my fit world
www.GoldsGym.com
Pros: This facility is state-of-the-art and has an amenity that is different from the rest that I’ve ever seen; it has a “Cardio Theater” where you can watch a movie while running on a thread mill, an elliptical trainer, or a stationary bike instead of chowing down a bucket of pop-corn. It also has a Rock Climbing wall, Women Exercise area, Mind & Body room, a Spinning corner, and a Group-Ex room. Of course, like any other fitness facility, it has a Kid’s Club for your little ones. Outside, it has a basketball court, a pool, Jacuzzi, and a heavy-weight area. The set-up outside is very serene where you can lounge and relax—gather your thoughts and inside, there are available couches and tables to unwind.
Other additional features: Spa, Therapeutic Massage, Tanning Booth, and a full size Beverage Bar where you can literally have breakfast, lunch, or dinner (shakes, fruits, pastries, etc.)
Important Consideration: I’m here most of the time teaching a variety of Group Ex classes and available for Personal Training as well.
Cons: Although I’m here most of the time, the Group Ex Program still needs to be reevaluated. It seems we offer too much of cardio and not enough of what is transpiring in today’s health & fitness industry… focusing on the CORE (other variety for strengthening, prevention, and rehabilitation). Also, not enough resources are invested in the classes—it lacks the equipment that are vastly available in most fitness facilities now a days like the Bosu Ball, the Pilate Ring, a variety of Strengthening Balls, etc. Nevertheless, it is slowly heading in that direction with the introduction of many more new classes like the Hip Hop class or the Belly Dancing class.
Another downfall for this facility is that it has a high staff (trainers, instructors, sales, and customer service rep) turn-over rate, which affects the “personal” side of the service. The staff and management don’t seem to grow with the business. It alleviates from investing time and resources to develop the employees (all) so that the service level becomes personal and the employee/member relationship can build; it lacks the sense of family-oriented environment.
www.MavericksSports.com
Pros: This facility has two locations with two distinct features. Mavericks Sports has an indoor basketball court while Mavericks Gym has a larger space for more exercise equipment and cardio machines. Both have two stories (however, the Sports one has more like a mezzanine) has a preferred Women section, Child Care, Spa, Rock Climbing and a fully equipped Group Ex room (Bosu, Stability Balls, etc.). The facilities do not resemble one from the other, which is kind of nice so that members can have choices (need to have dual membership—additional fee). One has an outside hockey area while the other one has an outside weight area.
As far as the Group Exercise Program, it is phenomenal (although they do not offer as much classes), it is very different and result driven programs developed by Les Mills. The majority of the classes are Body Pump, Body Vibe, Body Step, or Body Attack—it pertains mostly to body so you can have a “Rock Hard Body.” It also has Spinning classes-RPM. The atmospheres in these facilities are very much family-oriented, friendly, caring, and result driven. In addition, the owners are very much in-tune with the members and teaches classes as well (Molly). They are very involved with the fitness industry, often participating in workshops, meetings, fitness events, etc.
The owners do really care for their members and staff. They often have a small gathering like barbecue, pizza night, or seasonal events that everyone can enjoy. NO wonder it has a stable staff that really enjoys what their doing and relates with the members. It even has a parking space for members with children. They also take part in community outreach programs to give back to the community. No wonder they were praised as the #1 Fitness Facility in Ventura (personally, I prefer Mavericks Gym for its layout and great looking locker/restroom).
