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Bally Total Fitness
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- No
31 reviews for Bally Total Fitness
My update only reflects the actual gym facilities, and not Bally's business practices!
I was being harsh with this gym in my earlier review. Over time, I found myself coming out here more to work out since I hate dealing with the crowds and prison yard feel of the Aborn Bally's.
Although the equipment may not be as new as the other two locations, the Bally's on Hamilton gets the job done. More then half the time, the free weight area is practically empty. Especially in the mornings when all the elder folks stick to the machines and tread mills. It's super spacious, and this gym doesn't have a meathead feel to it like the Aborn Bally's. Because it is in a large shopping center and not overcrowded, parking is never a problem.
Another plus is the set-up of muay thai and heavy bags in the front area of the gym. They have 5 bags total that you can use. The equipment isn't as new, but if you're a free-weight person like me, the Hamilton location is perfect!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/19/2008
i only go here once in a while, as the ballys on capital expressway is my primary gym. my first… Read more »
Hahaha, they got me! They simply got me. Watch out for their contracts and representatives: they lied about their promotion that was on a banner in front of the gym, promoting a 90-day-money back guarantee! However, the guarantee was not in-sync with their contract which says that users have only 30-days to void any contract without paying.
I spoke with a manager who said that they could in fact get me out of the 3-year-contract if I paid for the entire duration of the 3-years up-front. There is no money-back guarantee after 30 days, period.
Facility-wise - I went there because they were right around the block from where I was living at the time. Sure, it smelled a little and the equipment was well-loved, but there was plenty of equipment to use!
Then, I went to the Bally's downtown, which has huge oscillating fans, brand-new workout equipment and no smell whatsoever. Even the bathrooms were quite swanky. Then, my sister showed me her 24-Hour Supersport off of Brokaw Road - and the 24-Hour facility is even classier than the Bally's downtown! Staff members were walking around the equipment with towels to wipe the equipment down and keep it clean. Other places foster a healthy workout environment that you may not realize until you venture outside the Meridian-Hamilton Bally ghetto.
Overall, my experience with them was horrible and a regrettable, expensive mistake. Make sure that you do your homework with them. If you like paying to work out with the sweat of other people massaging you with every "set" - they will not let you down! =)
If you're considering joining Bally, I suggest you do some research about their reputation. You can find countless complaints on almost every consumer affairs website out there, news stories about their more heinous offenses, and even state-wide legal action against the company's shoddy policies.
If after your findings, you're still considering joining, please read the following review so you can at least steer clear of the Hamilton location, in particular. Here goes:
I was looking for a gym back in January, when I received a free 1-year membership to Bally on Hamilton. I figured that I might as well take advantage of the free membership and then decide if I wanted to sign up for a paid membership. The GM at the time signed me up and told me I would get my membership card in the mail the following week. Sounds easy enough.
Two weeks later, and I still hadn't received anything in the mail and was harassed by the front desk agents every time I came in about my membership status. I complained to the GM and he apologized. I was told that I wouldn't be getting a card and that showing my driver's license at the front would be sufficient from then on. This kind of worked for about six months (Occasionally, I would have to explain the situation to the skeptical front desk people and grudgingly allowed in).
Then, a few months ago, they couldnt seem to find my name in their computers at all. I was forced to explain the situation EVERY time I went in. I spoke with the new GM (the old one had been fired) and he told me he would take care of it. A month later and it still wasn't taken care of.
I tried to complain again, but the GM was never there, (always on a perpetual "lunch break"), so I was referred to the sales manager, who assured me he would take care of it. The following day, the sales manager called me back to let me know I was all signed up and that next time I came in, all I would have to do is re-sign the disclaimer form and I would be set. Yay!
I came in and signed the form, but still no card. Today, I went in to file a formal complaint with the GM. Sigh... he was on his lunch break. So I spoke with the NEW sales manager. He informed me that the last sales manager (who had supposedly taken care of everything for me) had been transferred to a different club. Nice. So I mustered up the patience to sit with this new guy and explain the situation AGAIN. In the end, I waited for 45 minutes while he made phone calls to corporate just to tell me something I already knew - No one I had talked to thus far knew what they were doing, and each of them had lied right to my face.
