Sunday, September 29, 2013

Lifetime Fitness Review


Lifetime Fitness
10996 South River Front Pkwy
South Jordan, UT 84095
801-302-0909
www.lifetimefitness.com


Overall feel of the gym:
When I pulled in the parking lot I was thinking, is this the "Mall of America"?  It's so big, I actually was shocked.  Once inside you immediately feel that this gym is super posh.  The staff is friendly and knowledgable and most of them seem to know all the patrons.  It's new and clean, and has a cafe, lounge (t.v.), and salon right when you walk in the door.  Definitely, a younger crowd (20s-40s) is predominately on display.   The vibe is "rich" and not necessarily in the sense of money.  It does seem like everyone there is very into their health and has chosen this club as a forever lifestyle.  

Weight area-
Huge; and I'm not just talking about the dudes who are in there.  It's big, and all the specific areas are labeled, "arms, legs, shoulders" on the wall.  This is helpful because there are a plethora of machines and if you are new to weights or intimidated, this at least puts you in the right direction so you are not lost. There are tons of t.v.'s  and it didn't feel the least bit crowded (Friday, 5pm).  Of course there is all the equipment needed, free weights, dumbbells, plates, benches, universal machines. 

Cardio area- 
There is an information desk at the top of the stairs before you get to the cardio machines. You can stop and ask any questions which is nice if you don't know what you are doing, but unnecessary if you are a regular.  You will never be left without a treadmill, elliptical, or StairMaster.  There must be 50 treadmills, it's nuts but totally awesome.  Mass amount of t.v.'s so you don't get bored or stuck watching a political news program you loathe. 

Group Fitness Room-
Actually a bit smaller that I expected, but fully equipped with hand weights, bands, steps, and balls.  They have about 80 classes a week which is a ton, so you don't have an excuse for missing a class.  They also have some innovative classes like Ballet Body Fusion, and Dance Jam, as well as the staples like Zumba, Kickbox, Cycle, etc. They also have some step classes which are hard to find at other gyms.  Instructors at top notch and very informative.  

Cycle Room-
Bigger than I expected with around 50 bikes, good because cyclists are die hards and typically only miss a class if one of their legs has been broken.  The bikes are nice, smooth, and have a spot at the top of the handle bars for a big "Nalgene" bottle.  Woo. Hoo.  They also have a team that gets together and rides outside on road bikes, if that type of thing pumps up your inner tube. 

Yoga Area-
It's tucked away from all the "meatheads" and seriously zen in there.  It's warm, dimly lit, and decorated in the traditional yogi type fashion.  Famous yoga instructor (well not to me, cause I'm not a yogi), that's pretty cool, because like cycle aficionados, yogis are even more intense about their practices.   

Pool, Steam Room, Sauna, and Hot Tub
I could write a entire article about the pool.  It's awesome.  If you have kids, it's a huge plus.  I went to the outdoor pool last summer with a member friend and her kids.  It's very nice because you get a fantastic aquatic center but it's also private, so typically, no crazy people hanging around and it doesn't get as busy/dirty as a public pool.  Water slides, inside and out.  Swim lessons, swim team, lifeguards, zero entry for the littles.  Five lane lap pool with digital clock. The hot tub is only for people 18 and older and is in the coed area.  There are separate mens and women's steam rooms. 

Locker Rooms-
Towel service is awesome, no more stinky, wet towels to moisten up the gym bag.  Yuck!  There is a coed Family Locker room with lots of lockable (you get a key) lockers and separate lockable shower stalls that are big enough to fit at least 3 people (mom/dad and 2 kids).  The sales guy bragged about how clean all the locker rooms are, but the stall we were showering in had tons of long black hair all over the tile floor. So that was a pretty big fail for them, but overall they are well maintained, and clean.  Also have the swimsuit spinner thing and plastic bags for damp suits. 

Basketball Court and Rock Climbing Area-
Salesman told me that they have some really good players that all meet there.  I will have to take him at his word cause I'm not a baller.  Two separate courts.  The rock climbing area is surprisingly big and looks well put together.  It's also a rentable area for birthday parties.  

Extras-
There are many:
Karate, gymnastics, squash, raquetball, many more on the website.

