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Prime Buyers Guide Health Clubs

How to Find the Best Health Clubs in the Napa Valley Area

Most of us spend a lot of time sitting. When you've had enough of the sedentary life and want to lose weight, firm up those muscles, tone your body and perhaps increase your fitness with aerobics programs, weight training, spinning classes, nautilus machines or more, it's time to find good health clubs in the Napa Valley Area. There are several good fitness centers and gyms in the Napa Valley Area from which to choose. Read on to learn how to find the best health clubs and gyms for fitness training in American Canyon, American Cyn, Angwin, Calistoga, Deer Park, Napa, Napa, Oakville, Pope Valley, Rutherford, Saint Helena and Yountville and throughout the whole Napa Valley Area. more »

Updated November 19, 2008

Top 10 Health Clubs in Napa Valley Area

Basics Gym
(707) 226-8131
650 Cabot Way
Napa, CA 94559

Areas Served: Napa CA, Calistoga, Pope Valley, St Helena, Yountville, Rutherford, Oakville

Exertec Fitness Center
(707) 226-1842
1500 1st St
Napa, CA 94559

Areas Served: Napa Valley, Pope Valley, Saint Helena, Calistoga, Angwin, American Cyn, Rutherford

Fit First
(707) 257-4348
560 Gateway Dr
Napa, CA 94558

Areas Served: Napa County, incl. Napa CA, Yountville, Calistoga, Angwin, Yountville, Rutherford

Flexx Fitness
(707) 255-9260
341 3rd St
Napa, CA 94559

Areas Served: Napa CA, Calistoga, Angwin, Pope Valley, St Helena, Rutherford, Yountville

Rockzilla
(707) 255-4944
849 Jackson St
Napa, CA 94559

Areas Served: Napa County, Calistoga, Napa, Yountville, Rutherford, Pope Valley, American Canyon

Symmetry Fitness Studio
(707) 258-2099
1558 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94559

Areas Served: Napa Valley, Napa, Calistoga, Angwin, Pope Valley, Rutherford, St Helena, American Cyn

Synergy
(707) 251-1395
3421 Villa Ln
Napa, CA 94558

Areas Served: Napa CA, Calistoga, Spanish Flat, Rutherford, Pope Valley, Yountville

Updated March 12, 2008

How to Find the Best Health Clubs in the Napa Valley Area 

The local gym was once the domain of only professional boxers or sweaty weight lifters. It was not a place most people—especially women—went. In fact, most people didn't actually do much regular exercise. In the seventies and eighties that began to change as people's consciousness began to focus on health and natural living. The running (jogging) craze hit and aerobics classes became very popular. People who had never heard of yoga began attending yoga classes. Richard Simmons broke out the short shorts. Leg warmers appeared on womens' legs across America, even when they were just going to the grocery store. Fitness and fitness wear became a new fashion statement. And to answer this craving for healthy living, businesses began popping up in towns across America. They didn't call themselves gymnasiums any more (though doing so might have brought even more business—the original meaning of the Greek word gymnasium was to "exercise naked"). These new businesses called themselves health clubs or family fitness centers. Offering a safe, convenient place to use weight-lifting equipment, attend exercise classes with like-minded friends and perhaps lose a few pounds, health clubs became, for many, a part of daily life.

Today, in the Napa Valley Area and around the country, health clubs and fitness centers have come a long way from those early years. The range of options has widened from weight training and aerobic classes to encompass every special interest a client may have. There is equipment that specifically targets cardio training, getting the heart rate up, nutritional programs with certified nutritionists, personal trainers who will work with you individually to address specific needs or weight loss goals, yoga classes, weight management and weight loss programs, spin classes, therapeutic saunas and hot tubs, Jazzercize, massage, tai chi classes, physical therapy, recuperative classes, adapted physical education and more. Some high-quality Napa County health clubs and fitness centers have broadened their offerings to include indoor rock wall climbing, aerobic kick boxing, group cycling on modern exercise bikes and treadmills (often with televisions so you can watch your favorite show while exercising) children's exercise and fitness programs, martial arts, racquetball, basketball and even boxing, hearkening back to the old-school gyms where it all started.

Some health clubs offer special seniors-only or women-only classes, specifically designed for that demographic for comfort and privacy. Most health clubs offer free weights as well as exercise and weight machines. Most gyms offer the services of personal, certified fitness trainers who will show you the proper use of the machines and help you, based on your weight and experience, design an exercise program tailored just for you. Many health centers are open 24 hours a day.