When I asked him if there was anything HE could do for me, he had the audacity to suggest I sign up for a discounted employee membership. I would "only need to pay $70 or so upfront." As politely as I could (admittedly, not very), I told him that I would not be paying him money to make up for the incompetence of the three gentlemen I had worked with thus far, and that he could stop pitching deals to me because even if this issue gets resolved, I will NEVER be joining Bally Total Fitness. Why would anyone pay money to receive such an awful service? I left my phone number for the GM to call me back and am eagerly awaiting his call.
Besides all the jerking around, the facilities are decent and the gym is rarely crowded. Good luck! :)
I've been going here on and off for around a year. I'm totally annoyed with their contracts. If you can do the no contract, do it, because I'm locked in at a MUCH higher rate than new people can get contract free, and there is NO way to get out of the contract. The staff and trainers seem very nice.
They have a lot of machines, and I can almost always get on the machines I want, but I can never make the classes because of the schedule.
I recommended the place to my mom and called to ask about rates. Like four months later they're still calling to ask when I'm bringing her in. Its very annoying. The sales guys are super-pressuring and annoying.
this place isnt that bad, but it is pretty rundown and depressing looking. I liked how spacious it was, and that no one was in there when we went. This location could really use a facelift. I also only really saw one employee. The room where classes are held was pretty big.
eh! tsok
I like this gym quite a bit. I mean it has everything you need. The equipment isn't as updated as the one on capital, but I don't have to wait in line just to use some equipment. It also has a child care that's free for a couple of hours. I used to take my daughter there until she started have emotional meltdowns in there. They said it was stranger anxiety, but that's no excuse, even if she was 6 months.
My deal isn't bad either. I think I pay 35 a month, not as good as what they're offering now, but still not bad.
I agree with one reviewer who had a message for the naysayers because of their contract situation...don't quit. I know you're one of the people that comes in and signs up around New Years because this is the year you're gonna stop being obese, so you sign a contract, and realize you don't like the gym after a month. Tough luck buddy, that's on you.
Another thing I like is that Bally is building up my credit. So to all you people out there with bad credit, sign up with Bally and build it up, and then you can get that loan for your dream car.
I am one of the lucky people who only pays 13 bucks a month to come here.
If i was paying $30+ i probably wouldnt love it as much.
Gym is usually crowded when I go (around 5PM) which is to be expected.
Most of the machines are usually in working order.
I dont lift so I can't comment on how the weights add up.
I have never had a problem at this place.
Gym is always clean which is a plus
I had a horrible experience with this gym and would not recommend it to anyone. It started well enough. I came in on a weeknight evening and asked to sign up for a 7-day free guest pass. Sales Manager helped me out and gave me the guest pass without too much pressure to join. I was pleasantly surprised that he didn't give me the hard sell. I came in and worked out about 3 days during the 7-day complimentary guest pass.
Finally, on what turned out to be the day after my free pass expired, I called up from work and explained that I would like to come in during my lunch break to work out, but I wasn't sure if my pass had expired on this day or the previous day. The Sales Manager got on the phone and said my pass had indeed expired, but if I wanted to come one more day, that was OK with him. He discussed some of the membership plans and I agreed I would . So I went to my car, drove across town to Bally's and took my gym bag to the front desk.
Considering this was beyond my last day, I expected the Sales Manager to try to give me the "sell." He took me to his office under the pretense of giving me some information on their various membership options. He then tried to get me to sign up for a new membership, which I politely declined. I explained that I had only recently started working out and that I wanted to do my due diligence and try out a few other gyms before making up my mind. I told him I liked their gym but that my mind wasn't made up yet. He then said OK, but then you will have to pay $15 to work out today. I reminded him that I had called in advance from my work and he had told me over the phone he would extend me for one more day, and that based this promise was why I had driven down here during my lunch hour. He said OK, that's right, you can work out one more day.