Pros:
Amazing club with all the bells and whistles.  Literally, the best of everything.  You get a glucose reading, blood scan and blood pressure reading too. The trainers all have 4 year degrees in a related field. Good for families who make fitness a huge priority in their lives.  
Cons: 
Many of the activities are novelty and when the novelty wears off you are still just paying a lot of money to "workout".  If you are already in decent shape you may not even use many of the perks they offer.  There is ONLY ONE location, which is a bummer.  It's hard enough to drag your butt to the gym even when it's just down the street, let alone having to drive over 20 minutes to get there.  So unless you seriously plan on using most of what is offered it might be more than what you actually need.  

Princing-
This part was tough to get info on.  You have to take a very long (mine was an hour) guided tour and sit through a short computer presentation to get to the meat and potatoes of what it's gonna cost.  Here was my breakdown:
Individual membership- $65
$10 extra per child, more if they are over 12.  
3 person membership was $139 a month kids club included.  
There are fees too- $70 initiation fee, $15 admin fee, and one other small fee (sorry can't remember what it was for, but maybe $10).
  

Next up Golds Gym.   Happy workout!





Friday, September 27, 2013

Fitness Events in Utah this week 9/27-10/6


Always on the hunt for fun things to do, 
while getting fit.  Here is this weeks list.



Johnston's Army Adventure Camp is designed for Boy Scouts age 11 and up and offers an authentic and unique hands-on adventure.... read more
Sep 27, 2013 at 5:30pm

Come to the park for a day of events on the south shore of the Cotton Tree area. Activities include paddle boarding, a blob, jet skis, food and live... read more
Pricing Details: $10 per vehicle up to 8 people
Sep 28, 2013 at 6:00am
Sep 28, 2013 at 6:00am

The Fittest State Festival Expo will offer The Utah Bike Tour. Starting line is located on State Street just east of the Gallivan Center Plaza... read more
Pricing Details: $35-$50
Sep 28, 2013 at 6:30am

Register for the Utah Marathon, part of the Fittest State Festival Expo. The starting line is located on State Street just east of the Gallivan... read more
Pricing Details: June 2-Sept. 25 the fee is $95
Sep 28, 2013 at 7:00am

Register for the Utah Half Marathon as part of the Fittest State Festival Expo. Visit utahmarathon.com/participant-info/#halfmarathon for information.
Pricing Details: $70-$90
Sep 28, 2013 at 7:00am


Join Draper City and REI to work on improving a section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Draper. Must be 12 years old or older... read more

Sep 28, 2013 at 8:00am


The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will hold a Cure Diabetes 5K walk. Visit www2.jdrf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=walk_homepage for information, and to register. Sep 28, 2013 at 8:00am


Kids ages 9-13 are invited to immerse themselves in the wonders of Antelope Island and Great Salt Lake. Each day from 9 a.m.-4... read more

Sep 28, 2013 at 9:00am

Copperview Recreation Center will hold Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, Circuit, Hot Hula, TRX classes. A $4.50 daily pass includes all... read more

Sep 28, 2013 at 9:00am
Sep 28, 2013 at 10:00am


The Fittest State Festival Expo will offer The Crazy Legs 5K. Kids and parents are invited to dress-up and express their enthusiasm, from... read more

Sep 28, 2013 at 9:00am


A 5K road race will be held as part of an ongoing fundraising effort for the Orem Library's building project, The Center for Story. The... read more
Pricing Details: $20 at the event
Sep 28, 2013 at 9:00am
Sep 28, 2013 at 9:45am


The Fittest State Festival Expo will present Utah Marathon Kids K. For kids ages 5–11 years old. Visit www.utahmarathon.com/kids.

Sep 28, 2013 at 10:00am



Goblin Valley State Park is home to an expansive cavern with skylights and ceilings 70 feet high. Come to the park at 10 a.m., for... read moreSep 28, 2013 at 10:00am
Sep 28, 2013 at 10:00am

Come to the visitor center and Huber Grove to learn about your water. Discover where your drinking water comes from, learn... read more

Sep 28, 2013 at 10:00am

Snowbird summer activities will be open daily beginning June 8, including the Aerial Tram, Alpine Slide, Bungy Trampolines, Ropes... read more

Sep 28, 2013 at 11:00am

Come to the park at 11 a.m., in the visitor center to learn about the sights, sounds and creatures of nature at night. Participants will earn... read more
Pricing Details: $9 Day-Use per vehicle, which includes Davis County causeway fee
Sep 28, 2013 at 11:00am

Bring your family to the historic Huber Grove apple orchard to pick your own apples. Two-hour time slots are available every Sunday. Cost is $15. Call 435-654-1791 for reservations.

