AskDowntown: What Gym's Best for Working Off the Holiday Goodness?

By Ed Fuentes
Published: Wednesday, December 26, 2007, at 08:46PM

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — The 2007 Holiday season is now in its final run toward New Year’s Eve. Around Downtown, folks were seen lined up to pick up masa and tamales in East L.A., fresh poultry in Chinatown and turkey dinners (with apple pie) at The Pantry. Ralph’s Fresh Fare was packed Christmas Day with people buying “last minute hams,” according to a checker. The Original Texas Barbeque King was busy filling orders in four smokers that had the smell of ribs wafting over Cesar Chavez Ave, while Olvera St was filled with tourists asking for a “tay-co.”

At Pete’s Café, Tom Gilmore hosted family and friends Christmas Eve, while Don Garza covered his community’s gatherings. Down the 10 freeway, I was with cousins explaining what a blog is, while having shredded BBQ beef that was roasted slowly overnight. Eric is back east shivering in the snow while visiting family and getting his fill.

The inevitable result of all this holiday goodness? A single exclamation.

"I need to start going to the gym."

Given the timing there's no better question to kick off our weekly series, AskDowntown. Send in your Downtown-related questions to ask@blogdowntown.com and each Friday we'll pick one and pose it to you, the readers.

In this case, what gym do you use, and what makes it the best choice Downtown?

In this case it's a question I've got a vested interest in. I'm planning to start going somewhere, and in the last few months I've been to Ballys, Golds, the YMCA, and 24 Hour Fitness to start researching. I haven't made a choice yet, so help a blogger out and tell me which of the Downtown gyms are the best bang for my hard-earned buck.

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Comments

Scott writes:

If you have been to them all, why would you not choose the Y ? It has a casual atmosphere, good staff, great facilities, towel service, etc.

The only thing could be the location is not so good for you ?

# on Dec.26.2007 AT 09:08 PM

drboris writes:

The Ketchum YMCA, is the best price per square foot, with its Olympic Size Swimming Pool, Indoor Track, and large weight room.

# on Dec.26.2007 AT 09:12 PM

Ginny writes:

Screw going to the gym, just run on the sidewalk!

# on Dec.26.2007 AT 09:38 PM

shannon writes:

my vote is for the other 4 letter word beginning with the letter Y....YOGA!!! :)

# on Dec.26.2007 AT 09:58 PM

Benjamin Pezzillo writes:

Rescue some dogs from an animal shelter and take them for long walks while spoiling them to the point just shy of when it is bad for them.

# on Dec.26.2007 AT 10:49 PM

meekorouse writes:

oh walking is still the way to go! I took a good walk today only trouble is, I haven't figured out how to map it on Google as they take cars into consideration (Google hasn't heard of walking I guess).

The Y is a very good option if you intend to make it a regular thing. They should have Yoga and all sorts of stuff. I've found when a member of the Y, I never went. Just like a regular gym membership! =P

Dogs oth, are a bigger responsibility. They're more like a life commitment. =)

What about Tai Chi? Does anyone do that down here? I don't know anything about it but, like yoga it's good for your joints, not to mention stress. Hmmm is it too early for a bloggers walk??

# on Dec.26.2007 AT 11:45 PM

Militant Angeleno writes:

meekrouse:

"only trouble is, I haven't figured out how to map it on Google as they take cars into consideration (Google hasn't heard of walking I guess)."

Think again: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com

As for the original question; Militant says make the entire city your gym; Get a bike.

Because gym memberships are a total ripoff: http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/ConsumerActionGuide/10ThingsYourGymWontTellYou.aspx

# on Dec.27.2007 AT 12:18 AM

meekorouse writes:

^ YES! thank you much.. (and I agree about the bike thing too)

# on Dec.27.2007 AT 12:23 AM

Penelope Bullock writes:

We have been very happy with our YMCA membership of over 2 years. The Downtown facility is modern, never overly crowded, and find the staff very friendly. It lacks that "meat-market" atmosphere found elsewhere. I don't think it's a rip off if you show up regularly.

Meekourouse: The YMCA offers Tai Chi, although I've yet to try it for myself.

I've heard great things about the LA Athletic Club.

