No really I adore Spandex!
Written: Jun 16 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Good facilities, family oriented
Cons: Eek Spandex!
|
|
|
| brad_cantrill's Full Review: 24 Hour Fitness |
I've been working out at 24 hour fitness center since I was 12 years old. That's when I discovered the importance of weights and how keeping in shape could improve your social life. For months I begged my parents for a gym membership. Finally, after enough begging, they gave in and bought me a membership (with a kick). I joined 24 hour fitness in 1987, the year it moved to Texas. As part of a national advertising campaign, they offered a promotion where for $400 dollars you could "freeze" your gym rates at 64.95 a year for the rest of your life. Without question this is one of the smartest things I've ever done because now I pay in a year what most people pay in two months to belong to this club. It's a wonderful deal. And after 13 years, I've watched the club grow up as I have.
Club services
1. Exercise classes: Every 24 hour fitness center has exercise classes that meet daily. Usually it occurs between 5:30 and 7:00 O'clock in the evening. I've never participated in these sessions before, but they appear to be 30 minute jazzercise type sessions. The schedule on the wall offers classes for the beginner or the advanced participant. If your beginning an exercise program and want to meet new people then enrolling in these classes might be a wonderful way to meet new people.
2. Child care center: 24 hour fitness recognizes that members need a place where they can keep toddlers entertained while their parents work out. At my gym, they offer a playpen area where children can entertain themselves with blocks, an activity gym, drawing materials, and mats. The center is supervised by an employee and is a good way to keep your child entertained for a few minutes while you complete a workout.
3. Personal trainers and nutritionists: 24 hour fitness has licensed personal trainers and sports nutritionists on staff to assist you in preparing a workout, planning a diet, or showing you proper technique. If your going to start a serious workout program and you are relatively inexperienced at lifting weights then your going to want to set up a consultation with a trainer. The worst mistake that inexperienced people make when lifting weights is they use improper technique. This is a great way to injure yourself or minimize the effectiveness of a workout.
4. Sauna, jacuzzi, and shower facilities: If you like to get up early and go workout then 24 hour has made strides to accommodate you. Each member is entitled to a locker and can make use of the shower facilities. Great if you have to work and don't want to mess with going back and forth in the morning. Also, if you like to soak your muscles or just want to lie in a bed of steam and relax the sauna and Jacuzzi will appease you.
5. Lifecycles, stairmasters, treadmills, freeweights, machine-weights, etc....: 24 hour fitness has wonderful equipment. Whether you want to tone your body, build muscle mass, or do cardio work this club can meet your every need. Machines are updated frequently and replaced with modern equipment. I've worked out in several different clubs and I can tell you that equipment is definitely a strength of this club. Sometimes I catch myself trying to decide what machine to use because there are so many different machines for a body part. To me that's a good decision.
Other considerations
1. The good: Overall, the people who work out at this club are pretty friendly. The best time to go is in the middle of the day when it's less crowded and the staff can help you if necessary. The club is also very good about keeping a clean environment. Every member is required to carry a sweat towel and clean the machine after use. If you've ever put your head in a puddle of sweat you will learn to appreciate the necessity of a sweat towel.
2. The bad: This club is kind of a meat market. Although there are several people who go there to work out, their are also the gym rats who show up in purple spandex pants. Although I admit that occasionally I check out the women who show up in skin tight leopard outfits, ultimately it becomes a distraction. What's worse than the women though is the men who show up in tank tops and spandex. I'm of the opinion that if I could live the rest of my life without seeing another guy in spandex I'd be a happy man.
Overall, I think 24 hour fitness is a good place to work out. It makes strides to cater to the family and emphasizes keeping modern equipment. The staff is friendly and will design a workout plan to meet your needs. I don't think the club will ever get rid of the spandex steroid boys, but I can tolerate them for access to this quality club.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.