The Best Local Gyms in Kissimmee, Florida

Like many of you, I am in the need of shedding a few pounds and cutting calories just isn't enough. And if you live in Central Florida, then you know that going for a bike ride outside or playing in the park in 97 degree weather is not the best way to lose weight and have some fun. So I decided to go on a little trek to find the best (and affordable) gyms in the area. These are my picks:

1. Kissimmee Civic Center
www.kissimmeeciviccenter.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 6:30am - 9:00pm, Fridays from 6:30am - 7:00pm, closed Sat and Sun.
(407) 935-1412

The Kissimmee Civic Center is a great local place where you will see people from 9-90 getting fit and having a grand ol' time. Not only are they affordable (It's only $25.00 a month for adults and $15.00 for kids and teens) but they offer everything from group exercise to free one on one personal training sessions. They offer various aerobic workouts and have volleyball, basketball and badminton sessions. And they have a great incentive program if you refer your friends to join. The best thing is the warm and friendly atmosphere and the fact that you don't feel judged when you're struggling to lift for weight or if you need to take 2 seconds to catch your breath and drink some water. Just normal people getting fit and healthy!!! If you want more information, just visit their website!

2. YMCA
2117 Mabette Street
Kissimmee, FL www.centralfloridaymca.org
(407) 847-7413
(Please visit website for hours of operation as they change from season to season)

The great thing about the YMCA is that it has been around forever and it still delivers the same kind of family environment it has in the past . I have been a member for almost 3 years and I like how they always keep up with the times. Right now you can get a free pass to see everything they have to offer. My favorite aerobic classes are Yoga and Zumba, which is a fast paced latin cardio workout that makes you feel like you're in Miami! They have different programs that members and non-members can participate in, such as Karate classes and Basketball leagues and they have an Olympic-style pool to teach swimming and where local teams come and practice various water sports. They offer an excellent after school and summer camp program that teaches your children values and to have lots of fun! They have a Child Development Center and Teen Center where your children can hang out and do activities while you work out. I highly recommend this gym for families looking to do something good together for the summer and long after that! Their individual memberships are only $42.00 a month and family memberships (that includes you, spouse and up to 3 children) for $72.00 a month.

3. Curves Gym
Various locations in Kissimmee
(visit their website at www.curves.com for hours and locations)

One thing about Curves that every woman loves...it's all about getting healthy and feeling good, not about getting into a size 0. When I walked in, I could immediately feel the confidence oozing out of the women I saw working out in the various machines, and most of them were not thin supermodels, but normal women looking to get fit and feel good about themselves. Their aerobic schedule is flexible and fun to do, and they have a kick-butt cardio workout that is sure to get you sweating and pumped in no time. Their membership fees are affordable (vary by location), and they offer discounts on their products such as food and workout gear. Plus, if you go into any Curves gym during the summer, they are offering a free week so you can check out the facility and try everything they have to offer. They have realistic weight loss programs and offer great nutritional insight to get you on the right path to feeling great!

So, if you live in Kissimmee, or you are just visiting, take a bike, walk or drive on over to these great gyms that are sure to get you reaching your fitness goals in no time!