24 Hour Fitness
- Good for Kids: No
6 reviews
Cupertino, CA
"I'm exhausted, but in a good way...in a I'm tired but my tight jeans actually button now-so screw it-type of way. I'm eating more, and I'm…" read more »
55 Reviews for 24 Hour Fitness
Can we say gross!!! Now how is it that this is the closet gym around without the protocol to keep it clean. The women's bathroom is less than clean, feels like I'm walking into a cesspool. The gym equipment is mostly broken, it smells. I have never used the pool or whirlpool out of fear of going home with something. I usually go home to shower since I can't fathom what I may pick up.
So, the long and short of it is, I cancelled my membership. Less expensive doesn't make it better. The personnel trainer I got hooked up with was rude to me and truly not something I had experienced at Club One. So, I'm going back to Club One. I know it's clean, there's towel service, people are friendly and helpful. I happen to love the amenities there.
This is the closest 24 hour that has a pool. Too bad it's one of the nastiest pool I've ever swam in. One time while I was doing a freestyle set, I couldn't even see the tip of my hand in front of me... gross. Also, note the ridiculous 20 min time limit per lane. 20 minutes doesn't even allow for a decent workout! And another thing is that the pool is 20m long instead of 25 like other pools, so i have to recalculate my laps.
As far as the rest of the gym goes, there's a fair number of treadmills and it seems like there's plenty of gym equipment. I've taken a couple classes here and they were alright. The class gym looks bigger than other ones I've been to so it can accommodate a lot of people. When I'm home, this is the one I primarily go to.
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Putting the NBA Finals on for interested parties is a nice touch, but ever since that kickboxing joint opened up next door, the parking situation has gone from frustrating to ridiculous.
Recently they have new bigger, bulkier work out machines. It does get crowded around the 11-12 pm time. I prefer to use the the workout machines on the 2ND level, since I prefer the Elliptical machines. And I like the TV's that are placed here so you're aware of the news. The music that they play is usually very upbeat.
Parking is really tight, I've seen a hit and run after working out here.
If you have a huge truck/SUV; good luck parking in this lot.
They're really anal about having your ID (copy of your DL) with your membership card.
I've felt uncomfortable in the sauna since a lot of older men usually occupy that area.
I come here a few times a year when I'm in the area. Compared to Hillsdale Ave, it's not as nice, not as well laid out, the pool is generally dirtier, and the climate is not as well controlled (similar to Parkmoor - hot and muggy in the summer). But there is a greater variety in weight equipment at Fremont than Hillsdale. There are fewer elliptical machines at Fremont than at Hillsdale and Parkmoor. The locker room and showers are generally cleaner at Fremont than Parkmoor and Hillsdale. I do like Fremont's nice and spacious weight selection, both in free weights and the machines. The parking is generally fine, although you do have to be careful because the parking lot is very densely packed.
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I will list the pros and cons for this review:
Pros:
- Very good kickboxing and pilates instructor here by the name of MaryAnn. You go to her class, and she will kick your ass into gear. She did announce to the class that she's going to be leaving in 7 months, so mooch off of her as much as you can!
Cons:
- The parking situation totally SUCKS here. If you've parked at any BART station before, then this is the exact same thing. Each row is one-way and the cars are super close to each other. Be careful when you back out - I've seen plenty of close calls. It's super crowded in the parking lot and people end up parking all over the place. If you drive a truck or an SUV, good luck!
- CROWDED. The gym is small and there are tons of people who go here for some reason (I'm guessing because it's the only one around the area so it caters to 3 different cities or something?) The place is also meat-market central. I've seen tons of high school girls wearing panty-sized "shorts" walking around and batting their eyelashes at the mobs of high school guys trying to lift weights and act pretty at the same time. I'd probably say that 1/3 of the people who go here don't really work out.
- Fewer weights. Don't know where they are, but they're just not around for some reason. The only ones that are left on the rack are the 5 lb and 110 lb dumbbells. Yeah....
- Quality of equipment. I'm guessing this is an older gym, so the equipment isn't as new.
Unless you're paying less than $20 a month to go here, I'd say that this gym just isn't worth it.
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I've been going to this location for about 2 years now because it's near my house. I pretty much only go there for that reason. The parking lot is really cramped with small, tight spacing. The inside/equipment could be cleaner. It can get pretty hot when there's a lot of people there at the same time. Basically, this is like a lot of other 24 Hour Fitnesses . . . you come here to get your workout done and then you get out.
