More important than the price or classes or amenities is the location. If a gym isn’t conveniently located, it’s going to be your excuse not to go. Try to find one as close to home as possible that suits your needs. If there is a contract, ask what the penalty is for canceling your membership early. Most gyms offer a trial membership. If they don’t offer it, ask for it.
Edge Fitness Club
2860 Harbor Blvd.
Channel Islands Harbor
Oxnard, CA
805-815-4222
Hours: Mon-Fri 5am – 10pm
Sat-Sun 7am – 7pm
This gym really keeps the momentum up with a personal trainer who will get you started on a program that’s right for you, then change it around every 6 weeks. They’ll check your weight, body fat and measurements and make sure your program addresses the parts you want to work on along with your overall fitness. Each month the gym prints out a calendar of free classes that include yoga, spinning, pilates, tai chi, aerobics and more. Classes are offered days and hours that are convenient for most people. They offer free towels, lockers, showers, steam room and sauna, but the best feature is the view of Channel Islands Harbor from anywhere in the two story gym. There is no membership contract, but there is a fee to join and a monthly fee of about $49. This is a private club that limits membership to avoid overcrowding. There is a kids’ club so parents can work out while the kids are entertained in a separate play room. Try it out for free for 5 days before you join.
24 Hour Fitness
1651 Victoria Ave. Suite 160
Oxnard, CA
805-988-6000
Hours: Mon: 5am – 11:59pm
Tues-Fri: 12am – 11:59pm
Sat-Sun: 5am – 11pm
Recently opened in a brand new center with ample parking, restaurants and Nail salon, this two story gym overlooks the channel. There is an extensive selection of exercise machines, free weights, and classes in a spacious and modern atmosphere. Their class schedule can be viewed online and includes Amp’d Abs, Boot Camp, yoga, 24Cycle, Turbo kick box, Zumba, Everlast Shadow Box, T’ai Chi, and more. Senior workout classes are available for every level of fitness. The staff is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. A colorful Kids Club is available for childcare while you work out. You can register online to join or go in for a free 7 day trial membership before you decide. To join, there is an initiation fee and, depending on whether you want access to one gym or all 24 Hour Fitness Clubs, the fee varies, starting at $26.99. For those who don’t want a long-term commitment, they offer 30 or 90 day memberships for $74.99 and $149.99. Discounts are available.
Curves
341 W. Channel Islands Blvd.
Port Hueneme, CA
805-985-7493
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 6:30am-1pm & 3pm-7pm
Fri: 6:30am-1pm & 3pm-6:30pm
Sat: 8am-12pm
Sun: Closed
This gym is specifically for women with a busy schedule. Their 30 minute workout will burn up to 500 calories while working every major muscle group. Their program combines weight training, cardio and stretching with nutritional guidance to help you lose weight while firming and toning your body. There is online meal planning, guidance and support included, and the membership is valid at any Curves gym in the world. While recognizing this is a specialty gym, I found it difficult to pin anyone down to a price without going in to meet with someone. Word has it that there is an initial fee of anywhere between $59 and $75, then a monthly fee of $29.95 with a one year contract. There seem to be month-to-month memberships for $39.95, but you’d have to go in to find out the exact terms of membership. This is better than a diet club if you are a woman wanting to lose weight. It has all the components necessary to lose weight and keep it off.
