[Tashia]

I was wondering what gym you go to and if you like it? I've done a little bit of research online about LA Fitness and found that they have zero positive reviews from customers. I'm thinking about joining Anytime Fitness but I couldn't really find any reviews online about them.

Anyone have any good gyms to mention?

[Keezheekoni]

I'm a member of 24 Hour Fitness. I looked at LA Fitness and Bally and Anytime and they all were okay but LA was very much into the already skinny people... Bally was dirty and dark, it reminded me of a gym from the 70s where people actually go there to have sex in the hot tubs. Anytime was just too far away for me to even attempt to try.

I really have liked my 24 hour fitness place thus far. They've been really good about personal training, helping you if you don't know how to work a machine, etc. It's always clean too. I go during the late morning, so there are other people there who are like me, bigger and not looking for a hook-up.

[jacobsam622]

I have my own gym I the basement I have an elliptical trainer stationary a treadmill type thingy an ab crunch machine and a few free weights. I have TV/DVD/VHS as well so don't get bored during football season I can several hour working out while watching the game.

[Evermont]

Yeah, I work out at home too. I've got a garage full of equipment all free or nearly free from Craigslist. My duaghters both work at a nearby gym, one a personal trainer. She says most people can't quite keep themselves going at home but I seem to be able to keep going.

[owlyn]

Each LA Fitness varies. My wife joined specifically for the spinning classes. There are two LA's around here, one is bad, but the oher is great.

[Tashia]

Originally Posted by Keezheekoni

I'm a member of 24 Hour Fitness. I looked at LA Fitness and Bally and Anytime and they all were okay but LA was very much into the already skinny people... Bally was dirty and dark, it reminded me of a gym from the 70s where people actually go there to have sex in the hot tubs. Anytime was just too far away for me to even attempt to try.

I really have liked my 24 hour fitness place thus far. They've been really good about personal training, helping you if you don't know how to work a machine, etc. It's always clean too. I go during the late morning, so there are other people there who are like me, bigger and not looking for a hook-up.

Hmm interesting. The anytime fitness I went to just opened a 24 hour fitness ( i think that's what its called, its definitely similar) and they said I can go to that one too if I wanted with my membership if I do decide to get one.


I'd love to have my own fitness equipment but right now our place is way too small and the treadmill I need has to be specific because of the weight limits. I'm like 20lbs from not having to worry about a weight limits.

[MarcS]

A few years ago a client gave us a treadmill when they upgraded to something else -- never imagined I would actually use it. So it sat in a spare room. Usually am on it twice a day now. Is nice to be able to turn the TV on and start walking on it.

I used to belong to Bally's years ago in NYC. One of the first times I went my locker was broken into and a family heirloom was stolen (masonic ring from my great grand father). I was so upset, it really made me never go back again after that, or trust other places.

[labob]

I'm a member of the YMCA across the street from where I work and I think it's great. But I agree that gyms vary a lot in their services and attitude. If you're looking for a gym, I wouldn't bother as much with going on line as going to a number of gyms in your area and checking them out. Ask for a free tour. If you can't imagine yourself ever wanting to go back to a particular gym, write it off your list. Ask about programs for new or returning exercisers if that applies to you. You'll find a place that fits.

I like my gym because it has a lot of programs (including, years back, one that I participated in for returning exercisers). Also, unlike a lot of gyms in LA, which seem cater to the steroid-induced (west side, I'm talking about you), my gym welcomes all sorts of ages and body types. It's also in a location and has hours that are convenient to me.

I prefer exercising in a gym because it's more social. Plus, I figure if I have a heart attack, someone will be there to call 911 right away (not always the case with home gyms). Perverse but true.

One final thing: if you're self-conscious, believe me when I say that no one cares what you look like or what your current fitness level is. It doesn't take long to figure out that no matter what your current fitness level is, someone is more fit and someone else is less fit than you. The important thing is to do what you can, which is what every gym goer, regardless of physical condition, is doing. Have fun with it!

[Fenway]

I go to a local gym in my small town. I used to do Curves, but feel the gym gives me more work-out for my money.

[BrianSCohen]

I have exercise equipment at home, a treadmill, an elliptical trainer, a universal weight machine, two weight benchs and lots of weights. Yet despite this I have a gym membership. I target three times a week to do weight training at the gym with a workout partner. I can't get the same equipment at home, and having a commitment with a partner keeps me from slacking. Don't minimize the social aspect of the gym. Finding others that you can pursue exercise with, whether it be in classes or as partners is important.

I also got my dr. to give me a prescription for the gym. It means that as having diabetes, exercise is explicitly part of my treatment plan. I can pay for it out of my health care spending account, it saves me money. Althought my drs support my efforts at exercise and diet, they are not really good advisors.

[vegasvic]

When I lived in Vegas I initially joined a 24-Hr Fitness but left because it was too crowded. Clean, lots of equipment, bright, but too busy. I went a little farther down the road to a Gold’s Gym and liked it a lot better. Not as bright, clean but not as clean, and not near as many people. I realize that it mainly has to do with what time of day you are there but the equipment I wanted to use was “open” much more often.

Now that I live out in the “sticks” and I have more room, I have a treadmill, set of free weights, and a small Nautilus machine in the basement. I miss the more serious equipment you find in a gym like the Smith’s machine and barbells but then I get the exercise I need right downstairs with no annual fee.

vic