Health Clubs

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24 Hour Fitness Centers: A Brief History

24 Hour Fitness is a privately owned and operated fitness center chain. In fact, it is the world’s largest privately owned fitness center chain which began as a single fitness center in 1983. Mark S. Mastrov set out with a vision to make fitness an accessible way of life by creating top of the line multi-sport fitness centers that are affordable as well as accessible to people with all levels of fitness and abilities.

The single 24 Hour Fitness center had increased to more than 32 fitness centers by the end of 1994. All of these were located in Northern California. In Southern California there was a chain of 24 Hour Nautilus fitness centers. In 1994 a large merger ensued and the 24 Hour Fitness name and chain was born.

24 Hour Fitness continued to expand, and continues to do so today. Currently, 24 Hour Fitness has more than 3 million members worldwide, 360 24 Hour Fitness centers in the United States and several centers in three different countries of Asia.

During 2004 the 24 Hour Fitness chain became the first official fitness enter sponsor of the 2004-2008 United States Olympic teams. This Olympic sponsorship makes it possible for selected Olympic hopefuls to train for free at any 24 Hour Fitness center. The sponsorship also includes upgrades to various United States Olympic Training Centers all around the United States.

In 2004 24 Hour Fitness made its reality television debut on “The Biggest Loser”, a reality show that was being developed by NBC. The television show featured twelve overweight contestants who competed at losing weight over a period of several months.

For this reality show, 24 Hour Fitness built a gym on-site which included all the state of the art fitness equipment at a ranch where the contestants lived while they competed in the program. The show aired late in 2004 and early 2005, and seems to have furthered the image that 24 Hour Fitness centers are for anyone and everyone seeking a fit and active lifestyle.

Bally Total Fitness

Bally Total Fitness provides several different types of training programs, from group exercise classes to dynamic personal training, as well as basic nutrition education and weight loss programs. Their website also contains personalized online weight loss tools that you can use to motivate yourself and track your personal progress.

Of the several group exercise programs, there are core classes that cover basic cardio, and cutting edge classes that take group exercise to the next level. Core classes include Intro & Advanced Step, Hi & Lo Impact Aerobics, Aqua Fitness, Funk, Hip Hop, and even Salsa classes. The more unique and newer classes include Kwando®, PowerFlex®, Bosu®, Resist-A-Ball®, Pilates, Reaction Cycling®, and yoga.

In addition to he two sets of group exercise classes, Bally Total Fitness also offers what they call quick fitness classes. These include 25 minute high intensity exercises that focus on helping participants to get the greatest benefit in the least amount of time.

Bally Total Fitness’ dynamic personal training uses a combination of manual assistance, small apparatus machines, negative resistance training as well as active recovery that keeps you moving and makes the most of caloric expenditure.

Personal training at Bally Total Fitness involves diversification of workouts, improving strength, building cardiovascular endurance, increasing flexibility, understanding the fundamentals of effective exercise programs and using gym equipment safely and properly.

Bally’s newer online weight loss and nutrition program helps members achieve a balance between exercise, nutrition and professional support. Members have their resting metabolic rates measured and lifestyle activeness is evaluated. There are hundreds of meal options for every calorie level that you can access through the Bally website.

Additionally, all Bally Total Fitness members have access to personal dieticians who will help you problem solve, provide encouragement and phone sessions can be set up s flexible or structured as you’d like.

To find out more about Bally Total Fitness centers in your area or about the various programs offered, check out the official Bally Total Fitness website at http://www.ballytotalfitness.com.

Curves For Women

Curves for Women is a fitness center chain specifically designed for women. Curves was established in Harlingen, Texas in 1992 and has continued to expand to more than 9500 locations worldwide, making it the largest fitness center chain in the world.

There are Curves for Women locations in over forty-two countries, including Canada, the United States, Europe, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, Japan and many more. It is estimated by Curves that more than 4 million women currently hold Curves memberships.

Curves is the baby of Gary Heavin of Houston, TX. After dropping out of a pre-med degree program that he could no longer afford, he took over a failing health club and started providing specialized fitness with the goal of preventing illness through regular exercise.

In only a few years Heavin owned seventeen different fitness centers. Through his failures and successes he discovered what features make visitors feel best about getting regular exercise. For the most part, the average person doesn’t tend to respond well to the typical fitness center, but prefers a more relaxed environment where socializing and variety of exercises are the focal points.

At Curves fitness centers, women participate in 30-minute workout routines that feature a circuit training type of setup. Various types of equipment or activities are placed in a circle type of layout and visitors spend a certain amount of time at one station before moving on to the next. Since everyone changes stations at the same time and in the same direction, visitors are free to hold conversations with the exercise partners located on either side of them.