Sep 29, 2013 at 8:00am

The Clearfield Aquatic Center will offer a cross training class, a cheerleading clinic for girls ages 5-12, "Little Dancer" classes for children... read more
Pricing Details: Class prices vary
Sep 30, 2013 at 8:00am
Oct 1, 2013 at 8:00am

This Kundalini Yoga class is ideal for beginners or for those who want a gentle practice. Bring your yoga mat and blanket. Wear loose,... read more
Pricing Details: $45 for members
Sep 30, 2013 at 6:30pm

Ensign Foundation will hold a fundraising golf tournament for the Senior Charity Care Foundation. Visit ... read more

Oct 1, 2013 at 9:00am
Oct. 1-10, 2013, runners are invited to secure their spots at the starting line for the 2014 Zions Bank Ogden Marathon to be held May 17, 2014. Visit www.ogdenmarathon.com for information.

Oct 1, 2013 at 9:00am


Join climber and REI employee, Michael Heathfield, as he presents a slide show and talk about climbing Mt Hood, Oregon's highest point. He... read more

Oct 1, 2013 at 7:00pm

Fall has arrived. Come bring in the new season and learn how animals and plants adapt to a changing environment of less... read more
Pricing Details: Free for ONC members
Oct 2, 2013 at 3:45pm

Come to the park for a geologic walk through time. Be prepared to buckle your seat belts for an uplifting event of collision... read more


Oct 4, 2013 at 10:00am

CLAS Ropes will offer a Halloween Cruise adventure riverboat ride on the Provo River. There will be more than 100 pumpkins... read more

Oct 1, 2013 at 6:00pm
Oct 2, 2013 at 6:00pm

The Breast Care Center at Jordan Valley Medical Center will present the "Cups for a Cause" 5K run/walk on Saturday, October 5, 2013. Race... read more
Pricing Details: $35 day of race
Oct 5, 2013 at 8:00am


The Blue Dragonfly Foundation will sponsor a 5k Fun run at Wheeler Farm for charity. Runners will get free samples of Crio Brewed... read more

Oct 5, 2013 at 8:00am


Log Haven resturant will host the Log Haven 6K Run. Meet at Olympus Hill shopping Center for a start time of 8 a.m. Run, walk or... read more

Oct 6, 2013 at 8:00am


Pole Dance America will hold the 2013 Pole Dance America Preliminary Competition for men and women. Visit www.jmexps.com/#!pole-dance-america-competition/cvq5 for information.
Oct 6, 2013 at 10:00am



-

Thursday, September 26, 2013

24 Hour Fitness Sandy

24 Hour Fitness Sandy
10365 S. 1300 E.
Sandy, Utah 84094
801-619-0700
www.24hourfitness.com
Club type: Sport
Overall feel of the gym:
The staff welcomes you and sometimes remembers your name (bonus).  It's clean, big, and well maintained.  There are plenty of workout options here, you name it, they likely have it at this location.   No Richard Simmons "Sweatin to the Oldies" though, darn it.  The vibe is mellow, there isn't a "hipster" or "geriatric" crowd; just a mix of people trying to get their sweat on.  Doesn't seem to me like anyone is trying to "outfit" any of the other fat burners around.

Weight area-
The selection is great for muscle seeking persons, but it is squeezed tightly together.  The gym is big enough but there is a bit of wasted space.  The corners have some of the best equipment, so you get an awful lot of bodies jammed in a tight area.  That's a bunch of people trying to get bigger, in a spot that inevitably won't.  Nonetheless, they have full sets of free weights, dumbbells, plates, benches, universal machines, and an abdominal area.

