In 2002, an innovative fitness concept came to light, forever dubbing the traditional treadmill workout an antiquity of the past.
Combining a variety of diverse, high-endurance workouts and an effervescent ambiance, Lava Sport and Fitness energized the scene, creating an invigorating health-driven refuge for individuals of all fitness levels.
"When I established the company six years ago, I found it interesting that no one in San Diego had thought to take an assortment of boutique-style fitness regiments and integrate them all under one roof," said Steven Wade, owner of Lava. "I wanted to create a reasonably priced, multifaceted environment all under one roof, so members get their money's worth."
The Vision
Over the past six years, Lava Sport and Fitness, which originally began as The Boxing Club, has grown from a "Mom and Pop" facility into a breakthrough corporation - increasing modern allure without sacrificing boutique appeal.
And with the launch of the incredible new fifth location at Liberty Station in Point Loma, the signature Lava Sport and Fitness trademark seems to be transforming the fitness industry as a whole, one San Diego club at a time.
"We look at the new Point Loma location as the flagship of all our facilities, as it is setting the standards for all future clubs to come," said Debbie Lichter, General Manager of Lava Fitness at Point Loma.
With four other successful locations in Carlsbad, La Mesa, La Jolla, and Kearny Mesa, Steven Wade has the ultimate goal of eventually expanding the corporation nationally.
"We want to start with a strong regional base first and acquire somewhere from 10 to 12 clubs throughout San Diego County," says Wade. "We hope that through the success we have now and through future accomplishments with new facilities, we will be able to help individuals across the country obtain their fitness goals."
The Look
While the five San Diego Lava Sport and Fitness locations differ in size and layout, a restorative, industrial theme and stimulating red and black color scheme are prominent across all clubs. Through double doors a punch of red renews motivation - from vibrant floors to shining walls and design accents.
Above, gun metal grey and black battle for tone majority in high-ceiling industrial details and curvilinear wall trimming. A softer silver, though, presides for cardio equipment and seriously oversized ceiling fans. While sleek to the edge of modern severity, Lava décor still appeals to all sensibilities with tile mosaic displays that celebrate a range of red in the lounge and locker room.
The Energy
Boasting over 500 Group X classes a month, taught by world-class trainers, Lava's convenient day-to-day schedule features a wide range of fitness options for all members. From Power Boxing and Kickboxing, Muay Thai and Jui-Jitsu to Cycling, Yoga and Pilates, the varied class workouts cater to all Lava members: the businessman, mother of four, busy college student, retired elders and more.
Out of all the signature classes at Lava, one particular - and very popular - class has begun to revolutionize the customary full-body workout routine: Gravity Group. Gravity is a 45 minute total body workout infusing strength training, core training and Pilates, set within the dynamics of a small group, personal training atmosphere.
"The benefit of gravity is that you have a certified instructor teaching the class, assuring that each individual is properly targeting every body part," says Lichter.
The gravity training system is designed to challenge individuals whether they are at beginner, intermediate or advanced levels. Utilizing adjustable, incline resistance on a free-moving glide board, each member engaged in the class uses their own body weight against the pull of "gravity" to efficiently and effectively work both upper and lower body muscle groups, as well as core stabilizers, for a full body workout.
The Perks
On top of the wide-range of Group X classes, the all-inclusive Lava Sport and Fitness offers cutting-edge amenities.
A few member favorites include complimentary towel service, steam rooms and saunas, flat-screen TVs across the walls, personal TVs on cardio equipment, and a member's lounge that features free Wi-Fi and gratis refreshments to each and every member.
"I want our members to feel like a part of a family," says Lichter. "I want people to come here and be able to burn off some steam, have a few laughs and meet some fantastic people."
If you're looking for an atypical outlet for stress relief, Lava Sport and Fitness packs in all the services people love about high-end fitness boutiques with the offerings of a first-class sports club, at an affordable cost, priced less than the membership of one single boutique gym.
"We want people to know that Lava is way more than a gym," says Lichter. "It is a fitness club that offers the ultimate experience."
Insider Tip: For those looking to get a grip on fitness before and after the fast-approaching holidays, come to Lava Sport and Fitness for a free day pass to attend one of the sweat-provoking, heart-racing, high energy classes. We guarantee you'll be hooked.
Check out Lava Fitness photos here. For more info on Lava Sport and Fitness and all five San Diego locations, visit lavafitness.com.
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