I've been training in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village for 13+ years. I've worked at, visited, or trained clients at every major gym in the area. Here's my brutally honest review of where you should train based on YOUR goals—not sales pitches.
I rate gyms on what matters for RESULTS, not amenities:
Location: Westlake Village
Cost: $150-250/month (private training gym)
Best for: Serious results, private training, exclusive environment
Trainer's take: This is where serious people get serious results. It's a small boutique gym that's extremely exclusive—they limit membership to maintain quality. If you want personalized attention, expert coaching, and a distraction-free environment, this is THE place in Westlake. Not for casual gym-goers, but for people who are committed to transformation.
Who it's for: People serious about results who value quality over price. Professionals who want personalized training in an exclusive setting.
Locations: Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Blvd
Cost: $35-45/month
Best for: Budget-conscious, all-around fitness
Trainer's take: You get what you pay for. If you train at 6 AM or 2 PM, it's fine. If you try to go at 6 PM, good luck finding an open squat rack. The Thousand Oaks Blvd location is better than Westlake Blvd (newer equipment).
Who it's for: Beginners, people who want amenities (pool/sauna), budget-focused members.
Location: Thousand Oaks Blvd (technically Westlake)
Cost: $40-55/month
Best for: Convenience (24/7 access)
Trainer's take: The 24-hour access is the main selling point. If you work weird hours (night shifts, early mornings), this is your best option. Otherwise, it's just okay.
Who it's for: People with non-traditional schedules, insomniacs.
Location: The Oaks Mall area
Cost: $180-250/month (ouch)
Best for: Luxury experience, group classes
Trainer's take: If money isn't an issue, Equinox is objectively the nicest gym in the area. Equipment is perfect, it's never crowded, and the facilities are immaculate. But you're paying 4-5x what other gyms cost. Is it worth it? Depends on your budget and if you value the "luxury experience."
Who it's for: High-income professionals who want the best and don't mind paying for it.
Location: Thousand Oaks Blvd
Cost: $10-30/month
Best for: Budget lifters, beginners
Trainer's take: For $10/month, you can't beat it. But you get what you pay for. If you're on a tight budget and can train off-peak hours, it's fine. Don't expect luxury.
Who it's for: College students, people on tight budgets, beginners testing the waters.
Location: Newbury Park (15 min from Westlake)
Cost: $20-35/month
Best for: No-frills lifting
Trainer's take: I worked here as a trainer for years. It's a solid no-frills gym. If you just want to lift weights and don't care about fancy stuff, it gets the job done. But it's in Newbury Park, so only worth it if you live nearby.
Who it's for: Newbury Park residents, budget-conscious lifters.
Best overall: Juke Performance (if you're serious about training and results)
Best value: Crunch ($10/month can't be beat)
Best luxury: Equinox (if money doesn't matter)
Best for 24/7 access: 24 Hour Fitness
Best for beginners: LA Fitness (amenities + group classes)
Avoid: Honestly, all of these gyms are fine if you know what you're getting into. Just avoid peak hours at budget gyms.
Plot twist: I train most of my clients at their homes or in my private studio in Westlake Village.
Why?
A basic home gym setup ($500-2,000) pays for itself vs. a gym membership in 1-2 years.
The "best" gym is the one you'll actually use 3-5x/week consistently.
If you live in Westlake and want quality without the Equinox price tag → Juke Performance
If you're on a budget → Crunch
If you want amenities → LA Fitness
If you want luxury → Equinox
Or skip the gym and train with me. Problem solved. 😉
In-person training in Westlake Village. Private studio or your home gym. No crowds, no waiting, just results.
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