Finding a gym in the Inland Empire shouldn't feel like a part-time job, but honestly, it usually does. You’re stuck looking at membership tiers, wondering if the locker rooms actually smell like old socks, and trying to figure out if you can even get on a treadmill at 5:00 PM. If you've been circling the 24 Hour Fitness San Bernardino Avenue Redlands CA location, you’ve probably noticed it’s a bit of a local landmark in that retail hub near the Mountain Grove and Citrus Plaza shopping centers.
It stays busy. People flock here from Loma Linda, Highland, and the University of Redlands. It isn't just because of the brand name; it's because this specific spot sits at the intersection of convenience and "actually having enough equipment."
But let’s be real for a second. The "24 Hour" name is a bit of a legacy branding thing now. Since the company’s restructuring a few years back, most locations—including this one—don't actually stay open 24 hours a day anymore. It’s a point of frustration for the night owls, sure. But for the average person hitting the weights before a shift at Esri or after a long day of classes, the current hours usually cover the bases.
What You’re Actually Getting at 24 Hour Fitness San Bernardino Avenue Redlands CA
This isn’t your tiny boutique studio where you pay $200 a month to have someone yell at you while you ride a stationary bike in the dark. This is a Super Sport. In the 24 Hour Fitness hierarchy, that means it’s a step up from the "Active" and "Sport" tiers. You’re paying for the amenities.
You get the lap pool. You get the sauna and steam room—which, let’s be honest, are the real reasons half the members even show up.
The layout is expansive. Unlike some of the older gyms in San Bernardino proper that feel cramped and slightly subterranean, the Redlands location on San Bernardino Avenue has those high ceilings and that warehouse-style breathing room. They’ve got rows of cardio equipment, a massive turf area for functional training (think sled pushes and kettlebell swings), and a dedicated cycle studio.
The weight room is where the heart of the gym is, though. They have multiple power racks, which is the gold standard for any serious lifter. If a gym only has one squat rack, leave. This one actually tries to accommodate the heavy lifters, though you might still find yourself waiting during the post-work rush.
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The Shopping Center Synergy
Location matters. If your gym is out of the way, you won't go. The 24 Hour Fitness San Bernardino Avenue Redlands CA is nestled right by the 10 and 210 interchange. It’s strategically placed so you can hit a workout and then immediately ruin it with a trip to the nearby In-N-Out or be productive and grab groceries at Target.
It’s an ecosystem.
You see the same faces. The college kids from UofR, the medical professionals from Loma Linda University Medical Center getting a lift in before a 12-hour shift, and the retirees who are arguably in better shape than the teenagers. It creates a vibe that isn't too "meathead" but isn't a library either. It’s loud. It’s energetic.
The Reality of Peak Hours and Maintenance
Look, no gym is perfect. If an AI wrote this, it would tell you it's a pristine paradise. I’m telling you that at 5:30 PM on a Monday, it’s a zoo. That is the "International Chest Day" phenomenon, and San Bernardino Avenue is not immune.
If you hate crowds, don't go then. Go at 10:00 AM or 9:00 PM.
Maintenance can be a mixed bag too. With the sheer volume of foot traffic this place gets, machines break. It’s a mathematical certainty. Generally, they’re pretty quick about slapping an "Out of Order" sign on a cable crossover and getting a tech out, but during the busier seasons—like the January New Year's rush—it can feel like the equipment is under siege.
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The locker rooms are usually decent, but again, use your head. Bring shower shoes. It’s a public gym, not a five-star spa in Palm Springs.
Membership Tiers: Don't Overpay
One thing people get wrong about 24 Hour Fitness is just signing up for the first price they see online. Don't do that. They almost always have "no initiation fee" promos or regional deals.
Since this is a Super Sport, a basic "National" or "Regional" membership usually grants you access. If you have a buddy who wants to go, look into the plans that allow a free guest. It’s often cheaper than having two separate memberships if you always workout together.
