Crunch
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 5:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Fri 5:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. - Good for Kids: No
43 reviews
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
"I felt like I should join Former Gym Rats Support Group for 1) falling off the wagon and 2) being in an acceptable shape until I finally…" read more »
104 Reviews for Crunch
I became a member here when I injured my knee running and the huge selection of stationary bikes and elipticals and other low-impact machines is great. And since I get bored easily while sitting my ass on a bike for 45 minutes, the movies are a huge plus! The customer service has been nothing but helpful to me (Kevin in membership is AMAZING!) and there are always clean towels waiting at the entrance (unlike other gyms where it's BYOT and I always forget...so I'm that sweaty girl nobody likes to work out next to. Ok, TMI).
I've yet to do a class here, but will probably try the yoga/pilates until the ol' knee is healed.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
These people pretty much just told me "no" seven months ago when I tried to cancel my membership. I was willing to pay the cancellation fee and everything, and three people sent me away. Now my membership ended...4 months ago, and I'm still getting charged. So I went in and they told me that to stop getting charged I would have to pay another month. WTF...there is something illegal going on here. I signed nothing that authorized them to continue charging my credit card after April 2008.
And the gym sucks too. They wont's even turn on the fucking lights.
Get over yourself, Crunch. Other than your trainers, you're just a bunch of lazy money sucking ass wipes.
P.S. The trainers are great. I suggest finding them and setting up an outside session because Crunch pays them, like $10 out of the $75 that you pay...per hour.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
I was torn between 1 or 2 stars but since I guess it gets the job done(even if poorly) I'll go with 2.
This is def. the worst gym I've ever joined. My opinion is strictly based on the free weights section.
I would say that if you're just into cardio and you like to do classes then this is probably a pretty great gym because they seem to have a lot of it and the classes look good.
However, if you're looking to lift weights I strongly advise going elsewhere. They cram all the weights into one section in the middle of the gym. On top of that there is certainly not enough weights to go around and usually you're looking around to find the plate that you need. The dumbell section is embarrassing. They at least go up to higher weights which is nice but nobody puts things back where they belong.
I don't understand why that happens here. I've belonged to several gyms and people have always put their weights back. They also don't put 45lb weights ont he same rack as the 10lb plate. Here, there are different weights all over, higher plates outside of lighter ones and the dumbells are all over the rack. I could go on and on but in a nutshell, it really sucks. Its the most expensive gym I've ever been too to boot so i think once my year is up I'm finished.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Pros:
-Good atmosphere
-nice people
-Good classes
-Everything you need
-attractive members (not me, the others)
Cons:
-If there is a class going on that you are not a part of, you suddenly become a second-class citizen. (can't hear yourself think, but you're not allowed to workout near the studio because it might distract the class?)
-Only one of everything, its a bitch to workout in the afternoon (fine any other time)
-Personal trainers slap the same workout onto everybody regardless of your goals
- while variety is good, they have so many classes that the one you want is only once a week, probably not at a time you can attend
For some reason I still come out on the postive side though. I guess I just like the vibe and have been able to circumavigate the problems.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I have been a member of Crunch for almost a year, and I usually work out at to the Polk Street Crunch because it's the most convenient for me. I definitely like this gym; there is a good number of machines, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It would be nice if there was some more areas to stretch. Also, since many of the classes are not in a separate room and are open to the entire gym, the loud music can make it difficult to listen to your own music on your ipod.
Definitely as someone who lives in the Marina and frequents the Marina bars, I would say there is a 95% chance when you go work out at Polk Street Crunch, you will run into people you drink with. Which can be good, and bad...
Overall I definitely would recommend Crunch to someone looking to join a gym in San Francisco.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
Because my day started with drinks at Boubon and Branch and then dancing 'till fuck o'clock in the morning at Dragon Bar (so good! so good! so good!)...
Because I did nothing all day except attend a non-profit Board meeting...
Because after the Board meeting, four of us went to Boogaloos (yum) and had the Basic Breakfast with Bacon (yu-humm!)...
Because I took a 3-hour nap this afternoon...
Because I ordered the fried chicken special (Sundays only folks) at Street on Polk and licked all ten fingers...
Because I had Triscuits and cheddar at 11 PM...
