Zona Fitness, Tucson

Owners Tom and Dawn Wilson hope that members of Zona Fitness can move as casually and comfortably to the gym's free-weight rack as they do to their own front door. In an effort to combat the overwhelming crowds and uncomfortable scrutiny of "box" gyms, they created a smaller, more welcoming workout space, equipped with an aerobics studio and modern exercise machinery. Here, they view intimidation as the enemy and customization as the ideal.

Their personal-training programs build routines for clients of all skill levels and aspirations. In addition to adult appointments, the nationally certified trainers host sessions for children and teens that accommodate growing bodies, instead of simply telling them "you'll lift more when you're older." Instructors also demonstrate barbell lifts, martial arts strikes, and cardio dance moves during Les Mills group classes, which share the schedule with yoga and boot-camp lessons. The staff even caters to family members at each end of the age spectrum: childcare services supervise youngsters, and Silver Sneakers courses showcase senior-friendly maneuvers.