I do, however, like that they have spin classes M-Th in the evening and on Sat mornings.
What can I say, it's my local 24 hr. fitness. This place is literally about a minute drive from my place. It typically gets crowded and parking's a bitch, but I usually work out by myself so getting access to weights and machines isn't too bad. I just get annoyed at people who do like a million sets on the same machine for 5 hours. Like wtf are you doing?!?! This 24 do have patrons who sit around staring and sizing up other people working out. I just put on my earphones and do my thing. Recently, I've actually driven the extra 20 minutes to go to the Milpitas 24, which is more spacious, cleaner, and well ventilated.
Here are some highlights about this Sunnyvale GYM:
YAY! GOOD MACHINES! They finally got rid of the super toothpick treadmills and replaced many of them with state of the art machines. There are plenty of machines upstairs and downstairs for your excercise pleasure!
ILL! TOO MUCH BLEACH! The pools tend to leave your body smelling like Clorox. I've heard many horror stories about the pool, including eye infections. Note: so long as you keep your head above water like I do, you should be just fine. Note: The pool temperature is never stable, so sometimes it may feel cold at first dip.
WOW! NICE WEIGHTS! There are plenty of weights for everyone. There are all sorts of sizes and there are plenty of benches for spotting and concentration.
GRRR! OVERCROWDED! Everything in this facility is overcrowded, this includes the locker room which can evoke a feeling of invasion of privacy. It's best to come here during the weekend or early in the morning. Also, the parking lot is ridiculously packed! Note: If you don't mind parking far away, JAKES restaurant next door does not discriminate when you park by their facility.
AHHHHH! RELAXING AREAS! The hot tub and the steam room are usually very nice to dip after a hard day's workout.
HMMMM... STRANGE YET SOMETIMES FRIENDLY STAFF: Sometimes, the staff gives their members unpleasant looks. However, you can't judge a book by its cover. I have had very good experiences and very bad experiences with the staff. Just depends on who is there.
SHWEW! KID FRIENDLY: My wife and I have dropped off the kid a couple of times while working out and the staff keeps her nice and occupied. The childcare facility rates are reasonably good and there is a TV set and plenty of room and coloring materials. Conveniently located in the GYM for kids of all ages.
WOO HOO! ENTERTAINING WORKOUT! There are many tv''s throughout the facility while you workout. They usually air sports and news on their sets. Also, this facility plays a lot of contemporary energetic music. Mostly the stuff you hear on the radio.
I think that if this facility employed a more professional staff to handle the building areas, especially the swimming areas... this place would be in tip top shape. You definitely get what you pay for at this gym.
Eh I have been a member forever and recently ended my membership. The gym is always hot, the ac is never working. Honestly I never feel to comfortable here because it is just a bunch of meat heads sitting around and looking at themselves in the mirror not very friendly. The pool is gross, and the staff is always in a bad mood..the only reason this is getting 2 stars is there are some good machines but I just do not like the environment. *shrug*
Fremont Ave - disgusting pool smell but it is 24 hours open
As much as I would like to like this place - the chlorine smell kills me. Can't do it. Otherwise it's not that bad...central convenient location for me, 24 hours, used to have friends who worked out here too.
Ever bench weight and find out you put on a little too much. Well, exactly that happened to me here during the middle of the night when no one was there. The bar inched closer and closer to my chest before I could lift it all the way - I ended up tilting it to the side before crushing the life out of me. I guess that's why I strictly use dumb bells know instead of bars and places unless I'm with a spotter.
Spotters are life savers. lmao
If I had to rate this 24 hour on the gym alone, I'd probably give it 2 stars.
Parking sucks - The spaces are so tight, they look like they were meant for mini-coopers only.
Equipment is super old - I was staring at the rubber pulley thing while using one of the leg weight machines just praying it wouldn't snap.
I haven't used the changing room, shower or bathroom facilities as I go straight home after my workout, but I am kinda afraid to even venture in there.