So I go and change in the disgusting locker room surrounded by old men using walkers (no joke) and hit the stationary bike. About 10 minutes into my work out, the Sales Manager trudges up the stairs and says - no kidding - he had spoken to his general manager and it turns out I need to pay $15 to work out that day. I reminded him he had told me over the phone that I could work out for this one day without having to pay. I told him again that I would not have come down if he had told me I had to pay for an additional day, and I informed him that I was not going to pay. He told me the general manager would speak to me.
The general manager came up to my stationary bike and I explained to him what had happened. I explained to him that I hadn't made up my mind yet and that I had just started working out and I wanted to try out other gyms before making up my mind. He insisted that I had to pay $15 for this additional day. I explained that I had been told over the phone that I could work out on this day, and that I had come down in reliance on that promise.
At this point, Sales Manager said that I had told him over the phone that I would sign up for a membership. I told him this was absolutely untrue, and even if it was, I had politely declined downstairs and he had said it would be OK for me to work out this additional day without paying an additional $15. He may have thought I would sign up for a membership, but I told him, as I explained in the office, I was still making up my mind.
The general manager also accused me of having gotten a free pass a year earlier, as if I keep coming back to pack my year's worth of workouts in a week at their skuzzy gym. I told him the truth - that I had never been in the gym before a week earlier. I also didn't see how that was relevant, since they had told me over the phone and again in the Sales Manager's office that I could work out.
So they kicked me out. They told me I had to leave. I didn't even have a chance to shower so I had to go back to work in my workout clothes and work the rest of my day smelling like a gymbag.
It's hard to believe in this economy where Bally's could use every customer they can get that they're actually kicking out potential customers.
I was later told by the Sales Manager that their policy is people can use 7-day passes every 6 months, so even if I had used a 7-day pass a year earlier it would have been irrelevant under their own policy.
As a paying member that signed a contract and actually committed - Bally's has paid its dividends.
This particular location is rarely crowded and maneuvering around the gym is no big feat.
The gym is always clean and it does not smell. I'm there 4-5 days a week..[not bragging].. and never once have I inhaled a funky scent that wasn't my own arm pits or a fellow member.
P.S. If you sign a 3-Year Contract and don't fulfill the terms as described, that isn't Bally's fault , that is your fault for being a flake.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/29/2008
I like this gym and have since I signed up 2 years ago. Very simple layout with everything you need… Read more »
This review is for this particular Bally's location. If I was going to review Bally's as a company, I'd give them negative stars. I do think they are crooks and they totally rip you off.
But, with that being said, if you are already a member and plan on taking advantage of your membership, this location is okay. It's clean and the equipment is fairly well maintained. This is more than I can say for some other locations. The women's locker room and bathroom is clean and doesn't smell like mildew and sweat.
Klownboy believes in equal opportunity employers, but do have have to hire your staff straight outta prison? Mike the manager is a total slime ball thug who needs to be replaced and while your at it, hire a few front desk workers who actually smile and say hi when you walk in the door.
Bad energy in the place and it starts with the manager.....
I've been coming here on & off since I moved back to the Bay Area about 2.5 years ago, but recently, I've been spending several days a week here.
I'm a pretty basic person, & this place works for me. I don't need anything fancy with all the bells & whistles.
They have 3 areas with cardio machines (the main area has treadmills and stairmasters, a side area with bikes, & an upstairs loft with elliptical machines, bikes, rowing machine).
I happened to like the stairmaster that looks like a short escalator, rather than the type that has pedals that you step on. OK, maybe" like" is not quite the right word, as one of my friends called this machine the "stairway to hell," but then he's a runner & is probably referring to running on it. I just walk on it. The reason I use it because when I hike, the hills REALLY slow me down, so when I come to the gym on the days I don't hike, I use this so that hopefully I'll get better with tackling the hills on my hikes. I think I'm improving on the hills on my hikes too, because one of my hiking buddies was teasing me last week about how it's "getting harder to run away from you" on the hills now.
