The name says it all: Superior Athletic Club is tops with readers of Oregon Healthy Living when it comes to large fitness centers.

"We always strive to give the best in equipment ... and educate our staff to be the best in the valley," says manager Dee Gillen.

With three locations, Superior has been locally owned and operated since its 1978 genesis, when racquetball was the rage. Its salt-water swimming pool, women's-only area and basketball court also entice its more than 4,800 members.

Superior expanded in 1995 from its 60,000-square-foot Cardley Avenue location to an 18,000-square-foot facility on East Barnett Road. A decade later, owners Jim Kusnerik and John and Marilyn Duke opened the 8,000-square-foot Superior Fitness on Eagle Point's Alta Vista Road.

Superior's popularity, says Gillen, lies in offering a wide variety of programs to members of all ages and physical abilities, along with high-tech equipment boasting televisions and iPod capabilities. More than 75 classes weekly feature spinning, aerobics, Zumba, yoga, tai chi, Pilates, aqua fitness, TRX suspension training and more.

See www.superiorathletic.com.

Other favorites: Ashland Family YMCA, Ashland; Oz Fitness, Medford