HOWEVER, if it weren't for the overly crowded, outdated gym and equipment, I would give this 24 Hour a good, strong 4 stars. Why, you ask? Well, I went to the Maryann's 7 pm Turbo Kickboxing class on Monday night and as soon as she got on the mic to teach, I thought to myself, "Oh no, it's her. This class is gonna be so boring." Clearly, I had her mistaken for another instructor, as I thought that she was the same mono-tone, no-enthusiasm instructor that I had at another 24 hour. I was wrong.....soooo wrong.... Maryann's TKB workout kicked my BUTT! (..and my abs, quads, hamstrings, obliques, lower back...) Today it is Wednesday, 2 days after taking her class and I am still sore! I planned to stay for her 8 pm Pilates class, but I didn't think I could hang.
She worked out so many of my muscles and her ab workout was just crazy!! She doesn't only motivate throughout the class, she also walks around and corrects your form and makes sure that you're working your hardest.
7 pm Sunnyvale/Fremont 24 Hour TKB class with Maryann...prepare to get your butt kicked!
Of all the locations, this has become my 3rd most frequented location. Funny how things change, but this used to be my number 2. I now go to Parkmoor or Arques. I choose Arques due to traffic. I choose Parkmoor because it's the best location and closest to my final destination. I used to love this place...and then it started getting super busy. They have 2 floors, like hillsdale. Cardio machines are located on top floor. Bottom floor is weights, treadmills, step/elipto machines. The group room is big, and their are visible windows everywhere...so you will be seen!
+++They have the stair walking climber machine...but one is always broken :(
Parking is really tight, but you can park in the back. It's also in a strip mall(funny how that works)next to Jake's. What a way to go...work the beer belly then go and eat a huge pizza and Buffalo wings...I have seen it! They finally got flat screen TV's and have a stretch area on 1st floor. Please note it's small, but does the trick.
I like this place for the price...and my renewal fees per year are $20bucks!!! Eat your heart out!!!! Look out for those deals, and prepay if you can!
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At 24 Hour Fitness people have a penchant for showering at the gym after they work out. This is fine, but when my father was there a few days ago he saw multiple men holding their genitals and drying them with the hand dryer. One even had the audacity to adopt the appropriate posture for drying his anus. Not being one to shy away from commenting when he knows he's in the right, my father took it upon himself to let these individuals know their behavior was abhorrent.
In my own experience the machines are crammed in here very tightly and unlike the Santa Clara University gym there are no hotties lifting.
UPDATE!
This location now has a new manager who has installed a sign reading: "Air dryers are for hands only. Please bring a towel for all other areas."
SUCCESS!!!!!
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The parking there really SUCKS! I've gotten my car ding and dented so many times in that parking lot!!
The gym is way too crowded and most of the machines are broken and there is no ventiation!!
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Note: I usually go in the evenings (except Monday nights when people get their "I need to work out this week" moment and don't return). I go at the less busy hours.
There are plenty of machines, especially treadmills. I wish they had more TreadClimber machines as those seem to be popular.
When I first came here YEARS ago (earlier in the decade), this place was a mess and had old equipment. They did some improvements a few years back. They got rid of the "Women's Area" and opened that up to everyone. They moved cardio equipment to the second floor which has more space than the space below it. Recently they added flat-panel TVs.
They have all the equipment I need. The men's locker needs improvements. It's often cramped with naked men taking forever to get dressed. And there should be a rule that everyone should wear a towel when walking around. I don't want to see your balls sagging to your knees (sorry for the visual, but if I had to see, so do you!).
The Shower Area... wear sandles!
The front desk staff changes all the time!
It's been raining lately, and they usually have leaks. They take care of them with trash buckets.
Workout room: good for stretching.
And last but not least... PARKING! There's a lot of it. It's not a matter of people parking all the way in the spot.. the lanes are CRAMPED! I've been here at night and the parking lot lights have been off.
Oh yes, finally finally, I had my wallet stolen from my locker about 3 years ago. I stopped going to that gym for a while because of that. The police helped me out with that. The gym management didn't do anything.
i'm giving it 3 stars, because i do enjoy the classes here. i've grown to love the turbokickboxing (tkb) classes here. however, their gym equipments need some upgrading 'n the stench gone! you enter the gym 'n you're typically met with this nasty stench of BO with a sprinkle of chlorine smell.
i've swam once. i usually really like swimming, but i got creeped out the first 'n last time i went. there were older men staring @ me (i suppose that's just typical of gym pools) as i waited for my turn @ one of the lanes. the wait kind of sucked, but i did like having the freedom to hog the lane since i've waited for it. the tile walls were covered with algae, which told me that they haven't cleaned the pool in awhile. ok, that wasn't the only clue. the water the rather salty. who's been peeing in there?! yuck!
the ventilation in the main room's a lot better than @ the arques gym. thus, my knees have thanked me since i haven't slipped yet (knock on wood!). thus, i've chosen to patronize more classes here. my back kick was killing me last week from hurting it the previous week @ the arques gym when i slipped during one of the tkb class.
if you ever see me in class, say hello, fellow yelpers! we can complain together. haha.
