Is LA Fitness Open on Thanksgiving Day?

So, is LA Fitness open on Thanksgiving Day? The short answer is no, most LA Fitness locations are closed on Thanksgiving Day. As part of their standard holiday policy, LA Fitness typically shuts down operations across the majority of its clubs on this national holiday to allow staff and members a chance to spend time with family. This aligns with the broader trend among U.S. fitness chains that close on major holidays like Thanksgiving. If you're searching for 'is LA Fitness open on Thanksgiving Day 2025' or 'LA Fitness holiday hours Thanksgiving,' it's important to understand that while closures are nearly universal, exceptions can exist based on location, ownership type, or regional demand.

Quick Summary: Is LA Fitness Open on Thanksgiving?

In general, LA Fitness does not operate on Thanksgiving Day. Most club locations nationwide remain closed so employees can enjoy the holiday with loved ones. This closure applies to both workout facilities and on-site services such as tanning, childcare (Kids Klub), and group fitness classes. While there may be rare exceptions—particularly in high-demand urban areas or certain franchise-owned locations—the overwhelming majority of members should expect their local LA Fitness to be shut down on Thanksgiving.

This pattern has held consistently over recent years, including 2023 and 2024, and is expected to continue into 2025. However, because LA Fitness operates under a mixed model of corporate-owned and independently operated franchise locations, some variation in policy is possible. Therefore, while the default assumption should be closure, members are strongly encouraged to verify the status of their specific club ahead of time.

LA Fitness Holiday Operating Policy Overview

Understanding LA Fitness’s approach to holiday hours provides context for why Thanksgiving is treated the way it is. The company follows a predictable annual calendar when deciding which days to remain open or closed:

• Christmas Day: Closed
• New Year’s Day: Open (often with reduced hours)
• New Year’s Eve: Typically open with shortened hours
• Independence Day (July 4th): Usually open
• Labor Day: Open
• Memorial Day: Open
• Veterans Day: Open
• Thanksgiving Day: Closed
• Easter Sunday: Often open

From this list, two key points emerge: first, LA Fitness only fully closes on a handful of holidays each year—primarily Christmas Day and Thanksgiving. Second, even on holidays where they’re open, operating hours are frequently reduced. For example, on New Year’s Eve, many clubs close by early evening, often around 6 PM, depending on local policies.

The reason behind these decisions lies in balancing member access with employee well-being. Closing on Thanksgiving reflects an industry norm designed to respect personal time during one of America’s most family-centered holidays. At the same time, staying open on other holidays like Labor Day or Memorial Day allows members who might have free time due to long weekends to maintain their fitness routines.

Why Some Locations Might Differ

While the national policy leans heavily toward closure on Thanksgiving, several factors could lead to differences between individual gyms:

1. Franchise vs. Corporate Ownership: Not all LA Fitness centers are owned and operated directly by the parent company (Fitness International, LLC). Some are run by independent franchise operators who may choose slightly different policies based on local market conditions, staffing availability, or customer demand.
2. Location Type: Clubs located inside large shopping malls may follow mall-wide operating rules. Since most major retail centers close on Thanksgiving, associated LA Fitness branches would also close. Conversely, standalone or strip-mall locations in busy metropolitan zones (e.g., downtown Los Angeles or Chicago) might consider remaining open if there's sufficient demand from travelers or city dwellers without family obligations.
3. Regional Regulations and Culture: In regions with diverse populations or non-traditional holiday observances, management might assess whether closing serves the community best. Though uncommon, some southern or western states with higher population mobility may see more flexible scheduling.
4. Staffing Availability: Smaller towns or rural locations may lack enough trained staff willing or able to work on Thanksgiving, making closure logistically necessary.

Despite these variables, no official public list of "open" LA Fitness locations on Thanksgiving exists. The brand does not advertise any Thanksgiving openings, suggesting that doing so is neither common nor encouraged at the corporate level.

Factors That Influence Holiday Closures at Fitness Centers

Thanksgiving is unique among U.S. holidays because it centers around home, food, and family rather than sales, patriotism, or religious observance. This cultural significance plays a major role in determining business operations. Unlike Black Friday—which sees gyms closed but retailers bustling—Thanksgiving itself lacks commercial incentives for staying open.