Also, check your health insurance. Many plans like Kaiser or Blue Shield offer "Active&Fit" programs that give you access to this specific Redlands club for a flat, often lower, monthly fee without the long-term contract headaches.
Group Exercise and Personal Training
If you’re the type who needs a schedule to actually move, the group classes here are legit. They do the standard Les Mills stuff—BodyPump is a staple—along with yoga and Zumba. The instructors at the Redlands San Bernardino Ave location tend to be long-timers. They know the regulars. It’s not that revolving door of 19-year-olds you see at some of the budget franchises.
Personal training is available, but it’s an investment. It’s great if you’re coming off an injury or have a very specific goal like a Spartan Race or a powerlifting meet. If you just want to "get fit," you might be better off starting with the 24GO app, which is included in the membership and basically gives you workouts to follow so you don't wander around aimlessly looking at your phone.
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How It Compares to Other Redlands Gyms
You have options in Redlands. You’ve got the smaller, hardcore boxes, and you’ve got the "judgment-free" purple-and-yellow spots.
- Fitness 19: It’s cheaper, sure. But it’s smaller. You won't find a pool or a sauna there. If you just want to lift and leave, it’s fine, but it feels cramped compared to the San Bernardino Ave 24 Hour.
- Esporta/LA Fitness: Very similar vibe. Sometimes their pools are better maintained, but their guest policy can be a nightmare to navigate.
- Planet Fitness: If you want to grunt or drop weights, don't go there. 24 Hour Fitness Redlands is much more "performance-oriented" while still being accessible to beginners.
Navigating the Membership Fine Print
The biggest complaint people have about 24 Hour Fitness isn't the gym itself—it’s the billing. This is where you have to be smart.
- The Annual Fee: Almost every membership has one. It usually hits a couple of months after you join. Budget for it. It’s usually around $50.
- Cancellation: Read the contract. Most require a 30-day notice. If you try to cancel on the 31st, you’re paying for another month. That’s just how the industry works.
- The App: Use the 24GO app for touchless check-in. It’s faster and keeps track of how often you actually go, which is a great reality check for your fitness goals.
Is It Worth the Commute?
If you live in Yucaipa or Calimesa, driving down to the 24 Hour Fitness San Bernardino Avenue Redlands CA is probably worth it once or twice a week for the amenities, but maybe not for your daily 20-minute cardio. However, if you work in the Tri-City area or near the hospitals, it’s a no-brainer.
The parking lot is huge, but it fills up fast because of the surrounding shops. Pro tip: park a little further out near the edges of the lot. You’re going to the gym anyway; the extra 40 steps won't kill you, and it’ll save you the headache of fighting for a spot near the front door.
Actionable Steps for Joining
If you're ready to stop thinking about it and actually start sweating, here is how you handle it like a pro:
- Get a Guest Pass First: Go to the 24 Hour Fitness website and snag a 3-day pass. Test the gym at the exact time you plan on actually working out. If you plan on going at 5:00 PM, go then. See if the wait for a rack is deal-breaker for you.
- Check Your Perks: Call your insurance provider or check your employer benefits. Programs like "Gympass" or "SilverSneakers" (for the older crowd) often cover this location entirely.
- Bring Your Own Lock: Don’t buy the overpriced ones at the front desk.
- Download the Schedule: Look at the group X schedule before you go. If there’s a massive Zumba class letting out right when you arrive, the locker rooms will be a nightmare. Time your arrival for 15 minutes after a class starts.
- Focus on the Turf: If the weight room is packed, the turf area is often underutilized. You can get a full-body workout with some dumbbells and a medicine ball in the functional training zone while everyone else is waiting for the bench press.
The Redlands fitness scene is competitive, but the San Bernardino Avenue location holds its own by being the "everything" gym. It’s got the iron for the lifters, the pool for the swimmers, and the classes for the social exercisers. Just know the hours, watch the peak times, and actually use the sauna you’re paying for.