If two of your New Year’s resolutions are to exercise more and buy locally, then you might be able to do both at once. The San Jose area is home to several locally owned gyms that have just as much to offer as the big-chain clubs.
Built Tuff Gym
1256 S. Bascom Ave.
San Jose, CA 95128
408-998-0336
Hours: Mon – Fri (7 a.m. until 9 p.m.), Saturday (8 a.m. until 1 p.m.), closed Sunday
Built Tuff has a full collection of equipment, from treadmills to kettleballs, and has an open green area for running. The gym is owned and operated by Ray Arde, a local bodybuilding champ. Membership at Built Tuff is affordable, with rates as low as $19 a month with a six-month contract. All new members also receive a free consultation with Arde to discuss fitness and nutrition goals.
San Jose Athletic Club
196 N. Third St.
San Jose, CA 95112
408-292-1141
Hours: Mon – Thurs (5 a.m. until 10 p.m.), Fri (5 a.m. until 9 p.m.), Sat – Sun (8 a.m. until 6 p.m.)
San Jose Athletic Club has been around for over two decades and is a full-service gym. They have everything from weight rooms to swimming pools. You can get a free seven-day guest pass and a 30-minute personal training session by the club or a free three-day pass by signing up online. Membership costs are usually month-to-month, so you don’t have to worry about a long-term commitment.
Almaden Valley Athletic Club
5400 Camden Ave.
San Jose, CA 95124
408-445-4900
Hours: Mon – Fri (5 a.m. until 10 p.m.) and Sat – Sun (7 a.m. until 8 p.m.)
Almaden Valley Athletic Club is another full-service gym. They have an impressive list of equipment and hold several classes throughout the week. The gym offers several levels of membership, including weekend membership and fitness membership. Rates will depend on your individual needs and some plans require a one-year commitment.
Fitness Clinic of Los Gatos
15405 Los Gatos Blvd., #101
Los Gatos, CA 95032
408-358-4915
Call for hours.
The Fitness Clinic offers a nice selection of equipment and can cater to several fitness styles. The gym also can provide clients with a comprehensive fitness assessment on areas like cardio respiratory fitness and flexibility. They also offer several outside services, such as helping clients design their home gyms.
4EverFit Personal Training Studio
12361 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
408-873-8483
Call for hours.
4EverFit has been around for over 10 years and has a different take on gym membership than the other clubs. There no membership fees or contracts; instead, clients pay per session. There are several training programs to pick from, including Partner Personal Training (train with a loved one) and training for Baby Boomers.