...for all these reason. And many more, I belong to Crunch. Yes, there is a little attitude (customers) at this location. But...
...the yoga classes will kick your ass
...the place is pretty damn clean
...the staff is relatively pleasant
...the equipment is in good shape (could we please have one more bench press, though?)
...the facility is fan-fucking-tastic, with the baroque, arabic designs of the vintage movie theatre intact and nicely painted
...the girls who work out here are virtually all stunning. And the guys are almost all in terrific shape. Good motivation to do that extra set
...it don't break the bank. I think I pay about $50 a month
...the little keychain size membership card says, "go to the gym!" which is what I need to hear when I'm pulling out my Visa to pay for that 4th vodka soda. ;-)
- 1 star for not being as cool as Van Ness (but WAY better than Chestnut)
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I think they could have chosen a better business for this old theater instead of turning it into a Crunch. Maybe a concert venue or a kitschy eatery instead? Nope. Instead they turned it into a mediocre gym that suffers from constant machine break downs and not enough stretch space.
Don't get me wrong, I like Crunch cause it's super convenient and the staff is always really accommodating, it's just difficult to find a legit machine or a space to stretch out the hammies. Also, I find that the area where all the arm workouts is dominated by the guys, which isn't a bad thing, it's just awkward working on a machine that works the arms (you know, the one with the pulleys and weights and whatnot) while 18 guys stare at you either chuckling to themselves about the minimal weight you're lifting or giving you the evil eye for daring to cut into their manly work out time.
In time I'll sign up for a class or something, but if I ever want to do arms again, I'll go to the one on Chestnut where it's a little more co-ed friendly.
Random gripe: The water fountains are jank. You have to stick your face thisclose the faucet to get water out. So not necessary...
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
Aargh. I wish I could give it 0 stars.
This place is impossible to cancel. I'm on the phone right now for the third time. I'm told for the third time that "my paperwork is being retrieved". I've been trying to cancel since last month and it's just not possible. How long does it take to retreive paperwork??
Don't join. You'll regret.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Cool (1)
I like working out here more than other gyms I've tried - The ambience, the movies that play on the screen...
But I have a serious problem with the locker room. It is tiny, grungy, smelly, dirty and pretty much the exact opposite of what you would want in a locker room. Many things are broken in it as well. Truly way past time for a renovation.
Otherwise, it's an enjoyable place to work out.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Love it... don't go as often as I should but I stil love it.
Please wait for a more complete review after I try one of their classes :)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Very much a mixed bag for me. Been going there for 18 months and will probably continue to do so because it's so convenient giving me no excuse to bottle out of going on a frequent basis.
Pros: interesting building, fair range of aerobic and weight lifting equipment, lots of nice looking women work out there...
Cons: ludicrously small locker room, poor lighting (I like to read when using aerobic machines), ridiculous noise levels during some of the classes which you just can't escape from., poor customer service. Plus they've raised my rates twice without providing me with the 30 day notice that my membership agreement stipulates.
Bottom line: this place really could be sooo much better. I sense that Crunch simply is choosing not to invest in this place like it has in some of its other locations.
I have a love/hate relationship with this gym. The location is great. If you go around two o'clock, you can enjoy your workout in a beautiful gym. However, there have been instances where I have walked in at around five and walked right back out because I felt like it was way too crowded with yuppies. If you don't mind being squeezed in a crowded room with other gym members classes are fantastic. The only part of this gym that deserves a five star rating is my former trainer Nilu. She was supportive of my goal- trying to get bigger and stronger. Prior to Nilu, whenever I would share my fitness goals with anyone, they would not take me seriously because I am a woman. Women tend to react by being condescending and men tend to be surprised. Nilu on the other-hand encouraged me and helped me achieve my goals.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
Once you're in, it's impossible to get out. I tried to cancel my membership numerous times and each time was told I was done. Not so!
The gym is fine - never really had a problem with the different locations.
However, be sure you are ready to fight when it is time to go...
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
This place is around the corner from where I live, so I go there. I pay $54/month. If I had to pay what everyone else pays, it wouldn't be worth it.
Whenever I walk in, I feel like I am going in to an all night long rave and I should be doing some crazy stuff. It is so dark and subterranean, the music is always thumping, and there is always a movie playing on the wall.
