East Quogue - The excuse is built in and thus used by hundreds of thousands of Americans on an annual basis: it's cold, it's dark, staying fit during the winter is just too difficult. Those already taking advantage of the multiple options at Sportime of the Hamptons beg to differ, and on Thursday, dozens of curious and ambitious people explored the facility as it held an open house, allowing visitors to see what all the buzz is about.

When Pam Morrison, a 17-year employee at the East Quogue-based Sportime, said that there's something for everyone, she isn't kidding.

For the fitness buffs, Sportime of the Hamptons features a bi-level gym with state-of-the-art equipment.

"There are kids programs, adult programs, fitness programs, daycare, everything," Morrison said. "We help people reach their goals, lose weight and do it in a family-friendly atmosphere."

DJ Govia of Beach 101.7 FM stopped by to join the party at the facility, which first opened its doors in the 1970s as the Hampton Tennis Academy. In 1987, new ownership took over and the hybrid Sportime was born, combining tennis with fitness and other sports. Even with all the expansion and refurbishment, it's managed to maintain its status as one of the top venues for tennis instruction on the East End, both for novices and more skilled players. It offers 22 courts outdoors and four more heated courts indoors, all on Har-Tru surface. The outdoor courts - open from May 1 to September 30 - surround an in-ground pool and cabana. On this chilly night, Director of Tennis Will Van Rensburg teaches an array of wily kid prodigies before guiding members of the prolific Westhampton boys and girls tennis teams.

That used to be where Sportime stopped but it has long been a facility that has concentrated on fitness and other sports as well. A bi-level state-of-the-art gym comes complete with a vast free weight station, cardiovascular and cybex apparatuses, and much more. Dig deeper and there is multi-sport court for everything from shooting hoops to hula-hooping, as well as a spinning room where tweens boarded the stationary bikes for a class exclusive to open house visitors. A massive aerobics forum hosts a series of classes each week and allows members to burn calories and increase flexibility and stamina without bumping into each other. In addition, there is a smaller fitness room for private sessions with trainers.

Left: Darwin Haynes, a 38-year teacher of taekwondo, has called Sportime home for the past 10 years. Right: Tennis Director Will Van Rensburg instructs both kids and adults, all at varying degrees of ability.

"We strive for a family atmosphere with the tennis, fitness and multi-sport, but there's another level for the serious athlete to work and train at a higher level," said General Manager Mark Brent. There's certainly time to do all that as the doors in East Quogue, like at many of the 14 Sportime locations, are open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.

On the multi-sport court, just about anybody can play just about anything.

For 38 years, the past 10 at Sportime, Darwin Haynes has taught Tang Soo Do Taekwondo. He hosts a pair of two-hour classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings for all skill levels. Haynes said the courses not only teach self defense but also valuable life skills such as dedication, discipline, respect and responsibility. One of his protégés, Justin Calderone, finished second in a national competition and is now working on teaching karate within the United States Marine Corps. A current student, Elias Lopez, began training under Haynes last summer and speaks highly of the experience. "I've definitely gained a lot from it and developed a passion for it," he said. "I know I'll never stop doing it." For more information on Haynes' programs, visit www.hamptonsmartialarts.com

Maybe the best part? The price - approximately $57 per month, Sportime not only offers a wide variety of fitness options but also more than 40 classes per week, a full-service spa and seven-day-a-week daycare center that come at no cost to members. In addition, upon signing up, members are given two free sessions with a personal trainer. "Nobody gets out here not knowing how to use anything," said Jeanne Priola, Director of Tennis Membership and active club member.

Morrison has been employed at Sportime for 17 years and marvels at the variety and value. "I think people that live out here year-round need to look into ways they can stay fit during the winter," Morrison said. "There's so much going on here. It's such a fun place. There's a lot of competition, but to me, there's no competition."

For more information on becoming a member at Sportime of the Hamptons, visit www.sportimeny.com or call 631-653-6767.

Classes go on almost around the clock at Sportime, and they're all free to club members.