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I go here just because its right by my apt and its cheap.
That is about all it has going for it. This is a mcGym after all. Sure its packed and not the cleanest place but you don't expect ahi tuna when you order a fillet o' fish, right?
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My gym needs a serious revamp. Equipment is old and the place reeks of BO. They need to put up a sign about deodorant and people using machines for hours while a pool of sweat collects below them.
This used to be a good gym. It improved a lot after it's renovation in 2003. They got some new weight machines in and a good amount of cardio machines.
They did get rid of the basketball court (granted it provided "jungle ball" type games), and replaced it with a spin room instead. The Group X room is fairly large, but has pillars in the middle which make it awkward for classes that require you to have a lot of movement and range.
The free weight area is too jam packed given the size of the gym. During peak hours it's more of a hazard here than anything. Compared to Milpitas and Parkmoor Active clubs, this is one of the worst free weight rooms around....and this is a sports club.
The locker rooms are tight, compact. During peak hours it's hard to find a locker, let alone room to change.
The pool is something I avoid. The amount of chlorine the dump in there is overpowering at times, and seeing some guys shave near the hot tub really scares me. I haven't stepped foot in that pool or hot tub once, nor do I plan too. Haven't been in the steam room either.
The parking lot sucks during peak hours, and the lanes are really tight because people don't seem to grasp the concept of pulling all the way up into their parking space, thus leaving the butt of their car sticking out. Regulars that come here know exactly what I'm talking about.
Still, it's a good club to get your workout in if you can put up the crowded aspect of things.
I agree with Jamie M. So many times I've gone to other 24 hr fitness places and they've never given me so much shit for not having my DL photo when I enter (and they ding your account every time you forget it too, so have them xerox it and keep it in the plastic holder. It's in the rules, but this place is super strict on it or I just got the bitchiest front desk person ever) and yes, some of the people that work there are downright rude.
Given the choice, I'd work out elsewhere. The only good thing about this place is that it truly is 24 hrs and it's one of the bigger gyms to go to. Unfortunately my friends like meeting up there as well, so every so often I buckle and meet them, but that's rare.
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What is my 24hour Fitness club card for if you need my photocopied ID and upc like code on either side of the card which is then crammed into a little plastic holder. DON'T loose the card because they have huge balls to charge 10 dollars to replace it. (I lost my library card and it was a dollar to replace!) I go early (7-9am) Mostly an older crowd. Less perving so I can actually do what I came to get done. The front desk people SUCK. Everytime someone nice works there they disappear and they are replace by unfit kids with attitude. It must be a job requirement to be rude and slackful. I wish there was a better option for a nice gym in my area.
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I have mixed experiences with this place. I don't really like to go here to work out....(I go to a Mtnvw one) but they have racquetball courts.
So check this out... they have this policy of "reserve a court 48 hours in advance".... so fine... I call 2 days in advance to get a court.
So this one week as we are finishing up our weekly court time, this guy working there says "hey... you want me to reserve a court for you?"... I say "well.. what about the 48-hour thing?" he says.. "don't worry about it.. I got it this time"
So cool.. he flips a couple pages and scratches our names in.
Next week we walk in... and our names have been scratched out... wtf? the person behind the desk says "you can only reserve 48-hours in advance" yes.... I know this... then why did a 24 hour employee do otherwise? "well... I don't know... but they just scratched your names out"
Ya know... I can understand that... but the 48hour deal is not MY rule... and it's not MY responsibility to make sure that it gets abided by. Whoever made this executive decision to screw us over could have at least made a curtesy call(they write down your phone numbers along with names in the time slots), and said "I'm sorry, there's been a mistake, you need to reserve the court 48 hours in advance" and I would have been completely fine with that. But instead.... in the name of the worse possible way to handle a situation, just screw over the customer... because obviously I wrote it in the book wrong.