Besides feeling like a rave, it's a pretty good gym. They always have people walking around cleaning the machines, plenty of machines, always in good working order, and challenging classes.
Things they need to improve upon:
- Fix the HVAC system so more fresh air is brought in and it doesn't always smell moldy and make me worry I'm going to get sick building syndrome
- Add a vestibule to the yoga room so I don't have to listen to Sgt. Ken yell while I am doing my asanas
- Make the group fitness instructors lower the damn volume of the music so I won't lose my hearing by age 40
- Renovate the bathrooms
- Increase the light levels at the cardio machines so I can actually READ my cheesy People magazine
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I am not a person who hates the gym, but rather actually enjoys it. Working out in an old movie theater is pretty sweet, I enjoy the huge big screen and actually stayed to run so I could see the entirety of the new Simpons Movie!
It sucks going at 6:15 when everyone has the idea of getting in a run after work and having to wait in line by the machines. But usually it's not that bad. Also the reason I joined was for the group classes. If you want a real work out, you HAVE to take Sarah's class on Thursday nights at 7:30, the powerball. It's been four days and I'm still sore...in a good way. I honestly feel like if I did that class once a week I will look like Giselle by summertime (well...not really..but kinda...). She is such an amazing teacher, and really gets me motivated.
However, Monday night's Pop Dance Class is an absolute joke. Okay I use to be a dancer, and went to a performing arts high school for dance...and danced at least 3 hours everyday... but come on. Can we please have a teacher who didn't peak in 1983? Between the body rolls and awful warm up where we don't even hold a stretch for longer than a count.... its not even worth it for me to take this class to work on my basic technique. But in fact, it should be completely canceled because it really is that bad....so bad it hurts me to think about it. I could teach a way better class.
But other than that! I do like this gym..in fact, I think I'll go today!
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
"A few years back I got a free membership at their Van Ness location since I was a Whole Foods employee (a benefit for W.F. workers) and I enjoyed that gym. I didn't have to pay so I wasn't subjected to any billing headache. I later quit W.F. and didn't go to Crunch for a couple of years. This all changed for the worse a couple years later when I moved into Russian Hill and was looking for a gym. The Alhambra location seemed like a good choice. I regret joining on my own dime for the following reasons:
1) When I went into the Alhambra location I was impressed by the theater set up and equipment, but after I signed up and left I was thinking about how the sales person didn't show me the locker room. I didn't think to ask to see it - BIG MISTAKE! It's so tiny... they just took the old leftover theater bathroom and tossed some lockers in there. It is really WAY too small to meet the needs of a gym that big and with that many members. There is room for only about 5-6 people at a time and room for only two people in the shower. I tried working out there during "peak" time and changing in the locker room. There was not enough room to even move in there, let alone change and shower. I was so saddened to realize that I would end up having to change BEFORE going there.. and go home all sweaty and gross to shower. GET A BIGGER LOCKER ROOM CRUNCH!!!
2) I had signed a year contract and on the day my contact was up I went directly to the counter and asked to cancel. They had me fill out a form and I was told that my membership was cancelled and I would not be billed beyond my final month. WHAT A LIE!
Sure enough, the next month when my membership was already canceled not only was I billed AGAIN but they had the nerve to raise their rate by $10.00. This began a series of calls asking to to correct the problem. I called 4-5 times and was told that "only a manager" could look into this and fix it. But, guess what? The "manager" was never available when I called - in a meeting, at lunch (at 9am?), or had the day off that day. Each time I left my number and asked for a call back. I NEVER got a call back. I finally had to call the N.Y. corp. office only to be rudely told that I had submitted my form a full 30 days later than the day I actually came in to cancel. This was NOT true... I came in the EXACT day my contract was up. Maybe the "manager" turned in the form late, but that was not my problem.
They would not budge and refund the money. I feel I was stolen from and I am now disputing the charge with Visa and hope to get a refund.
BEWARE - this gym is shady and they lie and steal to continue to bill you.. read other reviews and you'll see I am not the only one this has happened to. I cannot believe that the "manager" was never available to talk to me, not call me back after repeated requests.
Crunch Gym = Deception, Lies and Incompetence. Do yourself a favor and just go jogging in the park like I do now. It's free and the trees won't lie to you."
