Ok, I want to join a gym to shape up for the summer. My friend is also willing to join (so we’ll have two people to push each other to do it). Unfortunately he is perpetually poor. We have five options that I know of:
The Gym at work -Cheap, no one uses it but basicaly a small dump
lifetime fitness -Expensive but ammenities
fitness usa -my friend says it sucks
powerhouse -seems like a generic decent place
ballys -dunno about this one
curves-i think being male disqualifies me :rolleyes:
so what place offers the best deals, equipment, etc. Do any of them have any specials currently runnning? Did i miss any other main midwestern chains?
I got a killer deal with Gold’s Gym through my work. But they have a bunch of other good deals. One of the things I like about it is I can visit any Gold’s Gym anywhere in the world, all I need is a visitor’s pass from my home gym!
I go to Lifetime. Mostly because I got a much cheaper rate by joining onto my SO’s membership.
He picked Lifetime over the much closer to us YMCA because Lifetime has rules about kids in the workout areas. He went to the Y and said that there were kids all over, so not only did he have to wait for people hogging the equipment, he had to wade through a bunch of kids in the weight areas.
Another reason he picked Lifetime is they are open 24/7. We keep some weird hours and often work out after 11 PM. Places that close at 10 would put a cramp in our workouts.
I like the pool and whirlpool, it’s a nice way to wind down and relax after working out, so I wouldn’t consider joining a gym that didn’t have them, You might be different though, and skipping that will save you some money.
Do you know what parts of a gym you will be using most? Cardio equipment, resistance machines, free weights? Is having basketball and racquetball courts important to you? How about classes (Pilates, yoga, spinning?) Figure out what you need first, then judge gyms based on your needs.
I would also visit the gym at the same time of day you are considering working out at. Is it too crowded? My gym has a limit on how many members they allow to join to cut down on the crowds - it sucks having to wait a long time for machines.
Bally’s is notorious for not caring about anything other than selling memberships, and I’ve heard quite a few horror stories about sales tactics that are just beyond insane, so you might want to avoid them.
I don’t know any of the pricing–I paid $450 for a year’s membership at Gold’s, which is probably about typical.
If I had the space (and no downstairs neighbors), I could’ve taken that money and put together a very nice home gym. Maybe in my next house…
You didn’t mention the YMCA, but if you have one I strongly suggest NOT going there. They’re expensive and the ones I know of won’t even let you join unless you agree to let them automatically debit your bank account every month. Never trust a place that wants access to your bank account!
Most fitness centers have special rates in January for all the New Year’s Resolution people. It may be worth it, cash wise, to wait until then.
Eh, Gold’s deducts from my account… but then so does my mortgage company, credit card company and student loan payment. They have a reputation to preserve… and they aren’t going to get rich off of my account:D
Yeah, Lifetime deducts from our account too, so did the other gym I belonged too. My SO has been a member of Lifetime for 8 years, and has never had a problem. Lifetime also does not require a long-term contract, give them 30 days notice and you’re out.
I go to Bally’s, and generally like it. I’m locked into a 3 year contract though, unless I move more than 25 miles away, get terminally sick, or die. I don’t remember how much it is a year, but I pay $35 a month, out of my bank account. (For what it’s worth, I do it that way for my convienence, they don’t require it). They’re always running special promotions though, so check out their website for their deals of the month or whatever
24 Hour fitness isn’t an option for you? I thought they were a national chain. My membership cost just under $1000 for 3 years. After that it’s $24 a year for the rest of my life. That was with a special, the “2 for 1 or 1/2 price” special. 1/2 price my ass. It’s 1/2 price off enrollment which is like $100. Still, not a bad price. But it came with 3 (I think) training sessions. I only used one and didn’t use another one cause the guy trained me so hard I tore a muscle.
A couple of days ago I saw on TV Bally’s had a $20 enrollment and $20 a month special. That’s a pretty good deal.
:rolleyes: