If you’ve scrolled TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen hype around Zoo Culture—the Encino, California gym founded by bodybuilder and YouTuber Bradley Martyn in 2015. Day passes run $60, monthly memberships hit $135 (plus $200 initiation and $300 cancellation fees), and annual plans top $1,500. That’s steep compared to Planet Fitness’ $10/month basics. But why the premium tab? Here’s why Zoo Culture Gym costs a fortune.
Elite Equipment and Facility Upkeep
Zoo Culture stocks top-tier gear from brands like Arsenal Strength—think custom squat racks, power towers, and turf zones that rival private training studios. Building and maintaining a 20,000+ sq ft space with black flooring emblazoned in massive “ZOO” logos, red accents, and climate-controlled zones isn’t cheap. Monthly power bills for lighting, AC, and saunas alone could exceed $10,000 for a high-traffic spot open 6 AM–10 PM weekdays. Repairs on heavy-duty machines, imported from specialty suppliers, add $50,000+ yearly per location.
Staffing with Stars and Experts
Bradley Martyn’s presence draws crowds. His 5M+ YouTube subs, for instance, turn the gym into a content factory. Full-time trainers, nutrition coaches, and “motivation specialists” command $60,000–$100,000 salaries to deliver personalized sessions and that signature “zoo energy.” Guest appearances by celebs like actors from action flicks or fellow influencers boost allure but require security and perks. With low member caps (to avoid overcrowding), staff-to-client ratios stay elite, justifying costs that basic gyms outsource.
Community and Exclusivity Premium
Zoo Culture sells transformation through “passion, growth, and empowerment”, a vibe amplified by smoothie bars, merch drops, and events like lift challenges. This community fosters loyalty, but curating it means vetting members (no “clout-chasers” via pricey day passes) and investing in social media marketing
Expansion Plans
There are expansion plans (rumored franchises) for the gym, which definitely demand upfront capital, which in turn are passed to members. In LA’s cutthroat fitness scene, where rents soar $20/sq ft monthly, these layers cover overhead while funding Martyn’s brand ecosystem.
Is It Worth It?
For serious lifters chasing PRs in a hype-filled space, yes! The motivation alone rivals a personal trainer. Critics call it overpriced “influencer bait,” but retention proves the model: repeat visitors pay for the intangibles basic gyms lack. If anything, inflation since 2020 has nudged prices up 15–20% across premium fitness.
Zoo Culture’s expense boils down to delivering a lifestyle, not just square footage. It’s fitness as spectacle—raw, communal, and unapologetically pricey. If you’re in SoCal, snag a day pass and roar with the pack. Gains await, but so does the bill.