Summer Gym Guide

Looking for a new gym? We’ve done the research, making choosing the right one for you even easier.

photo by istock

Due to Hawaii’s aging population and our younger generation’s struggle with obesity, there is a trend toward people using a gym for overall wellness, not just to fit into a pair of jeans. People want more than a good sweat; they’re looking for physical, mental and emotional guidance.

“One million Americans have heart attacks each year—one-third of them fatal—those people don’t get a second chance to live a healthier life,” says John Kristofich, a cardiologist at Straub Clinic and Hospital. Kristofich says that Straub’s cardiology department is busy, but notes that in many cases of coronary heart disease, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise would have helped offset the deadly risk factors.

“It’s ironic that the illnesses we suffer from the most are also the ones that are most preventable,” Kristofich says. “It just takes a willingness from us to make a change to a healthy lifestyle.”

If you’re ready to change your lifestyle, the following chart provides a variety of gyms, from women-only to teen-friendly to senior-focused, that can help anyone get in better shape.

24-Hour Fitness
7 Oahu locations, 1-800-204-2400
www.24hourfitness.com
Some locations are open 24 hours.
Dues & Fees: Varies
Parking: Varies
Equipment: Free weights, weight machines and cardio training.
Classes: Many classes available. Specifics vary by location.
Notes: Some branches have pools and raquetball courts, others offer Pilates, steam rooms or saunas. Youth and teen programs available. Some childcare.

Affordable Fitness
84-1170 Farrington Hwy., Suite BF4, Makaha 348-2145
www.affordablefitnesshi.com
Mon.-Fri., 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sat., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun., closed.
Dues & Fees: $35 annual membership fee. Month-to-month (no contract), $25. Yearly, $250.
Parking: Free parking at the Makaha Marketplace.
Equipment: Free weights, weight machines and cardio training.
Classes: Aerobics, body sculpting, core conditioning, self-defense training, Pilates and yoga.
Notes: A full-service fitness facility on the West side. The gym provides towels, has childcare, offers Pilates. You can also buy reconditioned equipment, such as treadmills, bikes and steppers.

Body Balance Centre
1115 Young St., Honolulu 596-8663
www.bodyhawaii.com
Mon.-Sun., 6 a.m.-8 p.m. (by appointment only)
Dues & Fees: Starting rates: Private session, $75. Semi-private (2 people), $50 per person. Pilates Reformer class, $27.
Parking: Free parking on site.
Equipment: Free weights and Gyrotonic Expansion System.
Classes: Mat work, Gyrotonic Expansion System and Pilates Reformer sessions. “Dream Body” cardio classes (swim, walk, mat work) at Ala Moana Beach, every day at 8 a.m.
Notes: The Gyrotonic Expansion System stretches and strengthens the body, while increasing range of motion and coordination. Massage services available.

Clark Hatch Fitness Center
Topa Financial Center, Fort St. Mall, Honolulu 536-7205
www.clarkhatchfitness.com
Mon.-Fri., 6 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat., 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun., closed
Dues & Fees: No initiation fees. Monthly fee: individual, $68. Couple, $115. Corporate, $68.
Parking: First hour free at Topa Financial Center, with validation. $1 for second hour.
Equipment: Free weights, weight machines and cardio training.
Classes: Step and low-impact aerobics, hi/lo combo, hydro-tone, Pilates, power circuit, stretch, weight training and yoga. Lunchtime jogging groups, noon swims (Ala Moana), tennis and golf tournaments, club fun runs and marathon training.
Notes: The gym is a full-service operation. It lends members workout clothes free of charge, everything from a shirt and shoes to soap and towel. Massage services also available. Pool.

Club 50 of Oahu
1040 S. King St., Suite 210, Honolulu 593-9292
www.club50fitness.com
Mon.-Fri., 6 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat., 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Sun., closed
Dues & Fees: $129 one-time annual fee, plus $40 monthly per person.
Parking: 30-minute validation, $1 per 1/2 hour.
Equipment: Weight machines (hydraulic resistance equipment).
Classes: Circuit training
Notes: An easy-to-follow, 30-minute workout that combines cardio and strength training with hydraulic circuit training equipment that is designed for 50+ adults.

