24 Hour Fitness

There are many options for fitness clubs. In my pat experience, I'd rank their sales tactics up there with the used car industry. 24-Hour Fitness, however, is different. They don't have "contracts", simply monthly payment plans developed on what you wish to achieve. You can cancel at any time (usually takes a month for payment reasons), and they won't hunt you down to regain your membership. They have an amazing array of traditional weight machines, a circuit training set, a Jr. Sized Olympic Pool (with classes!), Yoga, Pilate's, Kick-boxing classes, and all the other bells and whistles you'd expect from a state of the art fitness facility. They do have a kid's care, around $4 for 2 hours, drink and healthy snack machines, and other offerings (personal trainer, food program, etc.) Good stuff. If you want a change, and a place with a wonderful salt-water filtration system (no chlorine!), this is the place for you. more

I recently switched gym locations after moving to a nearby city. Although the gyms are both owned by 24 hour fitness the difference is noticeable. I use to work out at the gym off Bake Pkwy. in Irvine and now I've switched to the one in Orange off Champan Ave. The major difference is that the Irvine location is a sport and Orange is an active so the quality is lower and they do not have a pool. However, I think I like this location better. The other gym was full of people who looked like they had just stepped off the pages of fitness magazine, which for some might be incentive for me it was intimidating. Not that there isn't good looking people at Orange, but the crowd isn't decked out in their latest Nike matching outfits and seems to be more down to earth. Plus I've found the staff much friendlier and attentive. I do miss the pool and sauna, but if I'm really craving it I can drive a few miles to the gym by the Aneheim Stadium and get my swim on there. My only advice is do not sign up for one of their gimmicks like nothing down, because you'll pay more in the long run for a higher monthly due. And if you can afford it buy the lifetime membership if you are serious about working out for forever. See you at the treadmill. more