Six local training centers to help you get in shape

By L.J. Gambone
Apple Valley Review

Now that a new year has begun, many of us are determined to lose weight and get in shape, hopefully in time for beach weather. While there are lots of in-home exercise programs, staying on track without someone to be accountable can be difficult.

Joining a local gym might be a good option and the High Desert certainly offers plenty to choose from.

Here’s a rundown of six worth checking out.

24-Hour Fitness

Operating on a mission to change lives through fitness, 24-Hour Fitness in Apple Valley offers a full-service health club with a wide range of benefits and features. Along with cardio equipment and weights and cycles, the club also offers exercise classes, personal training, a kid’s club and a wealth of other benefits and features.

Whether a client hopes to lose weight, tone-up or train for a big event, they will find a variety of gym memberships to suit their needs that can be purchased online or at the club.

A free guest pass is currently being offered for those who would like to try out the gym.

The club is at 18825 Bear Valley Road and is open 24 hours, seven days a week. For more information, call 760-955-2200. Visit the gym online at www.24hourfitness.com.

Fitness 19

Fitness 19, 15555 Main St. in Hesperia, offers an affordable way to get in shape through its state-of-the-art cardio, free weight, and strength training equipment. The gym also features personal trainers who can help members develop a workout program specifically geared to their fitness goals. In addition, Fitness 19 has facilities for youngsters, as well as for older adults.

Trained instructors hold group classes in Zumba, yoga and other exercise methods. The gym is open from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information and a schedule of classes, call 760-991-3319 or visit www.fitness19.com/centers/hesperia.

Kokomo Fitness

Kokomo Fitness, 14135 Main St., suite 103, in Hesperia aims to give its members the benefit of having a personal trainer through group workouts. Its certified trainers offer one-on-one coaching during group sessions, which focus on fat burning, muscle building and overall strength training.

Those who join Kokomo are welcome to attend as many sessions as they desire. Membership fees are low, according to gym staff, and special discounts are offered from time to time. Currently, the gym is offering a free session to anyone who would like to check out its services.

Kokomo Fitness is open from 7:15 a.m. to noon and 3:15 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Call 760-995-3366 for more information. Visit the gym’s website at www.kokomofitness.com to claim a free pass for one workout session.

Anytime Fitness

Along with being open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Anytime Fitness in Oak Hills says it offers affordable memberships, a variety of classes and even tanning. The Oak Hills club, which features treadmills, stair climbers, free weights and elliptical machines, is part of a worldwide chain of gyms which members have access to with a special key.

For those looking for classes, Anytime Fitness in Oak Hills features Zumba, spinning and a Body Transformation Boot camp, all free for members and just $5 per class for non-members.

Membership also includes medical health plan discounts, as well as wellness coaching.

Anytime Fitness is at 13312 Ranchero Road. Its staffed hours are 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

For additional information, call 760-981-4085 or visit www.anytimefitness.com

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness, 12353 Mariposa Road in Victorville, provides a unique environment for people at all fitness levels. It features a "Judgement Free Zone" where a lasting, active lifestyle can be built at a person’s own personal pace and comfort level.

Clients have access to state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions, unlimited small group fitness instruction by a certified trainers and more.

The club’s memberships start at $10 and include unlimited access to the home club and its fitness training classes. It is open 24-hours, seven days a week. Call 760-241-4300 for more information or visit www.planetfitness.com.

In-Shape

In-Shape, 14601 Valley Center Drive in Victorville, features top-of-the-line cardio machines, weight training equipment, a basketball court, a heated indoor lap pool and spa and a steam room and sauna.

Additionally, club members have access to free group exercise and cycling classes, racquetball courts, certified personal trainers and a large, elevated running track.

The state-of-the art health club also provides childcare with separate play areas for toddlers and older kids.

Hours of operation are 4 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 760-381-1200. Visit www.inshape.com to sign up for a free, 7-day guest pass.