I had mind to call in to corporate.. but figured that would just be a waste of time... I'm sure those people don't understand process as much as it was the nice person at the desk telling me the bad news fault...
oh.. don't go work out upstairs... the ventilation is kinda bad up there.
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UPDATE: Aug 9, 2007 (added 1 star to previous rating)
I'm starting to go to 24h again. I've been here twice and I've seen much improvement. I go to the gym around 9-10pm-ish and by that time, most people are at home. It's still heavily populated with gym-goers at this time, though, but not as much. Maybe the "new year's diet frenze" has died down?
1) I stay in the cardio section (treadmill) and it's pretty okay. I'm too busy fighting fatigue to complete my 5 miles, so I don't know if there are old peepers/creepers checking out the younger folks.
2) It doesn't smell like BO grossness near the men's locker room/water fountain area. The place smells a little, but not like it used to in the past.
3) The gym is ventilated enough that it's not like a freaking sauna!
4) Watch out for those beyond-abnormally-skinny-skeletons (skinnier than Posh Spice!) that you see around. I see a lot of these skeletons working out. Seriously! I wish I had their motivation to exercise, exercise, exercise (but at the same time, I'm grossed out by how thin-and-bones some look)! Abnomally-skinny-skeletons = great motivation for you to lose weight (when you stand next to them, you look like a heifer)
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I don't like this place very much, but it's the closest gym near home. I haven't gone here in a while because I hate going here. If I go, I try to go around night time where it's not as crowded (the best time to go is friday night). So far, I'm faring well on my home exercise DVDs and haven't gone to this 24h for several weeks.
Why I don't like this place:
- It's often crowded. With a lot of roaming eyes.
- It's very hot in here and unsanitary (they use like 1 a/c to cool down the room and almost no one brings their own towel so they sweat all over the machines!)
- It smells gross (especially the area near the men's locker room)
- It's the "hang out" place for old people who people-watch at the gym (total turn off. Who wants some old man staring at you working out?)
- The women's locker room is perpetually swarmed with naked prunes who drip swimming pool water all over the locker floor and the women's locker room sometimes smell bad.
Conclusion: They need to build more 24h gyms
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Generally I do my working out here..
My only complaint is that when I use their hot tub, I am always slightly put off by the number of older men there.. I mean, it's perfectly fine until someone on the other side of the hot tub starts to watch you silently..
Then it's time to get up and leave.
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I've been coming here pretty regularly for the past few years now...
part of the reason for the good rating, is definitely cuz of the location - it's hecka close to where I live...
I come in the mornings when it's less crowded...on the weekdays (7-9ish) I've never had a problem getting a treadmill and the weight area is deserted... weekends (8-10ish) is a little more crazy, but still not bad at all... rarely would I have to wait for a machine... but then again, I only really use 3 different pieces of equipment while I'm there...
the equipment is in pretty good condition... the treadmills sometimes break down and don't usually get repaired until there's 5+ treadmills out of service....
the second floor where the elipticals are needs some serious ventilation... I can only last the 5 minutes I'm up there to do leg raises...
lockerroom is decent... my only complaint is they somehow need to enforce people to WASH THEIR FREAKIN HANDS... especially after doing #2... I can't tell you how many times I've been washing my hands and see dudes just walk straight out of the bathroom stall and out the lockerroom...
parking is a litle cramped as some ppl proclaim... but you can always park further away... you'll just need to burn a few calories getting to the gym... isn't that why you came in the first place? =)
My other 24 hour gym. This one here on Fremont isn't nearly as crowded as the 24 hour on Arques. But that's probably because there isn't as much equipment or weights, and because it's smaller. The parking is just as bad and the staff can be just as annoying.
What is better about this place is the room for classes is a good size (if not in a strange L-ish shape), and the locker room is decently sized. You still get the odd people there, but there aren't as many of the work out to be seen working out pretty people here. Let's be honest, they're good for eye candy, but I hate these people.
Oh, and it's muggy as hell. Might as well be working out in Florida in the dead of summer without the AC.
My wife signed up with the gym & a trainer. The trainer gave her a whole bunch of nutritional supplements. I looked them up online, one of them causes nausea and anxiety (as well as appetite reduction). Another one showed great promise in animal studies, but has had no effect in any clinical studies on humans.
They also gave her some boxes of bars which are mostly sugar, and told her to eat this junk food as a healthy snack 3x/day. Hello, calling something a "fitness bar" and putting a little protein in it does not make it a healthy snack!
