FITNESS
LET’S GET PHYSICAL
Gyms offer a plethora of ways to shed pounds
and get in shape while avoiding the elements
BY ELLEN GILLETTE
Many people decided that the 19 in COVID-19 refers
to the number of pounds they put on during the
lockdown. Back on the move, health and fitness
are new priorities for many.
Port St. Lucie offers an abundance of opportunities to get
in, or stay in, shape: outdoor fitness stations, golf, team sports,
public pools, walking, bike trails. Exercising outdoors doesn’t
fit everyone’s needs, however. Weather, social interaction and
accountability are factors that send Americans to the gym.
From so-called big box gyms to boutique to independent,
Port St. Lucie has them all.
MEGA FRANCHISES
Six big box gyms are scattered throughout the city, franchises
that can charge lower fees because of their size. Expect
a multitude of cardio equipment, machines, free weights and
classes. There will be lots of people also — a draw for some, a
turnoff for others.
Anytime Fitness provides 24/7 access and entry to any
of its 4,500 facilities worldwide. Around-the-clock security
is provided, with on-site staff during peak hours for small
group and personal training. Port St. Lucie’s locations
are 802 SE Becker Road and 230 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd.
There’s no enrollment fee, but a one-time key fee costs $25;
membership is $40/monthly. Visit www.anytimefitness.com
for more information.
Planet Fitness offers an online crowd meter to help plan
ahead. Videos give an overview of all the gym offers. The
annual membership fee is $39. Classic membership $10/
monthly includes the club app and free fitness training.
Black Card membership is $24.99/month with lots of extra
perks such as tanning bed access. Port St. Lucie locations are >>
18 Port St. Lucie Magazine
Although stretching
before exercise is
helpful, experts say
the optimum time to
stretch is after a workout
to prevent muscles
from tightening.
BARWIS
/www.anytimefitness.com