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
I donate to this gym. Especially the one 2 blocks from my house. You'd think I'd actually go since it's so close and I pay a whoppin' $50 a month and signed in blood for 3 years!
If you don't mind working out on stage, with guys leering at your giggly "curves", then take the the boxing and aerobic classes on Polk Street. I prefer to stick to the yoga and pilates classes behind closed doors on the 2nd floor...that is, when i go.
I do actually go to the one on New Montgomery - if i'm not stuck in some unnecessary work meeting. I shouldn't be telling you this, but the 1pm Pilates Mat class on Mondays is phenomenal! Kirk works my ass like no other (sorry, honey). Just when you think you can't take anymore, he makes us do 8 more reps! It hurts so good, I try my hardest to go back for more. I still consider myself a donor though.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
Pros.
1. The movies of course!!
2. Lots of cardio machines
3. Clean (for a Gym)
4. The weight area has been redesigned, and it's easier to walk around
5. Price
Cons.
1. Small locker rooms
2. Scratchy towels
3. Weights aren't often put back
4. Poor water fountain pressure
The water fountain pressure bugs me the most. If they fixed it, I'd give them another star.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
I joined because I heard the classes were great and found out the only 2 classes were Sgt. Ken's boot camp and Tom's Spin class. Weel I was misled by the sales rep and fell for his B.S.... 1st of all Sgt Ken only does "guest appearances" who is this guy! And Tom quit! Besides that you had to get there 30 minutes before class to get a bike! I got in once and got my ass kicked! I have to admit it ! well worth getting there early! One girl told me he still teaches at either Van Ness or Chestnut. Other than that, if you like movies while you work out, Join!
Crunch is a gym. It is fine. There is nothing great about this gym, although the movies are a cute little kitschy bonus. They have pretty good yoga classes on the weekends, and some insane cardio classes during the week.
This gym is not amazing, but it isn't bad either. It is just a gym, so if you want a close place to work out and you live close by, join it and work out.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
This place reminds me of college. I don't ever go there without seeing my ex's friends or my friends' exes. And I actually see a lot of the same people I saw at the gym when I went to Cal. I would hope that we have all grown up and moved on, but instead we all just moved to Russian Hill. That being said, I do like watching movies while I work out. A good movie really makes the time fly. They should turn down the lights over the screen though. It's hard to see sometimes with the light shining directly on the screen.
This is a tough one... Since I'm comparing it to the Van Ness club... Which is my home away from home...
What this gym lacks for in atmosphere and substance, it gains in flair! The people who use the cardio and weight machines pretty much keep to themselves... While people who take classes tend to be quite friendly. It's definitely a different crowd... Classes aren't as advanced as Van Ness.. And the weight area is WAY too small to get anything really productive done during the busy times. Staff has always been very friendly.
But the architecture of the interior is very cool! I love the old-movie house look AND they show some pretty cool movies on the big screen. And when you're done working out and can use some calories, there are some very good places to eat right outside. Don't drive out there cause parking is extremely bad.
Now that they have a good boxing class on Wednesdays, I'll be there for that. The spin class on Wednesdays is pretty rockin' too. These are the only reasons I'll be here. I've been a pretty hardcore athlete for 30 years and I need good classes these days to keep me motivated and fun. I'm a lazy bastard if it's not fun!
This place is just awful. First of all, Crunch doesn't feel constrained by the contract you sign, and will raise your rates at will. They'll say it is because they made improvements, which isn't a valid reason anyway, but particularly when the improvements they claim to have made were not in fact made at all.
Second, this place is quite crowded and poorly overseen -- you will have to wait for cardio equipment in the evenings, and there is no one to move the cardio campers off the equipment, so the FU attitude predominates.
Third, there is no real locker room (for men at least) to speak of. The men's room is shoved into what once was a small theater restroom. It is tiny and way overcrowded and unpleasant.
Fourth, the cardio classes happen in the center of the gym -- no accoustical separation -- and they can be almost deafeningly loud. Couple that with an overemphasis on faux war games (boot camp, cardio kickboxing, etc.) without any significant prime-time variation and you have all the ingredients for a truly unpleasant experience.