They have recumbent bikes, which I like too. Gotta watch out for nerve compression, ya know.
What I don't get are the people who are totally leaning onto the handrails of the machines; decrease the intensity of your settings, then! On the opposite end of the spectrum, there's people talking on the phone while they're on weight machines, & from what I can tell of the conversation, it's not business related, they're just chatting. I guess I shouldn't complain, because at least I don't get bothered by anyone, because this place isn't a meat market, unlike some other gyms I've heard of where women regularly put on make up & get "dressed up" to work out (WTF?!?).
The weight machines are adjustable, so that a shortie like me can use them. Sometimes it's hard to find the loose 5 & 7.5 lb weights to add on though.
I happened to have the luxury of being able to come to the gym when it's not quite so busy (late afternoon or late evening), so I've never had to wait for any of the cardio machines. From what I can tell, the only thing people have to wait for are the elliptical trainers, otherwise, there's usually some free treadmills, bikes, etc. Even with the weight machines, I've rarely had to work in with someone else.
They have a decent size floor/mat area for stretching--yes, that's important (I need to remind myself to do it more regularly after hikes, but am good about doing it at the gym.).
The locker rooms are clean. I've never used the showers here though, so I can't comment on those; it's more convenient to just go home.
I don't attend any of their classes; I had wanted to try the zumba class when it was offered, but they stopped offering it due to lack of interest. The studio for the classes is pretty nice though.
They also have a room for pilates, but I believe you need to use it with an instructor/trainer.
A lot of people seem to use their personal trainers, but I haven't tried their services.
There's child care on-site for those who have kids & want to work out.
The type of membership I have allows me to go to any Bally in the U.S. I joined a LONG time ago (probably about 10 years ago), so my membership at this point comes out to about $10/month! I'm not sure what their membership deals are nowadays, what intial payments are, if you're locked into membership, etc.
Most of the lights on their side of the parking lot are out, but I was told they have no control over that. Well, could you please pass the message on to whoever is in charge of the parking lot? I really don't care to get mowed down by a bad driver while walking to the gym from my car, or worse.
Anyway, for me, this place gets the job done...go in, work out, leave.
Hee-hee, I just read some of the other reviews, & a couple people commented that the clientele here is old. I don't really care, as long as they don't bother me. Hey, old people want to be fit too--good for them! As I've mentioned before in my previous gym reviews, I'm not there to socialize.
Located on the southeast corner of Hamilton Ave. & Meridian Ave., in a shopping center, so plentiful parking.
Do not join this gym. They will not let you quit and will continue to charge you even after you cancel. And if you cancel your credit card, they will send you into collections. Do not do business with these people!
This applies to the entire Bally fitness chain:
http://www.consumeraff...
http://www.ripoffrepor...
ARGH I hate companies like that. Please please please do not do business with them
This review is on behalf of all the Bally's in general. I signed up four years ago; of course at the time I thought I was really going to get into the workout thing. Well, that lasted for about a month and then next thing I knew I was tied into a three year contract paying $49.99 every month. When I approached the reps to ask them what I could do about the situation and what my options were they were so rude! I had nothing to do but to stick to this contract for three years. Thank God my contract ended in Feb 08.
I recently got into this working out swing and I decided to go check out 24 Hour Fitness, I explained to them that my Bally's contract was ridiculous and I had to practically die to cancel my contract and that I really didn't want to deal with a contract again. The 24 Hour Fitness rep sat down and asked me exactly what I was looking for. From then on for about a month he called me with the promotions they had and finally he got me an amazing deal and I am not tied into a contract. The service I got from Bally's was terrible. The facilities are oky.... but I would not go back to them!!!
This is the Ballys in my neck of the woods. As far as gyms go, it's your run-of-the-mill gym. It has a decent-sized free weight room, sufficient amount of equipment and weights, and is fairly clean.
