Whether you regard it as a necessary luxury or torturous ritual, finding the right gym - and getting into a groove of actually going there more than twice a year - can be daunting.
Will the hardbodies mock me as I struggle with exotic equipment? Is that creepy meathead giving me the eye - or did he just detach a retina deadlifting 300 pounds?
The good news is, most Philadelphia gyms are not meat markets, and most patrons won't even pay attention to you unless your calves are particularly admirable. For most new exercisers, proximity is the No. 1 attribute to sticking to a gym routine. Traveling a long distance or struggling to find parking won't likely enhance your commitment to getting fit.
The key is to ask yourself what's important to you: The motivation of personal training, or the structure of a class schedule? Is your goal a lean, ballet-buff body or the strong heart of a runner?
The best gyms can become the personal equivalent of the third place: A spot that fosters a sort of creative interaction with your own sweaty self. Here then is our guide to finding that perfect place for you.
IRON SPORT GYM
ironsport.com
Best for: Bulking up
The lowdown: Founded in 1995 by Steve and Joe Pulcinella, Iron Sport calls itself the only "true" powerlifting gym in the Philadelphia area. If sheer mass is your mission, you have found your chalk-dusted Nirvana. In true pumping-iron style, this gym focuses on strength-training and cardio, so don't come here looking for any sort of group fitness.
Amenities: As a former North American Strongman champion, Steve Pulcinella is uniquely qualified to provide personal training to members ($40 per session) and nonmembers ($75 per 90-minute session) looking for new workouts or consultation on their Olympic-lifting and powerlifting form. Hammerstrength and custom-made machines, a full line of custom dumbbells, Olympic platforms and bumper plates, and women's Olympic bars are among the specialty gear, as well as Strongman equipment: Atlas stones, giant truck tires and barrels.
Rates: $40 per month or $30 for high school/college students; no contract, no initiation fee.
Insiders say: Check out Pulcinella's legitimately funny Twitter account @IronSportGym.
Location: 505 S. Chester Pike, Glenolden, 610-237-3840.
THE TRAINING STATION
phillytrainingstation.com
Best for: Serious runners
The lowdown: Phil Clark's 2-year-old Northern Liberties gym has two areas of focus: serious running and powerlifting. For runners, the customized sneaker fittings based on gait analysis will get you ready to dash on treadmills that could accommodate Roger Bannister in his prime (kids, look it up). Two Olympic platforms with bumper plates, competition bars, dumbbells, and complimentary chalk are all ready for folks who "fancy themselves serious barbell trainees," as Clark puts it.
Amenities: Perks include free parking in the Piazza's adjacent lot; cardio machines complete with iPod docks, 15-inch TV screens and impressive views of the city skyline.
Rates: $40 per month for individuals or $60 per month for a household. No contracts. Personal coaching is available for a fee.
Insiders say: Don't bother with The Training Station if you plan to swan around then spend the rest of your morning in the sauna. Vigorous exercise to muscle failure is the name of the game here.
Location: 1033 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, 215-964-9558.
CROSSFIT CENTER CITY
crossfitcc.com
FEARLESS ATHLETICS
crossfitsouthphilly.com
Best for: Crossfit crazies
The lowdown: For those not up on fitness crazes, CrossFit is creator Greg Glassman's 10-point core strength-and-conditioning program. Sounds simple enough, except that it seems to inspire cult-like devotion with practitioners who train in an ever-changing program of "multiple, diverse and randomized tasks." They include Olympic weightlifting, kettlebells, gymnastics and cardio. These two Philly gyms specialize in the program, and although the group training classes are easier for those with some experience lifting weights, both CrossFit Center City and Fearless offer classes to ease the uninitiated into the club. CFCC offers a 2-week "elements" class to initiate newbies, and Fearless has its own "on-ramp" program to familiarize newbies.
Amenities: The total-athleticism approach to fitness leads to fine bodies, but not particularly luxurious facilities.
Rates: Crossfit Center City offers monthly memberships for $175 or $150 per month (see website for details); Fearless also has two options, for either $149 or $169 per month (see website for details).
Locations: CrossFit Center City, 210 S. 13th St., Philadelphia, 267-702-5702; Fearless Athletics, 744 S. 11th St., Philadelphia, 860-982-8575.
FUSION CROSS-TRAINING
fusioncrosstraining.com
Best for: Those who need a little personal attention
The lowdown: Bucks County native Gavin McKay's program offers the benefits of personal training with a less heart-stopping fee. Certified trainers lead 75-minute classes incorporating all aspects of physical fitness: 30 minutes of run, bike or row cardio; 25 minutes of strength training with weights or resistance bands, and a 20-minute yoga/pilates stretch and relaxation.
