i think that 24 hour fitness didn't get its name because it's open 24 hours a day. instead, i think it's because of their business model. since it's a sign-up-at-least-a-year kinda deal, what they are banking on is that you'll only go there for 24 hours.

just think, most people sign up around new year's day for those splendid new year's resolutions no one keeps. let's say they're somewhat good, and after gorging themselves during the holiday season, they start going to the gym once or twice a week. if they're good, they'll stick it out for a few months before becoming 'too busy' or just not having the motivation to drag themselves to the gym. that roughly works out to 24 hours or less at 1 hour per workout, two workouts per week. this means that 24 hour fitness gains the rest of your fat tax as profit as they don't need to provide machines, weight, or staff for you for the rest of the year. even if people do their 24 hours *every* year, at the prices they charge, they will still make quite a bit as that works out to something like $27 charged per hour actually used. and at the same time, people balk at paying a $5 guest fee per trip to the gym, which would still save you at least $500 at the best rates that 24 can do. lol.