May 2, 2006
NEWSExtra facilities and low prices help boost gyms’ popularity
Work-out facilities that include memberships are more common now than they have ever been. These days, gyms that are being built are only becoming more innovative and offer members more than just traditional exercise equipment.
Lifetime Fitness has two locations in the valley. Jessie Liem is a member at the location on Priest and Elliot.
“It is its own community. Lifetime Fitness has everything and more to offer to its members,” Liem said.
With three different pools, including one for children, a Starbucks coffee shop, a full-size, sit down restaurant, and full service Aveda hair salon, “you could spend a whole day at this gym and be as happy as can be,” Liem said.
Initial sign-up fee is $200 down; the monthly fee is $40. Lifetime Fitness members have 24 hours a day access 365 days a year.
L.A. Fitness has 20 locations around the valley. Jason Gutierrez is the personal trainer at the location on Priest and Elliot.
“We have five racquet ball courts, full-size basketball court, a steam room and sauna, and a swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Guests with memberships also have access to our many different aerobics and kickboxing classes,” Gutierrez said.
Lilly Sandoval is a new member of L.A. Fitness.
“I joined this gym because they have a reasonably priced sign-on fee and with everything that they have to offer, it’s a great deal,” said Sandoval. “And it doesn’t hurt that it is so close to my house.”
With $119 registration fee and $30 a month, L.A. Fitness seems to be the more appealing option for college students who are tight on money.
The YMCA, which has several locations all around the valley, is targeted more towards families who are planning on spending their gym time together.
They offer children’s gymnastic and cheerleading classes, along with swimming lessons and a summer camp for kids. There is a daycare center equipped with cameras so that parents can run on the treadmill and watch their kids play via television.
Olivia Younan attend the YMCA in Ahwatukee on Liberty Lane and Desert Foothills.
“I like to work out here because there are no superficial people standing around critiquing the way everyone else is working out,” Younan said. “I have experienced that at previous gyms. The people here are laid back, friendly and don’t care that I come wearing no makeup and my scrub clothes!”
Besides what YMCA offers in work-out machines and swimming lessons, they have a new rock-climbing wall and along with most of the other gyms, aerobics, kickboxing classes and child care.
Pure Fitness seems to be the other hot work-out spot for students who are unable to spend a fortune to tone their bodies. Ashley Johnson has been a member for 15 months and along with working hard for her “ideal” body, she has had an enjoyable experience doing so.
“My gym is almost like my second home. Once you get in the routine of going daily, you feel so much better about yourself and you don’t even want to skip a day,” Johnson said. “I noticed that I wake up easier and in a better mood and my days have become more productive.”
Pure Fitness offers aerobics, taebo classes, an all abs class and an all day boot camp every Saturday that focuses entirely on cardio conditioning.
Monday through Thursday they are open 24 hours and they close at 10 p.m. on Fridays, 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Volume 43, Issue 14. Today is
Brian Irons, 23, exercises his upper body in the gym at
Mesa Community College.
photo by Amanda Smith