Curves For Women
Nearly 20 locations on Oahu, 1-800-754-7505
www.curvesinformation.com
Hours vary
Dues & Fees: $99 one-time enrollment fee. First month free. Subsequent months, $39.
Parking: Varies
Equipment: Weight machines and cardio training.
Classes: Circuit training
Notes: Curves offers a 30-minute strength/cardio workout with hydraulic resistance. Curves also offers a weight-management program. Women only.

Diamond Head Therapeutic Personal Training Center (aka Lifetime Fitness for Women)
3148 Waialae Ave. (downstairs), Honolulu 737-4646
www.diamondheadtherapeutic.com
Mon.-Fri., 6 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat., 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dues & Fees: $100-$150 per 50-minute session.
Parking: Free parking on site.
Equipment: Free weights, weight machines and cardio training.
Classes: No
Notes: This is a rehabilitative personal training center, with one-on-one facilities. Specialists in back and spinal care, fitness, massage and post-rehabilitation and conditioning. Massage services available.

Fit for Life
801 Dillingham Blvd., Honolulu 535-1550
www.fitforlifehawaii.biz
Mon.-Fri., 5 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat., 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sun., closed.
Dues & Fees: Fees depend on each client’s needs.
Parking: Free parking at Iwilei Costco.
Equipment: Programs for weight loss, cardiac rehab, nutrition, diabetes and wellness coaching.
Classes: Group strength training
Notes: Check out the free Nordic Walking Clinic every Tuesday at Kakaako Park (Diamond Head side) 5:30-6:30 p.m. and every Thursday at 5:30- 6:30 p.m. Call 535-1550 for location.

Fusion Fitness
46 Hoolai St., Suite D, Kailua 261-8508
www.fusionfitnesskailua.com
Mon. & Wed., 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri., 5:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Sat. 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Closed daily, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.
Dues & Fees: $189 enrollment, plus $37 monthly.
Parking: Free parking on site.
Equipment: Free weights (3 to 15 pounds), weight machines. No cardio machines.
Classes: Cardio and strength circuit training, Pilates, kick boxing, tai chi, belly dancing and yoga.
Notes: Formerly known as It Figures Kailua, this women-only studio gym recently changed its name to Fusion Fitness Kailua. The studio offers a ladies-only circuit workout and instructor-led classes, such as Pilates.

Gold’s Gym
768 South St., Honolulu 533-7111
www.goldsgym.com
Mon.-Thurs., 5 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri., 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat., 6 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun., 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dues & Fees: Varies
Parking: South and KawaiHao streets.
Equipment: Free weights, weight machines and cardio training.
Classes: Body pump (light weight training), boxing, in-door cycling, Pilates, tai chi and yoga.
Notes: Membership comes with complimentary travel privileges to more than 650 locations worldwide, with nearly 70 in the United States.

Honolulu Club
932 Ward Ave., Honolulu 543-3900
www.honoluluclub.com
Mon.-Fri., 4:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Sat., 5 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun., 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
Dues & Fees: Initiation fee, $500 singles/$700 couples. Monthly, $97 to $198.
Parking: Five-hour validation.
Equipment: Free weights, weight machines and cardio training.
Classes: 85 classes per week. From belly dancing and drumball to kick boxing, spinning and aerobics. Golf outings, hiking expeditions and running groups.
Notes: 60,000 square feet of gym. There is laundry service, plus women-only and co-ed workout areas. High tech environment, locker room amenities, massage, pool.

Kailua Fitness
25 Maluniu St., Suite 201, Kailua 263-0101
www.windwardfitness.com
Mon.-Fri., 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dues & Fees: $50 to $75 monthly.
Parking: Metered or municipal parking.
Equipment: Free weights, weight machines and cardio training.
Classes: Aerobics, boxing and kickboxing.
Notes: Windward Fitness has been recently renovated and has new equipment and an extended suite of services and products.

