Inside Peak: 24-Hour Fitness Opens in Rohnert Park

It's official: After more than a year of construction and debate by the City Council, the new 24-Hour Fitness has opened its doors in Rohnert Park. By Saturday morning, the fitness club already had more than 300 new members, according to managers.

By noon, people were testing out the TRX workout area, the treadmills were getting broken in, personal trainers gave tours, a spin class had begun and a steady stream of people flocked in just to check the place out.

The Commerce Boulevard location puts the fitness chain, headquartered in San Ramon, at 420 locations nationwide. The first location opened in San Leandro in 1983.

"We couldn't be more happy to be here in Rohnert Park," said JP Scirica, the location's manager. "The community has been so welcoming."

Vice Mayor Pam Stafford, Councilman Amy Ahanotu, the Chamber of Commerce and Public Safety Chief Brian Masterson were on hand Saturday morning for the new businesses's official ribbon cutting. 

"The transition is incredible," Stafford said. "This is going to revitalize this whole area. Bringing a fitness leader like 24 Hour Fitness into our community is also a sign that Rohnert Park is a great place to grow a business."

Stafford issued a proclamation, welcoming a new fitness club in town. She noted that being healthy is a part of the Rohnert Park community.

The club has 70 employees, according to 24-Hour Fitness officials, and is open 24 hours a day. It's a "super sport" club, which means it's larger and has more amenities. Inside the 42,000 square-foot facility, you'll find a kids' club, 100 pieces of cardio equipment, free weights, a spin room, basketball court, a gym area for classes and a spa — which has a hot tub, sauna and steam room.

This opening comes after a complaints from other area fitness club owners, who said the environmental review process was shoddy, there would be a flood of traffic to the area and it would stifle business here. The City Council approved the club in December 2010.

Membership prices vary. Visit the club online or in person for details. Interested in the group classes? Check out the schedule online as well.

Editor's note: Check out our photos to the right of the new location. Included are some before shots of the shopping center before 24-Hour came in, and some taken during construction.