I like it here because it's not as packed as the Aborn location. I used to go to the Aborn location when I lived in the Evergreen area. And, it was CRAZY-packed from around 4 pm to 9 pm. The only knock on the Hamilton location is that they skimp on the air conditioning. It gets pretty hot in there. Whereas, the Aborn location blasts the AC to the point where ppl are shivering. For me, it doesn't matter much because I now go either in the morning or after 9pm.
About the complaints here about their signing tactics, ppl should be aware that it's a corporate problem. Ballys has traditionally been rated very low in those regards. Everybody that I've talked to in all regions of the country has the same complaint about Ballys and their pressure tactics. So, it's not isolated to this particular location.
By the way, the Aborn location is more of a meat market. Whereas, the Hamilton location has more older, working-folks as its clientele.
Honestly, I don't see why everyone is complaining about this one. I have been going here since the one in Los Gatos closed down and my only complaint is that there is no pool and that the upstairs area can get pretty hot at times. The staff there are friendly to me and even know me by my name. When I have a question, they are quick to find out what I need. I guess I'm lucky with my experience.
OK when I first went to this ballys I thought it was super ghetto! I was thinking what the heck is this gym doing here in Campbell? No a/c or anything?
I came back there recently and I guess its not sooo bad. Yeah the people that come here are OLD but at least there's not alot of creeps bothering you unlike the one on capitol..and its less crowded which means I can do what I need to do and get the fcuk out! Its cleaner and I actually do see people wiping down the machines very often. They also added a new addition to their gym...punching bags :) The staff is friendly and parking is never a pain. This is convenient for me because I stay at my moms house 2 days a week and she live close by. Nothing fancy but it will do...
If I could give triple "Death 1 Stars" to a joint, Bally's Total Fitness would deserve the lowest of low ratings. This place and its business practices are probably nearest to lowlife hucksters as you could get to say the least. I just walked in to check out what membership would cost me per month. Wow. Was I in for a run around of royal proportions.
I walked up and asked the desk personnel to give me membership rates sheet. Doesn't exist. They asked me if I had an appointment with a membership specialist (low life scuzzy salesperson). I said no.
They asked me to wait. I reiterated that I just wanted a rate sheet and I'd be on my way. Nope, remember it doesn't exist. I finally told them I was going to leave, knowing by this time I would never join a crummy outfit like this. Then magically the "membership specialist" shows up with a checklist. He then says he has to show me around the club. Hey, idiot! I can see it from here. You have equipment like all the other clubs. Big deal. I just want the membership rates.
He acted really perturbed, and committed cardinal rule number one by forgetting that I was the customer, not him (I am in sales for my living).
He then talks a bit of all the wonderful benefits (what BS). I jumped in and asked just give me the membership rates.
At this point in time, he says he has to consult with his manager? WTF? Oh, the old good sales guy and bad sales guy. So, now, without doubting I would never join this club with asshole employees like these, just decided to play their game. Two minutes later, Mr. Smoothie comes out and asks the question, "What seems to be the problem?"
Hey, moron. The problem is that 15 minutes ago I came in here just asking to see what membership rates are, and none of you mud dwellers can seem to answer that question. Just give me the rates. He started to talk about the proper procedure to talk to prospective members. Ha! Ha! This is really getting funny now.
I said I just wanted to see the rates one more time, or I am walking. He grabs a used piece of paper and writes some ridiculous numbers down for a membership fee, processing fee and monthly fees. I asked him about cancellations (the pit of this industry), and he assured me no problem. Of course, he didn't show me the contract that one must sign, that basically says if you cancel, you pay for two more months no matter what, and if you move you need God himself to verify or they will keep billing you. If you try to stop, they turn you over to the goon squad credit collectors that strong arm you to pay all through the remaining of your contract (I happen to know this from a friend of mine as I am only checking this place out because it is close to where I live).
I took the crummy piece of paper, waded it up, tossed it in the trash can where these employees are actually denizens and walked out.
