What gym do you belong to? I need help

Does anybody belong to LA Fitness?

I want to join but NOT RIGHT NOW... My husband is a member and I really like the place but it isn't a conveinient location for me..

I belong to Ballys and I only pay about 14 dollars a month... There is a Ballys close to me at home and at work so the locations are REALLY convenient but I think I need to *up* my workouts and the larger gym with more to offer seems tempting. I'm not thrilled with Ballys, the one by work S U X... the one closer to home is alright.. I definitely think I'd get more out of the bigger gym and take advantage of the classes (my husband, cousin and cousin's GF are all members)

The thing is, I went last night as a guest and the salesman offered me $99 registration fee + 49.00 a month...
That;s the deal my husband got abotu 6 months ago when he joined.

The salesman told me I have until the end of this week to *get* that deal. (Originally its 250 reg fee, 59 a month)

I'm thinking this is just their 'schtick' and that if I came in the middle of the summer they would have offered me the same deal. My husband was told the membership fee would be changing to 59/month soon when HE joined.

My problem is... I want to take the 2 week trial period and really check out the gym, see how I do with the little commute before I join...

My schedule is VERY flexible after the end of May so I want to wait until THAT time...

But I also don't want to miss out on only paying 49/month

Money is TIGHT these days but I really want to increase my workouts... In the long run, I think it's worth it..

I guess I'm looking for advice...

I LOVED this gym, but like I said... it's not really near my office or home... kinda in between
Aidan LOVED the daycare though... He didn't want to leave (THAT is RARE)

Do you think if I go back in a few months they would offer me the same deal, or do they put my name in a system which tells them they already OFFERED me that deal?

I say WAIT til you're more flexible. I'm with NY Sports Club and they do the same thing (gyms all do) -- the guy 'selling' you the membership works on commission so its really important to HIM that you sign now, to the gym, not so much!!
Especially since your DH is a member at $49 I can practically guarantee they'll give you the same deal in 2 months. Don't get snookered by the hardsell!!

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Posted by Colette

I say WAIT til you're more flexible. I'm with NY Sports Club and they do the same thing (gyms all do) -- the guy 'selling' you the membership works on commission so its really important to HIM that you sign now, to the gym, not so much!!
Especially since your DH is a member at $49 I can practically guarantee they'll give you the same deal in 2 months. Don't get snookered by the hardsell!!

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THATS EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED TO HEAR...

I just don't have time right now to really check it out... I mean-- I'm not crazy busy or anything, it's just come may, my schedule is REALLY slow..

Also, I'm *probably* going to be starting Graduate School in September so who knows what my schedule will be like then...

I just think if I join, AND paying much more for a membership (I'm only paying 14/month, cant beat that!) it will give me more incentive to get my butt in gear... When I'm paying for something, I'm ALL OVER IT..... hahahha I'm so cheap.

WOW Congrats on Grad School!!!! Seriously you'll need to love your workouts even MORE come grad school, great stress relief!!!
Time is on your side; the economy is s*cking eggs so all the gyms are going to feel the pinch, they'll be wheeling and dealing all over for the next 6-12 months. Like they say, its a buyers market.
Like DH always tells me... 'Patience, grasshopper.'

Oh and when you go to sign up, don't be exuberant. Be kind of 'meh' about the whole thing; if you dont like their offer, just say you need to go home and think about.. Seriously NYSC dropped my monthly fee $10 when i did that.

Or save $49/month and do: Jumping Jacks!!

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Posted by Colette

WOW Congrats on Grad School!!!! Seriously you'll need to love your workouts even MORE come grad school, great stress relief!!!
Time is on your side; the economy is s*cking eggs so all the gyms are going to feel the pinch, they'll be wheeling and dealing all over for the next 6-12 months. Like they say, its a buyers market.
Like DH always tells me... 'Patience, grasshopper.'

Oh and when you go to sign up, don't be exuberant. Be kind of 'meh' about the whole thing; if you dont like their offer, just say you need to go home and think about.. Seriously NYSC dropped my monthly fee $10 when i did that.

Or save $49/month and do: Jumping Jacks!!

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I'm such a sneaky b****, I called an LA Fitness in New Jersey and flat out asked the guy:

'if my husbands a member, and pays 49/month can I get the same rate?'

