Ryan Giordano places his finger on the thumb print recognition scanner and his account pops up on the computer screen. The door opens. Today he starts by taking a ride in the park. He begins pedaling and enters into a virtual world. After biking three miles, he heads over to the rock tower where he climbs a couple routes and finishes with a boxing match against a fictional character.
While this may seem like a visit to some futuristic space station, in reality it is only another typical day for Ryan Giordano and other teens at the new Overtime Fitness and Wellness Center. Overtime is located at 1625 N. Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, and this weekend, Sept. 23-24, is its grand opening.
The gym’s suspended flat screen TV’s, virtual video games and high-tech workout equipment create a new-age ambiance. Personal TV screens on all the ellipticals, stationary bikes and treadmills enable users to watch cable TV or follow trails on the screen with paths depicting their progress.
"We know they [teens] are going to play video games anyways, so they might as well get a workout while doing it," General Manager and Trainer Paul Ratkitch said.
Overtime offers membership exclusively to teenagers ages 13-18.
"Overtime is unique in that it is just for teens," Chief Executive Officer Pat Ferrell said.
According to Ferrell, while many gyms are directed specifically towards one certain age group, such as Curves appeals mainly to middle age women and Gold’s gym to adult body builders, Overtime is the first gym that focuses on the teen age group.
"We think we have captured the essence of the teen market," Ferrell said.
Ferrell says that in order to better access and keep in touch with the teen community, Overtime has representatives at many local high schools. Seniors Ryan Giordano and Jenny Reese are Paly’s representatives.
Overtime Fitness itself is a direct result of the input received from teen focus groups conducted all over the Bay Area over the past two years by Ferrell and staff. According to Ferrell, teens chose everything in the gym from what facilities should be included and services offered to the age range and the actual name "Overtime".
Complying with demand, along with the main gym, the facility also includes a study room with computers and Internet access, interactive fitness video games, a rock climbing wall, locker rooms, the Time Out Café offering healthy food and two separate workout rooms for activities such as yoga, cardio kickboxing, pilates and cycling classes.
While these are all included in the regular membership, members can purchase additional services including personal training, sports-specific training and tutoring.
According to Ratkitch, Overtime aims to be more than just a gym, but rather a community "hang out" center for teens where they can work out, learn healthy living habits, socialize and have fun.
Overtime’s motto "Live, Flex, Grow, Engage" reflects the goals of Overtime to create a center that will foster the growth of the successful teen. In congruence with Overtime’s motto, members are offered unlimited access to the "Wellness and Fitness" wall. The wall has pamphlets and guides on a variety of subjects such as interval training, steroids, weight control, and time management.
In order to become a member there is a $109 initiation fee ($20 of which is donated to each member’s high school athletic program) and starting in October, a $59 monthly fee.
For more information visit the Overtime Fitness Webpage: http://www.overtimefitness.com/