24 Hour Fitness - yea nor nay?

[vikegirl]

A rep from 24 Hour fitness visited my work today. They're opening a new "sports" facility in June practically 50 yards from where I work. They've developed a deal with my employer where they will waive the initiation/registration fee, and the monthly membership dues is $39. However, we have to pay for the "first" and "last" months up front, $78.

I'm considering joining, but do have reservations. I'm used to working out at home with my DVDs and videos (I have over 100, but seem to do the same ones each week, LOL) and am really uncomfortable about the prospect of exercising in front of people (not to mention my fear of locker rooms :o).

Also, I'm wondering if I'd actually gave the gumption to get off my lazy butt and just *go there*. I joined Bally's once and over a seven month period went there a total of three times. That was about $350 down the drain. But in my defense, it was about fifteen miles away from my home; this new club is so close to my work that I'm thinking I'd really have no excuses *not* to go.

Anyone have any experiences with 24 Hour fitness they can share? Good, bad, ugly? Is the fee a good deal? Any other general thoughts about health club membership or 24 Hour Fitness itself?

Thanks! :-)

[davidinalameda]

1. NAY!!!!!

Every 24 Hour Fitness I've belong to was only concerned with making your wallet thinner, not you!

[MemphisTiger]

2. There is something to be said for the gym being close to work

You can go to the gym during lunch like I do. PLEASE READ THE CONTRACT CAREFULLY. Never sign one for more than a year. Also, may gyms will give you a discount if you pay cash up front. Good luck.

[MissMillie]

3. I can't help you on this one

My gym is at my job (I work at a graduate school) and I pay $120 year, and it's right here on campus. I think I'm pretty darned lucky.

[flvegan]

4. I love having my gym close to work.

It's not an "effort" to get there.

As for the membership, I'm not familiar with 24 Hour Fitness. If it's "a deal with the employer" then I'm thinking that it's like a corporate membership. You're probably less likely to get screwed under a corp. membership, as it might be tied to many others. Otherwise, they probably asked if they could come out and make a pitch. Call around to other gyms in your area and compare prices. $39 is average around here, but might not be in your area (also compare what they will offer as amenities vs. what other gyms offer).

Another thing to consider that might be a pro or con in your decision...you might be working out with/at the same time as coworkers of yours. If you can get a friend to go, that's good. If you don't want them to see you sweaty, then maybe not so good.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

5. After a few months in Minneapolis

I joined the YWCA and began attending a water aerobics class. It's full of interesting people, and we have a great time talking among ourselves and to the instructor as we float around in the deep end, jogging, doing jumping jacks and cross country ski moves, and working with styrofoam weights.

In Portland, I belonged to an independent health club and became friendly with the people in my circuit training class.

The key to regular attendance is to find a class with classmates and an instructor you like. Before I joined the circuit training class, I could never get motivated to go over and lift, but once I had an instructor and classmates who gave me a hard time if I missed, it was much easier.