New Bedford Is Getting the Region’s First Crunch Fitness 3.0

Something big is coming to New Bedford’s South End, and fitness fans might want to pay attention. A brand-new gym is gearing up to open on Rodney French Boulevard, and while the company behind it may be familiar, this location is shaping up to be unlike anything else on the SouthCoast.

This soon-to-open spot will become the region’s first Crunch Fitness 3.0, an upgraded, reimagined version of the Crunch location in Swansea. According to General Manager Chad Martin, the new design brings major changes that longtime Crunch members have never experienced before.

Located at 160 Rodney French Boulevard, in the former DTA building across from the Kilburn Mill, the project is helping transform a section of the South End that continues to surge with redevelopment and new energy.

What Makes a Crunch 3.0 Different?

Martin gave me a brief history lesson of Crunch's roots, explaining that it launched in 1989 in New York City with the original “No Judgments” philosophy and has since grown to more than 500 locations nationwide. New Bedford’s South End branch isn’t simply another extension, however; it represents Crunch’s newest elevated model.

Martin explained that the Fall River and Swansea gyms operate as Crunch 2.0 locations, but New Bedford will debut the next generation: redesigned layouts, improved aesthetics, better flow, and an expanded variety of training spaces.

Five Studios Built Into One Gym

One of the biggest upgrades is the inclusion of five dedicated fitness studios, something no other local Crunch location offers. The 25,000-square-foot facility will include:

• Hot yoga and hot Pilates studio
• A large group fitness room
• A sprawling functional training and HIIT zone
• A 10-bag boxing rig used for fitness-based boxing classes
• Two turf areas for mobility, conditioning, and strength work

The setup allows for simultaneous classes, specialized training environments, and a more versatile experience for every fitness level.

Designed for Every Kind of Gym-Goer

Whether you're lifting heavy, building cardio endurance, or just maintaining a routine, the gym is built to accommodate it. Crunch New Bedford will include:

• Six squat racks
• Extensive free weights
• Full machine lineup
• Every cardio piece you'd expect

“We have a little bit of something for everyone,” Martin said.

Opening Timeline and Early Access

The team is aiming for a mid-January opening, giving South End residents a fresh place to kick off their New Year fitness goals.

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Pre-registration is currently open through Crunch’s website. Signing up now secures a free pass and gives early access to discounted membership pricing before the list fills — with no obligation to join.

Hours are still being finalized, but Martin expects the gym to open as early as 5 a.m. and close around 11 p.m., customized to fit local demand.

Why the South End?

When selecting a location, Martin said the area felt like a perfect match for Crunch’s energy.

“It feels like an up-and-coming area,” he said. “Between the Kilburn Mill renovations, all the roadwork and development along Rodney French, and places like Cisco nearby, it really fits our vibe.”

The spot also sits just off Route 18, offering easy access for members coming from New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Fairhaven.

Ready to see the inside?