A 30-minute fitness routine consists of using hydraulic strength-training machines in a circuit that also raises your heart rate. Pictured here is the circuit available at Slender Lady of Valencia

You've read the testimonials and heard the pitch, but you're still deciding on whether or not an all-female 30-minute fitness gym is right for you. But first, what is 30-minute fitness?

Using hydraulic strength-training machines and freestyle recovery pads, women (and only women!) travel around a circular circuit two to three times. Upbeat music plays, only to be occasionally interrupted by a friendly recorded voice reminding them to move on to the next station.

Depending on the type of franchise (Santa Clarita is home to independently owned It Figures!, Slender Lady of Valencia, and Curves), nutrition counseling and other services, like tanning, may also be available. All of these gyms operate on a low-intimidation factor and tend to appeal to women that have been put off by more traditional gym settings.

Here's why you may enjoy a 30-minute fitness experience:

Reason #1: Convenience

Do you already belong to a traditional gym, but never seem to find time to workout? One bonus of a 30-minute fitness program is pretty obvious: you're done working out after 30 minutes. In a half-hour, you'll be able to complete a total body workout that incorporates cardio and strength training. For the time starved, that's a pretty big bonus, as long as you can find at least three days during your week to visit your gym of choice.

Reason #2: Companionship, Not Competition

Stop by any 30-minute fitness gym and you'll see what I'm talking about. While working the circuit, any number of topics are discussed by the women in attendance. Most women tend to work out at the same time each day, and so develop friendships with others who are on the same schedule.

Reason #3: Results

If you are new to working out or haven't worked out lately, or have a significant amount of weight to lose, you'll see a drop in inches and body fat pretty quickly. This doesn't mean that traditional gym-bunnies won't see benefits from a 30-minute fitness routine, it just means that their already adept bodies will have to push a little harder to gain the desired results.

Members report an increase in energy, better sleep patterns, reduced resting heart rate, increased self-confidence, reduced cholesterol, and more in addition to weight loss.

Reason #4: Support

Staff at 30-minute fitness gyms are trained to help with fitness and nutrition. While each franchise has a slightly different take on how they offer support, it's safe to say that general answers and instruction are always available. For women that are easily intimidated by a traditional gym atmosphere, this is especially important.

Reason #5: Accessibility

Whether you are very overweight, elderly, or handicapped, the 30- minute fitness circuit can usually be modified to fit your needs. A common mantra of these gyms is, "If you can walk in on your own, you can do this workout." Just make sure to alert a staff member to any medical conditions.


Interested in giving 30-minute fitness a try? Stop by or call one of the gyms below:
Slender Lady of Valencia: 775-9777
It Figures! of Valencia: 257-1245
It Figures! of Castaic: 702-9661
It Figures! of Newhall: 255-2646