Warning: out of shape gym seekers need not apply
Written: Jun 20 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great variety of equipment
Cons: crowded, meat market
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| bonzobean's Full Review: 24 Hour Fitness |
My quest for fitness did not really happen until I was in my early 20's. Sure, I loved the outdoors, but hey, if I wanted to get from point A to point B, I had a perfectly good car to get me there. Despite not exercising, I appeared to be in pretty good shape. Then I decided to join the Army. I signed up and had half a year before I needed to leave for Basic Training. Suddenly I realized that I needed to get in shape and enrolled in a benchstepping class, weight training class, and started jogging. By the time I made it to Basic Training, I was in much better shape then many of the other recruits and I think for this reason I had a much easier time of it then most. I continued to work out on base at military gyms and run a few times a week. However, after my husband and I married, we were not really close to any military bases, so we needed to find a good gym.
What we needed in a gym
I've actually belonged to two 24 Hour Fitness gyms. The first time, my husband and I decided we needed a gym preferably near our house. I was working full time for my unit and he was a college student, so if it was between point A, B, and C, we were happy. We found 24 Hour Fitness smack dab in between all three locations, so we joined. The second time, was after moving to a new location and needing to lose my pregnancy pounds. Primarily, I needed incentive to get back into weight, so I wanted a variety of equipment.
Sign Up and Discontinuing Membership
Having had a friend who had worked for the chain, we knew that rates were flexible. The rates we were quoted and the rates we paid were very different after a little haggling. We ended up paying about $19 a month with a minimal start up fee (approximately $100). Due to a high risk pregnancy and being unable to work out, we decided to cancel our membership. We were told to write a letter. The process was slightly irritating as it did take several letters for them to drop us. We even received a collections letter. However, we did finally get it worked out. The second time I quit 24 Hour Fitness, I ran into similar problems. They just didn't want to let me go I guess.
What we liked
The gym was convenient. We could go early in the morning before work or late at night and not have to worry about the gym closing. I enjoyed the choice of cardiovascular equipment and generally began my work out with a stair-stepping machine and then either the exercise bike or treadmill. The equipment at that time was state of the art. I found a wide selection of weight training equipment, machines, and free weights. Aerobic type classes run pretty much all day long. You can find a class ranging from beginner to advanced and I enjoyed the variety. I found classes ranging from aerobics to bench stepping, to kick boxing, and much more. They even had water aerobics. For an added fee, you may also enlist the aid of a personal trainer and have your body fat monitored.
What we didn't like
The gym was generally crowded. Even on the days we made it to the gym at 5:30am, the gym had quite a crowd. We wouldn't even attempt to work out between 7am to 10am or 4pm to 8pm. Despite the amount of machines and equipment, we'd usually get stuck waiting to work out. I don't know about you, but once I get going, if I stop for just a few minutes, I lose my drive and will usually leave. After I had my son and joined the other one, I found that the child care room was in some back room. I couldn't even spy on my little one without opening the door and making my presence known. When we walked in the first time, we found a young teenager watching about six little ones. Several were crying. I knew then and there that my son would never be left in that room
Can you say "Meat Market"?
The second time I joined was after I had my son. I had gained 70 pounds and realized I needed to get back into shape. Fortunately, the house we moved to during my pregnancy had a 24 Hour Fitness about 10 minutes away, so I rejoined. The facility was wonderful. It had an even larger variety of equipment than the first, the gym was wonderfully maintained, and the staff was more than courteous. However, with all my extra weight I felt horribly out of place. Surprisingly enough, I felt like I needed to work out, lose my weight, and then join this gym. I felt like I was in the midst of some bizarre mating ritual. The women wore their skimpy workout attire and watched the men watch them. They delicately dabbed at their perspiration and, occasionally, I wondered if the men were sweating from the actual work out or from watching the women. I may never know. My suggestion, when you tour a gym, check out the hair and make up on the women. Believe me, you'll figure out what type of gym you're in right away with that observation.
So, do I recommend 24 Hour Fitness
If you have a family, I wouldn't recommend this sports club. We found a family oriented racquet club that fits our needs. My husband and I somewhat enjoyed it before we had our son, but I honestly don't believe 24 Hour Fitness is designed for families. The majority of those signing up are younger and are single, so they cater to that crowd and a crowd it is. However, if you like the social aspect that goes along with working out, this may be the gym for you. Of course, you'll have plenty of time to mingle while you wait for the machines.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
bonzobean
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: West Coast
Reviews written: 134
Trusted by: 221 members
About Me:
I think the mistake many of us make is thinking the-state-appointed shrink is our friend.
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