By Kelly Morgan,Staff Writer

When to go

Staff members and owners at area gyms said the busiest times are before work (starting as early as 5 a.m.), during the lunch hour and immediately after work. Consider going at other times to avoid the crowds.

Also worth noting: A number of places offer daycare services. Inquire when looking into membership.

Factors to consider

Know what you want to achieve before deciding on a gym, says Brooke MacInnis Correia, a spokeswoman for the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association.

“Set goals, because in order to stick with an exercise routine, you really have to be working toward a goal,” she said.

There are many different types of health clubs to consider, she added. Visit lots of facilities and see what feels right.

Another thing to consider is how close a gym is to your home or work, and whether it’s open at hours convenient to your schedule.

Personal trainers also can help people tailor exercise plans and keep on track. For independent trainers, check the business directory in the phone book.

It’s the season of New Year’s resolutions, and among the most popular there’s that bit about losing 10 or 20 pounds before swimsuit season. But where to begin?

Well, from the low-key, women-only atmosphere of Curves for Women, to the intensity of Fitness World, where spandex-clad twenty-somethings can be found among the baby boomers peddling and pumping iron, there are myriad options in the Lewiston-Auburn area. To make things a bit easier, the Sun Journal took some time out this week to tour our local health clubs and fitness centers. Here is what we found:

Women Only!

Curves for Women

The skinny: Low-key and friendly, with a simple 30-minute workout routine that involves switching between hydraulic resistance machines and jogging, marching or walking at recovery stations every 30 seconds. Very social atmosphere and a great starting point for someone intimidated by larger health clubs.

Drawbacks: The circuit routine remains constant and there are no amenities like locker rooms or saunas. Also, while the machines are designed to fit a woman’s frame, they are not adjusted for each individual.

Cost: Most members opt for the $29/month plan. There is a startup fee of $149, but sign up during a promotion and save 50 to 60 percent.

Locations: 675 Main Street, Lewiston; 545 Minot Ave., Auburn; 229 Center St., Auburn

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, except for Minot Avenue, which opens at 7 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and at 6 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

Phone: 777-3660, Main Street; 782-0005, Center Street; 783-8400, Minot Avenue

Web: www.curves.com for the Curves International home page

Women Only!

Ladies Workout Express

The skinny: Similar to Curves with a 30-minute circuit training system, but with equipment that offers two-way hydraulic resistance and varied resistance settings. Equipment is rearranged once a month to vary the workout. Depending on one’s membership, the sauna on site is free or low cost. Classes in aerobics, Hula Hoops, pilates, yoga, belly dancing and kick boxing are offered and sometimes are free for members. Massage therapy on site. Owner Adriane Kramer is very enthusiastic and friendly.

Drawbacks: Bigger than Curves and with more to offer, but still limited in terms of equipment and the size of the facility.

Cost: $29.95/month with a six-month contract. Startup fees vary from $49.95 to $99, depending on special promotional rates and the plan chosen. Ask about military and other discounts.

Location: One Great Falls Plaza, Auburn

Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, floating hours Sunday

Phone: 777-1171

Web: www.ladiesworkoutexpress.com

Just Men

Nitro Fitness For Men

The skinny: Very straightforward. One room with a circuit of equipment and stop lights to let people know when to rotate — every 45 seconds for 30 minutes. With 24-hour swipe card access, this is a good place for those looking to squeeze a basic workout into a busy schedule.

Drawbacks: Again, this is a basic gym without a full range of workout options. Those who want to use free weights or spend time really focusing on one workout may want to try a larger gym.

Cost: $29.95 a month with a one-year contract, or $34.95 a month with no contract. No startup fee at this time. Ask about military and other discounts.

Location: 1174 Lisbon St., Lewiston

Hours: 24-hour swipe card access

Phone: 784-4200

Web: www.nitromaine.com

Women Only!

Women’s Fitness & Personal Training

The skinny: A professional gym with a full range of cardio and strength building equipment, the latter of which is a women-specific line. Membership is pricey here, but this is a clean, modern facility and classes at the gym are covered by the fee, including aerobics, spinning, yoga, kick boxing and belly dancing. Personal trainers are available (at a cost), and the gym’s staff members carry degrees in the field.

Drawbacks: Price. Could be a bit intimidating for those with real gym phobias.

Cost: $45 a month or, if paid in advance, $149 for three months, $249 for six months, or $449 for a year

Location: 730 Center St., Auburn (Auburn Plaza)

Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to noon Saturday. Sunday hours seasonally (now 7 a.m. to noon).

