One of my Facebook friends asked for my opinion on local gyms in the area, so I decided to do a full post to offer my own opinion and review of a local fitness facility. I am in no way compensated for my reviews, and they are strictly my own opinion, so there is no hidden agenda here.
The Facebook friend asked me what my thoughts were on the Anytime Fitness facility. Here goes:
I considered joining the facility last spring, shortly after I had changed my membership from the local YMCA. I wanted a place to go where I could get in and out, and do a quick workout whenever I needed to. I am already a pretty consistent runner, so I really wanted somewhere that I could have access to weights and benches for my strength training. Also, my neighbor was/is a member there, and she would get a referral fee if I joined, so I thought I’d give it a look just to see if I could help myself and help her too.
The Anytime Fitness gym has a “1 week free” as a trial, so I figured that it wouldn’t hurt to try things out for a week to see if I’d like it. I called the facility beforehand to find out the details; hours, prices, security, etc. Since they tout themselves as a 24-hour facility, and I am a female, I wanted to make sure that they had tight security plans in place for those who are concerned about that issue.
When I called I spoke with the manager who also happens to be a personal trainer and a boot camp instructor. He was nice enough, and very helpful in giving out the gym’s information. I set up a time to go in to start my one week trial.
I went in on Wednesday to do a weights workout, and the same manager that I had spoken to was there and working out a personal client. The facility was clean, orderly and very cold (I’m hot-natured). I got on the elliptical machine to start a quick warm-up, then proceeded to the weights.
Everything went smooth, but I will admit that I felt cramped. I’m used to a gym that’s somewhat spread out, so having the weights right next to the cardio machines right next to the locker room kind of made me feel a little claustrophobic. But, that’s the layout of this facility, and since they’re 24 hours, they don’t need as much space as other full-featured gyms.
They do have a full offering of all kinds of cardio machines (elliptical, stair master, treadmill, rowing) and all of the weights and benches that you’d find in a larger gym, just one of each. There’s also media viewing above the weights area and on each cardio machine, so if you like that kind of thing…
The price was comparable at $30/month for single membership, and also offers an option to pay-in-full for a reduced price or you can choose to have it withdrawn from your bank account monthly.
Ultimately, I didn’t decide on this gym for personal reasons, but I would suggest this one as a good choice if:
1. You have a super-busy schedule and need a quick workout
2. Don’t need or have use for a full gym facility (tanning, lockers, steam room, group classes, etc.)
Ultimately, the bottom line is to set a routine towards a healthier lifestyle, so make that your first consideration and priority for wherever you choose to place your gym membership.
I hope my review has helped. For my post on the gym that I did decide on, I’ll make another post about that soon and notify you when it’s ready.
I hope you find the perfect gym for you and your needs, and I hope that you definitely find a healthy lifestyle in the process.
Deuces!!