When it comes to getting the full workout experience, Accel Fitness gives you the total package.

Just ask Rob Davies. He’s been a member for three years and this self-proclaimed gym rat has found his niche at Accel.

“This is such an easy place to work out,” said Davies, who lives in Ankeny. “The staff here is super nice and they’re always available to help.”

“Everyone’s goals are different, but it’s the simple things they do here that help you get to those goals,” Davies said.

Accel Fitness recently was named the Ankeny Patch Readers’ Choice for best overall gym in town. The business owned by Rob Evans garnered more than 2,200 votes in the poll, showing just how much its customers enjoy the atmosphere provided by Evans and his staff.

“I definitely want to thank everyone who votes, as well as the other facilities that participated,” Evans said. “Our goal here is to help people get healthy and I think we all do a great job of doing that.”

Evans, a 35-year-old Waukee resident, originally is from Chicago, where he first became interested in the fitness business. His cousin owns similar gyms in the Chicago area.

Eventually, Evans found himself a business partner and together they opened Accel Fitness in Ankeny in 2007.

“We couldn’t compete with the Chicago market, so we decided to come here,” Evans said. “The small town atmosphere here is good – Ankeny was the perfect location.”

In addition to Accel’s Ankeny location, Evans and his business partner also operated the location in West Des Moines, although it eventually was sold when Evans’ partner decided to go to medical school, Evans said.

Accel offers a range of services to its members. Aside from standard cardio equipment, members also can participate in weight training or enroll in a class. Some of the more well-known classes include Zumba, spinning, Body Sculpt and circuit training.

“We offer all the essentials of a well-rounded health program,” Evans said.

In addition, members can take advantage of fitness evaluations and personal trainers to find out what areas they should target on their road to healthier living, as well as talk about what they’ve tried in the best and why it possibly didn’t work.

“Having that one-on-one means you have that attention all the time to make sure you’re doing what you need to be doing,” he said. “Leading a healthier life is a big change, and you have to make it a priority.”

Brian Gorton, another Accel member, said he’s been to a lot of gyms in his life but Accel is by far his favorite.

“I’m always telling people about this place,” the Ankeny resident said. “The people here are friendly and they have a great owner – Rob is awesome.”

Memberships to Accel are done on a month-by-month basis, which offers flexibility for a reasonable price to customers who may have a hard time finding it elsewhere, Evans said.

All the services at Accel contribute to the success its many members, Evans added. If not, there’s always someone there to help.

“All you have to do is ask,” Evans said. “We’re happy to do it, and when you get the results you’re hoping for – when we can help you feel better – we know we’ve made a huge impact on their lives.”

Accel Fitness at a Glance

Address: 110 N. Ankeny Blvd.

Phone: (515) 964-0170

Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Class Schedule: Classes are offered seven days per week. Check here for a complete schedule.

Pricing: Membership fees start as low as $24.95 per month

Other Services: Accel Fitness offers tanning and on-site childcare.