Joining a gym is an investment in your health—but simply swiping your membership card isn’t enough to get the full value. Many members pay for amenities they rarely use, missing out on services that could help them achieve better results, recover faster, and enjoy their fitness journey more.
As a fitness professional, I’ve found that members who take advantage of multiple amenities—not just the weight room or cardio equipment—tend to stay more motivated, see better results, and remain members longer. Variety keeps workouts interesting, while recovery amenities help reduce soreness and improve consistency.
If you’re looking to use gym amenities more effectively, this guide will show you how to make the most of everything your membership offers at Odyssey Fitness Center in Wilkes-Barre.
Table of Contents
- Why Most Members Underuse Their Gym Membership
- Know Everything Your Membership Includes
- Make the Most of Group Fitness Classes
- Don’t Overlook Recovery Amenities
- Explore Specialty Training Areas
- Take Advantage of Personal Training
- Bring the Family
- Build a Weekly Routine That Uses the Entire Facility
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Most Members Don’t Get Their Money’s Worth
Many people develop a routine within the first few weeks of joining a gym. They use the same entrance, walk to the same treadmill, complete the same workout, and head home.
While consistency is important, limiting yourself to one area of the facility means you’re missing opportunities to improve your results.
At Odyssey Fitness Center, members have access to far more than traditional strength and cardio equipment. From recovery amenities to group exercise studios, sports performance areas, and aquatic facilities, your membership includes tools designed to support every stage of your fitness journey.
The more you explore, the more value you’ll receive.
Know Everything Your Membership Includes
One of the easiest gym hacks is simply learning what your membership already offers.
Odyssey Fitness Center features more than 70,000 square feet of fitness and wellness space, including:
- Extensive cardio equipment
- A complete free weight area
- Strength training machines
- Functional training space
- Sports Performance Area
- Indoor swimming pool
- Steam room
- Sauna
- Whirlpool
- Basketball courts
- Racquetball courts
- Pickleball courts
- Indoor walking/running track
- Dedicated cycling studio
- Multiple group fitness studios
- Over 100 group fitness classes each week
- Childcare services (for eligible members)
Many members are surprised to learn how many of these amenities are already included with their membership.
Make Group Fitness Part of Your Routine
One of the most underutilized membership benefits is group fitness.
Many people assume classes are only for advanced exercisers, but that’s simply not true.
Group classes offer:
- Professional instruction
- Built-in motivation
- Accountability
- Workout variety
- A supportive community
Whether you’re interested in cycling, yoga, Les Mills BodyPump®, water exercise, or other instructor-led sessions, classes can help you stay engaged and avoid workout boredom.
If you’ve never attended a class before, challenge yourself to try just one this week. You may discover a new favorite way to exercise.
👉 Browse the current Group Fitness Schedule to find a class that fits your schedule.
Take Advantage of Recovery Amenities
One of the biggest advantages of belonging to a full-service fitness center is access to recovery tools.
Recovery isn’t a luxury—it’s part of a successful training program.
At Odyssey Fitness Center, members can enjoy:
Indoor Pool in Wilkes Barre
Swimming is excellent for active recovery because it reduces stress on joints while improving circulation and cardiovascular fitness.
Steam Room in Wilkes Barre
Steam can help relax muscles after a workout and provide a calming environment to unwind.
Sauna in Wilkes Barre
Many members enjoy using the sauna after exercise to promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension.
Whirlpool in Wilkes Barre
Hydrotherapy is a popular recovery option for reducing stiffness and helping tired muscles feel refreshed after challenging workouts.
These amenities help transform your visit from simply “working out” to taking care of your overall wellness.
👉 Learn more about our Pool, Steam Room, Sauna & Whirlpool amenities.
Explore the Sports Performance Area
Many members never venture beyond the main fitness floor.
That means they’re missing one of Odyssey’s standout features.
The dedicated Sports Performance Area offers space for:
- Agility drills
- Functional training
- Sled pushes
- Speed development
- Plyometric exercises
- Athletic conditioning
Even if you’re not an athlete, incorporating functional movement into your routine improves balance, coordination, and everyday strength.
Trying something new can also keep your workouts mentally engaging.
Don’t Forget About the Indoor Track in Wilkes Barre
Not every workout has to revolve around machines.
Odyssey’s indoor walking and running track is perfect for:
- Walking during bad weather
- Interval training
- Active recovery days
- Warm-ups and cool-downs
- Beginners building endurance
Having an indoor option makes it easier to stay consistent year-round, especially during Northeastern Pennsylvania winters.
Use the Basketball, Pickleball, and Racquetball Courts
Fitness should be enjoyable.
One of the easiest ways to make the most of your gym membership is by participating in activities that don’t feel like traditional exercise.
