Bally Total Fitness

07/01/09

Crowded, Dirty, and Dishonest

by rscohn at Citysearch

This is location is extremely over crowded. It’s almost impossible to get on a cardio machine or bench press during 4-8 PM rush hour. The maintenance is horrible. A lot of the machines are broken, and the weights are randomly stacked, making it hard to find the weight you want to use. For some reason, there’s a lot of heavier weights, but few lower weights. For example, there’s only 2 sets of 20 – 50 lb weights in 5 lb increments.

The classes get randomly cancelled. I often show up to the club only to find the classes canceled. They do not know if the class is canceled or not until 10 minutes after the scheduled start, making it difficult even to call in to check.

The pool is heavily chlorinated and warm (probably over 83 F), making it unsuitable for long or hard swimming sessions. The shower room is filthy, with black slime like streaks everywhere. The floor feels slimy and slippery.

The staff is generally apathetic to the point of being rude. I’m very disappointed at Bally’s and will not renew my membership.

• Pros: relatively inexpensive
• Cons: overcrowded, dirty, and rude staff

This budget gym trims the fat off its patrons at streamlined facilities.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
Most Ballys stick to the basics for their design. Televisions broadcast silently above multiple rows of cardio machines; mirrored walls act as the primary decorative components. But thanks to high-energy television ads and low-impact membership premiums, this national fitness chain has steadily attracted a clientele bent on saving money while losing weight or gaining muscle.

The Workout
Using fairly standard strength-training equipment and/or racks well-stocked with free weights, the best of the trainers here, who are classified at four different levels, can be as skillful as those found at costlier gyms. For group classes, signature exercise options include Spinning and Powerflex, as well as a number of patented routines inspired by Tae Kwon Do.