One name that consistently comes up when looking for a top notch fitness center in Toledo, Ohio is the Wildwood Athletic Club. Wildwood, operated by ProMedica Health Systems, bills itself as "Toledo's finest health and wellness facility, providing members with a complete fitness, sports and social experience."
Along with the standard free weights, cardio equipment, and personal trainers, Wildwood also offers a kids club, nutritional counseling, health education services, and a wide range of social events.
Perhaps Wildwood's greatest asset is its wide range of group programs. Starting as early as 6:00AM and as late 7:00PM members can choose from classes such as Hip Hop Hustle, Aqua-Robics, Senior Sculpt, Arthritis Aquatics, and many others. Whether a hard core trainer or a beginner, members are definitely able to find a program to suit their needs.
Another fitness center often mentioned among the best in Toledo is Synergy Sports and Fitness. Unlike Wildwood which offers its members many services, Synergy clearly focuses purely on the workout. Synergy sports a 10,000 square foot performance training space filled with the latest equipment. Other amenities include a 1,100 square foot group training room, Russian Kettlebell instruction and classes, and outdoor walking and jogging paths for use in the summer months.
For those looking for women's only facilities there are several choices available. First is the Curves for Women chain of fitness centers. With no less than 10 locations in the metro Toledo area Curves is by far the most common women's only fitness center in the area. These facilities are not known for their wide range of programs or equipment, but more for the comfort level that many of their members feel as compared to a traditional fitness center.
Similar to Curves is Chrysalis Fitness & Aerobic just south of Toledo in Bowling Green. As with Curves, Chrysalis focuses more on the personal comfort that comes from training in a women's only facility than the level of amenities available.
One thing these fitness centers all have in common is the availability of trial memberships. Before signing a contract with any fitness center it is a good idea to try out the facilities to make sure they meet your needs. Personally, I recommend trying as many as you can. The biggest facility may not be the facility you are looking for. Just because a fitness center has the latest equipment does not mean you will use it. If you are not comfortable with the atmosphere and equipment of your gym you are not as likely to go.