Universal Athletic Club '" Lancaster Pennsylvania's Best

Universal Athletic Club, located at 2323 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA boasts an outstanding facility to meet the fitness needs of all members. With over 90,000 square feet, Universal offers "something for everyone" - and then some!

The Best Facility

The panoramic view of the main fitness center and the full array of state-of-the art equipment available is striking from the moment you enter the door. For those who prefer to work out in a quieter setting, Universal offers top level equipment for cardio, circuit training, and stretching in smaller studios as well. Group exercise studios, a yoga studio, martial arts dojo, basketball courts, and indoor track are among the other amenities available at Universal.

Universal's Aquatics Center features three pools: an Olympic size pool for classes and lap swimming, a "deep pool," and a "warm pool" to meet the needs of all swimmers. In addition, members enjoy the steam room and whirlpool.

Well-appointed locker rooms are kept immaculately clean, with special attention given to the locker rooms in the aquatics area.

Adjacent to the reception desk, Universal's Café U provides a menu of healthy snack items, breakfast, salads, wraps, smoothies, and beverages. Café style tables provide a great setting for members to become acquainted or to spend a few minutes before their exercise class begins.

The Universal Pro Shop carries assorted fitness wear and fitness gear.

Universal's Kidz Club offers 10,000 square feet, including play areas and a nursery. The "Kidmazium" includes slides, tunnels, and a ball pit.

The Best Staff

From the reception desk on, the staff at Universal Athletic Club treats each member as a part of the Universal family.

New members are paired with a fitness coach who readily walks the member through a process of fitness assessment, goal setting, and instruction. Coaches are available for follow up and at any time for refresher training or additional guidance.

Universal's personal trainers work with clients to achieve specific fitness goals in a one-on-one setting. Personal training is offered at reasonable rates and assures that clients receive just the right balance of challenge and support. Personal training is not simply for high level athletes; it can also be helpful to those recovering from injuries or those who face personal obstacles to their fitness and well being.

In group fitness and aquatics classes, instructors "connect" with class participants and readily offer options for modifications to meet students' varying needs.

All trainers, instructors, and coaches are sensitive to members' needs, and hold appropriate professional certifications.

The Best Class Schedule

Talk about impressive!

Universal offers over 150 group fitness classes per week. The class schedule includes a full array of Les Mills courses, as well as Jazzercise, yoga, and Pilates. Zumba classes will be added to the lineup in Fall 2010. "Silver Sneakers" classes are designed for older adults or those who benefit from additional accommodations to their exercise routines.

Designated fitness classes are staffed by an "ambassador" who greets new members and offers support and guidance through learning new routines. Instructors offer an "early exit" option for members who are unable to stay for the full class.

Over 20 aquatics classes round out Universal's weekly fitness schedule. Aquatics courses range from those designed to meet the needs of those diagnosed with arthritic conditions to the challenging "Aqua Kickboxing."

The Best Member Services

Universal staff members stand ready to support members with questions or special needs.

Notably, new members work closely with fitness coaches through the "Your Plan 4 Success" program.

Members who are unable to exercise for medical reasons may suspend their membership until cleared to return to the gym by their physician. Members will find that the Universal staff is easy to work with when these special situations arise.

The Best Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Universal is welcoming and inviting to those of all ages and fitness levels. Any stereotype that prospective members may hold that gyms cater only to athletes or "hard body" types is quickly dispelled at Universal. From the Kidz Klub to the Silver Sneakers classes, and at all points in between, Universal is dedicated to supporting individuals in their quest for improved health and fitness.

The Best Special Programs

As if the programs described above aren't enough, Universal Athletic Club offers many special programs year-round. These include:

• Martial arts
• Nutrition and Weight Loss Center
• Women's Weight Loss Center
• Parisi Speed School
• Camp Universal summer programs for children
• The Day Spa at Universal

The Best Hours

Universal is open from 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.

That's over 100 hours per week of club availability!

Sources:
Personal experience
www.universalathleticclub.com