Q: My husband and I use both of the gyms, at Prairie Lodge and Meadowview, but we prefer to go at non-peak times. I’m curious, how many individuals use the fitness centers and are there times when these facilities are routinely less crowded?
Martha B, N25
A: Judging from the numbers provided by First Residential, these are indeed popular Sun City amenities. In 2024, total gym visits at Meadowview Lodge were a little under 31,000. This is less than half the fitness center visits at the Prairie Lodge, where almost 79,000 residents stopped in. The Prairie Lodge numbers include those members who might have only used the indoor or outdoor pools, the walking track, as well as family swims guests. Meadowview numbers record the gym entry only; they exclude the MV outdoor pool check-ins.
At both gyms, attendance is heaviest during the week, and drops roughly 30% on weekends. Hourly daily attendance is heaviest in the morning and decreases during the course of the day until closing. Evenings are quiet. Seldom do people have to wait for a piece of equipment except during peak hours.
Of the 2,362 visits (card swipes) to the two fitness centers in a recent week, there were 1,037 “unique” visitors. This represents approximately 11.5% of the community using these facilities in a given week. Most people use the fitness centers more than once a week.
If you haven’t yet visited and would like an orientation, simply stop by either fitness center desk. The staff will happily assist you and answer your questions, including “How do I get started?” Why wait? Visit today! As a friend once advised me, “A month from now, you’ll wish you had started today.”