For service-based businesses like fitness centers, the calculus shifts further:

• Low Member Demand: Surveys show that fewer people plan workouts on Thanksgiving compared to other holidays. Most prefer relaxation, travel, or meal preparation.
• High Labor Costs: Employees working on Thanksgiving usually require premium pay (time-and-a-half or double time), increasing operational costs without guaranteed revenue.
• Safety and Supervision Concerns: With limited staff on duty, maintaining safety standards—especially around pools, saunas, or weight rooms—becomes harder.
• Precedent and Brand Image: By closing on Thanksgiving, LA Fitness reinforces its image as a member- and employee-friendly organization.

Additionally, the day before Thanksgiving (commonly called Thanksgiving Eve) often sees increased gym traffic. Many members hit the gym after work, hoping to offset anticipated indulgences. As a result, LA Fitness clubs are typically open on Thursday morning and afternoon, then close by early evening—usually around 6:00 PM—to let staff leave in time for dinner.

Similarly, the day after Thanksgiving—Black Friday—is generally a regular operating day, sometimes with special promotions or extended hours to accommodate shoppers visiting nearby stores.

How to Plan Around Thanksgiving Gym Closures

If you're committed to your fitness routine, knowing how to adapt around holiday closures is essential. Here’s a practical guide to help you stay on track even if your LA Fitness is closed on Thanksgiving:

Adjust Your Workout Schedule

Consider shifting your workout to earlier in the week. Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving) is often one of the busiest gym days of the year. To avoid crowds:

• Work out during off-peak hours (before 4 PM or after 8 PM)
• Focus on shorter, high-intensity sessions
• Use less popular equipment or areas of the gym

Alternatively, plan a morning session on Thanksgiving itself—outside the gym. A brisk walk, jog, or bodyweight circuit at home or a park can keep momentum going.

Explore Alternative Fitness Options

If you need indoor access, look into alternatives:

• 24-Hour Gyms: Chains like Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, or Crunch Fitness often remain open 24/7, even on Thanksgiving.
• Hotel Fitness Centers: If you're traveling, check if your hotel offers a gym.
• Virtual Workouts: Use apps like Peloton, FitOn, or YouTube fitness channels for guided routines at home.
• Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of milder fall weather with hiking, biking, or rucking.

How to Confirm Your Local LA Fitness Hours

To get the most accurate information about whether your specific LA Fitness location is open on Thanksgiving, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to lafitness.com.
2. Use the Club Locator Tool: Enter your ZIP code or city to find your nearest location.
3. Select Your Club: Click on the specific gym to view details.
4. Check Holiday Hours Section: Look for any posted holiday schedules, usually found under "Hours" or "Announcements."
5. Call the Club Directly: Phone numbers are listed for each location. Call during business hours to speak with a manager.
6. Download the LA Fitness App: The mobile app often displays real-time updates, including temporary closures.
7. Follow Social Media: Some clubs post last-minute changes on Facebook or Instagram.

Keep in mind that holiday hours are typically posted 1–2 weeks in advance. Policies can change annually, so even if your club was closed last year, it’s worth rechecking for 2025.

Holiday	Typical LA Fitness Status	Notes
Thanksgiving Day	Closed	Nationwide closure; rare exceptions possible
Day Before Thanksgiving	Open (shortened hours)	Often closes by 6 PM; peak evening crowds
Black Friday	Open	Regular or extended hours; possible promotions
Christmas Day	Closed	Universal closure
New Year’s Day	Open	May have reduced hours
July 4th	Open	Standard operating hours

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is LA Fitness open on Thanksgiving Day 2025?

No, LA Fitness is expected to be closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025, following its standard holiday policy. Always confirm with your local club for final confirmation.

Are any LA Fitness locations open on Thanksgiving?

While extremely rare, a few standalone or franchise-run locations might choose to open. However, there is no official list, and members should assume closure unless explicitly notified otherwise.

What time does LA Fitness close on Thanksgiving Eve?

Most LA Fitness clubs close earlier than usual on Thanksgiving Eve, typically by 6:00 PM, though some may stay open until 8:00 PM. Check your local club’s schedule online or by phone.

Does LA Fitness offer any holiday workouts or events near Thanksgiving?

Some locations host special "Turkey Burn" workouts on Wednesday before Thanksgiving. These are usually free and open to members and guests. Availability varies by club.

Will LA Fitness be open on Black Friday?

Yes, LA Fitness is generally open on Black Friday with normal operating hours. Some clubs may extend hours to accommodate post-shopping visits.