Unfricking believable. Hard to believe the scumballs employed by this company or the company encourages and tolerates this type of behavior.
AVOID AT ALL COSTS!
ps. Not alone on this one. See review by Michelle M. below and she worked there.
I want to revist this review because I've had some experience with gym since posting the original review.
Namely, Bally's sales people have continued to call even after repeated requests to remove me from their lists. They even use telemarketing techniques such as calling and not leaving a message. I redialed the call to my cell phone earlier this month when I had a vague recognition of the number, but couldn't place it. So, at least four months after originally telling the sales staff I wasn't interested, and making at least two requests to be removed from the list, I was still getting sales calls.
This is on top of my initial unfavorable observations in the winter: a filthy restroom and poorly regulated temperature.
The first time I visited this gym, space heaters were turned on behind the front desk. I kept commenting that I was cold as I toured the gym, but the salesman said the temperature had been kept low for the sake of the elderly who work out there. While I realize that working out in high temperatures may not be a good idea, I'm also smart enough to know that even gyms need a functional heating system in the winter (February).
The gym seemed to have functional equipment throughout. Its stretching area was small and had limited equipment. It did, however, have a large studio for group classes, for those who are so inclined.
The cardio area, upstairs had TVs, although one had a fuzzy picture. The setup required users to bring their own FM radio for sound.
My second visit did not start out well at all. The women's locker room was littered with paper. The toilets had not been cleaned, and the steam room had wet paper in it, not to mention mold. Since I was still a potential client, I decided to use my power and have them clean the locker room before I entered.
The final straw that made me not select this particular club was that the salesman tried to show me an exercise routine. Midway through, but only after I asked, he told me he was not a trainer, so he was talking about what had been effective for him, a man of about 200 lbs. That certainly would not have been appropriate for me. More importantly, he did not have the credentials to show me a safe exercise routine.
I wouldn't rule out all Bally's as a chain, but this one is not the way to go.
This Ballys reeks. Literally. I signed up at the Aborn Sq. Ballys, and became frustrated at the fact that working out there causes a black hole in time where I lose three hours, and end up doing about 3 bicep curls.
I decided to check this one out, since the the best location (downtown) had some issues with parking (in the park events. cant knock the gym for that), so Hamilton was the next in line.
Parking was actually quite easy, considering this mall lot has a Longs and a Safeway sharing parking space. I won't mention the Elk's Lounge, even though that is an AARP hot spot.
Getting inside, the area looked incredibly spacious. Plenty of treadmills, stair climbers, situps and crunches area right in front and in the back as well. Unbelieveably spacious. There is no way to feel crowded or rushed at this location.
The locker room is God Awful Rancid. Awful. The smell of mildew and old sweat and god knows what else just killed me. Nasty as hell. If they clean that locker room, it isn't with soap, rug cleaner or disinfectant. Come to think of it, I've never actually seen a staff member cleaning a thing in here. The showers smell. The bathrooms smell. And have wet, or no, toilet paper. The lockers themselves are tiny. I carry a bag that only has a pair of shoes, a towel, small personal effects, and my change of clothes. And that barely fits. You also take a chance on a locker with no lock hoop (meaning no way to lock your......locker). The doors on them are also dodgy. Just an atrocious locker room. Never shower, change or leave your stuff in this room. Your stuff will come out with a hot, mildewy ass smell that stays with you like a witches hex.
The weight area is also unbelieveably spacious. Everyone seems to keep to themselves or just their workout buddies. No one hogs up space or weights. And there are plenty to be used. As far as availability, this is a good section. That being said: the weights have never been racked with any rhyme or reason. It's not that hard to rack weights in WEIGHT ORDER. 75 pound weights do not go next to the old lady silver weights that max out at 8 pounds. Sheesh. This area also stinks. But it's the weight area, and typically I work out toward the end of the night. I can't hold that against them. There really should be a more stringent policy about putting weights where they belong.
