24 Hours Of Attitude, Spandex and Steroids
Written: Jan 05 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great value for the price, clean, new equipment.
Cons: Stuck up patrons, small showers, some places have no day care.
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| Freak369's Full Review: 24 Hour Fitness |
I am sure that if you have seen any of my reviews you know I make a daily trek to the gym to lift weights as well as do at least 30 minutes of cardio activities. When I am at the gym I’m in another world – often times when people try to talk to me they think I am being rude – sorry – I’m not there to socialize. I looked for a long time at local and chain gyms and found that 24 Hour Fitness offered most of what I was looking for.
Each person has different needs – ranging from losing weight to gaining muscle. So to is the membership levels. I have the Sport Membership, which means I have access to all 24 Hour Fitness locations and use of all equipment and areas. If I am in Los Angeles I won’t have to buy a day pass to work out – just flash my ID card and I am in. The ID cards are nice too – thick blue plastic with a computer scanned picture on the back. Watch out if you lose it – they do charge you for replacements.
My membership is $29.99 per month, deducted directly from my checking account between the 1st and 3rd of each month. I have never had any trouble with these deductions as far as double billing or early billing. I refused to pay the EFT (electronic fund transfer) fee to set up my account and told them that there were plenty of other gyms that would waive that fee.
I have had no major issues with the club itself but the clientele can be a bit stuck up. I have had my share of not so nice altercations with women who refused to put their weights back on the rack when they were done. I don’t get a paycheck from 24 Hour Fitness so I refuse to re-rack someone else’s weights. As with any gym you will have little cliques. I don’t get into the 120 pound, 5’6 blond hair mold so I get some nasty looks from the “chicks” when I ask a guy to spot me. All of the employees are friendly and helpful and if no one else is around and they are slow they will spot you.
Equipment
I have been to 6 different 24 Hour Fitness locations and most of them carry the same pieces of machinery. My workout doesn’t involve much use of the free weights but they do have barbells up to 120 pounds. The club I most often frequent has an excellent Icarian leg press – granted this is an older model but it is a awesome piece equipment. You will also find Flex, Hammer Strength and (ick)Body Master. I’ve never had any trouble with dirty equipment – providing that everyone remembers to wipe down the seat and back bad when they are done. If you come across a dirty piece tell the front counter people and they will clean it up immediately.
In addition to the body building equipment you will also find rows and rows of cardio machines. Ranging from stationary bikes (all digital) to old school Stair Masters. Each facility has at least 60 but some of the larger clubs have upwards of 120. That means no waiting. A nice perk is this – internet access. Yes, you can get on the internet while you are on a bike or walking on the treadmill. You’ll also find Cardio Theater at 99% of the locations. Bring your own CD’s or take advantage of the multitude of televisions stations that are being aired. Invest in some good headphones and your time doing cardio will simply fly by.
Beyond The Weights
So, weight training isn’t your bag? Never fear – 24 Hour Fitness also offers (at some locations) kickboxing, Spin classes, Tae Chi, Step classes, a wide variety of aerobic classes and if the facility has a pool they have aqua therapy. Again, the level of your membership decided what you have access to. There are also body fat measurements (free) that you can schedule so you can see your true results – not just what the scale says.
Lockers and Changing Areas
All the locations have different policies regarding lockers. Some allow you to keep your things in there for an extended period of time while others only all it on a day-by-day basis. I don’t suggest that you leave anything of value in your locker unless you bring a padlock or combination lock. You can ask the front-end counter people to hold any items of value. The locker rooms are nothing too exciting – basic benches and stalls. Some locations have wall-mounted shampoo and conditioner but I’d rather try and clean my hair with mud than use that stuff. Some also have blow dryers but most of them are burned out or broken.
Day Care
Beside the obvious selections of free weights, machines and aerobic activities one of the key elements I needed was daycare. This usually became the ‘make it or break it’ issue. Sure, a gym’s daycare can be stocked with toys or even a television and video game console but you need to check out the people who will be watching your children as well. I have found that most of the 24 Hour Fitness locations offer some daycare but the hours vary so be sure to ask for the schedule before you join. The prices for daycare vary – some sites offer a monthly fee and other are pay by the visit. I have never had a bit of trouble in regards to the daycare – I even stressed that since I was divorced and in the midst of a custody battle that my ex may try to come and pick up the kids. They have an excellent sign in / sign out program – and once I got to know the girls I didn’t have to run over and check on the kids every ten minutes.
More Extras
You can hire a personal trainer for an additional fee as well as have your blood pressure checked before, during or after a workout. There are small stations where you can have your body measurements takes as well as your body fat content level tested. Be sure to see what is free and what will cost you extra. I really have no need for a personal trainer but if you do please ask what type of training the person has. Some people complete a trainers course via the mail and other attend an actual school and receive much more information. Most of the latter mentioned employees will also offer advice on post work out stretching as well as physical therapy.
So you still haven’t had enough? Well, parking is pretty nice. You will find people who try to get the stop right near the door – it is beyond me why they drive around for 10 minutes looking for a spot when they are going to the gym to get some exercise. Most of the parking lots are well lit and if you are leaving at night someone will always offer to walk you to your car.
If you still need convincing you can get a free 10-day pass at any of the 24 Hour Fitness locations. Simply call or stop by and ask about it. They really are low pressure too. If you work for a large company you can also ask management about a corporate sign up. You’ll get reduced rates and no EFT charges.
So the next time you are at a 24 Hour Fitness in Southern California and you see a tall chick screaming on the leg press – stop on over and say hi!
As always – thanks for reading… ^V^ Freak ^V^
Recommended:
Yes
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