There was a time when this was a decent gym. That time is long gone.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
I almost joined Crunch. Almost. I won't even lie...I was only going to join because I'm a a lazy bastard (I live two blocks away) and because there were always hot girls going in and out of this place. I'll also admit that I'm broke and while I would have been thrilled to pay $65 a month for the privilege of not being able to focus at the gym, I opted to pay $15 a month at 24 hour fitness. Wait, what honey? My girlfriend calls it the "supermodel gym" and she's hot. I feel obligated to say that this place may drive you to join the eating disorder fad. If you've got the money and don't mind being "distracted" at the gym go for it. Say hi to all the Marina girls who are there in the middle of the work day for for me!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I just worked out tonight and realized my weight loss probably has nothing to do with the amount I work out, but rather the amount I sweat because this gym has NO air conditioning!
Other than the massive fans that are placed in every corner to give the illusion of coolness, there literally is no air flow. (Part of me hopes I'm not complaining because tonight I couldn't run 10 mins without gasping for air.) It always amazes me tho - no matter how hot it is in there, there always is a perfectly matched, perfectly lipsticked, without a drop of sweat gal looking pristine...
(If it weren't for the fact I live 3 mins away up the hill and can get here without making up an excuse to dodge a workout, I would give this gym 2 stars!)
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Hey...it's convenient....but where are the phreakin' suspended heavy bags they've been promising for over a year? I think they
spent the money on thosee dang ping pong tables....
Hmmm...maybe I should add a star...the manager
broke down in tears when he saw I only gave it Crunch 4 stars..
....I'm sorry man but...I can't change your grade
...it wouldn't be right
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
I am giving all the stars to the fact that this location offers morning spinning classes, Monday thru Friday. It's the ONLY reason why I come here.
Other than that, the lady who works the counter in the morning seems really mean. I hate having to ask her for towels to shower with because I feel like I am putting her out, even though I pay for my membership here. Also, if you don't live in the area and have to use the locker room to get ready for work, you will be bummed. The locker room is small. You have to ask for towels before you get in there.
Also, the locker room is ALWAYS a mess. Garbage is all over the floor and they never seem to empty the towel bin because its always overfilled and spilling over onto the ground.
I have used other Crunch locations and they have always been so much more cleaner and better maintained then this location. Lazy employees maybe?
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (1)
Yeech. This place definitely isn't my cup of tea. Worked out at this location once and never went back.
Though some may enjoy this movie theater turned gym idea, I for one am not feelin' it. Running on a treadmill on the balcony, in the dark, while unwillingly watching an old skool movie that's drowning out my iPod, is not my idea of a fun workout. On top of that, watching the beach body bootcamp class (or whatever it's called) get yelled at by a "sargent" in the open air class was distracting. I felt like I was watching people get tortured in their own little hell down below.
Staff wasn't friendly and the locker rooms looked a little worn.
Verdict: Passssss.
I'd rather walk an extra 6 blocks to the Van Ness Crunch.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Not only for the convenience, but the ambiance and people make this place desirable. The staff makes a point to remember your name and are friendly and welcoming. The only reason I cant give this place 5 stars is because I hate the locker rooms, but being that I live so close I never use them. The other down fall... No spa/Sauna. Bummer. Great classes, great people, and a movie screening!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Yeah, you know, I hate the Crunch franchise too. They're sort of smarmy and horrible when it comes to customer service, price, billing, blah blah blah. But I have to give props to the Alhambra location nonetheless.
I've always loved this location, ever since the days when I was a hardcore Gorilla member. I resisted joining again after moving to the 'hood, because of my past experience with Crunch Van Ness, and what I've heard about the way the chain handles their members. But I couldn't resist. Thankfully, the gym still retains its energy. The best testament that I can give is that many of the instructors from 4 years ago are still there. Plus, the eye candy doesn't hurt - makes me just workout harder!
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
So I don't belong, so what do I know? Since it's so convenient, I test drove this shit twice. Their yoga class was the worst piece of shit class I have ever been to. Om mani pedi om is more like it. The locker rooms were dirty. So glad i don't belong. But I wish it was the movie theater that it stole!!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
I now subscribe to the Church of Crunch Fitness. The machines work, it's clean and I can watch great movies on the big screen while trying to make my ass smaller. Seriously, I have found myself doing an hour of cardio just because I wanted to finish the movie. Such motivation! Although one day they showed United 93 and I had to pull off the tears as sweating profusely. Running and bawling don't mix.
