musings, ponderings, quips, and whatever else

I felt the need to post on this, lest someone on the West Coast has a choice to make.

I was a Golds member for a few years prior to our West Coast move, as was Rob. The reason why we switched to 24HourFitness is that you can go to every single club no matter what--- versus Golds where they are independently franchised and you have to redo your membership if you leave your general area.

However... we have not been impressed. We have been to just about every type of 24HourFitness.... from the one in Hollywood, to Northern CA (Roseville), to Vegas (yes, we worked out there... can't stop even there!), to Sherman Oaks to Northridge. But seriously? It kind of sucks. It does not have the same "serious fitness" vibe that Golds has. It just doesn't. And that isn't good.

If you are a "casual" work-outer... 24 works. The nicest one we have been to is the MagicSport in Sherman Oaks. The other "super" athlete endorsed one (The AgassiSport we went to in Vegas) was small and had nothing to do with tennis other than a few pictures on the wall.

Yes, they have weights and machines. But nothing that a serious work out buff is looking for.

When we were home in NOVA for a few days, we also worked out at Sport&Health in Ballston, Arlington and Baileys Crossroads. They had the same feel as 24HourFitness... ok, but not if you are a serious fitness buff (ie. serious weight lifting, etc).

So... if you have a choice? Go with Golds. In NOVA a lot of them are "corporate" so you can go to all of those, if you travel around with work.

For us? Once we stop traveling and "settle down"... we're joining Golds again. We are both getting really tired of the lack of equipment (like only have one 20/30 pound barbell and only 1-2 sets of the most popular dumbbells--- 10-30#).

Anyway. Just a little something to think on.