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Razor Sharp Fitness7300 Washington Ave |
World Martial Arts Federation401 Wisconsin Avenue |
Reserve this Sponsor Box
Contact the Racine Wide Web
Phone: 262-989-8299 |
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Health Clubs and Gyms in Racine |
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Average Joe's Gym1100 Commerce Dr |
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Racine Health Clubs Pros & ConsWritten by Rob Cranley Posted: 3/27/08
Born and raised in Racine, I have probably been a member of every health club in town with the exception of Racine's newest club on the West side of town. Some of these clubs are no longer around or they are under new management. While each of them have had their pros and cons the thing I remember most is the people that worked at the health club and the people that worked out there.
In keeping with the spirit of this web page I am not making any endorsements, but I'd like to use a few examples from the past.
When I was in high school I started lifting weights at Flex Fitness Center. Back then it was in Elmwood Plaza and it was owned by Dan Kingsley and Jeff Vance. If I remember correctly Dan had recently won a Mr. Wisconsin contest and Jeff was an accomplished bicyclist. Sure I looked up to these guys, but not just because of their accomplishments Mainly, I looked up to these guys because I was like any other high school kid in racine and they took the time to help me out in the gym.
Sometimes it was showing me how to do an exercise the safe and effective way. Another time it was showing a little compassion when I tipped some weights off a barbell ( I was struggling to finish a rep and I didn't have the collars on). Boy was I embarrassed and had one of them scolded me instead of letting me know it was ok, "Just be sure to use the collars" I may have never come back.
Another great experience was after college when I was a member at Wisconsin Health and Fitness at the corner of Erie and 3 Mile Road. That club was owned and managed by Jeff Littman. Jeff was and still is an avid bicyclist and he brought spin classes to Racine like no one else. Not only was he a great spin instructor, but the people that attended that class were intense. Many of them were his cycling teammates and I remember it was wise to call and reserve a spot because the bikes filled up fast. I made several friends in that class and I was never in better shape.
My advice is to check out Racine's health clubs before joining. Ask if you can work out for a week and offer to pay your fair share. If they won't let you have the chance to get to know the club maybe its not a club worth joining.
Definitely keep an eye out for plenty of quality equipment and expect it to be in good working condition. It might also be a good idea to visit the club between 3:30 and 6:00 pm to see how busy the club gets during peak workout times. Even if that isn't when you will be working out you will get an idea if the gym has been over booked.
Finally, clean locker rooms are a bonus, but nice people are one of the hidden benefits most people overlook when joining a Racine health club. Are the people friendly? Are they polite? Does management expect everyone to do their share to maintain a nice atmosphere (placing weights back where they belong, acceptable music, no "good ol' boys club" atmosphere).
Wherever you end up let management know what you like and what you don't like. They can't please everyone but they can't make improvements if you don't let them know about your concern.
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Curves3900 Erie St # L |
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Flex Fitness Center2400 Rapids Dr |
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Racine Athletic Club1320 Warwick Way |
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Razor Sharp Fitness7300 Washington Ave |
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Shape Shoppe8700 Durand Ave |
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Total Woman Fitness Center5419 Spring St |
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World Gym3701 Durand Ave |
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Your Yoga Lifestyle, LLC3214 Washington Ave |
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YMCA725 Lake Ave |
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