According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the benefits of physical fitness include more energy, stronger muscles, less chance of heart-related illness and overall health improvements. The national chain 24 Hour Fitness offers you the opportunity to improve your level of fitness whether you enjoy working out first thing in the morning or well after midnight.
History
The 24 Hour Fitness company is a chain of health clubs that started in 1983 with a single location. The unlimited access and wide variety of workout opportunities at the first 24 Hour Fitness center's location set an example for other fitness centers throughout the United States. The company became an official sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team in 2003 and is continuing sponsorship through 2012. There are 400 fitness center locations located in 17 states, as of 2010.
Flexibility
24 Hour Fitness centers are open and staffed 24 hours a day most days of the year. You can choose from a variety of classes, gym equipment and personalized instruction. Some centers also offer group classes and training from early in the morning to later in the evening, as well as allowing clients to work out on the equipment through the overnight hours. There are locations in many cities, so you can exercise when you arrive at your travel destination -- even if it is in the middle of the night.
Types
There are a variety of clubs available through 24 Hour Fitness so you can select the style and focus of fitness center that fits with your exercise personality and lifestyle. Unlike traditional chain fitness centers, which offer similar or identical services in every location, 24 Hour Fitness has four types of clubs. Ultra Sport clubs have a more luxurious gym setting, with upscale surroundings and specialized sections for personal training. Super Sport clubs have basic workout equipment, group classes and added amenities such as swimming and basketball. The Sport Center facilities give you the option of a wide variety of group workouts as well as saunas and whirlpools. The medium-size club, the Active or Fit Lite center, uses machines, weights and group fitness classes to help you get in shape, according to the company's website.
Company Oversight
Although all the centers offer the basic amenities, the amenities and options increase within the club types. The more elegant the club, the more specialized the offerings, including luxuries such as towel service, tanning centers and specialized classes. The company hires all the employees and personal trainers; trainers must participate in 24 Hour Fitness' internal certification process or hold a master trainer certification.
Considerations
24 Hour Fitness clubs allow certain levels of membership to transfer or move memberships from one center location to another, which is helpful if you relocate or travel frequently. Alternately, you can elect to join one particular club. If new to training in a club, ask about a free trial or a month-to-month contract to make sure the 24 Hour Fitness environment is appropriate for your level of fitness.
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