Gyms And Clubs Aid Local Fitness Goals

“Choosing the right fitness center is critical to achieving personal goals, according to industry experts. The fitness centers and health clubs in the Toledo area offer a wide variety of facilities and programs for men and women. General Manager Chad Ulmer at the new Urban Active Fitness in Maumee. Convenience is important, said Gregg Schwartz, a certified personal trainer who operates American Mobile Fitness. Make sure the facility is one that is close to home or work with hours and class times that fit your schedule, he said. Schwartz writes a health and fitness column for Toledo Free Press. Urban Active Fitness is opening a new facility in Maumee on Feb. 7 with a grand opening sneak preview party for members and the community. The event begins at 9 a.m., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m., and ends at 7 p.m. New members joining that day will avoid paying the regular $199 enrollment fee and save more than $300 on monthly dues with the special grand opening promotion. ‘Urban Active’s mission is to create active communities by offering the latest in fitness and wellness programs that takes the concept of ‘health club’ to the next level,’ said Sean Phillips, area manager for Urban Active. The chain, owned by Global Fitness Holdings, has operated a full-service fitness center in Toledo since February 2008. ‘We’re not experiencing any downturn but are seeing a positive increase in the Toledo market,’ Phillips said. ‘We only planned to have one facility there but are adding the second location due to the local response.’ There are several franchises in the area with Bally Total Fitness, Power House Gym, Curves for Women and Lifestyles for Ladies Only, among others. Curves has numerous locations in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, all operating as individually owned franchises. ‘We’re getting a lot of interest now as people are trying to get back in the groove with their health and weight,’ said Miriam Jueckstock, owner of Curves on Laskey Road. Curves began offering free weight-management classes in January at all Toledo area locations. It has annual and monthly membership plans with a current special for 50 percent off and a free month, Jueckstock said. Another privately owned business, Torio Health Club, has operated at the same location in West Toledo since 1957. Its founder, Dick Torio, continues to manage the business at age 79. Torio doesn’t try to compete with the new clubs or offer special deals. More than 8,000 people have trained at his private club over the years. ‘We’re the exception of health clubs. It’s for people who don’t like crowds and want a quiet place to work out,’ Torio said. ‘I keep it open for many members who have been with us for 25 years or more.’”

http://www.toledofreepress.com/2009/01/30/gyms-and-clubs-aid-local-fitness-goals/