Your Guide to Bariatric-Friendly Gyms in Phoenix

Resistance training plays a vital role in successful weight loss and long-term health, particularly for those on a significant weight loss journey like bariatric patients. While many focus solely on cardio exercise, strength training helps preserve and build lean muscle mass, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy metabolism. When your body has more muscle, it burns more calories even at rest, making it easier to maintain weight loss over time. Plus, resistance training improves bone density, enhances balance, and increases functional strength for daily activities. However, finding the right gym or fitness center to begin your strength training journey is essential for both safety and success.

There are several key considerations to keep in mind when evaluating potential fitness facilities to ensure they can properly support your goals and provide the necessary accommodations for a comfortable, effective workout experience.

Here’s what bariatric patients should look for when evaluating a gym or fitness center:

Staff and Training Support:

• Certified trainers with experience working with bariatric or post-surgery clients
• Staff who are knowledgeable about adaptive exercises and modifications
• Trainers who understand the importance of starting slowly and progressing safely

Equipment Considerations:

• Weight-rated equipment that can safely accommodate higher weights
• Chairs and benches without arms that allow comfortable access
• A variety of cardio machines, especially recumbent bikes and ellipticals which are easier on joints
• Pool facilities for low-impact water exercises

Facility Features:

• Wide aisles between equipment for easy navigation
• Private or semi-private areas for more comfortable workouts
• Clean, accessible changing rooms and shower facilities
• Good ventilation and temperature control
• Elevators if the facility has multiple floors

Additional Amenities:

• Adequate parking close to the entrance
• Easy access to water fountains or hydration stations
• Clean, accessible restrooms
• Good lighting throughout the facility

Class Options:

• Beginner-friendly classes
• Low-impact exercise options
• Small group training possibilities
• Classes specifically designed for those on a weight loss journey

Membership Considerations:

• Flexible scheduling options
• Month-to-month contracts rather than long-term commitments
• Trial period to ensure the facility meets your needs
• Clear policies about bringing a workout partner or support person if needed

Here are some of our favorite gyms to check out throughout the Phoenix Metro area. We break these into 3 categories, Athletic Clubs, Fitness Centers, and Fitness Studios. The difference between the categories is merely the size of the facility and the amenities each offers.

Athletic Clubs

Ocotillo Village
Ocotillo Village is a community fitness center located at Alma School and Ocotillo roads, featuring lakeside views. The facility serves multiple nearby neighborhoods and offers comprehensive family-oriented amenities including:

• A kids’ club and café with all-day dining
• Resort and lap pools
• Tennis courts
• Dedicated cardio and weight training areas
• Spa and salon services
• Group fitness classes
• Basketball and squash courts
• Social events and activities

The center emphasizes both fitness facilities and community gathering spaces, making it a hub for families from Ocotillo, Seville, Fox Crossing, Echelon, and surrounding areas.

Lifetime Fitness
Life Time is a high-end fitness and wellness company that operates luxury athletic resorts. Their facilities go beyond traditional gyms by offering comprehensive fitness services including state-of-the-art exercise equipment, group fitness classes, personal training, and spa services. They also feature indoor and outdoor pools, basketball courts, cafes, and dedicated spaces for kids’ activities.

With multiple locations across the Phoenix metropolitan area, Life Time provides members access to their extensive amenities and programming throughout the Valley. Their facilities emphasize a resort-like atmosphere combined with premium fitness services, wellness programs, and social activities for the whole family.

Mountainside Fitness
Mountainside Fitness is an Arizona-based fitness chain that offers a comprehensive gym experience at a mid-range price point. Their facilities feature modern cardio and strength training equipment, group fitness classes, personal training services, and amenities like locker rooms with showers and saunas. They pride themselves on being locally owned and operated since 1991.

With multiple locations throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, Mountainside Fitness provides convenient access to their facilities and services across the Valley. They emphasize a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere while offering competitive membership options and amenities for their members.

Fitness Centers

Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness is a 24-hour gym chain that focuses on providing convenient, accessible fitness facilities with a more compact footprint than traditional full-service gyms. They offer basic cardio and strength training equipment, free weights, and some locations include small group fitness classes and personal training services. Their key selling point is 24/7 access – members receive a key fob that allows them to work out at any time, even during unstaffed hours.

With multiple locations throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, Anytime Fitness provides flexible workout options for members across the Valley. Their smaller, neighborhood-focused facilities are designed to be convenient and less intimidating than larger fitness centers, while still offering the essential equipment and services needed for a complete workout.

Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is a budget-friendly gym chain known for its “Judgment Free Zone” philosophy and low-cost membership options. They focus on creating a non-intimidating environment especially welcoming to first-time or casual gym-goers. Their facilities feature basic cardio and strength training equipment, plus a distinctive “Lunk Alarm” that discourages loud grunting or dropping weights. They’re known for their $10/month basic membership and additional perks like free pizza nights and bagel mornings, though they limit certain activities like heavy powerlifting and grunt-heavy workouts.

With multiple locations throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, Planet Fitness provides accessible fitness options across the Valley. Their facilities typically include basic amenities like locker rooms and showers, while their Black Card membership grants access to additional features like massage chairs, tanning, and the ability to visit any Planet Fitness location.

EōS Fitness
EōS Fitness is a mid-range gym chain that offers comprehensive fitness facilities at competitive price points. They provide a wide range of amenities including cardio and strength equipment, free weights, group fitness classes, functional training areas, and their signature “The Yard” – a turf area for dynamic workouts. Many locations feature additional amenities like swimming pools, basketball courts, saunas, kids’ clubs, and recovery areas with hydromassage lounges. They’re known for maintaining modern equipment while offering relatively affordable membership rates.

With multiple locations throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, EōS Fitness provides accessible workout options across the Valley. Their facilities typically stay open extended hours (many are 24/7), and they offer various membership tiers to accommodate different fitness needs and budgets.

Fitness Studios

Northington Fitness & Nutrition
Northington Fitness is a boutique fitness facility that combines personalized training services with an open gym concept. It operates as a private personal training studio, offering customized one-on-one and small group training programs in a more intimate setting than traditional commercial gyms. The facility features professional-grade equipment focused on strength training and functional fitness, while maintaining a less crowded, more personal atmosphere than larger fitness chains.

Journey Training
Journey Training is a private personal training studio located in the Southeast Valley that specializes in individualized weight training instruction and intimate group training sessions. The facility offers one-on-one coaching with experienced trainers who provide personalized attention and guidance for clients’ strength training goals, while also maintaining small group training options for those who prefer a more collaborative workout environment.

Pamela Young Fitness
Pamela Young Fitness specializes in personalized fitness training through both in-person and online coaching formats. They take a comprehensive approach to wellness using their signature Five-Point Fitness method, offering various training options including one-on-one personal training, group fitness classes, boot camps, and corrective exercise programming. Their services emphasize creating a welcoming and supportive environment where clients can work toward their health and fitness goals with expert guidance and encouragement.

Whether you choose a full-service athletic club, a traditional fitness center, or an intimate fitness studio, the key is finding a facility that aligns with your specific needs and comfort level. Take time to visit several locations, ask questions about their equipment and staff expertise, and observe the overall atmosphere before making your decision. Many facilities offer trial periods or guest passes, which provide an excellent opportunity to experience the environment firsthand. Remember that your comfort and safety are paramount in this journey, and the right facility will not only provide the proper equipment and support but will also create an environment where you feel welcomed and motivated to achieve your fitness goals. By carefully considering the factors we’ve discussed and thoroughly evaluating your options, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a fitness facility that supports your weight loss journey and long-term health objectives.