Health club

A health club, also called fitness studio or exercise center, is a place which houses exercise equipment for the purpose of physical exercise. Often there are also courses for aerobics or the like offered. It is not unusual for a sauna, steam shower, or wellness areas to be present.

Health clubs generally charge a fee to allow visitors to use the equipment, courses, and other provided services. National health club chains include Ballys, 24 Hour Fitness, and Lifetime Fitness. Newer health clubs generally include snack bars, restaurants, and free classes including yoga, spin, Pilates, and muscle training.

Health clubs offer a collective and often entertaining and informal form of working out and/or bodybuilding beyond the structure of the classic gym.