DISCOVERY : Beach Physical Therapy

Are your New Year’s resolutions to shape up annually knocked down by gymphobia ? If so, Beach Physical Therapy Inc. in Seal Beach offers help for those who suffer from an irrational fear of being in a health club filled with leotard-clad coeds and muscle-bound men.

“Lots of people are intimidated by large fitness centers,” said Susan Harrison, manager of the facility. “Our center doesn’t have dress codes, crowds or membership fees. If you want to work out that day, you pay $4 and that’s it. No pressure. No intimidation.”

Beach Physical Therapy’s pay-as-you-play fee structure is convenient for both visitors to the area and local residents who want to avoid expensive contract fees and monthly dues. The lack of an expensive membership fee or monthly dues is part of the health center’s bid to fight the stereotypes that plague large fitness centers and keep a portion of the public from working out.

According to Fitness Industry Magazine, nearly 40% of health club members will quit going to a facility yet continue to pay the monthly dues until the contract has expired. After all, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

A minimal monthly fee is available for those who use the gym on a regular basis, but the center’s goal is to create a workout atmosphere that does not intimidate people who feel they must “get in shape” before working out at health clubs or spas.

The low daily fee opens the doors to an array of aerobic and strength-training equipment including stair-climbing machines, Lifecycles, treadmills, two Universal Gyms and free weights. Additionally, the center features some specialized equipment including a Cybex UBE machine, which works the shoulders, neck and arms, and a Nautilus back machine. And a trainer is available to set up individualized workout routines.

“Many of our clients are just starting out or are injured and rebuilding strength,” Harrison said. “For the injured athlete, insurance covers the cost of physical therapy needed to fully recover from an accident or surgery but, as trainers, we provide the insurance that the prescribed workouts will bring the injury back to 100% performance level.”

For those who suffer from serious injuries or arthritis, the center has the only aqua therapy pool in Orange County. The 22-foot-long, 4 1/2-foot-deep pool is kept at 92 degrees and is surrounded by hydrotone dumb bells and beach balls. Harrison points out that under water there is no gravity to compress the joints, and so aqua therapy patients enjoy an increased range of motion and are able to build strength and toning without stressing the body.

But if the body is showing some wear and tear, massage therapists are on site to knead the knots out from underneath the skin. Harrison also pointed out that “massage can help the muscles become supple and rejuvenated. Working with a masseuse is just as tied to the fitness goals as is working with a personal trainer.”

Whether those fitness goals are tied to weight loss, recovery from injury or developing muscle tone, the staff and facilities at Beach Physical Therapy bar the intimidation factor from the fitness formula and turn working out into a goal to be paid for “one day at a time.” Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to noon Saturday Address: 2920 Westminster Blvd., Seal Beach Telephone: (310) 594-8600 or (714) 898-9080 Miscellaneous Information: Massage and physical therapy available by appointment only.