HE SAID YES... then I explained to him my issue and after a while he was like 'oh well, i dont know what they will offer you in a few months b/c our rates change all the time' I didn't give him my name or anything, just wanted to see if when i AM ready to join ... if i approach it with: 'can i have the same rate as my husband,' what their initial reaction would be.

Now let me ask you this... Last night's salesman took my name & number. When he calls, should I just tell him I'm not ready to change gyms right now and I will contact him at a later date?

Should I just contact another salesman when I do?

ugh-- im SO ANXIOUS b/c I really DID like this gym... I dread going to the gym on most days but there was so much to do at this one, that I think I won't dread it as much.

only problem is the location... I like to go first thing in the morning before work... or during my lunch hour.

I won't be able to do that at this one.

also, the parking s u x...

NY Sports Club - (St James-Smithtown area)
They have a new club there, its there biggest gym, they have two weeks free online for a trial and then have charter rates of 27 or 29 a month right now as its new and these are new rates. I am starting my trial tomorrow, but they gym is huge with a beautiful pool and state of the art equipment.

Thats because its called Charter Rates, its a brand new club that is rather hidden in the st james / smithtown area, you would never know it is there until you pass it by accident or ask someone. Charter Rates are when a club is just starting out and trying to get new members in. The club is there biggest one and since it is so huge they have these great deals. I have all the paperwork in front of me right now. Cant wait to start with my hubby this week.

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Posted by carolinep24

I'm such a sneaky b****, I called an LA Fitness in New Jersey and flat out asked the guy:

'if my husbands a member, and pays 49/month can I get the same rate?'

HE SAID YES... then I explained to him my issue and after a while he was like 'oh well, i dont know what they will offer you in a few months b/c our rates change all the time' I didn't give him my name or anything, just wanted to see if when i AM ready to join ... if i approach it with: 'can i have the same rate as my husband,' what their initial reaction would be.

Now let me ask you this... Last night's salesman took my name & number. When he calls, should I just tell him I'm not ready to change gyms right now and I will contact him at a later date?

Should I just contact another salesman when I do?

ugh-- im SO ANXIOUS b/c I really DID like this gym... I dread going to the gym on most days but there was so much to do at this one, that I think I won't dread it as much.

only problem is the location... I like to go first thing in the morning before work... or during my lunch hour.

I won't be able to do that at this one.

also, the parking s u x...

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I'm totally sure any of the sales guys are going to offer you the same deal, don't worry about that!!
If last night's guy does call you, tell him straight out, you want the 2 week trial to check it out before you commit to anything; you can't do that until May xxx so you're not ready to sign anything.

I definitely suggest you do the trial first, the location issue/parking situation can be a real dealbreaker when you're six months into a contract you can't get out of.

I picked a gym one block away from our place, because I knew I'd have to pass it EVERY SINGLE DAY. That's still not enough to get me there, but c'est la vie!!!!

i'm another NYSC member. DH & i love it...only thing that sux is that our membership is pretty expensive...but i'm not sure if that's just 'cause we're in the city..the prices are probably cheaper on the island! around here EVERYTHING costs more!

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Posted by KRISTYRUSSELL

Thats because its called Charter Rates, its a brand new club that is rather hidden in the st james / smithtown area, you would never know it is there until you pass it by accident or ask someone. Charter Rates are when a club is just starting out and trying to get new members in. The club is there biggest one and since it is so huge they have these great deals. I have all the paperwork in front of me right now. Cant wait to start with my hubby this week.

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Lucky dog! be careful though lol. They raise the rates FAT and every year usually. I staretd out at like 69 bucks.

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Posted by jtgarsik

i'm another NYSC member. DH & i love it...only thing that sux is that our membership is pretty expensive...but i'm not sure if that's just 'cause we're in the city..the prices are probably cheaper on the island! around here EVERYTHING costs more!

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You belong?! We should go! I mena if you use the city ones that is!!! I need a gym buddy to motivate me!

have you ever been to the one in the Crowne Plaza? Its BRAND spanking new and gorgeous and always pretty quiet.

