I was the fat kid in high school who hated gym class (the favorite venue of school bullies). While I tried various gym and training programs in my adult life, the most success I’ve had is with my current trainer Michael Ogawa, whom I’ve had for two years. We’ve made real progress.
Last week, Mike and I put together some thoughts regarding Las Vegas fitness choices that may help you find the facilities and program that work for you.
Know What’s Available to You for Little or Even No Cost
Are there exercise facilities in your apartment, condo, or home-association clubhouse? If not, then check out the Clark County Community Centers’ webpage (under Parks and Recreation) for an inexpensive membership (about $3/day, $120/year) at one of their several fitness rooms. If you’re over 65 and on a Medicare Advantage Plan, you might be eligible for a free Silver Sneakers membership at more than two dozen private facilities scatted throughout the Las Vegas valley.
If You Do Choose a Private Gym, Know What Works for You and What Doesn’t
There are dozens of private gyms and fitness centers throughout Las Vegas. Most are very good, but they vary in atmosphere, cost structure, and services offered. Planet Fitness (which Mike calls a “no-jock gym”) features free “bagel mornings” and “pizza nights” every month and has strict “no intimidation rules” against stringers/crop tops, dropping weights, or even grunting. Not for you? Then consider Crossfit, a fitness cult. An atheist, vegetarian, and Crossfitter walk into a bar. How do you know? They’ll tell you!
Some gyms include showers, lockers, and towel service in the fee; others offer it a la carte. Gyms with low membership fees make substantial profits from the juice bar, classes, and trainers — and more important, the supplements sold by the trainers, who may be on a quota.
Do you work odd hours, or travel? Then consider a gym that’s open 24 hours (Anytime Fitness, 24-Hour Fitness) or is part of a national chain.
Experienced personal trainers like Mike use small facilities that only accept clients using contracted trainers. That’s fine for me, but may not work for someone wanting a wide selection of special equipment or an extensive class selection, or is using the gym for social or even professional purposes.
Consider Location in the Equation
Generally, the closer a facility, the more you’ll use it, especially on days you really don’t want to work out.
As a form of a thank you, I’m including Mike Ogawa’s email here: [email protected].
As he has many happy long-term clients (like me), he’s not super available, but he could handle one or two additional clients. Mike uses a gym located near Sahara between Ft. Apache and Durango.
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One element that surprised me here was how cheap the major fitness centers are. I have an Lvac membership that costs me roughly $7/month. They’re open 24/7. Have locker and shower facilities while some of them also offer swimming pools, saunas and racquetball courts. There are eight of them in the valley