The variety, relaxed atmosphere and simplicity of the exercise stations program all contribute to the popularity of Curves fitness centers.

Types Of Fitness Centers

In my opinion and personal experience, there are three main types of fitness centers. There are the premium fitness centers that command premium membership fees and offer many spa type services. There are general purpose fitness centers with a wide range of equipment but no frills like massage or other spa treatments. And there are special interest fitness centers for target markets like women’s fitness centers and seniors’ fitness centers.

The specialty fitness centers, such as Curves For Women tend to be less stressful and have a much more relaxed atmosphere than the traditional gym or health club. For example, Curves is set up more like a social club than a fitness center. Rather than focusing on the proper number of reps and making sure all muscle groups are covered in a given workout session, a Curves facility is designed to offer variety and encourage social networking that will increase personal motivation.

Of course the more general type of fitness centers will work for just about anyone, but if you’d feel more comfortable in a less gym-like atmosphere then you should check out a Curves or other specialty fitness center. There are also exercise classes at local YMCAs and other facilities that you may find suitable for your likes and needs.

If you’re interested in regular spa treatments such as massage or reflexology, then you’d probably be happiest with a premium fitness center that offers these more spa-like procedures and treatments. If you live in a larger town or city, you’ll probably be able to find at least a few of these premium fitness centers from which to choose.

No mater which type of fitness center you end up choosing, it’s wise to try out at least two or three different fitness centers before committing to a particular one, especially if you’re interested in signing a lengthy contract. Fitness center contracts can be a great way to save some money on gym membership, but only so far as you continue to use the facilities.

Fitness Clubs: Add A Support Network To Your Fitness Goals

There are many factors that go into deciding whether exercising at home or joining a fitness clubs is best for you. For example, if you have small children at home, you may find that working out at home using instruction videos and a few types of small equipment such as dumbbells and ankle weights is best for you.

If you prefer to exercise at home then a good motivational exercise instruction video may be the best option for you. It’s a great idea to rotate between various exercise videos so that you never grow tired of the same old routine. This will not only keep you interested in working out, but will keep your body on its toes as well. The more variation there is in your workouts the more results you’ll see.

If you’re able and willing to exercise at a local fitness center though, you may find even better ways to keep motivation levels high. By visiting fitness clubs to get your daily or weekly workouts accomplished, you’ll probably find that a few other people tend to workout on the same schedule that you do. Forming connections with others that use the same fitness club as you can really do wonders for ongoing motivation.

If you have a friend that is also interested in increasing his or her physical fitness, why not join the same fitness club. Not only will exercise be more fun when you have a friend to go with you, but you’re more likely to go even on those days where you just plan don’t feel like it. Knowing that your friend will be there adds just enough friendly pressure that you may decide it’s easier to keep your workout date than to think up an excuse to bow out.

Gym Membership Pros And Cons

Gym Membership Pros

There are several advantages to joining a gym. Gym membership means that you’ll have access to top of the line fitness equipment that could easily cost you thousands of dollars to duplicate in your own home. Also, you’ll never have to worry about updating your tired old fitness equipment if you hold a gym membership, as one of the mean reasons to join a gym is that they choose only the best exercise equipment, and update their machines as better models come out.

Besides state of the art exercise machines, a gym membership will also give you access to several other facilities and services. Many fitness centers and gyms have swimming pools, saunas and other spa type facilities and services. There’s nothing like a nice sauna after an intensive strength training workout.

Another advantage to joining a gym is the option to have a personal trainer assist you in designing a workout routine. Over time as your fitness level and goals change you will be able to return to the personal trainer and get his or her input on various fitness issues.

Gym Membership Cons

Some people prefer working out at home so that they are not distracted by others during their exercise routine. For example, if you are trying to learn yoga or kickboxing routines, you may find it less distracting to work at home using instructional videos.

For those with small children it may be easier to workout at home rather than to secure a babysitter, drive to the gym and that whole complication.

Price is another drawback to choosing a gym membership over working out at home. Truthfully, working out at home can be every bit as effective as working out at a gym, and you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on home gym equipment either. With a minimum amount of equipment, such as an inflatable exercise ball and a few different dumbbell weights, you can effectively exercise every major muscle group.

Choosing Between Health Club Gyms

Before joining a particular health club, it’s a good idea to visit a few different health club gyms to find out which one will best meet your needs. And before you decide on which health clubs to visit on your exploratory missions you can research a number of features of prospective health club gyms using the internet.