Amenities: Personalized attention is a great motivator for giving it everything you have. Classes aren't big enough for your sloppy form to go unnoticed. Personal coaching is also available in nutrition counseling, weight management, muscle building, fitness assessments and race training. Fusion's new Mount Laurel location at the Future Fitness Center offers members the perks of a full-service gym, including child care, full locker rooms and equipment.
Rates: They vary from $20 per drop-in class to $105 per month for unlimited group training; schedules are posted online.
Getting started: Wobbly bits get blasted with 10-week group "transformation boot camps" that combine unlimited group sessions with two mandatory weekly outdoor boot camps and two fitness assessments.
Locations: 105 S. 12th St., Philadelphia, 215-733-0633; 3 Hovtech Blvd., Mount Laurel, N.J., 856-778-5900.
SPORTING CLUB AT THE BELLEVUE
sportingclubbellevue.com
Best for: Sweating in style
The lowdown: It's not sweat but the heady scent of luxury you're sniffing at the Sporting Club, easily the city's poshest gym. TVs and iPod docks adorn every cardio machine, and the full-size NBA basketball gym is as polished as the clientele.
Amenities: Where to begin? The spacious locker rooms; lap and therapy pools, sauna, whirlpool and steam room; the indoor track; the multiple racquetball and squash courts. Executive memberships offer your own locker - complete with nameplate - as well as laundry service for your gym clothes. An onsite spa offers discounted rates on massage, waxing, body wraps and airbrush tanning to members.
Rates: Fitness membership, $100 per month plus an initiation fee; executive memberships are $165-$180 plus and initiation fee.
Insiders say: More than 100 classes per week, from boxer's workout to Ashtanga yoga, fill out the vibrant group-fitness roster that spans five studios. Rock 'n' roll devotees should try the Tuesday 6 p.m. spinning with high-energy instructor Hayley Broder.
Location: 224 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, 215-985-9876.
12TH STREET GYM
12thstreetgym.com
Best for: Globo-gym ameneties in a small setting
The lowdown: Spinning, Zumba, boot camps and morning yoga on the roof deck lure locals to 12th Street, a globo-gym with an indie feel. Although you might get lost in the labyrinthine layout, there are seven rooms of cardio and weight equipment, an indoor basketball court and a swimming pool to discover in this multifloor complex.
Amenities: The neighboring Camac Center is home to services like massage, salon styling, UV and airbrush tanning, medi-spa skin treatments, kids' gym and more for additional costs.
Rates: Annual membership, $389 plus $99 initiation fee; a monthly no-contract membership is $49 plus $99 initiation.
Insiders say: Hizzoner Michael Nutter works out here; and the dodgeball league is fiercely competitive.
Location: 204 S. 12th St., Philadelphia, 215-985-4092.
FITNESS WORKS
fitnessworksphiladelphia.com
Best for: One-stop shoppers in South Philly
The lowdown: Situated on the edge of burgeoning Passyunk Square, Fitness Works is known equally for its friendly vibe and sparkling 50-foot swimming pool. A broad array of 30 weekly fitness classes in two studios (spinning, yoga, pilates, boxing, Zumba, boot camps, body sculpting) complement three weight rooms and a dedicated cardio room with recently upgraded TVs and a lending library.
Amenities: Luxuriate in the sauna, straighten up at the chiropractor's office or refuel at the juice bar after your workout. There's free street parking and a free lot for a half-dozen cars and a few bikes. Locker rooms, pool and sauna are all remarkably clean.
Rates: Month-to-month with no contract, $45 per month; 3 months, $169; 6 months, $299; annual, $399.
Location: 714 Reed St., Philadelphia, 215-334-8190.
YMCA
philaymca.org
Best for: Family fun
The lowdown: If you ever took a gymnastics class or swimming lessons at your local YMCA, this Graduate Hospital staple will take you right back to those days. Besides a wide diversity of cardio equipment, free weights and machines, this location provides a broad array of health-and-wellness programming for adults and children. Social opportunities for seniors and families are also emphasized, furthering the Y's longtime mission.
Amenities: The lap pool, steam room, indoor basketball court and free drop-in, on-site child care (maximum 2 hours per visit) are among the features that keep families returning.
Rates: Individual adult, $49 per month with $75 initiation fee; family of two adults plus children is $76 per month with $112 initiation fee.
Fun fact: The Y might not be fancy, but has seen its fair share of greatness - this is the gym where Wilt Chamberlain got his start.
Location: 1724 Christian St., Philadelphia, 215-735-5800.
