Fitness expert Kenny Santucci is on a mission to reshape how Americans think about exercise, describing it as a daily necessity rather than an optional habit.

The New York City trainer, gym owner and host of the “Strong New York” podcast spoke with Fox News Digital about the rising popularity of gym memberships and what truly defines a great fitness space.

According to the Health & Fitness Association, gym memberships across the United States reached a record high in 2025.

As more people search for places to work out, Santucci said the focus should not be on luxury but on culture and community.

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“A lot of people traditionally look at gyms [as if] they have to have all the bells and whistles,” he said.

“Spa, bathrooms, all these things. For me, a gym is a gym. I go there for the equipment, I go for the culture, I go for the look and feel of the place.”

He added that a great gym could just as easily be found in a garage as in a multimillion-dollar facility. What matters most, he suggested, is the atmosphere and people.

Santucci frequently visits new gyms across the country, sharing his impressions online. The key, he said, is a balance between solid equipment, good aesthetics and great members. “If the people are great, that's what creates that great culture.”

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He often hears big-box gym members praise amenities such as showers or towels rather than workout conditions.

“It’s nothing that actually pertains to the gym,” he said, urging people to view fitness as a way to grow and progress.

Among his top picks, Santucci spotlighted Life Time, a national chain known for its luxurious amenities and robust programming.

He credited founder and CEO Bahram Akradi for maintaining a hands-on approach across hundreds of clubs. “[Bahran’s] mentality and belief system around the fitness space, I absolutely love,” he said.

He also pointed to Anatomy Fitness in Florida, co-founded by Marc Megna, calling it a must-visit destination where culture and community drive the experience.

“The way the gym’s set up, the cleanliness of it, the aesthetics – you walk in that place, and you want to train,” Santucci said.

Closer to home, he named Powerhouse Gym in New York City among his new favorites, describing it as a space rooted in traditional weight training and bodybuilding. “I really love the people and the culture,” he said.

For group fitness enthusiasts, Santucci recommended The Training Lab in New York City, which partners with Hyrox, a global fitness racing brand. “The guys over at Training Lab are incredible,” he said. “Another owner-operator who's involved in the business, who partakes in everything.”

While some memberships can exceed $300 per month, Santucci emphasized that cost does not determine results. “It’s all what you prioritize,” he said, explaining that he invests in multiple gym memberships because fitness is what he values most.

He compared wellness to personal hygiene, suggesting that exercise should be part of everyone’s daily routine.

“It’s like you take a shower, you brush your teeth and you go to the gym,” Santucci said. “Those are three non-negotiables for almost everybody on a daily basis when it comes to your hygiene.”

Santucci’s philosophy champions the idea that community and consistency—not luxury—are what truly define great gyms. By celebrating operators and members who live their values, he hopes to inspire others to make movement an essential part of modern life.

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