Bally's Holiday Fitness Centers

 

11

47

Jane V.

Norristown, PA

I've been going here since 2000.  I was paying an arm and a leg my first 2 years with the fitness center, but since then I've only gotten a bill for 120-130 for a year's membership so not so bad!  

So its a pretty large Bally's with a pool, racketball court, tanning booths - if you are into that, an aerobics room, free weights section, a pretty decent amount of cardio/weight machines, and a track along the top that peers over the main room below.  January-March are the worse times to go - everyone's trying to fulfill their NYE resolutions, but after that, not so bad.  

I'm a fan of Steve's step classes - its a bit challenging for new people, but its a great workout (he's the guy that looks like David Spade from SNL).  Haven't been to any other classes recently...

Staff is decent.  Somewhat helpful at times.  I've never used a trainer so I don't know them too well, although some of them definitely have a creep factor.  And then the ppl that go to the gym itself...definitely a meat market, but a pretty good mix of all sorts of people...

Fortunately, I've never had to deal with Jonathan X's issue... I use a lock in the locker room and never had a breakage problem, even when I forgot to bring a lock every so often.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

25

89

David F.

Phoenixville, PA

I am not a Bally's supporter but I do see the value in what they do if you can look beyond their obvious flaws.  First of all, if you want to join a good gym then you go to a local gym and ask if you can meet the owner.  You can tell a lot about a gym by talking to the owner.  I prefer gyms that are owned by "gym guys".  But having said that, I once belonged to Bally's and made great use of their facilities and equipment, and various other classes.  If you can look past the bells and whistles then Bally's actually is a decent place to workout.  Don't get sucked into the extended plans or other sales tactics.  Do make use of all of their equipment and weight room.  If you like the social aspects of gyms then Bally's does have some really nice members that keep the gym experience fun.  If you don't like the social aspect then just ignore that part and stick to your workout and keep you i-pod earphones plugged in (I can also appreciate that).  The cheese factor will always be there with Bally's but just ignore it and move on.  Or join a good gym with a good owner.  Sorry, I have to get back on the treadmill now and work off that wine I drank last night (I even passed out on the sofa with my sneakers still on - that sucks!)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

179

502

James G.

South Lake Tahoe, CA

Awesome cuz it's FREE for Crowne Plaza Valley Forge / King of Prussia guests!!!  

Bally makes up for the absence of a POOL at the Crowne Plaza.

See my hotel review @ http://www.yelp.com/bi...

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

9

Jonathan X.

Bryn Mawr, PA

It is a big Bally fitness center with swimming pool and racket ball court. But I had some very bad experience there:
1) Not very safe, be sure to store your valuables at the car, not in the locker.  Someone stole my jeans along with the wallet.  What kind of sick person does that? And I am not the only, I have been there less than 2 years and have seen quite a few lost posts on the wall.
2) The staff will try to upsell you when you enroll and don't follow up with the promises when you do.  So, be careful.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review