recreation CenterBest for: Families, swimmers, and people who want variety — pool, courts, childcare, and group classes
Recently rebranded from the “Duluth Area Family YMCA,” the Lake Superior YMCA is less of a gym and more of a full community recreation center. If you have kids and need childcare while you work out, or if swimming is a big part of your fitness routine, this is probably your best option in Duluth.
The downtown branch offers a pool, basketball courts, group fitness classes, personal training, and a huge range of youth programs. The fitness floor isn't going to rival a dedicated gym, but the breadth of programming and amenities is unmatched. Family plans make it a solid value if multiple household members will use it.
Which Gym Is Right for You?
If You want 24/7 access and prefer working out solo: Northland Fitness
If You're a serious lifter or bodybuilder: Los Campeones
If You want low-impact barre, Pilates-style classes with a studio vibe: PULSE Barre + Fitness
If You're on a tight budget and just need the basics: Planet Fitness
If You need family amenities, a pool, and childcare: Lake Superior YMCA
→ If you want coach-led classes, nutrition support, real community, and a program built for long-term health — at any age or fitness level:
CrossFit Aerial
The combination of expert coaching, nutrition programming, and a community that actually cares about your progress is something you won't find anywhere else in Duluth. Whether you're 25 or 85, a complete beginner or a seasoned athlete — this is where people come to build fitness that lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best gym in Duluth, MN?
It depends on your goals. For coach-led classes, community, and long-term health, CrossFit Aerial is the top choice. For 24/7 open gym access, Northland Fitness is excellent. For families, the Lake Superior YMCA offers the most variety. Budget-conscious exercisers often start at Planet Fitness.
How much do gyms cost in Duluth, MN?
Gym prices in Duluth range from about $15/month at Planet Fitness to $50–75/month at the YMCA. Premium and specialty gyms like Northland Fitness run $59–69/month. CrossFit and personal training studios vary — CrossFit Aerial offers a free discovery call to discuss pricing based on your goals.
Is CrossFit good for beginners?
Absolutely. Every CrossFit workout is scalable to any fitness level. At CrossFit Aerial in Duluth, coaches modify movements for beginners, seniors, and people with injuries. They have members ranging from their 20s to their 80s, all doing the same class with different scaling.
Are there any 24/7 gyms in Duluth?
Yes. Northland Fitness in the Lincoln Park Craft District offers 24/7 keycard access to their 6,600 sq ft facility. Planet Fitness also offers extended hours for members.
Which Duluth gym is best for weight loss?
For weight loss, a gym that combines fitness with nutrition coaching will get the best results. CrossFit Aerial is the only gym in Duluth that offers dedicated nutrition coaching alongside group fitness classes and personal training — all under one roof.
Does Duluth have a CrossFit gym?
Yes. CrossFit Aerial, located at 316 Garfield Ave in Duluth, is the city's CrossFit affiliate. They offer group classes, nutrition coaching, and personal training for all fitness levels.
Ready to Find Your Gym?
Most of the gyms above offer a free trial or intro session — take advantage of that. Tour a couple, try a class, and see what feels right.
At CrossFit Aerial, we start with a free discovery call — a quick, no-pressure conversation about your goals and how we can help. No sales pitch, just real talk about whether we're the right fit for you.