Most Napa Valley Area health clubs offer memberships. Typically, in order to use their facilities, one must pay an initial sign-up fee, then a monthly fee thereafter. Memberships may vary widely depending on how often you wish to come and what services you are seeking. Napa County health clubs and fitness centers often run special introductory prices so be sure to ask. Many offer complimentary guest passes, or steeply reduced start-up rates, allowing you to try them out once or twice before committing.

Napa Valley Area health clubs and fitness centers provide a way to utilize the latest equipment and fitness trends without having to buy that equipment and have it sitting in your living room. They are a great place to socialize while staying healthy, and they provide the incentive to continue your weight-loss regimen and healthy lifestyle.

There are several Health Clubs to Choose From in the Napa Valley Area
If you're starting a search from scratch on health clubs in the Napa Valley Area, it can be hard to decide which is best for you. That's why we've listed some of the best health clubs in the Napa Valley Area including American Canyon, American Cyn, Angwin, Calistoga, Deer Park, Napa, Napa, Oakville, Pope Valley, Rutherford, Saint Helena and Yountville. The Top 10 health clubs in the Napa Valley Area are: Basics Gym, Exertec Fitness Center, Fit First, Flexx Fitness, Rockzilla, Symmetry Fitness Studio, Synergy.

Look for Napa Valley Area Health Clubs With Great Reputations
Napa Valley Area health clubs may offer similar programs and equipment, but some have better reputations with consumers and organizations such as the Better Business Bureau or other consumer or watchdog groups. To help you sort it all out, The Prime Buyer's Report has compiled a listing of publications, associations and internet resources. To view these links, see the article, "Key Consumer Resources for Health Clubs in the Napa Valley Area."

Updated November 19, 2008
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How to Choose the Best Health Clubs & Fitness Centers in the Napa Valley Area 

In general, most people who join health clubs are motivated by one of three reasons: They want to lose weight, tone up and be healthier, or they are recovering from an injury, surgery, or other health issue. These goals often go together, of course, but it's important to know what your goals are before choosing a health club. Trainers and exercise professionals often have very different approaches to the same stated goals. Your objective is to find the health club that most closely matches your goals and your comfort level. Sit down and write out exactly what you're hoping to accomplish by joining a health club, even if you're not completely sure. That way, when you go in, you'll be able to give each health club representative the same list of goals. This will make it easier for you to compare their responses to your consistent description.

Although many health clubs in the Napa Valley Area may have similar equipment and classes, there are differences of style, temperament and interest. Some don't have a lot of compassion for those just starting out; some emphasize comfort and privacy. Ideally the health club representative will show a great deal of interest and ask relevant questions, perhaps pointing out things you hadn't yet considered. If, after meeting them, you've gotten a good initial impression, ask some questions about the club's facilities and credentialing. Use the list of questions below as a guideline to develop your own.


• How long have the fitness centers' trainers and employees been in the health club industry?

• How many members do each of the Napa Valley Area health clubs have?

• What are the hours the health clubs are open?

• Are there "peak" hours of use at the health centers?

• Do the health clubs provide child care?

• Will someone at the health clubs be able to train you on the use of the exercise equipment? Does this cost more?

• What does the gym membership fee include? (personal training, classes, pool, towel service, lockers, childcare, etc.)

• Are there extra costs for additional services at the Napa Valley Area health clubs?

• Can you speak with members of the health clubs and ask them questions before you join?

• Is there a certain time-frame minimum at the gyms or can you quit anytime?

• Are the trainers/employees at each of the Napa Valley Area health clubs trained in first-aid and CPR?

• What industry certifications do the personal trainers at the health centers have?


Through this question-and-answer period, consider first impressions, the cleanliness and overall look of the health club, experience levels and compatible styles. Visit the health clubs at different times. Many fitness centers have high-density use times or "peak" hours.  Are there long lines at equipment during the times you would be at the gyms in Napa Valley Area? Do the health clubs offer a wide enough variety of equipment types to help you achieve your fitness goals?

When you've chosen the health club most suitable for you, make sure they are properly certified to perform your work. Before you sign a contract, verify the company's licensing, insurance and endorsements, such as Diamond Certification and Better Business Bureau membership. Before you sign up, insist that there be a written contract that details pricing and all details of the gym membership, including how to opt out should you change your mind.