I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt and assuming that their exercise advice is competent, so I gave them 2 stars. But as far as bars and supplements, I suspect they are trying to meet sales quotas rather than aid their customers health. Either that or they're just ignorant about nutrition and recommend whatever the trendy supplements are.
So use them as a cheap gym, but don't take their product recommendations!
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9/16/07 - perhaps the manager is reading the review. They recently hire a new cleaning crew who did a pretty good job cleaning and wiping all the equipment.
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The ventilation on the 2nd floor is bad. What bothers me the most is when I work out I saw how the cleaning lady randomly dust over the equipment using the dirtest clothes I've ever seen. (I would not even call it clean). The cardio equipment are often filthy, with dust, wastes left from the previous users for weeks. The ladies bathroom are also quite dirty.
This is not a free weight/heavy lifting gym. It would be ok for chest and shoulders, but forget legs, back, abs and about anything else a lifter wants to hit. There was one other lifter there when I was doing shoulders today, thankfully, or would have never gotten a good spot. If what I am saying doesn't make much sense to you, this gym will probably be just fine. It does have a litte pool and a large hot pool, so I would recommend using it. Go somewhere else to lift unless you are in a real pinch.
Edited: So yea...this review is for the guys. Watch out for the naked old men in the locker rooms bumping into you, and drying off their private parts with the hand blow dryer. Yes...naked old men drying off their sacs and what not. Not cool!!!
..basic.
You can find me here when I'm not at Fairtex training in Muay Thai Kickboxing. IYou'll find I'm in the weight area trying to pack on or retain muscle. They have a very basic weight room. They could use a couple more weight machines such as the high lateral row for the upper back, but I make due with what they have. I try to go as late as possible because this place gets packed like crazy with people that are there to socialize and take up space on the machines. I left fitness 19 for this place because of their flexible open hours, and a deal I got from one of the sales reps. I'd go to other 24's but its a bit of a drive.
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It meets my basic needs. I remember a few years ago when this gym looked absolutely horrible. It was much more stuffy and the only air conditioning were the overhead fans. It's made an improvement definitely, however, everytime I come here which is at least 3-4 times a week, the same machines seem to be always broken. What's up with that. Right now, with everyone's NY's resolution to lose weight, it is super crowded, right around 5-8 p.m. Good luck in securing a cardio machine. Everyone and their mother is here. The classes are okay. I'm really bummed out that Yoga on Sun. at 10 a.m. stopped. Friday's TKB is pretty good. The pool is well...it's a pool. One time, I swam some laps and while I rinsed of before I got into the pool, I noticed little flies on the wall. Gross! They really need to clean the pool, jacuzzi, and sauna area out. I recommend some deep ass cleaning!
Update: 4/23/07
They've reinstated the Yoga Classes on Sun. morning. Very happy!
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Pros: Clean and new machines, a large group exercise room with a lot of classes throughout the entire week, racquetball courts, lots of diverse equipment. Nice variety of cardio and weight machines.
Cons: smallish pool, the stuffy workout room upstairs (probably only a real problem in the summer), narrow lanes in the parking lot.
I just signed up so I haven't gone to any classes yet, but the couple times I have gone and used the facilities, it's been just fine. I don't see what everyone's complaining about? It is a good fitness center and both my workout buddy and I have made this one our location of choice. Also, we didn't notice any particular smell the times we've gone. Maybe it's stinkier when there are more people there. But what do you really expect? It's a gym! Not a luxury spa with aromatherapy botanicals!
Let me start out and say that this 24 Hour has the worst designed parking lot in the entire South Bay, hands down! I don't know how regular members go through an entire year without denting their car someway. Fortunately for the gym, it's not quite on the same par as the parking lot. The equipment is not as old as you might find at the Saratoga location, but it's certainly not the newest either. The locker rooms (albeit feel a little crowded) is probably one of the better designed ones as there's actually spaces between lockers. There's enough variety in terms of equipment and cardio machines that you should be able to get your hour workout in if you're not fixed on using specific machines.
If you can stomach that parking lot than this gym isn't a bad option in the Sunnyvale area.
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Very crowded and claustrophobic! I couldn't walk by the treadmills without my bag banging into the back of them. The Group X room is big, but dark and an odd shape, plus no drinking fountain.
