Bally's Good...so far.
Written: Jan 17 '06 (Updated Jan 21 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Some staff are particularly helpful and friendly...Lots of space/equipment...Good instructors for classes.
Cons: Locker room sometimes unkempt...Can get really crowded during peak hours...Classes have been consistently full.
The Bottom Line: At this point, I recommend it because of my overall positive experience. This may change in the future, so I'll keep you updated.
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| pixiepowers's Full Review: Bally Total Fitness |
Ever since I joined Bally's (about 3 days ago) and signed a contract, I have been reading these reviews and scaring myself silly.
THE FACTS:
1) Joined the gym for $0 enrollment/down, $44/month. Automatic debit from my checking account. 1st month is free (I start paying on 2/15) and my 3rd year is free. (Yes, I looked through my contract, everything is stated nice and clear: $44/month for 24 months then $0/month for 12 months. There are no finance charges, etc.). I didn't feel pressured or anything, but I guess I really wanted the membership. Also, I made it clear what I could and could not afford (e.g. training sessions, paying all at once, etc). I ended up getting an All-Club membership (includes all Bally Total Fitness and Bally Sports Clubs, some Pinnacles, and all Sports Clubs of Canada) for a pretty decent price.
2) I've been to the gym a total of 4 times (I went twice in one day for my training session) and have yet to see the bad things (my cons are mostly minor, nitpicky things that I guess not most gyms have control over).
3) I like the fact that the people at the front desk acknowledged me everytime I came in (and they weren't grouchy or anything). At times I had to wait, but who doesn't?
4) My trainer (I got one free personal training session) was really nice. He measured my current weight and body fat and helped me set some realistic goals. He then made an exercise plan for me (asking me also what areas were important for me, how much I wanted to work out, etc). He then walked me through my prescribed routine, showing me how to do the exercise, telling me how many reps and sets I should do, and watching/correcting me while I demonstrated the exercises. He then gave me my "plan" for 6 weeks, which included instructions on how much cardio I should be doing, how often I should do my weight training, etc. He said I should seek him out again after 3 weeks to get an update, and to see if any changes were needed in my plan
5) I attended a kickboxing class...though it was a bit crowded (maybe because it was a holiday), the instructor was very good. She constantly went around the room, motivating people, correcting their kicks, etc.
Like I said in my title, so far, so good. I'll post an update if I encounter any signs of trouble in the coming months.
UPDATE:
I went to the gym yesterday (1/20) and while I was working out, the man who signed me up for membership came over to shake my hand and ask how I was doing. This was an unexpected but very much appreciated gesture.
I guess this just proves that different gyms in different areas have different levels of quality (equipment, staff, etc). The best advice I can give is to check out the facility before signing up, no matter how "pressured" you feel. If you come into the club and the staff at the front desk ignore you for an extended period of time, take that as a sign of things to come. If you feel uncomfortable in any way during the "sales talk," decline firmly and leave. If you see that the facilities are not clean/up to par, don't join (always ask to see the locker room during the tour...my salesperson actually suggested I check out the locker room while he waited outside). Lastly, before you sign anything -- read the contract. Take your time. Make sure the copy you sign and the copy you are given are the same. Put a line or N/A through any blank spaces. This is not being rude, it's being thorough.
In short: Caveat Emptor.
P.S. In terms of dissatisaction with the staff attitudes/friendliness/etc, Don't forget the power of a smile. I always smile at the people at the front desk and say "Thank you" when they swipe my card (whether or not they seem to be attending to me, whether or not they seem to be in a bad mood). It always ends in a returned smile and/or a "softer" disposition. :)
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
pixiepowers
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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