The staff is invisible. There have been more than a few times that I've just breezed in, without a person to stop and ask me for my card. I never have questions, but I can imagine the level of frustration some with could experience. I really never see them walking around, cleaning, saying hi, showing that they actually work there. Nothing.
It's a good stand by, if there are downtown events. Only because Aborn is so awful crowded, and there are no other Ballys around here. Not really a ringing endorsement. Just save yourself the trouble and go to the downtown location.
*3.5 stars rounded up!*
I go to this gym now, after regularly going to the Bally off Capitol & Aborn. That one at least had a pool, but seemed not as well-kept as this one. I like this one because it's never TOO crowded and you seem to get your privacy. They have the newer elliptical machines and treadmills, which makes me happy.
On the downside- they are VERY pushy and somewhat obnoxious when it comes to sighing people up for memberships. My friend just wanted to try out the place by using a free-trial coupon, but they cornered her for 45 minutes in an office the first day. She did not even get to work out, and barely came back during the 2-week trial period because she was so wary of them bothering her again. All in all, it's a good gym for the price and a good location for me; but stick to your guns as if you were going into a car dealership, that's all I have to say!!!
This bally is not that bad like everyone say it is.....The one on Aborn is just SOOO pack most of the times, and the trainer there is not even that good...But ever since I go to this bally I been training with my trainer three times a week. And all the trainer here show they really know what they talking about.
Bally's is not a fancy gym, by any means, but it has the necessary stuff. It's simply a case of getting what you pay for. If you pay to go to a super fancy gym, it'll be better than Bally's...
I previously belonged to 24hr Fitness, and not only is Bally's closer to my home, but I actually like it a lot better. It's a lot cleaner (I've actually witnessed them tipping the treadmills over to clean underneath them on several occassions) and equipment needing repairs gets tended to more quickly than at 24 hr.
My main gripes - I wish they'd open earlier - 5 am is too late for me during the week, 7 am is definitely too late for me on the weekends. I also wish someone would tend to the free weight area better... don't let the machines stay loaded with 45 lb plates that are hard for me to move around, put the free weights back in their proper spots, etc.
Other than that, it's fine. It's not fabulous, but I'm not paying for fabulous.
Oh - and I thought everyone knew that gym membership salesmen were worse that used car salesmen!! I firmly believe that two different people can enter a gym and end up paying vastly different prices for the same thing!
The (only) good thing about this Bally's is that it is rarely very crowded (at least not compared to lots of other gyms) despite its small size. But there are so many bad things....
My biggest complaint is the cardio equipment. When I joined more than 5 years ago, a lot of the equipment was dated--and nothing has been upgraded in 5 years! Good luck finding an exercise bike with a heart rate monitor that still works. The staff (at least during the evenings) seem much more interested in chatting on their cell phones than manning the front desk, tidying up the place, etc.
I've kept my membership mostly because they are super-close to where I live and the price is pretty low, but after they told me they have no plans to update/improve equipment I am shopping around.
I've been coming here for quite a while. I come here late so the place is empty. I don't really have a problem with this Bally's. They have treadmills and weight machines. Sold.
This one is better than the one on Capitol only because it's not busy at night! I get what I need done and my time isn't wasted unlike the Capitol Bally because my schedule is packed during the weekdays.
yeah, there's nothing to scream about.
i love being the only fat asian working my shinsplits on the treadmill at 9pm (just say hi! i won't bite. i just look mad when i'm exercising).
there are about 14 treadmills that vary in age, like one ancient treadmill, 9 from 2000, and five current ones.
The carpeting in the locker room smells like rancid feet and i went to the dim bathroom stall and sat on a wet toilet seat.
fun times.
omg! so there are two treadmills that click everytime i run on it...as if i needed the attention.
DO NOT SIGN UP AT THIS GYM. YOU WILL REGRET IT!!!!!
If i could give this location zero stars, I would.
Let me tell you about my horrible experience.
I got a coupon to try the place for free and, right when I walked in, they tried to to give me a sales pitch-- from the protein drinks, to the personal trainers, to the membership. I felt as if I was at a car dealership.