Most of the members are there to work out, not to socialize or play pick up ala Marina Safeway and I have only had 1 annoying cell phone talker on the treadmill next to me.
If you decide to check it out, take Scott's Chisel class on Sunday's at 10:30. He is a fantastic teacher and will get your flabby nacho eating, beer-drinking ass into shape.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Before Bally''s bought every gym on the planet this place used to be called Gorilla Sports. Here is a fun fact about Peter M - I used to be a personal trainer at this spot when I first moved to San Francisco five years ago. Here is an even funner fact - before starting as a personal trainer I was the juice boy when this location still had a juice bar and retail space. That's right Peter M the juice boy.
I had just finished graduate school and this job became one of the greatest examples of "you never know who you are talking to so try not to act like an idiot if you can help it". So there I am - a fresh out of school psychotherapist mixing up blueberries, ice, bananas, and milk for pretentious little Russian Hill girls always every time having the same conversation as they approach the juice bar -
Little girl - OH MY GOD! - he totally didn't call me. I mean like I just said hi to him after cardio kick boxing pilate bosu ball infusion and he acted like we didn't even know each other. I mean like he woke up in my bed last Sunday and NOBODY treats me like a whore. Whatever, excuse me juice boy - can I get a Blueberry Anti-oxidant Razz Ma-Tazz with a shot of wheat grass and don't put too much ice in it like you did last time.
ME - Sure less ice and have you thought about not overcompensating for your poor sense of self-worth by getting black out drunk and having sex with strangers?
Little Girl - WHAT!!!?????
ME - Did I say something? That was a shot of wheat grass right?
Two stars cause they charge way too much for personal training.
People thought this was:
Useful (15)
Funny (47)
Cool (20)
First off, I'm not a member of this gym, but my girlfriend is. I hear that the gym facilities, classes and training staff are pretty cool . . . BUT do not ever try to quit!
Apparently a year ago, they started charging her credit card for double membership. She repeatedly called them to stop the double charging, and each time was told that it was "being taken care of." This continued for months, in which time her threats to quit were simply met with a, "Go ahead and quit if you like, but you'll owe us a $200 cancellation fee, and you probably won't get any of your double-charges back!"
Today at the New Montgomery location, she again tried to recoup the double billing and quit her membership and was met with the $200 charge and the manager basically saying "bring in your paperwork for the double-billing" (which she already has on NUMEROUS occasions with no results). Her membership expires in 2 months, so she asked if they could cancel it then without the cancellation fee . . . straight up, no bs, they told her to "wait until then and see." What kind of of "professional" business gives an answer like that??
This is the most piss-poor scam of a business I've ever dealt with! Read the other one-star reviews and you'll see THIS IS VERY COMMON HERE!
12/4 UPDATE Just in time for Christmas, the gf got her refund!
People thought this was:
Useful (9)
You said it Patty Z.!!!
You have been warned - I am so pissed off at Crunch that I am going to post this review for every location they have. Put simply, Crunch bites. Not only are they a piss poor gym with run down equipment and cockroaches (see Sarah B.'s review) but they have the WORST management you could ever imagine. Case in point - Crunch has recently decided to start charging my credit card willy nilly THREE YEARS after I cancelled my membership to Gorilla (not even Crunch). Although I once belonged to Gorilla, I cancelled my membership in 2004 due to the fact I'm lazy and hate working out. Now, Crunch is threatening to send me to collections even though they have been unable to provide me with a copy of the alleged contract. I had to cancel my credit card because they refused to stop charging me? San Franciscians beware - negotiating with Crunch is worse than going to the dentist.
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Cool (1)
***UPDATE: My debit card is a MasterCard and they have a 0 tolerance fraud policy and Crunch is illegally taking money out of mine and your (see reviews below) accounts. What you might have to do is change your card number, then they are literally unable to charge you--oops, that was a glitch in 'your' system. My bank, which has been totally awesome about this, is filing a dispute. This is ridiculous that somehow we are all to blame, and I guarantee you, there are thousands more like us.***
There are so many bad things I could say about crunch as well. I ended my contract last May do to working outside of the area, wrote a letter, as did my employer, and got charged a fee for canceling, which I paid. Well, this January they debited my account--and after 6 phone calls and messages, I finally got someone live who told me that they transferred companies/systems then, so basically my canceling of my membership is not valid and can they see a copy of the letter. WTF?? And that the reason that I haven't been charged for the last 8 MONTHS is that they've had computer problems.