Cons: The facilities lack a juice bar; however, they always offer fresh fruits or energy bar free on high traffic days. The locker room in Mavericks Gym needs a little attention. The group ex room in the Sports is too echoic. The facilities are not so much state-of-the-art—it correlates more to a gym than a health & fitness club (although the Gym is heading in that direction). The group ex classes are more advance than what I’ve seen; this is great, but it could also be a turn-off to someone with very selective “BODY” classes.
www.BallyFitness.com
Pros: This facility is one grand floor, which is very strategically laid-out. It is always clean and sanitized (equipment). It has an outside pool, sauna, Kid’s Club, a private room, a small group training room, a Spinning room, and has one great Group Ex room that houses a variety of floor work equipment (Bosu, hand weights, etc.). The trainers are always busy—this is the place to be a Personal Trainer (I guess it kind of compensate for the shortage of group fitness classes). This center has a great parking space; it accommodates almost every member that arrives during peak hours. The administrators (management, instructors, and trainers) are very friendly and accommodating. In addition, the fitness leaders are well trained and very selective of what to offer.
Another good thing going for Ballys is that they invest so much resources in ensuring that their staff, Instructors and Personal Trainers are well trained and the best in their craft. You can always see Ballys Total Fitness as part of some show or Reality TV or even an appearance in movies and TV shows. I remember Sheena Easton was their spokesperson back in the 90’s and she rocked!
The most important success for this organization is that the Management, Staff, Trainers & Instructors have comradery.
Cons: There is only a very few group ex classes and some of it are group ex classes that require members to still pay extra; this is called Fit Plus. Pretty much, in order to take the best classes you need to fork-out some cash! No wonder most of the members shies away from group ex and when I teach there I really do tone in down so that the members survive my basic routine. In addition, since it has a very selective group ex program, members does not have a very keen relationship with one another unless they are together. In other words, there is no sense of members-orientation or connection. You can attest to this sentiment when you take a peek of the Kid’s room, the child care provider is almost always on his or her chair, not engaging in Kids activity.
I’m not quite sure if this rumor is correct, but didn’t they filed for Chapter 11 or 12—bankruptcy)?
health & fitness centers
i've visited
www.EquinoxFitness.com
Pros: This is a multimillion dollar facility; it has the finest amenities and service-scapes. Visiting this facility reminded me of Feng Shui architecture, décor, and the elements it presents. So far there are only seven location in Southern California and three in the Northern part. Pasadena was named one of the top 10 in the United States last year. Eventually, there will be one opening by 2008 at Woodland Hills. They are located in areas that have high-income streams because they are high-premiere luxury Health & Fitness facility. Something different from their services are the full-service in-house Spa, Pilates Studio (aside from Yoga Studio), and a Laundry service!!!!
There’s not much I can say about this facility until I actually experience the club; however, I met the General Manager and the other members of the leadership team and they were very friendly and very professional.
Cons: Membership will cost you as much as leasing an average vehicle. Is this going to be a Fitness facility for everyone, no; maybe it is for the rich and famous—kind of intimidating for the average Jane & Joe. Send me a feedback when you try this club.
www.LAFitness.com
Pros: I had the opportunity to be part of this organization back in 2000 until 2004 when I moved to Oxnard. So, far I have been trying to join them again—here in Ventura, but they have no spot for me, yet???! Anyway, one thing I know about this club is that they too invest highly in their employees. We often have meetings and fitness clinics. There were continuous communication and mentorship from coordinators. I believe the facility is pretty much the same from your regular clubs and fitness centers. The one in Alondra had an indoor Racquetball Court, and Basketball Court, Pool. It is really not fair to comment on the facility in Ventura and what they offer for I was only there for a couple of times and never made it pass the front desk.
Cons: However, there were no connection between Trainers & Instructors (like most clubs); they are separate entity—competing from one another. There were numerous time that we, instructors, would be upset because the trainers will post that “cardio is not good for you” for the members to sell PT.