# on Dec.27.2007 AT 09:35 AM

Dave writes:

I've been a Golds Gym member for a year now and its been great. The membership is expensive, but I've found some great deals on Craigslist since Golds allows their memberships to be transfered. I recently found a 3-year membership on Craigslist for $450 which works out to $12.50 per month (a great deal compared to their normal $60 per month rate). Don't know if I'll use all three years, but if I move I can always sell it to someone else on Craigslist.

I suggest setting up an automated Craigslist search in Yahoo Pipes to help you out, thats how I found my membership.

# on Dec.27.2007 AT 09:36 AM

tone writes:

just joined the LAAC and love it, great gym, pool, spa and classes.

# on Dec.27.2007 AT 10:50 AM

Scott writes:

LAAC is super nice, but also super pricey. Way above my gym budget last time I looked, and I am going to guess membership is keeping pace with downtown loft prices. :)

# on Dec.27.2007 AT 11:34 AM

jim winstead writes:

star higgins used to teach tai chi classes at the mj higgins gallery. i don't know if those have continued (or will continue) at either of the new higgins gallery locations.

for yoga, there's yoga circle downtown in the san fernando building at 4th and main.

i have long been a fan of the ymca, although i cancelled my membership a while ago (obviously!).

# on Dec.27.2007 AT 11:44 AM

Mark O. writes:

So how much does the Y actually cost per month? I really like the idea of the huge pool and indoor track.

And where is there a 24 Hour Fitness downtown???

# on Dec.27.2007 AT 12:29 PM

Eric Richardson writes:

Mark: 24 Hour Fitness is in the basement of City National Plaza, at 5th & Flower. It's a new facility opened maybe 18 months ago, replacing one in the same complex.

# on Dec.27.2007 AT 12:56 PM

Urban Bruin writes:

Shameless plug: Rescue a dog and loose weight!

Upcoming Events

Come out Wednesday January 9, 2008 at 6:00 pm for the next Downtown L.A. Dog Walk and Neighborhood watch. Join your fellow downtown residents and their dogs for a tour of downtown streets.

Where: Pershing Square 532 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90013

When: 2nd Wednesday of the month

Next walk: Jan. 9 @ 6:00 pm at Pershing Square Walk route and other details TBA

Please visit: http://www.dogwalkdowntownla.blogspot.com/

Photos from past walks: http://www.flickr.com/photos/15426274@N02/

# on Dec.27.2007 AT 01:53 PM

Mark O. writes:

Thanks, Eric. I didn't even know there was one there!

I'm actually going to go to the Y after work today to check out the facilities. I live on Wilshire just west of downtown and I don't have the time to take two hour lunches at my work and go to the gym out here. (The 24 hour Fitness at the ArcLight.) So I need something closer to home and that place seems to be more compatible for what I need.

# on Dec.27.2007 AT 02:27 PM

Algebra writes:

hich gym do waelthy single good looking poeple go to thanks

# on Dec.27.2007 AT 05:11 PM

Metro Local writes:

Algebra, 90071 has the highest average salaries in Los Angeles.

# on Dec.27.2007 AT 05:51 PM

Steve writes:

I second the Gold's recommendation. It's at the 7th & Fig Center. They have an Olympic-length pool (half the width, I think). They also have classes of all kinds, a boxing ring. and a smoothie bar.

# on Dec.27.2007 AT 05:52 PM

Nick writes:

I've been a member of the downtown Y for about 9 months and think it's great...however, I just tried to go yesterday after work and they closed at 6 due to reduced holiday hours! (Supposedly they are closing at 4pm today.) The person at the front desk said that a lot of people had been coming in this week and were upset that they were closing early, so they may consider revising their holiday hours next year... guess more peeps downtown are heading to the gym after xmas :)

# on Dec.28.2007 AT 07:56 AM

Skidrowdude writes:

I love Los Angeles Athletic Club - it is a little pricy, but if you have a downtown address, the $2500 initiation fee becomes $200, which I consider a value.

