Health Clubs in Los Angeles

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Health Clubs

Don't be fooled by the gossipy environment, pulsating music, and carefully arranged spandex that dominate many top gyms. L.A.'s gym rats take their workouts very seriously, visiting once or twice a day and discussing their body-fat ratios and cardio programs to anyone who asks.

If you belong to national chains, like 24-Hour Fitness or Bally's, you'll find plenty of branches here. If not, they and the many local clubs and chains in the city usually sell daily or weekly memberships. Meridian (1950 Century Park E, Century City. 310/789-1111) has a full range of aerobics classes including aerobic boxing and kickboxing for $20 per day; there are also branches in the Miracle Mile and Beverly-La Brea areas. The state-of-the-art Crunch Fitness (8000 Sunset Blvd., in Virgin Megastore complex, West Hollywood. 323/654-4550) is popular with celebrities for its expansive facilities. It costs $24 per day; for Chateau Marmont or Standard guests bearing room keys, it's $12.

Probably the most famous body-pumping facility in the city is Gold's Gym (360 Hampton Dr., Venice. 310/392-6004. 1016 N. Cole Ave., Hollywood. 323/462-7012). In addition to using the two flagship locations mentioned here, local hulks turn themselves into veritable muscle sculptures at two additional locations in the San Fernando Valley and another in Redondo Beach. For $20 a day or $59 a week, several tons of weights and bodybuilding machines can be yours.