EōS Fitness in the Midway District was busy during the pandemic replacing its locker rooms and putting in two new pools and a dry sauna and is now emerging with an expansionist outlook.
The facility has a basketball court, as well as a movie theater with subdued lighting where members can watch recently released films while doing cardio workouts.
A Gold’s Gym in a previous iteration, the Midway facility with both indoor and outdoor workout areas was one of 16 gyms that were acquired and rebranded by EōS in 2015.
“From that point, we went from 16 locations to now 65,” said Richard Idgar, chief operating officer at Midway EōS, noting those sites are seeded throughout California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona in the Southwest. “We’ve had a very exciting trajectory, even throughout COVID and the pandemic. Thankfully, we were able to continue to grow. It’s an exciting time for us.
“What is unique about this club is that half of the footage is allocated outdoors,” noted Idgar, pointing out EōS takes full advantage of the weather. “In Southern California, we’re so lucky because it doesn’t get that hot where we have to be that concerned,” he said adding, “What’s unique about Southern California is we can really enjoy indoor-outdoor year-round.”
EōS with its revamped facilities is helping San Diego fitness enthusiasts find ways to beat the heat while continuing their summer fitness programs. “Summer is a busy time for us,” noted Idgar. “People are engaging more in physical activity post-pandemic. Our clubs are utilized, they’re busy, and there is a lot of energy.”
Discussing the overall mission of EōS, Idgar said it is to “improve the livelihood and the health of our members, and to create loyal, lifelong fans and exercise practitioners.” He added the club’s goal is to “have very inclusive locations where everyone feels comfortable and welcome and can be a part of something special. We want to create environments where members want to come back, day after day. And, hopefully, they are achieving their fitness goals and they are extending their lives. That’s the overarching theme for us.”
EōS also offers one-on-one and small-group personal training led by skilled professionals for those who want to take their physical training to the next level.
Most physical-education enthusiasts often forget with summer workouts that proper muscle recovery can sometimes be just as – or more important – than physical training itself with temperatures rising. EōS works to ensure its members implement active recovery techniques and proper hydration practices to improve blood circulation and assist with muscle recovery.
Offered Idgar in the way of summer workout tips, “First and foremost, hydrate,” he suggested. “Whatever works in order to keep your temperature down. When you are working out, whether cardiovascular or strength training, you are elevating your internal temperature. As we’re doing that, we want to make sure we’re lowering the body’s temperature as much as possible. And that’s what hydration will do.”
Some of the other things you can do to stay cool while working out, according to Idgar, is to be “very selective” about what exercises you plan to do, especially outside. For example, if you’re going for a hike, Idgar advised choosing a trail that has some shading so you are out of the direct sunlight. Or when biking, he said you can regulate the amount of exercise that you do outdoors, limiting it from 30 minutes to an hour maximum.
“And then you may want to choose some different exercises, like swimming, which is a great alternative in the summer months when temperatures are high,” suggested Idgar.
Of the future of EōS in Midway, Idgar concluded: “San Diego has always been really such an amazing club for us, and we want to keep reinvesting and ensuring that our members are really enjoying the overall experience.”
EōS FITNESS
Where: 3156 Sports Arena Blvd.
Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Contact: eosfitness.com, 619-226-9500.