Updated November 13, 2008
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Key Consumer Resources for Health Clubs & Fitness Centers in the Napa Valley Area 


Associations & Licensing for Health Clubs & Fitness Centers
BBB Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.org/)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (http://www.diamondcertified.org)
Consumer Reports on Health (http://www.consumerreports.org/oh/index.htm)

Media & Web Publications for Health Clubs & Fitness Centers
http://www.healthclubs.com/
www.steadyhealth.com
http://www.health.com/
www.ivillagehealth.com
National Health and Wellness Club (http://www.healthandwellnessclub.com/)
International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association (http://cms.ihrsa.org/)
President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (http://www.fitness.gov/)
National Gym Association (http://www.nationalgym.com/nga/index.php)
National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (http://www.ncpad.org/)
Association of Women's Fitness (http://www.association-of-womens-fitness.org/)
PRO Pulse Magazine (http://public.proclub.com/PROPulseMagazine/tabid/77/Default.aspx)
Club Solutions Magazine (www.clubsolutionsmagazine.com)
Natural Health Magazine(www.naturalhealthmag.com)
Women's Health Magazine (www.womenshealthmag.com)
Men's Fitness Magazine (www.mensfitness.com)

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 Health Clubs and Fitness Centers in the Napa Valley Area within the following zip codes:

94503, 94508, 94515, 94558, 94559, 94562, 94567, 94573, 94574, 94576, 94581 and 94599

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 Health Clubs and Fitness Centers in the Napa Valley Area within the following cities:

American Canyon, American Cyn, Angwin, Calistoga, Deer Park, Napa, Napa, Oakville, Pope Valley, Rutherford, Saint Helena and Yountville

 

 

Health Clubs Napa County

County

City

Napa Health Clubs Found

Napa County

American Canyon CA

4

Napa County

Angwin CA

0

Napa County

Calistoga CA

3

Napa County

Deer Park CA

0

Napa County

Napa CA

17

Napa County

Oakville CA

0

Napa County

Pope Valley CA

0

Napa County

Rutherford CA

0

Napa County

Spanish Flat CA

0

Napa County

St Helena CA

3

Napa County

Yountville CA

1

Updated November 17, 2008
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Tips for Choosing Good Health Clubs & Fitness Centers in the Napa Valley Area 

Take Time Choosing Between Napa Valley Area Health Clubs.
Whatever it is that you're trying to accomplish by joining a health club, take your time choosing. Different gyms and fitness centers have different skill sets, specialties and experience so it's important to be sure the health club you choose can actually provide you with what you need to achieve your goals. If you shop around a little you'll have better odds of finding the right fitness club for you.

Write Down Your Fitness Goals.
Think about the fitness goals you have in mind. What do you want to do? Lose weight? Tone up? Change your entire lifestyle? Restore your health? Write everything down that comes to mind. That way you'll be able to hand each health club representative a clear, consistent summary of what you're after.  If you give each health club the same information, it will be easier to compare apples to apples when you learn what each has to offer.

Talk to and Visit Several Gyms in the Napa Valley Area.
It's not about just finding the lowest price, or nearest-to-work location. Comparison shopping for pricing help you get an idea of the median price for gym memberships and it will give you a chance to sound out the personalities and policies and customer service of the different health clubs before joining. It will also give you a chance to see the facility and get an impression of whether or not you'd be comfortable there.

Get the Gym Membership Terms in Writing.
Nothing is official until it is written and signed. So insist that the health club you choose provides you with a detailed document that describes the pricing in detail. Make sure you understand what you're agreeing to. Is it a month-to-month fitness club membership? An annual gym membership? (Don't sign up for a lifetime gym membership: They are illegal in most states.) Three-quarters of the states have specific legislation regarding the maximum length of health club contracts and provisions for cancellation. There is usually a "cooling off" period offered on all contracts, typically three days, during which you can cancel your agreement without penalty. Be sure you understand the cancellation provisions in the contract. To learn more, call the California State Department of Consumer Affairs. (See our article, "Key Consumer Resources for Health Clubs in Napa Valley).

Do Your Homework Before Joining a Napa Valley Area Health Club.
To narrow down your choices, do some detective work. Research the club's licensing, insurance and reputation. See if there have been complaints about the health club with the Better Business Bureau. To help with this, see our article: Key Consumer Resources for health clubs and fitness centers in Napa County. Verify all of this information before signing the contract.

Choose Certified Fitness Centers and Gyms.
As with most industries, there is an upper echelon of highly regarded health clubs that insist on delivering the best customer service possible. In the Napa Valley Area, Diamond Certification is a measure of extraordinary customer attention. Seek out local health clubs or gyms that have earned this designation and you are much more likely to get great customer service.

