The Seahawk

Issue date: 2/22/07 Section: Lifestyles

Media Credit: Justin McLeod | The Seahawk Personal trainers at O2 Fitness help members of the gym get an optimum workout by showing them how to use the exercise machines correctly.

If you are still clinging to that New Year's resolution to get fit or are cringing over the thought of hitting the beach on spring break in your bathing suit, then it's time to hit the gym. One may find it difficult to find the gym that fits his or her needs to get fit, and there are many options here in the Port City.

Gold's Gym is not only a convenient half-mile from the UNCW campus at 200 Racine Dr.; its large facilities are a branch to UNCW students as well. The $19.99-per-month membership fee buys Gold's Gym patrons 24 hours of access to a myriad of fitness options, including seven types of cardiovascular equipment, free weights and machines, and 40 weekly classes, including spinning and aerobics. For an individual workout, Gold's Gym has personal trainers, and if you dislike being an exercise loner, Gold's Gym offers group exercise classes, including women-only sessions. Don't be surprised to find a fellow UNCW student neighboring on a nearby treadmill, as the gym has many UNCW student members.

"Our atmosphere and energy are geared toward the college-aged students," Gold's Gym manager Tim Banford said.

Launch yourself into Planet Fitness at 68 S. Kerr Ave. for a laid back workout in the gym's self-dubbed "Judgment Free Zone." The $15 monthly membership fee buys access to the gym's signature "Body Master" machine, treadmills, elliptical equipment and cycling machines. The free weight area, stretch area and abdomen area offer specialized spots for your workout needs. Planet Fitness is open 24 hours on Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekends.

Find your spring break body at O2 fitness for $38 a month. The gym is open Monday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. O2's general manager, Brian Kenney, said members will enjoy the difference O2 offers from other gyms.

"We are different because of the experience members will have with a clean atmosphere, great group fitness programs, themed cardio rooms and the Oxygen Express workout, professional staff and the best trainers in the area," Kenney said.

The students who are saving for spring break can head over to UNCW's own student recreation center. The treadmills, weights, track and basketball court offer ample amenities to kick-start any fitness regime. The recreation center is free to UNCW students and is open Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to midnight, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. to midnight on Sunday.

Working out is a refreshing and healthy experience. The variety of gyms in the Wilmington area offers fitness options for everyone to get in shape and to get healthy.

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