All the large health club and gym chains have websites that feature information about the facilities and services that are available. This can be a great way to narrow down your list of prospective health club gyms. For example, some of the most well known health clubs, such as 24 Hour Fitness and Bally Total Fitness centers have comprehensive websites where you can not only see the equipment and services offered, but take part in online resources and programs, such as nutrition and exercise managing programs.

In addition to the online services offered by the larger health club chains, many of these larger health club gym websites also offer ways to network with others that have the same fitness goals and / or nutritional concerns. Communicating with others that are on the same fitness paths can work wonders for your own ongoing motivation.

Though the larger, well known health clubs may have better online services, don’t overlook the smaller gyms and fitness centers in your area. Many times these facilities have equipment and services that are just as good as the larger chains, but will be able to offer more personalized attention. In addition to a more personalized atmosphere, smaller gyms can be more relaxing because they typically don’t have as many members so you’ll never have to wait for machines or feel crowded while working out.

Before deciding on a particular health club or gym, take the time to visit at least a few different facilities. Only by visiting and trying out a couple of different gyms will you be able to determine which one is right for you and your individual needs.

Health Club Memberships

Health club memberships are only as useful as you make them. Too often people sign up for lengthy health club memberships when they suddenly feel the need to make huge adjustments to their lifestyles. Not only do these people waste money, but it seems as though the weight of such lengthy health cub memberships become deterrents to regular exercise themselves.

Instead of signing up for a five year membership with a health club you haven’t even become familiar with, take the time to check out few different health clubs. This will also give you a chance to compare the different health club membership programs and correlating benefits.

Nearly all the big health club chains, as well as the smaller privately owned gyms, will offer some type of trial membership so that you can get a feel for what it would be like to continue exercising there on a regular basis.

The first step to choosing a health club is to call around and ask questions. Find out which health clubs offer a free trial, and what the specific stipulations of the trial period are. Then go and visit each health club once or twice for a workout session. This should give you a good idea of which health club will feel the best to you and have the best equipment for your particular needs.

Don’t rule out small gyms or the local YMCA. Many people instantly overlook their local YMCA when looking for a health club to join, yet many Ys are every bit as equipped with top of the line fitness equipment. Plus, YMCAs are more likely to have other facilities and services than many of the premium health clubs out there.

Health Club Spa

Health club spas are typically a combination of health club and day spa where you can workout on a regular basis, as well as receive spa type treatments such as massages or beauty related services. If spa treatments are part of your lifestyle, then choosing a health club spa is one of the best ways to ensure that you will keep up your fitness routine.

There are also health club spas whose spa facilities resemble those of traditional destination spas. Where day spas are beauty salon type establishments where customers visit only for the duration of treatment, destination spas are those where clients stay for one or more days in a hotel type atmosphere.

Health club spas that are more like destination spas tend to be vacation destinations or specialty health facilities for weight loss or intensive fitness training. If you want to get a jump start on a lifestyle change that involves physically fitness as well as improved nutrition, this type of health club spa may just be the place for you.

Whether you’re interested in attending a day spa or a destination spa, the typical spa includes various types of beauty related treatments and procedures, such as massage, facials, waxing, nail care, exfoliation, whole body treatments, such as body wraps and aromatherapy.

Many day spas offer more therapeutic treatments, though destination spas are even more likely to offer service such as reflexology, hydrotherapy and various other kinds of medical treatments. For more information about the health club spas in your area, visit a directory website such as Yahoo.

Health Clubs: To Join Or Not To Join

I’ve asked myself this question several times over the years. Is it worth paying membership dues to belong to a health club with all the latest equipment or can I get just as good a workout fro the comfort of my own home. The answer changes from time to time as it is figured from various factors.

When I was attending college and gym membership was part of the facility fees for attending school, it was certainly worth my time to travel to the gym a few times each week. It was convenient to fit in exercise between classes.

When I had my first child it was much easier to exercise from home. The idea of hiring a babysitter or trusting my child to some facility care at the health club just didn’t appeal to me. I would put junior in his activity saucer and put on some Tae Bo or other aerobic video. This worked very well for me and I was able to lose all 90 –yes, I said 90—pregnancy pounds within seven months.

I guess the main misconception that makes people choose a health club over home exercise is the lure of all the state of the art fitness equipment and professional trainers. But the truth is that anyone can get a full body workout, complete with cardio and strength training at home and with a minimum amount of equipment.

The most affordable and effective home exercise involves either pilates type workouts or working out with one of the big inflatable exercise balls that are currently so popular. You may wish to have one or two sets of dumbbells and / or a resistance bands on hand but these aren’t even totally necessary. Just remember that strength training is what’s going to have you seeing results within weeks and it’s what’s going to have you burning more calories even when you’re just sitting around.