This past year I’ve been going through gyms like nail polish colors. When Kevin and I first moved in together, I joined LA Fitness because Kevin was already a member, and jumping on to his membership was the most convenient option. Looking back, that was a pretty big step in our relationship. Kevin paid my monthly membership since I was just added on to his existing account. LA Fitness was nearby and many of our friends had memberships there, so we often had workout buddies. They have a lot of equipment and sports courts. However, the staff was pretty rude and the gym would get packed to the point where there was no free mat space, equipment or parking ever available. The equipment was old, and even when they replaced machines, they broke pretty frequently and quickly. However, we kept our membership mostly out of convenience. A year or so passed, Kevin and I got engaged, and then I took the GMAT. After 13 weeks of studying, I had slipped a little off the fitness bandwagon and was ready to get back on track for the wedding. Kevin decided to quit LA Fitness and opted for TRX classes at B Meyer gym, so I had no reason to stay at LA Fitness either. Truthfully, I was excited to ditch the snotty employees, crazy crowds and old machines.
I decided to join Planet Fitness, first and foremost, because it’s really inexpensive. I soon fell in love. In the mornings, sometimes I felt like I had my own private gym. The woman working the front desk recognized me only after a few consecutive days’ visits. I was warmly greeted every day. I also loved that all the equipment and facilities were so clean. One employee would be at the front desk and others were always walking around wiping down equipment. Their hours are great, and I really enjoyed working out there. Oh, and the “lunk alarm” that they are known for never went off in all the times I was there.
Recently, Kevin received a promotion in the mail for a discount on a YMCA membership. They offer TRX in addition to all the other gym amenities, so Kevin was willing to make the switch. It didn’t make sense for the two of us to be at different gyms, so I switched as well. I hated breaking up with Planet Fitness. Even when I went to cancel my membership, they recognized me, making the whole process that much more difficult. Yes, I was emotionally attached to a gym, and I hate confrontation.
The Y isn’t perfect, but I do enjoy being able to work out with Kevin. Some of their equipment is pretty old, and their hours aren’t as flexible, but they also have amenities that Planet Fitness didn’t. They have an indoor and outdoor pool, steam rooms, group fitness classes, towel service and a larger variety of workout equipment.
They have medicine balls, kettle bells and foam rollers, all of which Planet Fitness did not.
I still miss Planet Fitness often. It’s not as crowded as the Y, it’s cleaner and their patrons seem to be more considerate of the equipment and others around them. But I’m taking advantage of the extras the Y offers and being able to work out with Kevin. We’ll see if we decide to switch it up again before the year is over!
What do you look for in a gym?
Which Y are you going to (you don’t have to answer this in the comments!)? I only ask because (per my coworker) because I’ve heard mixed things about the different locations in the area. It’s funny how they are all under the same corporate umbrella, but are all run so differently.
I LOOOOVE my Y – it’s small, but really personable and has almost everything I need. It’s also not super crowded, but it’s definitely busy enough. I would love for it to add more classes (like TRX! We don’t have that). You should come and take a spin class with me some Sunday though
Hey! I just found (and love) your blog!
I soooo completely understand the switching of gyms! I’m glad you’re at one that you can go with Kevin to,but sorry you miss the old one!
The main thing I look for in a gym is the atmosphere of the staff and the general type of people that workout there. I’ve been to some that had such an uncomfortable vibe from both the staff and regulars. It was very off-putting! Thankfully, I love the one I’m at now!
I’ve only broken up with a gym once and it wasn’t hard to do because it was like your L.A Fitness experience… RUDE RUDE RUDE and it seemed like it was a bunch of snotty teenagers running the place. Glad to hear you’ve found a new place now where you can work out together!
I MISS ORLANDO
But all sulking aside…
On a totally unrelated note, what made you take the GMAT instead of the GRE? That might be a stupid question, but I’m a newbie to this grad school stuff!
Nope, not stupid at all! The GMAT is the test specifically for business grad schools (MBA programs). Some programs now will also take the GRE, but all business grad schools take the GMAT. UF only accepts a GMAT score, not GRE. I decided to take the GMAT so I could really just apply anywhere I wanted!
I hated LA Fitness too. I was there for a year and a half maybe and barely used it. I was at the Y for 2.5 years and loooooved it but it was just too expensive for me. I love their spin classes!
I’m at Planet Fitness now and I like it well enough but I miss spin and stair climbers. I keep it though because it’s nice to use the treadmill now and then and for $10 a month, you can’t do any better.
hey there, I like your blog! which YMCA location offers trx? thanks!
Hi Andrea! I know for sure that downtown does. You can bring your own straps or they have a class as well that incorporates it (I believe it’s called Next Level).
I belong to oviedo YMCA, and have heard distant rumors if trx.