My response was 1) That sounds like your problem, not mine and 2) Computer problems are your fault, not the customers. I wonder if there's any legal action that could be taken because there are so many people that this is happening to, it's awful and they are completely unsympathetic and unresponsive.
I agree with Shannon, "Crunch's administration is a crooked joke."
People thought this was:
Useful (8)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I made the mistake of signing up for a year with this Crunch location. I thought, hey, what's better than doing my cardio while watching a gigantic movie screen? Well, everyone else thought so, too. I've had to wait 20 min for a stupid BIKE. You know, the machine that is ALWAYS empty at other gyms.
This gym did not fit with my 9-5 lifestyle. Not enough space or equipment, and when the classes are going on, I can't even hear my own music from my iPod.
When I was unemployed, this gym was just fine, but I had to switch because it's overpriced and doesn't really offer any ammenities for average Jane's like myself. I now go to 24hr on Van Ness and NEVER have to wait for a machine after work. Plus, it's $15 cheaper. Nice.
I love this gym. For the record, I have only been with Crunch a year, and I have never been to this location as Gorilla or anything else. I also have had a few problems with them saying that my check card charges for membership didn't go through but when I brought in the statement showing it did go through they canceled the hold on my membership right away. No one is perfect but it's all about how you handle the problems that occur.
Pricewise, I am also a member of 24 Hour Fitness and Powerhouse, and this by far blows those two out of the water in terms of gyms, classes, cleaniness, environment, eye candy, ambiance and the whatnot. You get what you pay for. I go to 24 Hour Fitness because it's convenient and one on every block, and I went to Powerhouse because when I lived in SD my boyfriend went there and we wanted to workout together.
Anyway, this location is in the Russian Hill area which is like all the cool parts of the Marina without the bad parts. At least for me.
Anyway, the gym is in an old theater. The bottom level is for classes and the ping pong table, and has cool mirrors lining up the area. Next level consists of weight machines and a few cardio machines and the balcony area has a cardio section. The big screen has a movie screen with movies or something playing at all times. Also the decor and flair of the place hang on to all the nostalgia that movie theaters invoke in people. The staff also like all Crunch locations is super helpful, nice and always cheerful. Good things to have at a gym.
My spin class here was awesome. The class room only had a few dim lights and a blacklight gleaming and illuminating our white gym towels. The instructor challenged us but let us go at our own paces at the same time. As usual I got sweaty within 5 minutes and my legs had that good, "I worked super hard" feeling.
The people that workout here are healthy. It's the most unmotivating thing to go to a 24 Hour Fitness (say Ocean Avenue) and see a bunch of fat unhealthy people working out day after day and never get anywhere. Or to see the trainers there running in with bags of Taco Bell and McDonalds. Or to see trainers that are about 30lbs overweight.
Here though there are people of all shapes and sizes, there are a good amount of good looking healthy tan in shape people. For me, that is a motivator.
When I see pretty people working out, I wanna work out. I want to wear the cute little pink tank tops and have toned biceps. I want to do the elliptical and take the yoga class and spin in the spin room and workout on the reformer with the cool pilates teachers. I like to be around pretty people because it keeps me on my toes and motivates me, And with this gym, mission accomplished.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Read my letter below to Crunch Fitness on June 18 2007. They still refuse to acknowledge my request for cancellation. Now in November, I received notice that they have terminated me due to non-payment and have turned my account to a super aggressive collection agency. Unbelievable!!!
AGT Crunch Acquisitions
14658 Collections Center Drive
Chicago, IL 60693-0146
June 18, 2007
I received your notice that the attempt to draft money from my checking account has been declined. My bank has correctly declined the draft based on my instructions and here's why:
In February of this year, I called my local Crunch Fitness gym to cancel my membership. I was put on hold while the young lady who answered my call searched for my membership information. A