Get in shape for summer:
Overview of local workout facilities

By Judy Torel

The hint of warmer weather historically brings on the second largest influx of new memberships at health clubs. Second only to New Year’s Resolution Makers, May is Winter Damage Reversal Month. People realize they have about four weeks to try to undo the results of a long northeast winter, full of high calorie, stick-to-your-ribs food and indoor hibernation.
In keeping with this month’s Best Of issue, I thought it appropriate to present a teaser of some of the premier health clubs and fitness specialty facilities in our area. So, if you are in the race to get in shape before summer officially begins, you can begin your search right here.

Franchise health facilities
Our area is home to several national and international franchise facilities. Typically, they offer benefits that can only be gained by joining a franchise club. As a member, not only do you have access to the club you joined, but you also purchase the ability to workout in any of the other franchise facilities both in this area or when you travel.
Franchise facilities are generally set up in the same way from club to club, so you can expect to find the same equipment and services within each. This makes working out in different places more familiar and helps to motivate adherence to your exercise program when out of town.Franchise facilities have a tried and true success model as their foundation and are less apt to go out of business without notice, so there is financial safety in joining.

Planet Fitness – Known as the Judgement Free Zone, Planet Fitness prides itself on creating an environment where no matter what size or shape your body is, you will be made to feel comfortable and will enjoy working out for the joy of exercise. Planet Fitness boasts that 80% of its members are first time gym members. The franchise caters to those seeking general fitness and has policies that discourage body builders per se.
Currently, there are branches in Loudonville, Rotterdam, Clifton Park and Delmar with more locations in negotiation.
Facilities include unlimited personal training with the staff trainer, extensive cardiovascular equipment, machine weights and free weights. A special black card membership will get you unlimited tanning, half price cooler drinks and unlimited guests. Open 24 hours Monday–Thursday. Friday closed at 9pm, Saturday & Sunday 7am-7pm.
Price: $39 initiation fee and $10 per month ($19 for Black card membership). For more info: www.planetfitness.com.

YMCA – Although not officially a franchise, this not-for-profit organization has multiple locations throughout the Capital Region and membership at one gets you membership at all. Long known for its family oriented facilities, the YMCA offers after-school and summer children’s programs, exercise classes, a 20 lap pool, sauna, hot tub and steam rooms, racquetball courts, an indoor track (26 laps per mile), a cardio room and weights. Personal trainers are available to set members up with a Ready Fit Program which is an individualized workout unique to the YMCA.
Locations include South Albany, Albany, East Greenbush, Bethlehem and Clifton Park.
Hours: Monday-Friday 5:45am-9:30pm; Saturday 7am-7pm; Sunday 7am-5pm.

Price: $100 initiation fee and $45 single adult (family memberships available). For more info: www.ymca.com.
Gold’s Gym – Known for its extensive class schedule and state-of-the-art weight room facilities, Gold’s Gym has been a premier health center in the Capital Region since the early 1990s. It offers childcare facilities, over 65 classes per week (Latham location), cardiovascular and weight equipment and includes an orientation for all new members. Dedicated to fighting childhood obesity, they are currently introducing a first-of-its-kind, children’s program called Jumping Jacks and Jills (Guilderland location).
Locations include Latham, Guilderland, Clifton Park and Niskayuna.
Hours: Monday-Friday 5am-11pm; Saturday & Sunday 7am-7pm.
Price: Varied. Stop in at any location to inquire. For more info: www.goldsgym.

Privately owned, single location facilities
The Capital Region also has its share of single location fitness facilities, each with its own unique offerings. Privately owned facilities usually have a particular specialty in which they excel.
LA Boxing – located at Albany Shaker Road and Osborne Avenue in Loudonville, LA Boxing offers a full gym and cardio center but really specializes in boxing, kickboxing and Ju Jitzu classes. All instructors are either pros or pro-fighter trainers. Classes begin at 6:30am and continue through 7:45pm Monday-Friday with additional classes offered on the weekends. The facility includes a full boxing ring for sparring and you can either purchase your own gloves and wraps or use their supply. Classes are 60 minutes and include work on the 150-pound heavy bags. This is a happening place and offers a really intense and entertaining workout.
Price: $49-$69 monthly with sliding scale initiation fee depending on length of membership purchased. For more info: www.laboxing.com.

Deb’s Sweat Shop Extension – located in the rear of the Hilton Music Center Building on Russel Road next to Price Chopper in Westgate Plaza, Albany, Deb’s Sweat Shop is a class-only facility. No need to purchase a full gym membership, you can pay as you go or purchase a package of 12 classes. The state-of-the-art classes are taught by some of the area’s most experienced instructors. Some of the classes include: Indoor Cycling, Iyengar Yoga, BOSU Circuit, Step, Muscle Pump and Body Burn. If the only reason you go to a health club is to take classes, you would do well to check out Deb’s!
Classes begin at 6am and end at 8pm and include weekend classes.
Price: $12 single class, $72 for a package of 12 (good for 3 months). For more info: www.debssweatshop.com.

Excel 180 – located in Metro Park off Wolf Road, Excel 180 is a small, exclusive club that specializes in providing exceptional personal training in an upscale environment. The facility includes a full line of cardiovascular and weight equipment and offers group exercise classes in addition to being home to some of the area’s most well-known personal trainers.
Hours: Monday-Friday 6am-9:30pm; Saturday 7am-4pm; Sunday 8am-3pm.
Price: $100 enrollment, $80 monthly, $75 per month/6 month contract, $70 per month/12 month contract or you can pay $35 per month plus personal trainer’s fee to just train without unlimited use of the cardio/weight facility. For more info: www.excel180fitnessfacility.com.

Rudy A. Cicotti Center – located behind Wolf Road Shoppers Park on the fringe of The Crossings Golf Course, this family wellness facility is home to the area’s most impressive aquatics center that you must see to really experience. There is a four lap pool that converts to a wave pool, a lazy river, a 20-foot multi loop water slide, splash pad and a warm water spa. The center also includes exercise classes, an indoor track, cardio and weight equipment, several full basketball courts, babysitting and youth games. Personal trainers are available for additional fees and rentals for children’s parties or corporate meetings are available.
Hours: Monday-Friday 5am-11pm; Saturday & Sunday 7am-10pm.
Price: $38 single/$78 family with student and senior rates available. For more info: www.colonieyouthcenter.org.

Judy Torel is a therapist/personal trainer with a Master’s degree in psychology. She is certified through the American College of Sports Medicine as a fitness trainer and works out of Planet Fitness and Deb's Sweat Shop Extension. She can be reached at JTOREL2263@yahoo.com.