Finding a place to sweat in the Inland Empire shouldn't feel like a part-time job, but honestly, picking between the big box gyms can be a total headache. If you've been driving past the 24 Hour Fitness San Bernardino locations—specifically the one on Harriman Place or the Super Sport over on Highland—you’ve probably wondered if the convenience actually matches the reality. It’s a busy spot. Like, really busy.
San Bernardino is a unique landscape for fitness because the options are either super high-end boutique spots that cost a fortune or budget gyms where you're fighting twenty people for a single squat rack. 24 Hour Fitness tries to sit right in that middle ground. It's not a luxury club, but it’s a massive step up from the "purple and yellow" budget spots. You get what you pay for, mostly.
The Reality of the "24 Hour" Name in San Bernardino
Here is the thing that trips everyone up. The name says 24 Hour Fitness, but since the global pandemic and the company’s subsequent restructuring, many locations shifted their hours. While many have returned to the round-the-clock schedule, you have to check the specific club status for the San Bernardino Super Sport. Generally, the Harriman Place location stays open 24 hours during the week, but hours can get wonky on holidays or weekends. It’s frustrating. You show up at 11:00 PM thinking you’re golden, only to see the "closed" sign. Always check the app first.
Why does this matter? Because San Bernardino has a massive population of shift workers, logistics employees from the nearby warehouses, and first responders. For them, a 2:00 AM workout isn't a luxury; it's the only option.
What You’ll Actually Find Inside the San Bernardino Clubs
The San Bernardino Super Sport on Harriman Place is usually the "go-to" for locals. It’s large. We’re talking massive square footage that covers everything from standard cardio rows to dedicated turf zones. If you’re into Olympic lifting, they have platforms, which is a huge win over the smaller "express" gyms in the area.
The equipment is generally the Life Fitness or Precor variety. It's sturdy. It works. But—and this is a big but—the maintenance can be hit or miss. In a high-traffic area like San Bernardino, cables snap and treadmills go "out of order" frequently. You might see a machine draped in yellow tape for a week. That’s just the reality of a high-volume gym.
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The Peak Hour Survival Guide
If you go at 5:30 PM on a Tuesday, good luck. Seriously. The atmosphere is high-energy, which is great if you like loud music and the sound of clanging iron, but it’s crowded. You’ll be working in sets with strangers.
However, if you can swing a mid-morning session or something after 9:00 PM, the vibe completely shifts. It’s quiet. You can actually use the sauna without sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with five other sweaty dudes. The lap pool is also a major draw here. While many San Bernardino gyms scrapped their aquatic centers to save on insurance and maintenance, 24 Hour Fitness San Bernardino kept theirs. It’s a literal lifesaver during those 105-degree August afternoons in the IE.
Membership Tiers and the "Commitment" Trap
Pricing is always a bit of a shell game. You’ve got the Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels.
- Silver: Basically gets you into your home club.
- Gold: Usually lets you into most clubs (National access).
- Platinum: Includes the "extras" like Buddy Passes or specialized classes.
Honestly? Most people in San Bernardino just need the Gold. It gives you the flexibility to use the Redlands or Riverside locations if you’re commuting for work. Don't let them upsell you on Platinum unless you actually have a workout partner who will use that Buddy Pass every single time. Otherwise, you’re just lighting $15 a month on fire.
Watch out for the annual fee. It’s the "hidden" cost that everyone forgets about. Usually, about 60 days after you sign up, they hit your account with a fee (often around $50) for "club improvements." It’s standard practice in the industry, but it still feels like a gut punch if you aren't expecting it.
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The Sanitation Conversation
Let’s be real. San Bernardino gyms have a reputation for being... well, "well-used." The staff at 24 Hour Fitness generally does a decent job, but they can't keep up with hundreds of people an hour. You will see people who don't wipe down their machines. It's gross. Carry your own towel. Use the disinfectant sprays they provide.
The locker rooms are the real test. Most days they are fine, but during the post-work rush, the floors can get slippery and the trash cans overflow. If you’re a "shower at the gym" person, bring flip-flops. This isn't a Ritz-Carlton; it’s a high-traffic fitness hub.
Why This Specific Location Matters for IE Residents
The location of the Harriman Place club is strategic. It’s right near the 10 and 215 interchange. If you live in Loma Linda or Colton, it’s often faster to get here than to find a local "mom and pop" gym.
Also, the community vibe is legit. San Bernardino gets a bad rap, but the gym culture here is supportive. You see everyone from professional bodybuilders to grandmas doing water aerobics. There’s a lack of pretension that you don’t always find in the gyms over in Rancho Cucamonga or North Fontana. People are there to work, not just to take selfies in the mirror (though there’s still plenty of that).
Group Exercise and Personal Training
The GX (Group Exercise) classes are actually one of the strongest selling points. They do the Les Mills programs—BodyPump, BodyCombat, all that. The instructors at the San Bernardino spots are usually veterans who have been teaching in the IE for years. They know how to motivate a room.
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Personal training is a different story. It’s expensive. You’re looking at $70 to $100 per hour depending on the package. The trainers are certified, but like any big chain, the turnover can be high. If you find a trainer you like, ask them how long they’ve been at that specific location. You want someone who is going to be there in three months, not someone who is using the job as a stepping stone to a private studio.
The Verdict: Should You Sign Up?
If you need a variety of equipment, a pool, and the ability to workout at odd hours, 24 Hour Fitness San Bernardino is probably your best bet in the immediate area. It beats out the budget gyms because of the sheer amount of weight-lifting equipment and the locker room amenities.
But if you hate crowds? If you get annoyed by a broken cable machine staying broken for ten days? You might want to look at a smaller, more expensive club.
Actionable Steps for New Members:
- Get the 3-Day Pass: Never sign a contract on day one. Go to their website and get the free trial pass. Use it during the exact time you plan on working out. If you plan to go at 5:00 PM, go at 5:00 PM on the trial. See if you can actually get on a treadmill.
- Check the Costco Hack: Sometimes Costco still sells discounted two-year memberships for 24 Hour Fitness. It's becoming rarer, but it's worth a look to save a couple hundred bucks.
- Read the Cancellation Clause: This is the big one. Most 24 Hour Fitness contracts require a 30-day notice. If you want to quit on June 1st, you need to tell them by May 1st, or you're paying for June.
- Download the App: Use it to "check in" and see how busy the club is in real-time. It’s surprisingly accurate.
- Bring Your Own Lock: Don't buy the overpriced ones at the front desk. And never, ever leave your bag unlocked. San Bernardino is great, but gym lockers everywhere are magnets for quick-fingered thieves.
Ultimately, the best gym is the one you actually go to. If this one is on your way home and has the gear you need, the minor annoyances of a big-box club are usually worth the trade-off for your health.