Exercising Downtown Is About to Get Easier

Soon, downtowners will have one less excuse not to work out regularly.

This fall, Bally Total Fitness will open a 27,000-square-foot club in the Macy’s Plaza at 7th and Flower streets, taking over space formerly occupied by Oshman’s Sporting Goods and Judy’s women’s apparel shop.

The club, scheduled to open by the end of October, will be geared toward downtown workers or residents who want to “swing in at lunch and get out,” says Sonny Reser, Bally’s senior area director for the California region.

The facility will offer aerobics classes as well as cardiovascular and weight training equipment, but no racquetball or a swimming pool. There will be discounted parking in the Macy’s parking structure.

Bally’s operates 43 health clubs in Southern California. The other downtown Bally Total Fitness, on Figueroa Street near 9th Street, is slated to close, but not before the new the new facility on 7th opens.

A membership special now being offered by Bally costs $19 down and $29.35 a month. For information: (213) 624-3933.

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Among the new club’s competition:

* The Los Angeles Athletic Club, 7th and Olive streets, has 70,000 square feet of workout facilities and 3,000 members. Initiation fee is $300; monthly charges of $130 include access to workout facilities and social events. Parking is $1.50 for up to five hours. Information: (213) 625-2211.

* The Ketchum Downtown YMCA, 4th and Hope streets, has 60,000 square feet and 5,000 members. Parking is $1 for three hours. Membership rates vary. Information: (213) 624-2348.

* 24 Hour Fitness, 5th and Flower streets, has 13,000 square feet and parking is 10 cents per hour. A company spokeswoman declined to provide membership numbers and rates. Information: (213) 683-1400.