Gyms with Turf Areas: The Complete 2026 Guide

Turf areas have gone from a niche feature at athlete-focused facilities to one of the most in-demand amenities at commercial gyms. We track 1,563 gym locations with turf areas across 28 chains—and the trend is accelerating as more gym brands invest in functional training spaces.

The appeal is straightforward: turf gives you a dedicated, shock-absorbing surface for exercises that don't belong on a regular gym floor. Sled pushes, agility drills, battle ropes, medicine ball slams, kettlebell carries, plyometrics—all of these are better on turf. The surface is easier on your joints than concrete or rubber, and it creates a distinct training zone that signals "this is where the real work happens."

Mid-range and full-service chains have been the biggest adopters. LA Fitness has rolled out their "Green Turf" functional training areas across many locations, complete with pre-marked zones and measured increments for sprint work. 24 Hour Fitness includes turf at their larger Sport and Super Sport clubs. Gold's Gym has invested in indoor turf fields at many locations, particularly in their SoCal markets. Fitness Connection offers turf training areas alongside their already loaded amenity suite.

HVLP chains are using turf as a competitive differentiator. EoS Fitness includes turf areas at many locations. Crunch Fitness (particularly Signature locations) has made functional turf a centerpiece of their training floor. Chuze Fitness and VASA Fitness both offer dedicated functional turf zones with equipment like kettlebells, medicine balls, TRX systems, battle ropes, sleds, and foam rollers.

Premium clubs like Equinox and Bay Club include turf areas as part of their premium training floor design.

Budget chains are where turf gets more interesting than you'd expect. Planet Fitness has been adding turf-style functional training areas to some of their newer builds—a notable departure from their traditional model. YouFit Gyms also includes turf at some locations. Fitness 19 has added functional training areas with turf at select clubs.

Boutique and class-based studios that focus on functional training (like F45 or CrossFit boxes) often use turf, but they're outside our tracking scope of major chains.

If you've walked past the turf area at your gym and felt intimidated, you're not alone. It can look like a space reserved for athletes and trainers. But turf is for everyone—and here's why you should be using it.

Joint-friendly surface. Turf is engineered with shock-absorbing properties that reduce stress on your knees, ankles, and hips compared to concrete or standard rubber flooring. If you deal with joint pain or are coming back from an injury, turf is one of the most forgiving surfaces in the gym.

Functional movement. Unlike machines that isolate individual muscles, turf training emphasizes movements that mimic real life—pushing, pulling, carrying, rotating, sprinting. VASA Fitness describes their turf zone as a space for improving balance, coordination, speed, and mobility. These are the kinds of movements that make you better at everything outside the gym.

Versatility. A single turf strip can host sled pushes, agility ladder drills, battle rope work, medicine ball slams, kettlebell carries, farmer's walks, bear crawls, and more. It's an entire training modality in one dedicated space. As LA Fitness notes, their Green Turf areas come pre-marked with measured increments for sprint work and sectioned zones for different exercises.

Efficient training. Turf exercises tend to be compound movements that work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. A 20-minute circuit on the turf can deliver both strength and cardiovascular benefits—making it one of the most time-efficient ways to train.

Community and energy. There's something about the turf area that naturally draws in motivated people. Group training, boot camp-style classes, and partner workouts all thrive on turf. If you're looking for a training environment with more energy than the treadmill row, the turf is where you'll find it.

Based on our database of nearly 10,000 gym locations, here are the major chains where you'll find turf areas:

LA Fitness — Their "Green Turf" functional training areas are available at many locations, with pre-marked sprint lanes and designated equipment zones. One of the more thoughtfully designed turf setups in the mid-range space.

Crunch Fitness — Crunch Signature locations feature dedicated functional turf areas as a centerpiece of their training floor. Standard Crunch locations may also have smaller turf zones.

EoS Fitness — Many EoS locations include turf as part of their expansive training floors. Great value given their aggressive pricing.

VASA Fitness — VASA's functional turf areas come stocked with kettlebells, medicine balls, TRX systems, battle ropes, sleds, foam rollers, and more. Included in all membership tiers.

Gold's Gym — Many Gold's locations have invested in indoor turf fields. Equipment and layout vary by franchise owner.