Malama Ola Fitness Center at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
86-260 Farrington Hwy., Waianae 696-1558
www.wcchc.com/MalamaOla.htm
Patients use the center, but classes Mon.-Thurs. at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. are also open to the public.
Dues & Fees: $1 per day.
Parking: Free parking.
Equipment: Free weights, weight machines and cardio training.
Classes: Hip-hop, salsa, low-impact aerobics and step, core training, circuit training, kick boxing, strength training, martial arts and yoga.
Notes: The center’s newly opened wellness center, Ma-lama Ola, is a large fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment.

Pilates Training Center Hawaii
25 Maluniu Ave., Suite 204, Kailua 261-9519
www.pilatestrainingcenterhawaii.com
By appointment only.
Dues & Fees: Private, $70. Semi-private, $50. Group classes $22-$30.
Parking: Metered or municipal parking.
Equipment: Free weights and Pilates.
Classes: Mat floor work, Pilates Reformer equipment and combo classes. Cardio rebounder classes.
Notes: The center offers head-to-toe, spalike body treatments. Take your Pilates outside with classes at Kailua Beach Park from June to September, at 6:30 a.m. and by appointment. Sign up prior to taking the class.

Results Plus
91-896 Makule Road, Ewa Beach 689-999
Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-11 a.m. and 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Sat.-Sun., closed.
Dues & Fees: $25 monthly, $5 daily.
Parking: Free parking.
Equipment: Free weights, weight machines and cardio training.
Classes: No
Notes: The facility is owned by a physical therapist whose specialty is weight loss and rehabilitation. The gym is open to the public; the therapist by doctor-referral only. Childcare services available.

The Oahu Club
6800 Hawaii Kai Drive, Honolulu 395-3300
www.theoahuclub.com
Mon.-Fri., 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Dues & Fees: $300 to $600 inititation, $60 to $135 monthly fees.
Parking: Free parking.
Equipment: Free weights, weight machines and cardio training.
Classes: More than 45 classes a week, including group fitness, aqua training, cardio, tennis and weight/resistance training.
Notes: The Oahu Club is a private membership club with an active, fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Provided towels. Pool.

The Private Gym
320 Ward Ave., Suite 101, Honolulu 596-9273
www.theprivategymhawaii.com
By appointment only.
Dues & Fees: Private sessions, $55. Buddy, $35. Group, $25.
Parking: Reserved stalls on site and free visitor parking.
Equipment: Free weights, weight machines and cardio training.
Classes: Pilates, group strength and personal training.
Notes: The Private Gym specializes in professionally supervised workouts, focusing on individual and buddy training, senior strength, weight reduction and sport-specific training.

Women’s Wellness & Fitness Center (AKA W2 Fitness)
Waipio Gentry Business Park, 94-530 Ukee St., Waipahu 680-0092 www.w2fitness.com
Mon.-Fri., 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., closed.
Dues & Fees: Fees depend on each client’s program.
Parking: Free lot parking or valet, $1.
Equipment: Free weights, weight machines and cardio training.
Classes: About 20 types of classes, including aqua aerobics, belly dancing, cardio, hi-low aerobics and step, kickboxing, yoga, strength and stamina, tai chi and turbo kick.
Notes: A full-service women’s gym. Laundry service provided. Towels available. Childcare offered. You’ll also find massage therapy, a pool and locker room amenities.

YMCA of Honolulu
7 Oahu Health & Fitness locations, 536-3556
www.ymcahonolulu.org
Hours vary
Dues & Fees: $72 initiation fee, $30 to $40 monthly
Parking: Varies
Equipment: Free weights, weight machines and cardio training.
Classes: Low-impact, core/abdominal training, active older adult, circuit classes, cardio, cycling, women-only classes, teen fitness, teen basketball, team sports, martial arts and dance.
Notes: Seven of the nine YMCA branches offer health and fitness programs. Pools available.