If you are looking for "eye-candy", etc. this is not the place, but if you are into fantastic equipment, classes, and networking with established downtown businessmen, this place is a excellent

Eric

# on Dec.28.2007 AT 09:55 AM

cajaagoogoo writes:

i joined the 24hr fitness at citi only to find that carbon monoxide creeps in from the parking and from renovations above. was really bad august till last month butniow seems to have tapered off - other than that, i like to go late at night so good to have a 24hr around

# on Dec.28.2007 AT 10:25 AM

Penelope writes:

Eric (Re: Cost of Y Membership). It is $200 to join, and they charge monthly on a sliding scale. This could range from $15-$88/month, depending on your income.

# on Dec.28.2007 AT 11:31 AM

Penelope writes:

Mark O: That last response was for you. Sorry for the typo =]

# on Dec.28.2007 AT 11:34 AM

Dave Bullock writes:

Just curious, is the 24 hour fitness actually open 24 hours a day now? How much does it cost?

# on Dec.28.2007 AT 01:41 PM

Kathy Richardson writes:

Along with Dave and Steve, I think that Gold's Gym is a terrific facility. In addition to things already mentioned, it has personable staff members, spas in the lockerooms, towel services, plenty of aerobics and weight equipment, and high-energy classes. My favorite class is spinning, which is an intense 50-minute workout offered several times a day. I appreciate that the membership cost goes down significantly with each passing year; I'm paying about $12/month after 4 years.

# on Dec.28.2007 AT 09:33 PM

skidrowdude writes:

Penelope- I understand the $200 is just an INITIATION fee. I have never heard of "sliding scale"- they didn't check my income or whatever- it is $154/month (NO CONTRACT!) which is what was quoted to me via e-mail.

A little pricey, but if you value your workouts without a crowd, then it is worth it. Plus the ammenities are numerous (4 restaurants, 25 meter lap pool, racketball/handball/cricket, spinning, pilates, etc).

Eric

# on Dec.29.2007 AT 07:52 AM

skidrowdude writes:

Sorry Penelope- I misread your comments- I see the sliding scale applied to the "Y". Sorry :-(

Eric

# on Dec.29.2007 AT 07:54 AM

celia writes:

not that i go or anything (i've suspended my membership for a few months), but i've been a member of gold's gym for a few years. when i used to go, i really enjoyed it. they have some really good personal trainers and while there is quite a bit of eye candy, i like that people are pretty serious about their workouts and aren't there to hook up. that said, i also like that there's this hot asian chick who likes to walk around the women's locker room butt naked. she'll stand at the mirror doing her hair and putting on her makeup naked, putting on clothes right before she heads out the door. i guess we were on the same workout schedule because i'd run into her often. she was very friendly. she even greeted me with a hug once. yeah, she was naked. anybody else run into her?

i've never been a member of the los angeles athletic club, but i've been there for dinners and events. they also have a "secret society" that throws parties all over downtown. i put that in quotations because they can't be that secret if they have a publicist (which they do). in any case, every time i'm at the los angeles athletic club, i see hot guys coming back from or on their way to their workouts. so i guess i'm saying that if i were to ever consider not going to another gym, i'd probably check out the los angeles athletic club.

hope that helps.

# on Dec.30.2007 AT 02:55 PM

Ed Fuentes writes:

All the information helps, as I am not the only one who goes through the annual ritual of considering self restoration. It is, however, how many gyms maintain a profit. Stats say clubs get an increase in memberships, but attendance tapers off by April.

While most of the gyms were explored, if one wants to avoid using a car to get to a gym, location could be a factor. Public transportation is a unique Downtown option.

And it's good to know that many people have had good experiences with the local gyms over the course of time.

I don't know if "hot guys" are part of everyone's preference, but every nugget of info helps.

# on Dec.30.2007 AT 04:20 PM

Seventh Street Flyfisher writes:

I've always wondered where the water ends up draining to at the Athletic Club in sizeable earthquakes. After all, the pool is way at the top of the structure. Maybe the stairwells were designed to handle the runoff (talk about a fish ladder)... I can imagine what the lobby looked like after the Northridge earthquake.

# on Dec.30.2007 AT 06:35 PM

Desert Bruin writes:

For anyone swimming at the LAAC when the big one hits, you'll soon find yourself in a Paul Thomas Anderson movie; hold on to your buns, it's gonna be a long ride down to the bottom!

# on Dec.30.2007 AT 06:48 PM