Around Virginia Beach, there’s a variety of gyms to choose from; some of the most popular being Onelife Fitness, Iron Asylum and Planet Fitness.
These workout facilities offer vastly different opportunities within and environments that can easily scare away newcomers to the fitness scene.
Onelife Fitness on Red Mill is a gym that originated in the 757, and offers a sauna, indoor pool, red light therapy, cardio cinema, group. These additions to the basic cardio and strength equipment offer a diverse variety of perks. Whether one is new to working out, or has been doing so for years, Onelife Fitness welcomes individuals of all levels of fitness.
Onelife Fitness has two payment plans: premium and basic. The premium costs $39.99 a month with a one-time joining fee of $9. This includes additional amenities such as a monthly body composition analysis, hydromassages, red light therapy and 15% off of pro-shop and beverages. The basic on the other hand, costs $29.99 a month with a one-time joining fee of $59, and offers the same basic amenities except the ones listed above.
“I have been working out at Onelife for a few years and I am very happy with my growth and I enjoy the welcoming atmosphere,” junior James Jackson said.
Planet Fitness is a gym chain across the country that was started in 1992. They have two locations in Virginia Beach, one in Red Mill and the other on Holland Road. At these Planet Fitness locations, they offer strength and cardio equipment but a limited supply of free weights that do not go very heavy with the heaviest being 80 pounds.
Planet Fitnesses is largely known for their welcoming, environment for those who are new to the fitness scene, offering a variety of machines and a friendly atmosphere and staff. They offer two payment plans: the classic deal for $15 a month with a $1 startup fee and $49 annual fee offering unlimited access and basic amenities. The alternative Planet Fitness Black Card for $24.99 a month with a $1 startup fee and $49 annual fee that also locks one into a 12-month commitment plan offering a tanning bed, massage chairs, hydromassage and a free guest anytime.
“Planet Fitness was the place where I first started working out and gave me a basic understanding,” senior Ben Tignor said.
Iron Asylum Gym has two locations in Virginia Beach as well as one location on Castleton Way and another on Kempsville Road.
The Iron Asylum gym offers 24/7 access to members with staff that works seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. They offer personal training classes with certified trainers who are experienced and have many weightlifting accolades.
Iron Asylum’s environment fits those who are serious about weightlifting and fitness, thus not the best option for newcomers. They offer a membership for $39 a month and a 12-month contract can be voided if a $79 sign-up fee is paid.
“I personally enjoy Iron Asylum, it allows me to lift more weight and keeps me more motivated because of the environment than anywhere else I have gone,” junior Andrew Nicholson said.
