A Guide To: Local Gyms | Traditional
2017 is not even a week old yet. The taste of black eyed peas and turnip greens may still linger in your mouth. The ink on that list of “resolutions” is barely dry. Thoughts of a future dance in your head as you sneak that last bit of Christmas candy from the aluminum foil-wrapped plate from your in-laws’ house. Maybe you’re not a candy person but a leftovers kind of guy. I mean, who wants to waste food, right? So, a midnight snack of butter-saturated mixed vegetable casserole or that last slice of pecan pie doesn’t seem so bad because at the top of that newly dried resolution list are three words that may as well be the eleventh commandment etched in stone: JOIN A GYM.
For the uninitiated, the gym can be an intimidating place. Thoughts of spandex, grunting, and stacks of barbells could be legitimate concerns for someone who simply wants to get a little a healthier in 2017. If you’re reading this article, chances are you live in the vicinity of Jackson, Tennessee, and, lucky for you, Jackson offers several diverse, locally owned gyms designed to meet the needs of the weekend warrior as well as the novice gym attendee. In this two-part series, we’ll highlight the traditional gyms (weights, classes, etc.) and the non-traditional facilities (gyms specializing in a specific type of exercise) in order to help you, the reader, make your best decision on what workout facility is the best option for you and the “you” you want to become this year.
Gold's Gym
Central Jackson | 106 Carriage House Drive | 731.660.8888 | goldsgym.com/jacksontn
Emphasis: Accessibility, offering twenty-four-hour access and free childcare
Membership: $30/month (discounts for senior citizens and students)
Current deals: Free VIP pass; free class pass
Special amenities:
Outdoor pool
Tanning
Complimentary coffee
Complimentary towels
Nationwide travel privileges
Nutrition pro shop
Juice bar
Local business/restaurant discounts
Special programs:
Cycling classes
Zumba classes
Barre GOLD classes
Mind/body studio
Personal training
Jackson Sport & Fitness
North Jackson | 1068 Vann Drive | 731.984.8383 | jacksonsportfitness.com
Emphasis: Large and clean facility with professional equipment and an attentive staff
Membership: $39/month (discounts for groups/families, law enforcement, educators, students, and more)
Current deals: Free one-day pass
Special amenities:
Industry-leading cardio & strength equipment
Racquetball
Basketball
Dry sauna
Indoor track
Crossfit-style area
Full-size outdoor lap lane pool
Childcare
Complimentary towels
Special programs:
Pilates classes (including Pilates Reformer training)
Zumba classes
Cardio dance & hip-hop classes
Cycling classes
The LIFT Wellness Center
Downtown Jackson | 101 Jackson Walk Plaza | 731.427.7048 | liftjackson.com
Emphasis: "Living in a Fit Tennessee," using exercise and nutrition as "medicine"
Membership: $50/month (discounts for senior citizens, college students, military, and West Tennessee Healthcare employees)
Current deals: 50% off enrollment; 25% off personal training
Special amenities:
Warm water therapeutic pool
Sauna
Steam room
Spa
Indoor lap pool
Walking track
Multi-purpose basketball court
Special programs:
Pre- and post-natal yoga
Pilates Reformer training
Kickboxing bag classes
Maximum Health & Fitness
South Jackson | 1492 South Highland Avenue | 731.424.6884 | facebook.com/MaximumJacksonTN
Emphasis: Personal connection with staff and encouragement to work at your own pace
Membership: $40/month
Current deals: $40/month membership; "One buck signed you up"—$1 enrollment fee in place of normal $50 enrollment
Special amenities:
Twenty-four-hour access
Weight training
Cardio
Hammer strength
Machine weights
Special programs:
Spin classes
Essential oils classes
Zumba classes
Regardless of where you live in Jackson, if getting a little healthier was one of your top resolutions for 2017, then one of these locally owned gyms can help you meet your goals. Each gym provides trainers if you’re a little unsure of your starting point on your road to health. Most gyms offer a free trial for at least one workout if a test drive would make you feel a little better before diving in head first. So, polish off those leftovers, start the countdown to summer, and visit one of these facilities so you can at least check off one of those resolutions.
Gabe Hart is an English and Language Arts teacher at Northeast Middle School. He was born and raised in Jackson, graduating from Jackson Central-Merry in 1997 and Union University in 2001. Gabe enjoys spending time and traveling with his daughter, Jordan, who is eight years old. His hobbies include reading, writing, and playing sports . . . even though he’s getting too old for the last one. Gabe lives in Midtown Jackson and has a desire to see all of Jackson grow together.
Photography provided by the featured businesses.