However, from what I heard regarding their Group Ex from members that switched they lack the three E’s of the word “Exercise” enthusiasm, enjoyment, and energy. Of course, this perception is different from individual, so you can’t really based it from the people that I have spoken too—so try it your self and let me know!
www.24HourFItness.com
Pros: "24 Hour Fitness" is a national fitness center and health club. It has locations across the United States. "24 Hour Fitness" has three types of clubs; Fitness/Active, Sport, and Sporting/Super Sport. Facilities, club size and amenities vary by location and club type. The Fitness/Active Clubs are under 25,000 square feet and offer pure fitness amenities, baby sitting, weight training, cardio equipment and locker rooms. Sport Clubs are over 35,000 square feet and offer additional amenities such as basketball courts, racquet courts and pools. Sporting/Super Sport Club facilities are in excess of 50,000 square feet and offer additional amenities such as day spas, towel services, executive locker rooms and tanning beds. Membership rates range from $127 for 90 days (Internet special) to as much as $300 or more per 90 days, depending on the type of facility. They offer pay-as-you-go memberships as well as long-term memberships.
"24 Hour Fitness" is convenient due to the fact it is always open. It's facilities in most locations are as good as it gets and probably your best choice for health clubs or gyms.
Cons: Again, I only visited this facility in Esplanade once or twice and with those couple of times, I was not impressed with the ambiance, but that is coming from a critical eye. Nevertheless, from what I hear (members and students) the classes are dull or not inspiring enough. If anyone out there have a different opinion, please let me know!
http://www.YMCA.net/
Pros: The YMCA is known for promoting family values and character development. A gym membership at the YMCA embraces these values with plenty of opportunity for family fitness, child/parent classes, team sports and child care. — Family Values — Since we wanted to make exercise and weight loss a family-based activity, we were drawn to the YMCA. Open gym time, open swim time, discounts on team sports and free child care included with the membership made it a simple choice for my family of four. — A little Extra — YMCA members have to pay a little extra to participate team sports and in some classes offered, but members do get a discount on these programs. — Recording Progress — The YMCA uses the an electronic system that you log into each time you workout. Just put your 4-digit code into each machine before you begin and the stats are tracked for you. Log out at the end of your session to see how many exercises you did, how many reps you completed, how long, etc.
The only experience I have with YMCA is with the Village People and the dance that they came up with back in the 70s
Cons: The problem when it comes to fitness for weight loss is that many people fail to maintain long-term motivation for health club-style workouts. They are somewhat expensive and inconvenient due to the fact you have to commute to their physical location. For many, exercising in a gym is too repititive, inherently dull and embarrassing when you are overweight and out of shape. In my experience of going to the gym for over 20 years, a vast majority of people are there to socialize and do light exercise which does not burn many calories.
But regular exercise, even gym workouts, is by far the most important variable in long-term weight loss. We prefer lifestyle exercise activities such as tennis, hiking, cycling, skiing, climbing, dancing, etcetera... They are the type of activities that you don't think of as exercise; they create a passion in your life and will lead to a lasting victory over your weight problems. Find a basic food plan or choose one of the inexpensive online weight loss programs for structure and support, add regular exercise and you have all the ingredients for the best possible solution.
www.ClubHollywoodFitness.com
I really don't have much to say about this facility for I have not taken a tour of this club. Although, I was there for a possible fitness class; however, I just left after waiting for 45 minutes at the front desk. As I came in to the front door, I was welcomed with a foul smell and a guy hammering on the left side. In addition, the person at the front counter was not very nice. He looked at me and stated that I can not come in if I am not a member. Well, I decided not to come in at all and walked out along with other possible members in the future due to my unique energizing fitness program.
fit source
http://FitTV.Discovery.com
This is the website for the TV Network "Fit TV" on channel 368 (for DirecTV customers). A great resources for all latest fitness news: from supplements, to exercise routines, as well as highlighting new discoveries and esults of scientific testings. In addition, you can watch some eciting Group Ex classes such as CORE Max, Hip Hop, Dance, Rumba, Step, Bosu, etc. I get most of my fitness class format from watching their show. My favorite is "All Star Workout."
Just be aware that sometimes they show some re-runs that is from 1990's, esp. the Gilad programs or the Carribean Workout, which from my opinion was from the Stone Age.