I agree with Colette. My gym did the same thing. I am a member of Gold's gym and the enrollment fee was $120 I pay $54 monthly they told me this was a great offer and if I didn't join my rate would be higher. Three months later dh joined and was given a cheaper rate. Also since I was already a member he didn't have to pay the enrollment fee since we were married. Ask about that a few gyms do that. I love being cheap.

Gold's kept my name on file when I registered for the free trial but I was able to get a free month twice. Once with my maiden and once with my married name. So if they try to rip you off use a different name.

Sadly I have to quit Gold's gym. It was voted the best gym in the world and I would agree with this. I found a new gym for $10 a month It's not as glamorous as Gold's but I'll take $240 a year over $1,248 for membership for both us. Unlike you the cost did not force me to go.

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Posted by Colette


I'm totally sure any of the sales guys are going to offer you the same deal, don't worry about that!!
If last night's guy does call you, tell him straight out, you want the 2 week trial to check it out before you commit to anything; you can't do that until May xxx so you're not ready to sign anything.

I definitely suggest you do the trial first, the location issue/parking situation can be a real dealbreaker when you're six months into a contract you can't get out of.

I picked a gym one block away from our place, because I knew I'd have to pass it EVERY SINGLE DAY. That's still not enough to get me there, but c'est la vie!!!!

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I'm sure I'll love the gym and make the location work for me... it's just hard to go from paying 14/month to almost 50.

hahaha

But lately, going to the gym has been such a CHORE for me... Since DH, cousin & cousin's GF (who I LOOOOOOOVE) all go, it'll motivate me to go in the evening... Luckily this is a month to month contract (I think...) so I won't be tied into anything,. I can also sell my ballys membership and get some $ too,.,

AAHHHHH DECISIONS DECISIONS... I'm so anxious I almost WANT to join now!!! haha

thanks so much. You might get some FMs from me reminding me to be patient.

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Posted by jtgarsik

i'm another NYSC member. DH & i love it...only thing that sux is that our membership is pretty expensive...but i'm not sure if that's just 'cause we're in the city..the prices are probably cheaper on the island! around here EVERYTHING costs more!

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At this point I'm going to either dtay at Ballys or join LA Fitness b/c DH goes there. NYSC's are nice, i looked at them when I joined ballys (oh so many years ago...)

I think LI clubs might be a little pricey b/c of the location.. this one is on the border of queens..

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Posted by MikeandJess

that's my gym! They will definitely offer you the same deal in a few months and if it's not at the moment you're ready to join, chances are they will run a special in a few weeks. They're always doing a 'deal'

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YAY!!!

I really REALLY want to join, but I'm not going to let 'Mike the salesguy' know that.

DH always b*tches about the parking... is it THAT BAD? (Do you go to the one in Lake Grove?)

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Posted by carolinep24

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Posted by MikeandJess

that's my gym! They will definitely offer you the same deal in a few months and if it's not at the moment you're ready to join, chances are they will run a special in a few weeks. They're always doing a 'deal'

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YAY!!!

I really REALLY want to join, but I'm not going to let 'Mike the salesguy' know that.

DH always b*tches about the parking... is it THAT BAD? (Do you go to the one in Lake Grove?)

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I didn't know there was one in lake grove. I go to the one in lake success. The parking is pretty bad depending on what time you go. When I go after work it's usually pretty bad but I haven't been there in literally months, I am a fat as$. My mom goes during the day and she says it's always empty.

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Posted by MikeandJess

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Posted by carolinep24

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Posted by MikeandJess

that's my gym! They will definitely offer you the same deal in a few months and if it's not at the moment you're ready to join, chances are they will run a special in a few weeks. They're always doing a 'deal'

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YAY!!!

I really REALLY want to join, but I'm not going to let 'Mike the salesguy' know that.

DH always b*tches about the parking... is it THAT BAD? (Do you go to the one in Lake Grove?)

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I didn't know there was one in lake grove. I go to the one in lake success. The parking is pretty bad depending on what time you go. When I go after work it's usually pretty bad but I haven't been there in literally months, I am a fat as$. My mom goes during the day and she says it's always empty.

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I meant Lake Success.. They are opening one in Lake Grove (but that's way out on LI)

My only issue is that Ballys is so convenient for me... Lake Success is on my way HOME from work, but I'd have to pick up my son and then go backwards... I love the gym though... it seems liek there is so much to do