Fitness centers not sweating recession

New 24-hour gym part of healthy local market

By KATIE ARCIERI, Staff Writer

Published 10/29/09

Everyone seems to be cutting back, but consumers are still willing to pay for a workout.

Paul W. Gillespie — The Capital
Jennifer Piera, of Riva, works out on a Freemotion machine. Piera is one of roughly 1,800 club members at 24-Hour Fitness.

That means there's money to be had - even in this economy.

Offering everything from early-morning spinning classes to drop-in basketball games, local fitness facilities are hoping to gain market share from the area's endorphin junkies.

The new 24 Hour Fitness gym that held its grand opening Oct. 21 at the Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole is pushing the convenience quotient: pound on the treadmill even if it's 2 a.m., work your delts at midnight.

Looking to stretch your spinal column or gain motivation from group...

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Re: Rec Center Prices - 2009-10-30 11:38:17

Thank you Larry, that makes much more sense.

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Stephanie P - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

Rec Center Prices - 2009-10-29 23:32:02

The new Rec center is going to be $25/month & $29 for non-residents). While there is a $40/yr program membership, "Program members are entitled to use the building for private rentals, programs or classes only."
The "program membership" does not get you access to the fitness center.

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Larry Walker - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

Gym, Evolutions - 2009-10-29 23:11:29

Wow, what a huge gym, all my friends were telling me you got to join the new gym its amazing. So I checked it out, no doubt it was nice,I met with the saleswomen and did the tour, she couldn't stop telling me how amazing it was 20,30 treadmills 20,30 of everything. So before jumping ship I told her I would think about it and let her know.

As the lone wolf I came to the conclusion that I really love my gym Evolutions, Its great they offer tons of classes which I do enjoy taking, the instructors are always great, they have everything their I could imagine, If I want to see a nutritionist I stop and see my girl Lynn, If I want to yoga I see my girl Christine, and If I want to get my butt kicked I see Frances.

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Yiannes Kacoyianni - Annapolis , Md - Karma: Neutral

Gyms - 2009-10-29 22:50:40

I'm one of the people who joined the new 24 Hour Fitness when it opened. I do like the gym, but found it interesting that they charge members in Annapolis about $25.00 per month more than they do members of the same level of club in other states (here's one in Oregon for just one example: http://bit.ly/NdVO. I couldn't find another Super Sport club that charged even close to what Annapolis does. I guess it's just because they can get away with it here. (Though they tried to tell me it's because the Annapolis club has better amenities, which just isn't true). Is the new rec center really only going to be $40 a year? That's an incredible deal.

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Stephanie Petruso - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

Gyms not sweating the recession? Wh - 2009-10-29 22:21:27

I think that this article's title may not be very accurate. Where did all these new members from 24 hour fitness come from and at who's expense? As a refugee of one of the several gyms left out of this article, it appears I was one of many who grew tired of unfulfilled promises and a severely cut back class schedule. This evidenced by all the familiar faces I now see at 24 hour fitness. 24 hour has been a breath of fresh air (literally).

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Jeff Collins - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good