What is the difference between the different gyms?

[chocolatejunkie]

Hi all, I am really keen on joining gym. The stress and workload is taking a toll on my body and I really need some adrenaline pumping.

I have researched on a couple of gyms (planet fitness, amore, true yoga, california fitness) but just can't make up my mind. Do you guys have any recommendations? Or tell me the difference between all of them, they all sound pretty attractive and have rather similar facilities.

Help!

[freecat]

Hi,

I've tried 2 California and Planet Fitness
The thing i did not like about California, were the personal trainers bugging u while u exercise with suggestions to buy Personal Training course (for Additional amount of $$$$), Planet Fitness does not have that , so I'm happy with them, as to the facilities and classes, they are all the same in the above 2 so there is no difference there.
Fitness FIrst has swimming pools in their clubs, and there price is almost twice of what I'm paying.

As to the choice I would advice to consider very carefully whether the locations of all the clubs are good for you, otherwise its just a waste of money (IMHO)

[QRM]

Why not jog to work, save a fortune on gym fees and commuting cost?

Also you should check out some hotels as they have nice gyms open to public or some of the social clubs have nice set ups that are normally quiet empty.

[positano]

hi chocolate junkie,

i suggest that you visit the gyms that you are interested in joining during the times of the of day that you intend to visit the gym. that way you can see how crowded the gym is and see if you feel comfortable with that.

i have a friend who "was" a member at CF and she told me that sometimes during peak times she had to queue to use the equipment. she was also unintentionally kicked and punched during body combat classes by other members. CF don't limit their class sizes and the room was overcrowded. things may have changed since she was a member, but she certainly discouraged me and others from joining them. something for you to consider...

[aneles]

afaik, California & Planet Fitness offers free 1 week trial membership for customers with intention to sign up with them.

I know PF free trial includes attending their classes. You might want to enrol & try them out in different weeks & see which gym you prefer.

& FYI, PF limits their per class attendence to 20-25 pple max.

I personally enrolled with PF after trying out both gyms.

HTH!

[chocolatejunkie]

thanks all for your very personal opinions on the different gyms.

Was anyone ever with amore? just curious.

[dennis_tew]

hi there, have u try out Fitness first? i think they have better crowd control.

[mrsfingers]

Planet Fitness has just been bought out by True Fitness, who have, let's say, an interesting track record.

Already I hear that Planet Fitness rates are going up and the staff have been told to sell more agressively. At the same time, I hear from the personal trainers that their money has been cut significantly so I reckon many of the PTs will leave.

It might all work out fine, but I'm certainly going to think hard about whether to renew my membership.

[dennis_tew]

Yes, i also heard that planet is brought over by true fitness. Must be due to the new management, all rates might change.

I agree if u wish to renew the membership, do check how the services and staffs, and of course price of the package they are going to offer.

[smiley188]

I have tried out both California Fitness and Fitness First - have to say that i prefer the latter. While CF is easier on the pocket, the crowd is larger (probably because of this!) and the facilities not as good/clean. I have to say that the instructors for the Group X (group exercise) classes are great, though. I really enjoyed the classes there

With Fitness First, my pocket is lighter....but the facilities are nicer. So is the equipment. Cleaner too. Group X classes not as good.

Most important thing about joining a gym is to actually GO to the gym.....if you can keep going consistently, it doesn't matter which gym has better facilities or which has better monthly fees