Know Your Rights when it Comes to Fitness Centers.
If you have the misfortune of arriving at a legal impasse with your health club or fitness center, you are protected by certain rights. Start with the California Department of Consumer Affairs Web site (www.dca.ca.gov).
Updated November 13, 2008
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Health Clubs in the Napa Valley Area Offer Many of the Best Exercise Equipment and Brands 

Health clubs in the Napa Valley Area offer many of the best exercise equipment and brands including Bowflex, Nautilus, Precor USA, NordicTrack, Advanced Fitness, Inc., HealthRider, Inc., Cybex International, Inc., Eloton Exercise Equipment, Sohn, Benter Ball, Cableflex, Butt Blaster, Cardiosport, Orbitrek, TrackMaster, StairMaster, Sportline, Jumpking, Empower, Altus, Variflex, Valeo, Powertec, Infiniti Fitness, Textrix, Unisen, Scifit, Versa, Intek Strength, Sportsart and Quinton.
Updated November 13, 2008
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Health Clubs American Canyon CA
Health Clubs American Cyn CA
Health Clubs Angwin CA
Health Clubs Calistoga CA
Health Clubs Deer Park CA
Health Clubs Napa CA
Health Clubs Napa CA
Health Clubs Oakville CA
Health Clubs Pope Valley CA
Health Clubs Rutherford CA
Health Clubs Saint Helena CA
Health Clubs Yountville CA

Gyms American Canyon CA
Gyms American Cyn CA
Gyms Angwin CA
Gyms Calistoga CA
Gyms Deer Park CA
Gyms Napa CA
Gyms Napa CA
Gyms Oakville CA
Gyms Pope Valley CA
Gyms Rutherford CA
Gyms Saint Helena CA
Gyms Yountville CA

Fitness Centers American Canyon CA
Fitness Centers American Cyn CA
Fitness Centers Angwin CA
Fitness Centers Calistoga CA
Fitness Centers Deer Park CA
Fitness Centers Napa CA
Fitness Centers Napa CA
Fitness Centers Oakville CA
Fitness Centers Pope Valley CA
Fitness Centers Rutherford CA
Fitness Centers Saint Helena CA
Fitness Centers Yountville CA

Weight Training American Canyon CA
Weight Training American Cyn CA
Weight Training Angwin CA
Weight Training Calistoga CA
Weight Training Deer Park CA
Weight Training Napa CA
Weight Training Napa CA
Weight Training Oakville CA
Weight Training Pope Valley CA
Weight Training Rutherford CA
Weight Training Saint Helena CA
Weight Training Yountville CA

Fitness Training American Canyon CA
Fitness Training American Cyn CA
Fitness Training Angwin CA
Fitness Training Calistoga CA
Fitness Training Deer Park CA
Fitness Training Napa CA
Fitness Training Napa CA
Fitness Training Oakville CA
Fitness Training Pope Valley CA
Fitness Training Rutherford CA
Fitness Training Saint Helena CA
Fitness Training Yountville CA

Aerobics Programs American Canyon CA
Aerobics Programs American Cyn CA
Aerobics Programs Angwin CA
Aerobics Programs Calistoga CA
Aerobics Programs Deer Park CA
Aerobics Programs Napa CA
Aerobics Programs Napa CA
Aerobics Programs Oakville CA
Aerobics Programs Pope Valley CA
Aerobics Programs Rutherford CA
Aerobics Programs Saint Helena CA
Aerobics Programs Yountville CA

Athletic Clubs American Canyon CA
Athletic Clubs American Cyn CA
Athletic Clubs Angwin CA
Athletic Clubs Calistoga CA
Athletic Clubs Deer Park CA
Athletic Clubs Napa CA
Athletic Clubs Napa CA
Athletic Clubs Oakville CA
Athletic Clubs Pope Valley CA
Athletic Clubs Rutherford CA
Athletic Clubs Saint Helena CA
Athletic Clubs Yountville CA

Spinning Classes American Canyon CA
Spinning Classes American Cyn CA
Spinning Classes Angwin CA
Spinning Classes Calistoga CA
Spinning Classes Deer Park CA
Spinning Classes Napa CA
Spinning Classes Napa CA
Spinning Classes Oakville CA
Spinning Classes Pope Valley CA
Spinning Classes Rutherford CA
Spinning Classes Saint Helena CA
Spinning Classes Yountville CA

Nautilus American Canyon CA
Nautilus American Cyn CA
Nautilus Angwin CA
Nautilus Calistoga CA
Nautilus Deer Park CA
Nautilus Napa CA
Nautilus Napa CA
Nautilus Oakville CA
Nautilus Pope Valley CA
Nautilus Rutherford CA
Nautilus Saint Helena CA
Nautilus Yountville CA

Work Out Centers American Canyon CA
Work Out Centers American Cyn CA
Work Out Centers Angwin CA
Work Out Centers Calistoga CA
Work Out Centers Deer Park CA
Work Out Centers Napa CA
Work Out Centers Napa CA
Work Out Centers Oakville CA
Work Out Centers Pope Valley CA
Work Out Centers Rutherford CA
Work Out Centers Saint Helena CA
Work Out Centers Yountville CA

Diamond Certified