24 Hour Fitness — Available at their larger Sport and Super Sport clubs. Smaller "Active" format locations typically don't include turf.

Fitness Connection — Turf training areas are part of their loaded amenity package at most locations.

Equinox / Bay Club — Both premium brands include turf as part of their high-end training floor design.

Planet Fitness — Some newer Planet Fitness builds are incorporating functional training areas with turf-style surfaces—a notable evolution for a brand historically focused on traditional equipment.

We also track turf areas at Anytime Fitness, Chuze Fitness, City Sports Club, Edge Fitness, Fitness 19, Fitness Factory, Fitness SF, Genesis Health Clubs, Mountainside Fitness, NYSC, O2 Fitness, Onelife, Retro Fitness, Tru Fit, UFC GYM, Valley Fitness, Vim + Vigor Fitness, and YouFit Gyms.

Most gym turf areas come equipped with a selection of functional training tools. Here's what you'll typically find:

Sleds — Push sleds and pull sleds are the signature turf exercise. Great for building leg drive, core stability, and cardiovascular endurance.

Battle ropes — Alternating waves, slams, and circles build grip strength, shoulder endurance, and full-body conditioning.

Kettlebells — Swings, goblet squats, Turkish get-ups, and carries. The turf surface adds stability for explosive movements.

Medicine balls — Wall ball shots, overhead slams, rotational throws. Many turf areas include a dedicated slam wall.

Agility ladders and cones — Speed and coordination work. Popular with athletes but beneficial for anyone looking to improve footwork and reaction time.

TRX Suspension Trainers — Bodyweight resistance training with adjustable difficulty. Perfect for rows, presses, squats, and core work.

Foam rollers and mobility tools — Many turf areas double as stretching and recovery zones.

The specific equipment varies by chain and location, but the trend is clear: gym operators are investing in making turf areas self-contained training zones where you can get a complete workout without leaving the green.

Enter your ZIP code in our search tool above and we'll show you every gym within 10 miles that has a turf area.

A few things to keep in mind:

Check the size. Turf areas range from a 20-foot strip to a full 40-yard indoor field. If sled pushes and sprints are your thing, you'll want a longer lane. Smaller turf zones are better suited for stationary exercises like kettlebell work and battle ropes.

Ask about equipment. Not all turf areas are equally stocked. Some gyms go all-in with sleds, ropes, ladders, and TRX rigs. Others just have an open turf strip and expect you to bring your own tools. Call ahead or visit to see what's included.

Visit during your preferred time. Turf areas can get crowded during peak hours, especially if group training classes use the space. If you prefer training solo on the turf, morning or midday sessions tend to be less congested.

Don't be intimidated. If you're new to turf training, start with basics: walking lunges, bear crawls, and farmer's carries. The surface is forgiving and the exercises are scalable. You don't need to be an athlete to benefit from training on turf.

How many gyms have turf areas?

We currently track 1,563 gym locations with turf areas across 28 chains in the United States.

Is turf training only for athletes?

No. Turf training is for everyone. The exercises are scalable—you can push an empty sled or a loaded one, walk through an agility ladder or sprint through it. Functional movements benefit beginners and advanced lifters alike.

Is the turf area included in my membership?

At most chains, yes. Turf access is typically included in all membership tiers. Unlike amenities like saunas or tanning that may require premium plans, the turf is generally open to all members.

What shoes should I wear on turf?

Flat-soled training shoes or cross-trainers work best. Avoid running shoes with thick cushioning—they can reduce stability during lateral movements. Some people train barefoot on turf for grip work, but check your gym's policy.

Can I do my own workout on the turf?

Absolutely. While some gyms schedule group classes on the turf, open training time is almost always available. Bring a plan or follow a circuit—the equipment is there for you to use.

What's the difference between turf and the regular gym floor?

Turf is a synthetic grass surface with built-in padding that absorbs impact better than rubber or concrete. It provides better traction for sprints and lateral movements, is easier on joints, and creates a designated space for functional exercises that would be disruptive on a standard gym floor.

Gym amenity data sourced from gymstracker.com's proprietary database of nearly 10,000 gym locations across 40+ chains. Functional training information referenced from VASA Fitness, LA Fitness, and Gold's Gym SoCal. Amenity data is verified through official gym websites, direct outreach, and member reports. Last updated April 2026.