I went up there to try out some classes, and since I didn't really like them, I'll stick to the gym at Cottle and Santa Teresa.
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I went to this gym for the first time in a long time during the evening after work. Good freaking Lord! It's like walking into the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! I was SCURRED!
A. It's super crowded
B. People dressed in really comfortable clothes and not really caring that they are sweaty and nasty
C. You have to have fight over stuff; in this case machinery.
With that said, this place is the embodiment of why I've started going to the gym early in the morning. There's tons of people here all waiting for a machine. While there are a lot of machines, some are out of commission, or they are occupied by a sweaty person who will not relinquish the said machinery until their workout is complete.
One thing I did note was that the upstairs cardio room was actually pleasant to be in. It seems the problem that other Yelpers noted about the air circulation has been fixed. (Thank God!)
Decent place to workout ... but go there in off times to avoid the crowds. Will I be back to deal with the Silicon Valley's finest? Probably not ... I'll stick with the Hillsdale San Jose one in the morning.
This, along with their other Sunnyvale location, provided for a majority of my gym needs for over a year, 4-5x/week. I like having an early morning workout in a group class (to stay motivated). It's nothing fancy, but it worked.
I also used their pool and sauna areas a few times. Ok, it's not the nicest, but it's not horrid. The steam room was nice to relax a little bit.
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I go to the gym 4 times a week and end up at one of three different 24hr fitness based on where I am at the time. Either this one, the other one in Sunnyvale on Arques, or the one down on Hillsdale. None are perfect but this is by far the worst.
My biggest complaint is that it always seems 1/2 of the gym is out of order. I've been in at times when at least 25% of the cardio equipment has "out of order" signs on them, same with the nautilus style machines. I realize that these are highly used machines and need maintenance but why is it the other two 24hr gyms I got to don't seem to have this problem?
Even worse, I can't count how many times the showers are out of soap, out of hot water, or simply aren't working. Once I came in, did my workout, then went to take a shower only to be stopped by some caution tape when I got around the corner. It was before work and since I get very sweaty not showering wasn't an option. I ended up having to drive across Sunnyvale to Arques just to shower. They don't even tell you when you come in that the showers are out of order. Sure, they post some lame computer generated sign on the wall but since it looks exactly the same as the hundred other signs they have up for selling some crapping "energy bar" , I don't bother looking.
Although I've never felt the need for one, the personal trainers here are a joke. I'm not trying to be mean, and I'll admit that I am far from having a perfect body, but most of the trainers I see here are totally fat and out of shape. How is anyone supposed to take these guys seriously? Really, it's almost comical. I would think that 90% of a personal trainer's job is psychological. More than anything they help to inspire the person to workout. If I'm going to pay for a personal trainer I want a a muscular guy or a hot woman. The hot guy will inspire me because I want a body like his. The hot woman will inspire me because I want a hot body to get her. It's all on a subconcious level but really, it's the same for everyone. The trainers here, however, could only inspire me to sit on the couch with a big bag of chips.
Besides, how can I trust their advice if it obviously hasn't worked for them?
Finally, like others have said, it can get unbearably hot in the summer. The air conditioners are underpowered and the circulation in the place is terrible. God help you if you head upstairs to the cardio room on a hot day.
I agree, the parking spaces are really tight, you would think you're parking in the city. I don't think that's deterred anyone from coming here because parking is pretty full.
This is a 2-level facility that actually has equipment on both floors: cardio and abs machines on the top floor and the rest along with the pool/jacuzzi/sauna on the bottom floor. I find this one to be one of the cleaner and bigger ones in the South Bay. I like the crowd - almost everyone that comes here look like they're students or working professionals. The guys working the front desk are nicer, too.
Trying to get in some laps at the pool can be challenging, though. It is swarming with middle age to older people and is always crowded. I was sharing a 2 person lane and this one guy kept going diagonal. Finally his friend asked me if I wanted to switch. Then I had this one lady jump into my 1 person lane because the other "cool down" area was too crowded. Okay, look out for some bizarre behavior at the pool or come out if you just want to be entertained.
I can't recommend this 24 hour fitness. It's big and has a lot of machines, but crowded as people say and I've had many times where I got on an machine and was asked "how much more until you're done"
I feel very uncomfortable here. Is it me or does it seem like everyone is here to check each other out or compare with each other?
The front clerk was playing Xbox with his own TV and also my friend's dad's car got broken into.