Phone: 786-0674

Web: www.womensfitness-personaltraining.com

Offers racquetball

Central Maine Athletic Center

The skinny: This is a busy gym and the facility is older, but the atmosphere is friendly and there is plenty of equipment for working out. There are rooms for nautilus training, cardio work, aerobics and yoga. Classes in circuit training, yoga and cycling as well as sessions with titles like “Butts & Guts,” and “Pump it Up.” And there’s also racquetball and wallyball (volleyball played on a racquetball court). A variety of ages and body types were working out early Wednesday evening. Locker rooms and sauna.

Drawbacks: Layout is a bit funky.

Cost: $39 for an individual, month-to-month membership, $63 for a family of four. The price drops to $37 or $58 monthly with a commitment of three months or more. Ask about discounts for juniors, seniors and students. Ten-punch and weekly fitness passes also are available for limited use of the facility and range from $12 to $55.

Location: 74 Westminster St., Lewiston

Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Phone: 786-4820

E-mail: CMAthleticCenter@adelphia.net

Indoor heated pool

Auburn-Lewiston YMCA

The skinny: This is a neat old building with a full range of amenities, from cardio and nautilus equipment to free weights, rooms for aerobics and yoga, a lap pool and open gym times. There also are saunas in the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Great central location for those working downtown. Range of ages and body types at noon Thursday.

Drawbacks: Can get crowded. Lack of parking.

Cost: The pool is open to the public for a fee. A social membership is $20 for a year, with additional fees to be paid for use of amenities and enrollment in exercise classes. An all-inclusive membership is $295 for a year for an adult, with options for youth and families as well.

Location: 62 Turner St., Auburn

Hours: 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from Labor Day to Memorial Day, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday in the summer.

Phone: 795-4095

Web: www.alymca.com

Indoor heated pool

YWCA

The skinny: The YWCA has a large, six-lane pool open to the general public and members. This is a nice facility and there also is a gym where indoor soccer is offered. There are plans to add indoor walking programs and perhaps karate classes in the near future. Family oriented.

Drawbacks: A fitness room in the facility will be removed to make way for expanded daycare services.

Cost: $55 a year for basic membership and $45 monthly, $119 quarterly or $455 a year for program membership. Child, youth, family and senior memberships available. Water fitness and open swim passes available for members.

Location: 130 East Ave., Lewiston

Hours: 5:45 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 5:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 6:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Phone: 795-4050

Web: www.ywcamaine.org

Indoor heated pool and hot tub

The Health Club & Spa

The skinny: This is an older facility being made over by new owner Lisa Fontaine and her family. The indoor pool is filled with mineral water instead of chlorinated water, and there’s a large hot tub nearby with a Danish dip, or cold water for dunking. There are nautilus and free weight areas, and there’s a nice space for aerobics and a cardio room. The Fontaines hope to add a juice bar and make healthy foods available in the future. Friendly, with a wide range of ages and body types.

Drawbacks: Facility is located at the outer reaches of the city.

Cost: $45 per month, $99 for 3 months, $169 for six months or $259 for a year, unlimited use. Reduced student and family rates. Daily rates for use of the gym, pool only or aerobics classes only also available.

Location: 1977 Lisbon Road, Lewiston

Hours: 4:15 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 6 a.m. to noon Sunday.

Phone: 782-9188

Full service gym with full amenities

Fitness World

The skinny: The biggest and baddest of area gyms, Fitness World seems tremendous compared to other area health clubs. Seven different workout areas include rows of cardio equipment and rooms for aerobics, weight lifting and even power lifting. There’s a juice bar and DVD rentals are included in some memberships (not just exercise videos, but the latest popular releases). Classes offered include karate, aerobics and spinning. There’s also a sauna, hot tub and tanning beds on the premises, along with massage therapy and chiropractic care.

Drawbacks: This is a serious gym with some seriously fit members — may be intimidating for some.

Cost: $14.95 a month if membership is purchased during a current holiday sale. Startup fees run from $59 to $79 depending on term of contract. A year paid in full is $249. (The full rate is $395 a year paid upfront.) Unlimited tanning and DVD rental extra. Personal training or the Fitness & Weight Loss program extra.

Location: 770 Main St., Lewiston

Hours: 4:15 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Phone: 784-1047

Web: www.fitnessworldme.com

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