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?