SWEAT FITNESS
sweatfitness.com
Best for: Frenetic fitness buffs
The lowdown: With nine locations across the metro area, this local chain's gyms are ideal for on-the-go types who want to work out at multiple locations on one membership. The well-maintained spaces have the type of cardio, weight equipment and classes you would expect in a globo-gym, with a generally friendly and nonintrusive attitude from staff and trainers.
Amenities: The 1425 Arch St. location boasts a pool.
Rates: Annual, $15 per week with no initiation; month-to-month, $17.25 week with no initiation. A 30-day trial for $20 is available for first-time visitors via the website.
Location: Nine area locations; check the website for the nearest.
HEALTHPLEX SPORTS
CLUB
crozerkeystone.org/Healthplex
Best for: Those in need of a little suburban splendor
The lowdown: When the Healthplex opened in 1996, attached to Springfield Hospital, in Delaware County, the Sixers practiced on the sprawling facility's court and hosted Pete Sampras on a tennis world tour. That should give some indication of the quality of the space: the amenities, classes and coaching are unparalleled in the region. The membership is also highly diverse - you'll see everyone from high school athletes to sweatsuit-clad grandmas working on the main cardio floor.
Amenities: Spacious locker rooms with towel service, TV lounges, dry sauna, steam room, whirlpool and cold plunge offer relaxation after your workout on the indoor track, multiple tennis courts, full-size basketball, squash and racquetball courts. Salon services, massages and classes are available to members at discounted rates. Garage parking is also free for members.
Rates: Annual individual membership, $79.50 per month plus $299 initiation fee; month-to-month membership, $89.50 plus $299 initiation fee.
Location: 194 W. Sproul Road, Springfield, Delaware County, 610-328-8888.
LITHE METHOD
lithemethod.com
Best for: Burning fat, gracefully.
The lowdown: Get fit with the beautiful people in Lithe's studios in chic Rittenhouse, Old City or Northern Liberties. Developed by dancer and former college cheerleader Lauren Boggi, who calls her style "cardio-cheer-sculpting," each class turns barre work, resistance bands, serious stretching and even props like hula hoops into the tools of hotness. Just look around you to see the evidence.
Amenities: Personalized attention from instructors serves as a double motivation; 3-day meal plans of vegan, raw and whole foods are prepared for pickup to support fitness goals.
Rates: Single class, $20; five-30 classes, $95-450; one-a-day monthly unlimited pass, $200. New clients may buy a 1-month unlimited pass for $125.
Style tip: Boggi collaborated with local designer Bela Shehu to come up with Cocoon, a line of super Lithe-specific workout wear available at the Old City and Rittenhouse studios.
Locations: 255 S. 17th St., 215-545-5144; 219 Cuthbert St., 215-625-4919; Liberties Walk, 1030 N. 2nd St. #501, 215-545-5144.
PURE BARRE
purebarre.com
Best for: Anyone who wanted to be a ballerina
The lowdown: Get that Black Swan look in Pure Barre's chandelier-lit Rittenhouse studio. This combination of pilates and ballet, which incorporates many repetitions with light weights, has captivated its devotees (and franchisees), who swear by the transforming power of the 55-minute classes.
Amenities: This is a workout directly targeted to women; you progress from core strengthening through arms, abs, hips, thighs and butt-toning. The isometric nature of the workout means it is much less sweaty and cardio-focused; the alternation of stretching with working the muscles promises to deliver the long, graceful lines of a dancer.
Rates: Single class, $23; five-20 classes, $105-$340. One month unlimited, $225; 1 year unlimited, $2,040; 3 months unlimited, $600. A new-client special offers 30 days for $99.
Special: Reclaim your post-baby body with the Baby Bounce Back, a 3-month unlimited package ($375) focusing on the abs, hips and thighs.
Location: 1701 Walnut St., 267-234-7825.
SHANTI YOGA SHALA
shantiyogashala.org
Best for: Finding your center in Center City
The lowdown: A good yogi will tell you beauty is fleeting, but strength and flexibility are far more lasting gifts. This Center City studio teaches both vinyasa (flow) and the traditional Mysore style of Ashtanga yoga, in which practitioners move through a prescribed series of movements matched with the movement of the breath.
Amenities: Yogis seeking to take their practice to the next level will appreciate the personalized attention to alignment that teachers provide in the small class setting.
Rates: Vinyasa drop-in class, $15; 1 month unlimited vinyasa, $115; 3 months unlimited vinyasa, $270; five-class card, $65; 10-class card, $120. Mysore drop-in class, $18; annual Mysore membership, $165 per month; month-to-month unlimited Mysore, $180 per month or 3 months for $425. New students may take 3 weeks unlimited vinyasa yoga for $40 or 1 month of unlimited Mysore for $140.