Health.Discovery.com This is the parent company of "Fit TV." The website offers fit news, top stories around the world, expert blogs, and you can even watch trailers and other stream news on the site. There is a lot of information you can obtain from this site as well as other resources you can go to in regards to diseases, health organizations, treatments, etc.
FitnessBusinessPro.com
If you are in the "Health & Fitness Industry," this is the website for you. It has information on the latest happenins in fitness world. You may also obtain jobs, search the classified ads, and check out the resource center.
www.Cathe.com
Cathe is one dynamic fitness instructor. You can see her and watch her fitness classes at FIt TV. She has the latest choreograpy and know-how. She practices what she preaches and she often changes her programs to avoid reaching plato. She is great on Steps (esp. Step Intervals), she utilizes the Resistance Ball, and she does wonders with weights on her Core Max classes. Her website offers fitness products, news and events, and most importantly, you may order her fitness videos, which I do recommend, esp. if you want to see results. Or, come to my classes, I do try to emulate her ideas and movements/choreography.
www.Fitness.com
This website is a "Global Fitness Community" that you may utilize to track your fitness activities, body transformation, and acquire or exchange recipes. You can take part in the Forum or take a survey or even read articles as well as submit one; and most importantly, you can track your BMI (Body Mass Index).
www.Pro-weight-Training.com
This website is great for novice fitness enthusiast; usually I would not provide this information for it competes with my fitness offerings. However, not everyone wants to hire a Personal Trainer nor go to a Group Ex Class. Therefore, this is the site for those who shies away from the crowd and prefers self taught fitness regimen. The website allows you to visually see any basic specific exercise movements as well as know what the experts/pro are doing. This site is especially designed for Bodybuilders; it offers supplementation and nutrition regimen.
www.EXRX.net
Again, another great website that I am compelled to share with you all. This site is like having a dictionary of exercises and fitness training on the web. Speaking of books, you can order them here as well. This site is for everyone who wants to know what to do first or what they should do for their specific needs. I use this site a lot to design my fitness programs.
www.AFAA.com
The only thing I can say to you about this site is that it is the website/organization you want to go to if you want to be ceritified in the fitness field. As far as health & fitness information, you can obtain a synapse then the rest will cost you; after all, they are in the business of making money through fitness. I would recommend obtaining your certification though Idea, Aerobic Pipeline, or IHRSA first before you got to AFAA... get your experience first or you'll be wasting your hundreds.
www.GinMiller.com
She is the mother of Step. From what I can remember and heard, she was a great athlete who had a mishap. She was advicedby her doctor to step on top of milk crates or staircase to rehabilitate her injured leg. She did what was necessary and realized that stepping up and down the milk crate was (is) a workout... to make the story short, she came up with what we are now used to... The Step Workout. I beleive she partnered with Reebok and came up with Power Step, Step Reebok, etc. After that, I beleive there was some litigation of who developed the program. She did not make millions from her invention, but she made so much difference in the world of fitness and she continues to strive to deliver the best. You should also try to acquire some of her music.. it is the bomb!!!
http://www.FitDay.com/ Another website designed to cater to your individual needs. This site has a free online account that you can generate to track your daily diet journal.
Completely Free
Track your Foods, Exercises, Weight and Goals & View your Calories, Nutrition, Weight Loss
and more
Daily Calorie Counts, Carbs, Fat, and Protein
Weight Loss and Goals & Detailed Nutrition for 1,000's of foods
Long Term Diet Analysis and much more...
equipment & gear
the sites below are your resources for companies that sells or rent out equipment, whther be for personal or commercial. One offers more than the other. You may purchase from cardio machines, to weight machines and purchase workout gear as well as gloves, jump ropes, etc.
http://www.FitnessGear101.com/
http://www.Power-Systems.com/
http://www.Spinning.com/
http://www.TimeforFitness.com/
organization
Please make a contribution and donate.
Support us in supporting others.
Together, we can help change someone's life!
www.WalkAmerica.org/MhonnP27
www.WalkAmerica.org/400346
www.AidsLifeCycle.org/