Court sports provide:
- Excellent cardiovascular exercise
- Improved agility and coordination
- Social interaction
- Friendly competition
Playing basketball, pickleball, or racquetball can break up your routine while still contributing to your fitness goals.
Meet with a Personal Trainer
Even experienced exercisers benefit from professional guidance.
A personal trainer can help you:
- Learn proper exercise technique
- Create an efficient workout plan
- Set realistic goals
- Break through plateaus
- Stay accountable
Many members find that just a few training sessions provide enough knowledge to improve their workouts for years.
👉 Meet our Personal Training Team to learn how coaching can help you reach your goals.
Bring the Family
One of Odyssey’s unique advantages is its family-friendly atmosphere.
Parents can take advantage of on-site childcare (when available), allowing them to focus on their workout while knowing their children are nearby in a supervised environment.
This convenience removes one of the biggest barriers to consistent exercise and helps families build healthier lifestyles together.
Build a Weekly Routine That Uses More of Your Membership
Instead of repeating the same workout every visit, consider adding variety to your week.
Here’s an example:
| Day | Activity |
| Monday | Strength Training + Sauna |
| Tuesday | Group Cycling Class |
| Wednesday | Indoor Track Walk + Stretching |
| Thursday | BodyPump® Class |
| Friday | Sports Performance Workout |
| Saturday | Swimming + Whirlpool Recovery |
| Sunday | Pickleball or Basketball |
Using multiple amenities challenges your body in different ways while reducing boredom and overuse injuries.
Five Gym Hacks to Get More Value from Your Membership
Here are a few simple strategies that can help you maximize every visit:
1. Try One New Amenity Every Month
Challenge yourself to explore a different area of the facility regularly.
2. Combine Exercise with Recovery
Don’t leave immediately after your workout. Spend a few minutes in the sauna, steam room, or whirlpool to help your body recover.
3. Attend a Group Class
Classes provide structure, motivation, and an opportunity to meet other members.
4. Ask Questions
Our staff and trainers are always happy to explain equipment, recommend workouts, or suggest amenities based on your goals.
5. Change Your Routine Every Few Months
Adding variety keeps workouts fresh and helps prevent performance plateaus.
Your Membership Is More Than a Gym
At Odyssey Fitness Center, your membership is designed to support every aspect of your health—not just exercise.
From strength training and cardio to recovery, aquatic fitness, sports courts, group classes, and expert coaching, you have access to tools that can improve your fitness, reduce stress, and help you stay motivated year-round.
The more you explore, the more value you’ll receive.
If you haven’t ventured beyond your usual workout routine lately, consider making your next visit an opportunity to try something new. You might discover that your favorite part of Odyssey Fitness Center is an amenity you’ve never used before.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities should I use at the gym?
The best amenities depend on your goals, but most members benefit from using a combination of strength equipment, cardio machines, group fitness classes, and recovery amenities such as pools, saunas, or steam rooms. Exploring different areas of the gym helps prevent boredom and supports balanced fitness. Many people discover that adding classes or recovery options to their routine improves consistency and overall enjoyment. Taking advantage of everything your membership includes also increases its overall value.
How can I make the most of my gym membership?
The easiest way to maximize your membership is to explore everything your gym offers instead of sticking to one routine. Attend group fitness classes, use recovery amenities, try new equipment, and consider meeting with a personal trainer. Scheduling different activities throughout the week keeps workouts interesting while helping you develop a well-rounded fitness program. Members who use multiple amenities often report greater satisfaction and better long-term results.
Are recovery amenities like saunas and steam rooms worth using?
Recovery amenities can be an excellent addition to your fitness routine. While they don’t replace proper sleep, hydration, and nutrition, many members find that saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, and swimming help reduce muscle tightness, encourage relaxation, and make recovery more enjoyable. Used responsibly and according to your healthcare provider’s advice, these amenities can complement a balanced exercise program and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.
Should beginners take group fitness classes?
Absolutely. Group fitness classes are designed for a wide range of experience levels, and instructors typically provide modifications for beginners. Classes offer professional guidance, motivation, and a structured workout, making them an excellent way to build confidence. They also introduce members to new exercises and training styles that they may not try on their own. Many beginners find that group classes help them stay accountable and consistent.
Does using more gym amenities improve fitness results?
Using a variety of amenities can improve your overall fitness by creating a more balanced program. Combining strength training, cardiovascular exercise, flexibility work, recovery strategies, and recreational activities challenges your body in different ways and helps prevent plateaus. Variety also reduces workout boredom, making it easier to stay consistent over time. Ultimately, the most effective fitness plan is one that you enjoy enough to maintain for the long term.
