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Come One, Come All, to Work It Hilton Omaha's Health Club Offers Membership Deals to the General Public.

Posted on: Tuesday, 26 April 2005, 21:00 CDT

Many hotels provide exercise facilities for their guests.

But at Omaha's downtown Hilton, the general public can run and swim next to convention-goers and other hotel guests.

Following the lead of Hiltons in Chicago, Portland, Ore., and Oakland, Calif., the chain's Omaha location opened its doors to outside clients a year ago. For a monthly fee, clients can use cardio equipment, weights, the pool, hot tub and sauna.

"We wanted to get people who live and work downtown," said Brenda Kelley, Hilton Omaha's health club manager. Plus, "the extra business means we can provide a nicer gym for our guests."

The 6,000-square-foot club, which might be the first of its kind in the area, has 130 members. In addition to the gym, it includes a spa with massages, body treatments and other services.

Clients can choose between two membership levels, which the gym offers on a month-to-month basis.

The gold membership costs $40 a month and includes a health evaluation, exercise program and free parking at the hotel. The platinum membership costs $80 a month and adds one complimentary massage and personal training session a month to the basic benefits.

Platinum member Jeanie Navrkal, who discovered the gym while attending a Mary Kay conference last fall, says the massage itself is worth the membership price. Plus, she gets a free copy of USA Today, one-on-one attention from the staff and a hardwood locker to use during her workout.

"I'm totally sold on it," said Navrkal, who drives to the gym several times a week from her northwest Omaha neighborhood. "This is tranquillity at its best."

The fitness center does not offer exercise classes such as Pilates or kickboxing, though Kelley said it may add water aerobics in the future. Personal trainers are available for one-on-one sessions.

There are a limited number of cardio machines, including a total of 11 treadmills, elliptical machines and stationary bikes. The gym has strength-training machines and a few free weights, including dumbbells that weigh up to 70 pounds.

Navrkal said the gym's services more than satisfy her.

She is pleased that she never has to wait to use the pool or exercise equipment, unlike at gyms she has belonged to in Chicago and Denver.

"It's such a pampering feeling," she said. "It's been a good answer to what I need."

Source: Omaha World - Herald

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