As Thanksgiving Day arrives on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Americans planning workouts face a familiar question: will my gym be open? National reporting and direct announcements from major fitness chains show a mixed picture, with some large chains operating limited or modified hours, municipal recreation centers often closing for the federal holiday, and 24/7 access locations providing the most reliable option.

Major national chains have taken different approaches. Some operators publish a blanket policy and encourage members to check local club hours, while others leave decisions to franchise owners, producing location-by-location variation. For example, one large franchise model explicitly instructs members to use a club finder to confirm hours because local ownership controls schedules, while 24/7 branded operators maintain broad “check your club” language and post holiday hours on dedicated pages. These official pages are the authoritative source for exact opening or closing times.

Industry coverage compiled by national outlets shows that many gyms will close entirely on Thanksgiving, some will open for reduced hours (often a morning window), and a subset of facilities with 24/7 access will remain available to members. The pattern mirrors broader retail and service behaviors observed this season: while many big retailers and chains close for the federal holiday, other service providers operate reduced schedules or keep essential locations open.

For members of large national chains, the single most reliable step is to consult the chain’s official holiday or club-finder page. Most chains display holiday updates prominently and advise contacting your local club for any exceptions. If a club uses franchise ownership, corporate pages will typically provide general guidance and link to individual club contact pages for specific hours and class cancellations.

Below is a concise, verified breakdown of the status for common gym types and representative chains:

Franchise-operated national gyms (Planet Fitness, many boutique studios): Hours vary by franchise. Some locations close, others operate limited hours. Members should check the local club page or call ahead. Many national news aggregations and lifestyle sites note franchise variability is common.
24/7 gym brands (select locations of 24 Hour Fitness, Anytime Fitness): Typically maintain 24/7 access where infrastructure allows, though staffed hours and classes may be suspended. Official holiday pages emphasize club-level confirmation.
Premium chains and corporate clubs (LA Fitness, Equinox, Lifetime): Corporate clubs often publish specific holiday hours and may operate shortened schedules or close for the day depending on corporate policy and local management.
Community centers and municipal recreation facilities: Often closed on federal holidays; local government pages list closures. Those that open generally run reduced hours for limited programming.
Boutique studios and class-based providers (Orangetheory, local studios): Many cancel classes and close on Thanksgiving, though some studios host special morning classes or shortened sessions; members should check studio social channels or booking apps.

How to confirm your gym’s status quickly

1) Visit the chain’s official holiday hours page or club finder — that is the authoritative source for that brand. Most corporate pages include a search tool to find your club and its hours.

2) Call the local club phone number listed in the club finder — staffing changes and local decisions sometimes aren’t reflected immediately online.

3) Check the club’s social media accounts and class schedule feed — many franchise owners post last-minute updates there.

4) Use your gym’s app or member portal — booking systems and apps often show canceled classes and modified hours in real time.

Typical patterns you’ll see

Full closure: A portion of gyms, especially municipal centers and some boutique clubs, choose to close for the holiday so staff may spend time with family. These closures are usually posted in advance.
Reduced morning hours: Many clubs open for a limited morning window (e.g., 6 a.m.–12 p.m.) then close for the afternoon and evening. This accommodates members who prioritize a morning workout before family events.
24/7 access with limited staffing: For clubs with secure 24/7 entry, members may still access equipment, but staffed services like classes, towel service, and child care are often suspended.
Class cancellations: Expect most group classes to be canceled even where the gym remains open; some clubs run a very limited “holiday” schedule.

Practical tips for members and visitors

Plan ahead: if maintaining a holiday routine is a priority, confirm club access at least 24–48 hours before Thanksgiving. Bring essentials (lockers, water, towel) if staffed services are limited. If your preferred club is closed, identify a 24/7 location, consider a short home routine, or schedule a post-holiday workout. Local recreation pages and corporate holiday announcements are the most reliable verification sources.

Alternatives when your club is closed

24/7 gyms: Some members opt for facilities with uninterrupted access; confirm building access protocols and membership reciprocity.
Home workout: A 20–30 minute bodyweight or resistance-band routine can substitute; many fitness publishers and apps publish holiday-specific short sessions for convenience.
Outdoor options: Parks and trails are viable for runs, walks, and bodyweight circuits — check local park closures but many stay open on federal holidays.
Post-holiday planning: If you need specific classes, rebook early — many clubs refill class spots quickly in the days after Thanksgiving.
Community drop-in sessions: Some municipal centers run limited open-gym windows; check local recreation schedules.

Industry perspective and member etiquette

Operators balance member service with staff welfare: closing or cutting hours is frequently a conscious decision to give staff time off for the holiday. Members are encouraged to respect posted policies, refrain from expecting full services at reduced-staff locations, and to book classes during standard hours rather than relying on ad-hoc availability. Public reporting and corporate posts suggest the trend for 2025 leans toward a mixture of closures and limited operations rather than universal 24/7 openings.

Conclusion

For Thanksgiving 2025, there is no single answer that fits every gym: official announcements and national reporting show a patchwork of closures, reduced hours, and 24/7 access points. To be certain about your local club, use the chain’s club finder or holiday hours page, call the facility, and check the club’s app or social channels. If your regular gym is closed, consider a short home routine, a 24/7 facility, or an outdoor workout. Planning ahead and confirming hours will ensure a smooth holiday whether your goal is to keep a training streak or to rest with family.