bStrong vs. Crunch Fitness: What’s the Best Fit for Your Fitness Goals?

Aug 3

A female bStrong member performing a squat with a supportive personal trainer guiding and encouraging her.

Not sure which gym is right for you?

Crunch Fitness and bStrong both serve the Bellevue and Redmond area — but the experience at each is very different. If you’re on the fence, this comparison will help you figure out what matters most to you: open access and flexibility, or structured coaching and accountability.

What Crunch Fitness Offers

Crunch is a nationwide gym chain that offers:

Open gym access with a wide variety of machines and weights
Group fitness classes like Zumba, HIIT, and yoga
Low monthly pricing
A big-box gym vibe — lots of space, lots of members
Optional personal training for an additional cost

Crunch Fitness might be a good fit if:

You’re self-motivated and know how to plan your workouts
You’re looking for a budget-friendly way to access equipment
You enjoy group classes but don’t need personalized attention
You prefer working out solo or on your own schedule
You want lots of equipment options, not a structured path

What bStrong Offers Instead

bStrong is built for people who want a personal training experience without the cost or commitment of 1-on-1 training.

We offer:

Small group personal training with expert coaches
Structured, progressive programming (we plan everything)
Hands-on feedback every session — we watch your form and guide your progress
A strong, welcoming community — especially great for beginners
Accountability and support to help you stay consistent

bStrong might be a better fit if:

You want to show up and follow a proven, guided plan
You appreciate coaching, correction, and encouragement
You’re new to fitness or returning after time off
You value being part of a close-knit gym community
You’ve tried big-box gyms and didn’t get the results you hoped for

Quick Comparison

  
      Feature
      Crunch Fitness
      bStrong
    
      Open Gym Access
      ✅
      ❌
    
      Group Classes
      ✅
      ✅ (small group coaching)
    
      Personal Coaching
      ⚠️ (extra cost, limited)
      ✅ (included every session)
    
      Program Structure
      ❌
      ✅
    
      Community Feel
      ⚠️ (varies)
      ✅ (built-in)
    
      Beginner Friendly
      ⚠️
      ✅
    
      Accountability
      ❌
      ✅
    
      Equipment Variety
      ✅
      ✅ (focused tools for results)
    
      Best for...
      Independent gym-goers
      People who want expert coaching

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all gym. Crunch Fitness is affordable, flexible, and offers a wide range of classes and equipment. If you’re motivated, experienced, and like doing your own thing, it could be a great fit.

But if you’re looking for something more personal — a coach-led, results-driven approach in a supportive community — bStrong might be what you’ve been missing.

Try bStrong and See for Yourself

Our 2-week trial is perfect if you're on the fence. Come meet the coaches, feel the difference, and see if bStrong is the right fit for you.

Try a 2-week Trial

Ben Matlak