Background
I was a…read moremulti-event endurance athlete who trained and raced competitively for nearly three decades. I'm now 65 years-old and still pursue challenging health and fitness maintenance goals. Weekly, my aerobic (i.e., cardio) exercise consists of four different cycling days and a total of 100-140 miles ridden, and three different days of 2-hour sessions of anaerobic (i.e., strength) exercise primarily using heavy barbells and dumbbells.
I've maintained fitness gym memberships for the past 47 years, and have never experienced a "one-size-fits-all" facility and amenities that met all of my needs. Consequently, I use multiple gyms on a weekly basis, which includes this Anytime Fitness (AF) gym in Long Beach (LB). AFLB is a gem and an outlier given its distinct quality differences when comparing local area gyms.
AFLB | Environment
I intuitively feel or see sought-after quality differences in this gym's environment, which is more private, personalized, clean, comfortable, calm, quiet, and uncrowded.
Member common areas are exceptionally orderly and hygienic, including the well-maintained, single use only, unisex restrooms and/or shower rooms. The environment reflects a truly optimized, compact space design whose systems/functions/features are thoughtfully integrated and organized, which ensures an efficient and effective use of my time and energy.
This environment feels like it's my personal gym, so I feel significantly more committed, disciplined, and focused and therefore more productive, which aren't routine experiences for me as a member of multiple other fitness gym brands.
AFLB | Equipment
Members will generally find enough equipment in this gym to achieve many different cardio and/or strength objectives. The equipment available is modern in design/features/functions, in excellent condition, and well-maintained. I've never seen any equipment designated for repair and therefore not available for use.
AFLB | Culture
Management and/or members generally demonstrate respect for this facility and the amenities provided given the routine quality conditions and productivity I've experienced when using this gym.
Other members proceed through their fitness regimens in a disciplined and focused manner, so they facilitate the benefits of an efficient and effective use of my time and energy too.
There's an atmosphere or a vibe whereby member actions or behaviors honor respect for people principles: floor space and/or equipment isn't monopolized by others; floor space isn't cluttered by personal items, equipment, or left behind debris/trash, and instead is readily available, shared, and clean; equipment is used, then wiped down, and left in a ready state for the next member's use; after member use, equipment is placed back in an orderly, organized, and safe manner; and single use only, unisex restrooms and/or shower rooms are generally left in a tidy and sanitary state.
There is an accountability vibe whereby management and members embrace or accept personal ownership for 1) a respectful use of the facility and amenities provided and 2) respect for people principles.
AFLB | Special Needs Individuals Requiring a Modified Environment and Exercise or Training
This fitness gym has a unique volume of different equipment that I've also seen in physical therapy or rehabilitation services environments.
Given the different equipment types available, and the distinct quality differences I described for this gym's environment, I would also recommend this gym for those who require a modified environment for exercise or training. Individuals with physical limitations or disabilities, those who must modify functional training exercises to enhance daily living skills, or others using cardio and/or strength training for rehabilitation purposes should consider a membership in this gym.
