Surveys show that people are more likely to go to a fitness center weekly if the site is nearby, welcoming, affordable, well equipped, and clean. We’ve done the legwork to find facilities in downtown San Diego with these attributes. Here are five fitness centers where the membership is worthwhile. If you live in a downtown San Diego condo, loft, or penthouse, you should definitely check out these fitness centers.
1. Fit Athletic Club
At this world-class East Village facility, you’re embraced by the spacious atmosphere that features an open floor plan, natural light, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Five gym sections house the latest in fitness equipment, including machines, punching bags, and free weights. To ease into your workout, stretch to your heart’s content in two designated gym areas. Meanwhile, music plays at a comfortable volume, treadmills have Bluetooth capability, and TVs are mounted to most cardio machines. The outdoor deck has bikes and rowers with prime views of the Petco Park baseball stadium. On the roof, you’ll find the mid-sized pool, edged by a long row of lounge chairs. Nearby, the Jacuzzi’s soothing comfort beckons you. To use the sauna or steam room, head back to the second floor. The locker rooms are immaculate and equipped with showers and hair dryers. Toiletries and towels are complimentary. There’s also an inviting lounge featuring cushy chairs, free Wi-Fi, and a wide-screen TV. If exercising has left you famished, stop in at the café, which sells healthy snacks, beverages, and prepackaged meals made with local produce. Club membership comes with unlimited yoga, spin, and group fitness classes. The gym validates two hours of parking at its garage next to the baseball stadium. Another Fit Athletic Club is slated to open in Little Italy in December 2019.
2. Balanced Fitness and Health
If you work in the downtown business district, this gym is ideal. Balanced Fitness has all the basic training equipment, including treadmills, spin bikes, punching bags, and free weights. The club’s cordial staff will warmly welcome you. Other draws are the two-story rock wall, clean locker rooms, and free 90-minute parking. If you like the energy and support of group exercise, you have many classes to choose from. For example, Fit Camp tailors exercise to your ability without the use of equipment. Or take a class geared to a specific purpose, such as working on strength, endurance, quick reflexes, or relaxation. While some personal trainers are like drill sergeants, that’s not the case here. Instead, the trainers will cheer you on, promoting your goals while not pushing your limits. The one-on-one sessions are offered at two levels, Get Started and Transformation, and last up to 50 minutes. For assistance with maintaining a healthy weight, there’s the nutritional program. A dietician will adapt a meal plan to your needs, including a gradual transition to great eating habits. With the seven-day free pass, you can check out the gym with no obligation to join. To try a group class before enrolling, request the three-day free pass. Then, if Balanced Fitness is right for you, choose from three membership levels. Access includes locker room privileges and towel service. The Gold plan provides the same services plus admission to 40 group classes. Platinum membership adds three monthly sessions with a personal trainer. After signing a contract, you have 30 days to cancel and receive a full refund. If you’d like to renew after a year, there’s an additional maintenance fee.
3. BodyFit
At this boutique-style gym in Little Italy, you’re treated like family. A husband-and-wife team runs the studio (both are certified personal trainers). Nina and Scott specialize in “functional training.” This exercise method primes your body to perform everyday activities with greater strength, efficiency, and balance, making you less prone to injury and fatigue. The trainers also customize programs for weight loss, body sculpting, and sports performance. If your goal is basically to feel and look healthy, they’ll choose the best type of training for your physique. Plus, they’ll design a fun, interesting regimen that sustains your motivation. If you’d rather exercise independently, there’s a wide range of top-notch equipment, such as elliptical trainers, spin bikes, treadmills, weight machines, battle ropes, medicine balls, kettlebells, and free weights. You’ll also find TRX—suspension equipment that uses your body weight to exert resistance, simultaneously building your strength, flexibility, and balance. BodyFit also offers nutritional counseling. Whether you need help with meals for yourself or a family, you’ll receive simple recipes, snack ideas, grocery lists, and information on healthy substitutes for harmful foods. The entire facility is pristine. Free amenities include towel service, showers, and bottled water. Packages are available for 5, 10, and 20 sessions. If you want a gym with a close-knit community, you’ll find it at BodyFit.
4. F45 Training
If practical exercise is your style and you like the vibe of group classes, F45 is your studio. “F” stands for functional training, while “45” represents the standard class length of 45 minutes. If you’re self-conscious about exercising in public, the friendly and caring personal trainers will quickly allay your fears. The training focus varies according to a weekly schedule. Specific days are dedicated to cardio, strength training, or a combination of both. Since the gym has a database of 4,000+ exercises, workouts are always fresh and fun. Each high-intensity class has two or three trainers demonstrating the moves. You can also follow the exercise demos on several TVs lining the gym walls. All classes begin with muscle warmup. Then you’re led through a circuit of numbered stations. The TV recordings tell you when to switch stations and where to go next, maintaining a smooth flow of activity. If you have any chronic injuries or physical limitations, tell an instructor, and he or she will modify the moves for your safety and comfort. If it’s been a while since you’ve worked out, start with the strength training classes before trying cardio sessions. The gym provides ample towels, and cold beverages await you in the fridge. Every gym surface is spotless. Finding parking is relatively easy, either on the street or at several nearby lots. However, give yourself an extra 10 minutes to locate a spot. Also, arrive 10 minutes before your first class, and tell the trainers you’re new. They’ll gladly brief you on what to expect. F45 is a franchise with gyms throughout San Diego, including East Village and Little Italy. Hours and membership fees vary by location. If you’re unsure about joining, take advantage of the seven-day free trial period.
5. Broadway Athletic and Swim Club
This high-end club is located three blocks north of Seaport Village, and its most renowned feature is the rooftop lap pool with enchanting views of San Diego Bay. A swimmer’s dream, the three-lane heated pool is flanked by luxurious couches, loungers, and cabanas on a spacious terrace. A turf-covered, two-lane running track lines the rooftop’s perimeter. The gym areas feature indoor and outdoor stations, and they have every type of apparatus imaginable, including TRX, squat racks, spin bikes, jungle gyms, treadmills, and elliptical trainers. You’ll also find individual mats, foam rollers, resistance bands, free weights, barbells, ropes, medicine balls, and kettlebells. Staff members are welcoming, kind, and courteous, and the bathrooms and locker rooms are impeccably clean. Other amenities include saunas, steam rooms, towel service, showers, swimsuit dryers, and upscale locker rooms with free toiletries. Take your pick of 21 types of free fitness classes with morning, afternoon, and evening time slots. Other services include personal training, massage, and physical therapy. Parking is available in the building’s garage and validated for up to three free hours. Before joining the gym, you can take a complimentary class. If you choose the Signature membership, you’ll pay a monthly fee plus an enrollment charge, and if you cancel within 30 days, your money will be fully refunded. With the Executive plan, there’s no enrollment fee, and you’ll pay monthly, with the freedom to cancel at any time without penalty. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a yoga master, or someone who simply wants to stay healthy, you’re sure to find a fitness center that’s just right for you in San Diego’s downtown area. The incredible variety of fantastic places to work out is only one reason to consider buying real estate in downtown San Diego. If you’re ready to find your dream home in America’s Finest City, call on the experienced agents from 92101 Urban Living. Give us a call today at 619-649-0368.