24 Hour Fitness — Attraction in Irvine

I have been frequenting this location for about a year and half. From what I understand, the location was a Sport, not that long ago, but changed to the current status of Super Sport. The downside is that the facilities were never properly upgraded to reflect that change. For example, the showers are pretty bad, they have mold/mildew in spots and corrosion with the shower stalls being separated by some translucent glass. Other Super Sport locations I've been to have nice showers with completely separate shower "rooms," for lack of a better word, where the showers have actual walls between them and they have hooks on the wall to hang stuff, a larger open area to shower in, and rails/little seat against the wall. Something to note: when I first signed-up the guy said they had a swim suit dryer on order, but they were just waiting for the funds to come through, so obviously, that's not going to happen any time soon. They also don't have hair dryers, plastic bags like for wet/smelly clothes, or nice bathrooms, like other Super Sports. They stopped doing towel service last December, which was company-wide, but one of the reasons I chose this location over the one at the Spectrum Center 24 Hour Fitness. The dry sauna was just re-done a few months ago, which took over a month to complete. Also, they do try to bring in new equipment, like yesterday they installed two deadlift stations downstairs.The men's locker room is fairly small and awkwardly designed so that it's difficult to find room to get dressed. There is a basketball court downstairs and there is also a giant room with hardwood flooring and mirrors all around, where they do yoga, Zumba, etc classes. There is also a pool, wet sauna, dry sauna, and Jacuzzi downstairs.Upstairs are all the cardio machines and weight machines/benches/etc. I can only really speak to how the gym is on weekday mornings. The staff is always friendly and courteous and it seems like the personal trainers really care about their clients. I've never seen the soap dispensers empty in either the showers or the sinks, so that's a plus. Overall, this gym is convenient for me and I've made it work, but for pickier people, you might...

I really enjoy group fitness classes and love the trainers who teach them. What a joy to meet up with friends and work out together! If I were to write this review about the classes and group fitness class experience at 24 Hour Fitness Irvine Center Drive gym, this would be a 5 star review. But this review concerns the temperature and air flow in the group fitness class room at this gym, and this review system requires at least one star (otherwise the star gets removed). It’s too hot. I’ve learned that many members no longer come to this gym because of this situation and instead go to the other nearby 24 Hour gyms. I recently trained in 5 different 24 Hour gyms in Texas, and they all had better air flow, and were cooler than Irvine Center Drive. Texas is cooler than California? I also routinely go to all of the surrounding 24 Hour gyms and they ALL have better air flow and are cooler than ICD. I think the managers and concerned staff in Irvine Center Drive should take one group fitness class in that room to see and feel for themselves. It’s August….I dare them! Update in response to 24 Hour Fitness (owner)’ response from earlier this morning to my review:

The suggestion is to use the link to contact 24 directly. It’s a little vague but I think (?) you mean to contact corporate or perhaps the actual gym. I was there yesterday but sure, I will start with the actual gym and then contact corporate if necessary. Based on the hour of the day though I will wait until they start their work day. In the interim since you are responding and therefore working, I see 5 or so portable fans which have been brought into the group fitness room. What this tells me is the air conditioning unit must not be working; I suggest having the system inspected. Perhaps filters need to be replaced, or vents unclogged? This is what I will tell the actual gym when the concerned folks arrive. Perhaps you can get...

Wow people actually use their gym memberships! I thought you were suppose to buy a membership and never come back. This gym is always packed all the time, pretty much 24/7. I see a lot of people working out like their life depends on it. If you have ever lost motivation to work out, come to this gym and see a great workout atmosphere.

This 24 Hour Fitness locations is where I popped my 24HF cherry. I got sucked in to a 3 year contract. It wasn't too bad. The sales associate was very nice and not pushy. Three years ago a membership at the spectrum 24HF was about 3 times more than the member here. So, I got a great deal and started working out at the spectrum only months after getting the membership, because it changed from Super-Sport down to Sport. What a deal! :) I also got a few free trainer sessions and only pay $29 a YEAR (now, after prepaying 3 years)! Negotiate and shop around when you look for a membership, but more importantly USE YOUR GYM MEMBERSHIP! If you are only planning to go 3 days or less per week, save your money by P90X and just stay home.

The fact that this gym is always busy is a huge CON! On the bright side, its a great place to workout. If you have ever had a great coach or played sport with a good leader motivation is key to your success. I like the indoor pool and basketball court. Its hard to get on the courts because of the number of people, but you can always go at night; however, it does close after 9pm I think. The best thing about this gym is the equipment! They have everything from exercise balls to kettle bells. There are plenty of machines and free weights. This place does get a little stuffy because the weight area is upstairs.

If you want a full gym without paying a ridiculous amount, go here. If you want a clean less packed gym, head to the spectrum. Get back to your...