Tip: Both vinyasa and Mysore are sweaty, challenging styles - you'll be very much in need of the thorough "corpse pose" relaxation that ends each class.
Location: 262 S. 12th St., 215-923-9642.
ROWZONE
rowzone.com/rittenhouse
Best for: Exploring your inner Winkelvoss.
The lowdown: Even if you've never rowed before, the approximately 650 strokes per 45-minute RowZone class add up to a Dad Vail-caliber burn. Each class alternates between 5 minutes of rowing drills on the erg (rowing machine) and 5 minutes of free-weight circuits for the core, and upper and lower body.
Amenities: Classes are never the same, which helps keep your body from plateauing and keeps things interesting. Classes are small enough that instructors can - and will - correct your form on both the erg and in the free-weight circuts.
Rates: RowZone offers a variety of membership options traning from $69 to $99 per month, plus new membership specials and 10- and 20-class packages.
Location: 1717 Chestnut St., 215-988-1208.
DADDIS MIXED MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY
phillyMMA.com
Best for: Those who aspire to enter the octagon
The lowdown: Want to be the next Ultimate Fighting champion - or just look like one? Owner Brad Daddis - a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, certified Muay Thai instructor and coach to MMA champions - leads a team of instructors ready to inspire beginners and to make serious fighters cage-ready. Boxing coaching and classes in jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, kettlebells and mixed martial arts are available. The progressive curriculum means absolute beginners needn't feel intimidated, as the gym welcomes everyone regardless of fitness, gender or age. There are even kids' classes.
Amenities: It wouldn't be a fighting gym without a boxing ring, heavy and speed bags, weights and jump ropes.
Rates: A 30-day free trial and free private lesson can be had by signing up at phillymma.com/ free-intro-class.
Tip: Daddis promises newbies will lose 10 pounds in 1 month of regular workouts here. The gym also offers frequent discounts.
Location: 1719 Washington Ave., 215-467-1008.
SUMMIT SPORTS
TRAINING CENTERS
summitsportstc.com
Best for: Kids in need of a confidence boost
The Lowdown: Summit Sports Training Academy has become known as the go-to facility for elite athletes who want to improve their game, be they into squash or professional hockey. Yet, Summit is equally focused on offering programs aimed at giving kids the knowledge and skills to help them make sports and fitness a regular part of their lives. Their fundamentals program offers kids as young as 8 a chance to work on coordination and agility in a fun environment.
Amenities: If you're looking for the most advanced, cutting-edge equipment and expertise, you'll find it here.
Rates: Summit offers a variety of packages. See the website or call for details.
Tip: Summit isn't just for kids and NBA lottery picks. The executive fitness program features a personal-training regimen conducted in a small group environment - and is tailored toward those who no longer have to worry about pimples.
Locations: 789 E. Lancaster Ave. Bldg. 3, Suite 200, Villanova, 610-525-2300; 1400 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, 856-216-9090; 700 Lawrence Drive, West Chester, 610-436-1600.
MAIN LINE HEALTH & FITNESS
Best for: Ladies who can eat your lunch.
The Lowdown: Think of Main Line Health & Fitness as the Goldilocks of gyms: Not too big, not too small, not too posh, not too Spartan. That could be why it's been around since 1976. Another reason is MLH&F's willingness to change with the times. It has some of the most cutting-edge equipment and plenty of programs - many tailored to women.
Amenities: If you can think of it, MLH&F probably has it, including the country's only Dragon Boat paddle pool.
Rates: $70 per month (plus initiation fee) or $800 per year for adults; $65 per month (plus initiation) or $750 per year for senior citizens and students. MLH&F also offers daily, weekly, monthly and 6-month rates.
Location: 931 E. Haverford Road, Bryn Mawr, 610-527- 2200.
PLANET FITNESS
planetfitness.com
Best for: Early birds, night owls, no-nonsense types
The lowdown: Planet Fitness is accessible (the local branches are all open 24 hours), affordable (often half the price of other gyms) and unpretentious. This is not the place for you if you can't survive without a post-workout pedicure or wheatgrass smoothie.
Amenities: Vast rows of cardio equipment, free weights, and strength-training equipment. Clean locker rooms.
Rates: Planet Fitness offers a variety of specials and plans, but the average member pays about $15 a month.
Locations: 2350 Oregon Ave., 215-551-9000; 2641 E. York St., 267-639-4851; 1575 N. 52nd St., 215-878-4410.