Best Gyms in Minnesota

We all want to be healthy. And sometimes that can be a challenge. One of those challenges is finding a gym you want to be a part of. Choosing a gym is a big process, and can be an expensive investment. You want to find a gym you are comfortable with, one that offers exactly what you are looking for and of course, is within your price range. Here are couple gyms around the Burnsville/southern metro area in Minnesota.

1. Life Time Fitness

This is the gym that I belong to, so it's the one I know the most about. I chose this gym because of the many things it offers. It has several locations around Minnesota, and depending on your membership level, you aren't limited to just one gym. I have the lowest level of membership, and I can go to at least three different locations in my area.

Life Time has many group classes, including dance, cycling, yoga and weight training. All of these are included in the price of your membership. They also have pools, both indoor and outdoor, depending on the location. The location in Lakeville has both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a spa and a cafe. Most locations are open 24 hours a day.

Membership prices vary, depending on what level you choose. As I said, I have the lowest level, which is gold. That will usually run about $60 a month. If you have health insurance, it will most likely offer you a discount if you go a certain amount of times per month.

There are few drawbacks to this gym, especially if you don't like busy gyms. I've never seen the place very empty. Also, they have recently updated the membership website, and it is still under construction. Expect a few errors and things being rearranged while they try to figure it out. For more information, check out www.lifetimefitness.com.

2. Anytime Fitness

I like the idea of this gym, especially for really independent people. Sometimes, you don't want to be bothered by attendants at a gym. This gym is exactly what the title says "anytime." A membership will get you a pass to any gym in your area. Unlike Life Time Fitness, there aren't membership levels. You have your own key that you can use anytime you go to the gym.

Aside from the independence of the gym, Anytime Fitness offers 24 hour tanning session, as well as personal training sessions. Check out this gym at www.anytimefitness.com. You can also pick up a free seven day pass at this website so you can check it out for yourself.

3. LA Fitness

This is a gym that is quickly picking up speed all around Minnesota. The clubs are huge and the amenities are immense. LA Fitness offers many classes, some of them very unique such as a cycle/ab class and a dumbbell class that uses light weights, but challenges you all the same.

The club has indoor pools, a juice bar and a day care center. While they are open seven days a week, not all of the locations are open 24 hours, so you will have to check with the location on the hours. Head over to www.lafitness.com to get a free guest pass to check out the club.

4. YMCA

This is always a great option for families. It offers discounted memberships and something for the kids to do while parents get a workout. It also offers more areas for recreational sports. You can find information about any YMCA at www.ymca.net.