After I repeatedly said no to signing up, they brought me into a room and brought over their second line of attack, some chubby Chinese guy named James C. He bragged about how he competed in shows and now he's a personal trainer at Bally's on Aborn Road. Being as fat as he is, I wonder how is he going to help me get into shape. I told him I just wanted to use the machine and that I wasn't interesting in joining. Then he started making belittling comments at me because I didn't want to join. He said I wouldn't amount to anything if I didn't sign up. Why come at all if I wasn't going to sign up? He said he wanted to help me, but when I asked him to show me how to use the equipment, he said "I don't work for free." He kept going on and on about me staying at home and using my bench press rather then using their equipment if I wasn't going to sign up. I knew he didn't want me there. Then he calls over another worker and tells her "This guy doesn't want to sign up, but he wants to use our gym." I've never felt so unwelcome anywhere in my life.
Any thought of joining this gym went straight down the drain after hearing the words out of JAMES C mouth.
This doesn't include the ridiculous fees they try to throw on you. Join another gym. It's cheaper and the customer service is a lot better.
Bally should train their workers better, rather than having them harass the customers.
I will not recommend this place to anybody!
If you see JAMES C, just say, "C' ya later," or ignore the guy and don't ever sign up from him because he'll make you feel 2 feet tall if you don't want to join.
Oh, I forgot, when he realized he wasn't going to make a sales off me, he walked out the room and said, "Have a good life." I don't know whether to be angry or laugh. Of course it's sarcasm for "Thanks, for wasting my time idiot." And if you come here, and unfortunate enough to met him, this is what's in store for you too.
I rather be fat then have to deal with this type of insulting customer service!
UPDATE 02.06.07:
not sure what brought the change but this place is crazy busy nowadays and it makes it a little more unbearable than normal. i'm only still going cuz i'm not paying for membership & my legs are starting to atrophy from excessive tivo & other sedentary activities.
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ORIGINAL REVIEW 09.14.06:
no one's written a review because the place is nothing to scream about, but it gets the job done i suppose. the good thing is that it never gets super crowded. i also like the second level cardio section..the tv's are situated perfectly in front of the ellipitcals so you don't have to strain your neck to catch a score or highlight. the bad is that the building looks a little dumpy and they could use a few more ellips. (there's one that's been broken for a few months...just replace the damn thing already.) i'm a "nice & new" type..but this place is far from it..i'd consider 2.5 stars if they let us go half.
(i do like this one better than the one in los gatos..despite the fact that it's pool-less.)
Definitely has all the basics that you would require from the gym. I do agree that the locker room (men's) does smell like feet. However, the facilities are stocked and in my opinion one of the least crowded gyms around. Even at 6pm I usually don't have to wait around for a machine. I do wish they had a swimming pool or a basketball court, but one can always go to Los Gatos if you're looking for those things.
I initially tried to sign up for Bally's prepaid 2 for 3 year @ $999 membership at Aborn location but the sales manager was being firm that the special deal was expired. So I decided to go to this older location to see if they would honor this special rate and they did. So +1 for sales department for honoring this expired rate. My gf and I had our complimentary fitness with a trainer and he basically showed us how to use the equipment and we got to do a light workout with him. Nothing too strenuous. Overall our experience with the trainer was positive. The overall look and feel of the club is worn down and old, however there was plenty of equipment around for me to hop on and get a decent workout. I don't think this site is as popular as the new site on aborn. The weight equipment looks very old school, metal weights, dumbbells, etc. One thing I really disliked about this gym is the locker room. It smells all the time. They really need to rip out the old carpet and put tiles or something. I have never changed or kept my stuff in the locker area. A couple positives for this gym are people that workout here are serious. They are not here for people watching. Equipment is readily available during peak hours. I also noticed a few bay area athletes workout here including a former 49ers QB, and an A's Hall of Fame Pitcher. Overall, a decent gym for something who wants a good sweat without ever using the locker rooms.
