Why work out? There may be nobody better to ask than bodybuilder Dave Draper, whose killer biceps have earned him the titles of Mr. America, Mr. World and Mr. Universe.
“We need exercise to maintain our health and the strength and flexibility of muscles,” says Draper, now 64, an Aptos resident and the founder and former owner of World Gym in Scotts Valley.
“Without those and attention to diet, we find ourselves in bad shape, unless you’re a professional athlete or have an active kind of job.”
Draper said he favors a simple gym over larger fitness centers, which may have pools, racquetball courts or other amenities.
“There’s nothing like a neighborhood gym for direct action,” he said. “It’s not so social and not as crowded. You get to know the people and get good training.”
Now under different management, World Gym still has a wide selection of equipment, including cardiovascular machines and free weights, plus personal trainers to help design a fitness program that fits your goals.
Also in Scotts Valley, Club One Fitness Center is more like a resort. It boasts tennis courts, a basketball gym, racquetball, squash and volleyball courts, and a heated pool and sun deck. All that is in addition to strength and cardio training equipment and personal trainers.
Scotts Valley Fitness Club provides free weights and strength and cardio machines and a larger array of classes than most fitness centers. It also has personal trainers.
In Felton, the Curves for Women center is different. This nationwide system involves a series of hydraulic strength and aerobic machines that give members a workout in 30 minutes.
Every gym and fitness center will provide a question-and-answer tour to a first-timer, and most offer introductory membership fee specials.
At a glance
Club One Fitness Center
100 Enterprise Way,
Scotts Valley
431-2202
www.clubone.com
Curves for Women
6149 Highway 9, Felton
335-7870
www.curves.com
Scotts Valley Fitness Club
59 Mt. Hermon Road,
Scotts Valley
438-6778
www.scottsvalley
fitness.com
World Gym
105 Whispering Pines Drive, Scotts Valley
939-9400
http://worldgymscottsvalley.com
