Get Fit in Oakland – 24-hour Fitness Downtown Offers it All

Whether you are new to Oakland, CA, or just passing through on business, you will want to keep that exercise routine fresh. Oakland offers numerous fitness clubs, including chains, such as Gold’s Gym, Club One, and Curves. But if you want access to a variety of cardio equipment, weightlifting, classes and hours, 24-Hour Fitness is the way to go. Their downtown gym is in an ideal location on Webster and 20th street, just a short walk to Lake Merritt.

The gym itself is spacious offering numerous amenities. You can enter off the street (Webster), or park in the garage off of 21st street. The gym validates garage parking during early weekday mornings (6:30 to 8 am) and evenings (4:30 – 11 pm). Otherwise, there is usually ample street parking within a block or so – just be sure to have enough change to the feed the meter for your entire workout (parking enforcement is vigilant).

Most people can join the club for less than $50 per month. (Mention this article to the Sales Manager to receive two weeks complimentary.) If you just want to visit the club, day use fees are $10. Members often have a few guest passes, so find a friend who has joined recently.

This gym has met my fitness needs for the past two years. Here are some of the features that appeal to me:

1.Courteous and knowledgeable staff. I am always greeted with a cheerful smile. There is always one staff member available to explain a machine’s use.

2.Clean equipment. The “clean team” crew is constantly wiping down machines, vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning the bath and shower facilities. Members and guests are encouraged to have a towel to wipe down equipment after use.

3.Variety of cardio machines. There are nearly 20 treadmills and that many stair climbers, steppers and elliptical combined. The club is constantly working on improving access to machines.

4.Friendly members. As a single woman, this is the most courteous gym I have attended. I am able to get to work without feeling like I’m in a single’s bar!

5.Classes. There are many free classes. They include: yoga, power yoga, Pilates, spinning, ab focus, and step. The spinning class – tucked away in a quiet, dark corner – is always busy. Most instructors are knowledgeable and all are friendly.

Here are some other features of the downtown 24-Hour Fitness that might appeal to you:

1.Day Care. The Kids’ Club is a large room with a padded climbing structure, videos, cushy baby area, cubbies, table and chairs for coloring, basketball hoop and plenty of run-around room. The low cost is separate from club fees and can vary depending on whether you pay-as-you-go or buy a 10- or 20-visit card. The kids’ staff is vigilant about checking parents’ ID’s. My kids always enjoy their time. Hours are 4:30 – 8 pm during the week and 9 am – 1pm during the weekend. Times and fees may change, so check the club. Holiday hours vary.

2.Large free-weight and machine area. I personally don’t use the machines. However, I have spoken to some members who say the gym satisfies all their needs and they don’t feel they ever wait long for a machine.

3.Circuit Area. The gym has organized about 10 machines that you can visit within 24 minutes. Instructions are available. I would ask staff for help my first time, though.

4.Handicap Accessible. I spoke to several wheelchair bound members. Each said the gym is quite accessible with ramps. Staff and members assist with machines.

5.Personal Trainers. Trainers are always around and available for sessions. This is an extra cost.

Of course, no one is perfect. Some bug issues:

1.The women’s bathroom. The locker room itself is large and usually clean. Showers are available. But, the toilet stalls always seem to have some issue. The toilets flood occasionally. And no stall contains personal waste cans.

2.The “stretch area”. If you work out in the middle of the day, this small, carpeted area is usually available. But, if, like most people, you either workout before 9 or after 5, the rug is packed and there is little alternative of finding a quiet spot to stretch.

3.The 20-minute cardio rule. Not everyone wants to follow the club’s signs, which tell members and guests that there is a 20-minute limit on cardio machines during peak hours. You can sign up for machines or you can have staff remind people their time is up. Problem is, too, between 5 and 7 pm, there just isn’t enough cardio equipment, despite the fact that there are nearly 40 machines.

4.Not everyone wipes down his or her equipment.

Overall, this gym meets the needs of the typical exercise junky or occasional user. Don’t forget to mention this article to the Sales Manager for a complimentary two weeks at the club.