Review of 24 Hour Fitness Magic Johnson Sport, Altadena, California

The 24 Hour Fitness in Altadena, California is located at 2180 Lincoln Avenue at Lincoln and Woodbury Avenue. It was part of a development funded by LA Lakers' legend Magic Johnson. I've been working out there for about three weeks and I'm satisfied with the facilities.

Why I Use a Gym
As a runner, I never considered a gym like the 24 Hour Fitness in Altadena - just less than three miles from my home. I have a set of free weights in my house and I always liked the idea of being mobile.

However, I strained my knee, the mcl, as a referee during a soccer match and I kept officiating for the next four months. There was no way I could run and even walks hurt. So I turned to using free weights and I put myself on a diet. I started losing weight and lost 10 pounds in about five months. My knee was still recovering.

A family friend came to stay with us and he got a membership to 24 Hour Fitness so he could lift as a supplement to his running. We bought a membership for our daughter to join in the dance classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Membership Pricing

The normal retail price for memberships is $ 34.99 per month. Each membership is a month-to-month agreement.

There are incentives to get people to join. After our friend joined, our son was given a 7-day pass at no charge to try the facilities. After our daughter joined, my wife and I were given 24-day passes to try at no charge. At the end of the pass, we could sign up for memberships at $ 29.99 monthly.

After several visits, we were told there was a special where we could sign up at $ 24.99 per month. But the special was going to end before our 24-day pass expired. So our options included joining now at a lower rate or using the whole 24-day pass and then joining at a slightly higher rate.

Since I've been in sales, the incentives to get a customer to purchase early is valid. If they're satisfied with the service or product then they can see the value. I decided to sign up for the lower rate.

Facilities

The 24 Hour Fitness in Altadena is two stories. On the top floor are the weight machines, free weights, gym, and large class room for dance and cycling.

The ground floor has tread mills, ellipticals, and cycling stations. There is a two-lane lap pool and hot tub along with the locker rooms.

There is also a store with health food products and limited apparel.

The location is truly open 24 hours a day. Staff at the front desk check IDs or there is no admittance.

Programs

Different programs include dance classes, cycling, and yoga. There are also several personal trainers available.

Neighborhood

I've met people who say they aren't comfortable with the neighborhood. It's not a problem and I believe the area is safe. There are several stores around the 24 Hour Fitness including Super King grocery store, Panda Express and an optometry practice.

Our daughter attends a voice class on Lincoln Avenue just south of Woodbury. It seems the area is in a positive upward trend.

What I like

Ample machines
There are enough machines for me to develop a weight-training program and work out specific muscle groups on each visit. The machines are clean enough for me. Being my first time ever using a gym seriously, I'm learning etiquette and am using a towel on the equipment. Many people do . . . but not all.

There are several machines to work the abs as well and three different stations for dumbbells.

TV not blaring
There are several televisions on the ground floor and a few on the upper floor and sports are always on--a nice perk for me. On the top floor, you can get away from the television sets and the noise level of the TVs and the music is subtle which is also nice.

Light
There are large windows on the upper floor to let in plenty of sunlight which appeals to me so there isn't the feeling of being crammed into one space.

Parking
There is a split, four-level parking structure next to the 24 Hour Fitness that is free.

I've also found that most of the other attendees are courteous and I've seen a few people I know.

The Super King grocery store is across the street. It has a huge selection at good prices making it easy to pick up groceries after a workout.

What I don't like

The negatives to me aren't strong enough to make me not buy a membership. I don't have other gyms to make comparisons but here are my thoughts.

Crowds
There are enough active members that moving from one machine to another without stopping is not always possible. I primarily do high numbers of reps with lesser weights so I have to adjust how I'll approach the workout.

I went on a weekday at 4pm and I was surprised at the level of activity. Sunday evenings are when the machines are readily available.

I don't know how the number of people may affect those wanting a vigorous workout in the lap pool.

Locker room restroom - okay but . . .
Specifically this . . . there was just enough of an odor one time to make me notice. But I think if the staff was notified, they would take action.

I haven't taken a shower there yet and probably won't have a need to - especially I currently work out of the house. So I can't comment on the cleanliness of the showers.

Parking is limited
While the parking is free, the structure is busy and on weekday afternoons there may not be a parking space available. I parked down the street one time after driving to the fourth level.

Overall Rating

I recommend it. Overall, I'm satisfied with the facility and I feel the value is worth the membership at either the discounted rate or the full rate.

Driving
24 Hour Fitness is accessible off the 210 freeway at the Lincoln Avenue exit or the 210 freeway at thw Windsor exit. Both exits are about three miles north and west of downtown Pasadena.