Cardio Fitness Machines-
An area formed out of total necessity, a place to go when you have missed all the good group fitness classes.  There are Precor machines (treadmills, elliptical),  StairMasters, the rowing machine, and arm cycles.  There only about 8 treadmills and I have been c.o.l. (crap outta luck) a couple times, but you can always jump on one of the other fat jigglers instead.  Take heed: this happened to me a month or so ago.  Just because nobody is on the treadmill DOES NOT mean that it's not moving. In the middle of my workout, I staked out the only open treadmill and zoned in on it. I had my headphones on, just about to take a drink out of my Nalgene, and step on the treadmill for a high incline walk. Low and behold, it was speeding at 10 mph (all out sprint speed). I can only picture what the scene looked like. I screamed, threw my full water bottle, and ipod, stumbled around, then when my butt hit the tread, I flew backward and hit the mirrored wall behind me. Seriously, I have going to the gym for nearly 20 years. Never have I been so embarrassed, but not enough to not share my story on FB and blog. Torn up knees and hands, but only my pride was seriously injured. 

Group fitness Room-
Zumba hopefuls and kick boxers alike enter and exit this room.  Typical; wood floor, mirror, but big and clean.  They have a full load of classes. Some of my favorites are Body Pump, Zumba, & Kickboxing.  You can check the website for the full list.  The instructors are knowledgeable, and good.  I know cause I have suffered through many a Jazzercise class with an instructor who couldn't find the beat at a drum circle, let alone lead an entire class.

Cycle Room-
Good enough size.  The bikes aren't my favorite.  There isn't a spot for a big "nalgene" bottle, only the real deal ex Lance Armstrong cycle type water bottles.  I don't like those cause you can't get enough ice inside to keep it nice and chilly.  Enough about water bottles though.  The bikes are a big part of the experience and unfortunately they are older and not super smooth.  The instruction you will get is great, and most of the music has been decent too (except one who picked Elton John and the entire hour was dedicated to him).  Crocodile Rock isn't cool more than once an hour, or month for that matter.
Pool, Sauna, Steam Room, and Hot Tub-
Pool has 4 lanes, and is a good temperature.  They also offer swim lessons for the aquatically challenged.  Hot tub is older and needs a new resurfacing job, but the temp soothes the muscles and helps to relax the body.  Same goes for the steam room, seriously needs new tile, but seems clean.  Sauna is hot.

Kids Club-
Open M-Th 8am-2pm then again 4pm-8pm.  Friday 8am-2pm then 4-7pm.    This one in particular is super huge; like I can't find my kids half the time huge.  Full of fun stuff for the littles to do while we go beat ourselves up.

Basketball Court-
It's there, and there are some hoops in it.  I honestly haven't stepped a foot in.  Sorry.

Stretch Area-
It should be bigger for the size of the club.  It's sandwiched between the front desk area and the personal trainer desks.  There are plenty of mats, bosu balls, foam rollers,  but you'll have to stretch bum to bum cause of the close proximity to your fitness neighbor.  Seriously though, it's fine.

Prices-

  • Keep Fit All-Club Sport Monthly Payment
    Initiation Fee
    $0.00
    Amount Due Today
    $79.04
    $76.40
    Ongoing Monthly Dues
    $36.99
  • Keep Fit All-Club Sport LOYALTY REWARD Monthly Payment
    Initiation Fee
    $49.99
    Amount Due Today
    $117.49
    $115.35
    Ongoing Monthly Dues
    $29.99
    (after 09/27/14: $26.99/mo)
  • Keep Fit All-Club Sport LOYALTY  PREMIUM Monthly Payment
    Membership Details                                           
    Initiation Fee
    $99.99
    $49.99
    Amount Due Today
    $164.52
    $109.17
    Ongoing Monthly Dues
    $26.99
    (after 09/27/14: $21.99/mo)


                       






Dun, dun, dun.  I actually have
been a member here for over 3 years so they are increased but I pay $25/monthly, my spouse contributes to the wealth of the company by just paying but never actually using the facilities.  Some day honey.  Costco also sells them now for $369 for a 2 year Sport Club membership.  Do the math on that one. Kids Club I pay $10/1st kid, $5 next kid after.  So total for 2 kids is $15 per month and I can use it up to 2 hours a day (are you sure you can't watch them while I hit the grocery store)?

Pros:
Multiple club locations, good pricing, everything you need to be fit.  Good kids club. Great group fitness classes.
Cons:
Just the basics; no towel service, no fancy locker rooms, not a place to come and enjoy the entire afternoon with the family. Slightly outdated pool area.

Lifetime fitness review tomorrow.  Have a good workout.