I'm sorry that I have to lower my rating of this business, due to the cancellation of all the classes and the owners' attitudes and actions. The owners were attentive to working out the bugs of the newly built facility which I mistakenly attributed to caring for their clients' needs as well. They recently cancelled all the classes and notified their clients and the instructors via a phone call on a Friday that the following week would be the last week, even though the plans were laid months ago. The instructors had less than a week's notice that they were laid off - some after working at the facility for 7-10 years. One instructor came in on her day off so she could say goodbye to us!
The cancelled Zumba class consisted mainly of women in our 60s-70s interested in maintaining our health, getting a 50-minute cardio workout that was fun (despite the burn), and having a social outlet. The separate room was perfect for developing an intimate community where friendships were readily established. Many women had been in this class with the same people for six years or more. The class was limited to 12 and always had a waiting list - a very popular class, three times a week. Zumba was followed by a Core/Flex/Balance/Pilates class with 15+ students for which many of the Zumba class stayed, enabling us to get a 2-1/2 hr workout two to three times a week. It was the perfect workout world for us seniors, and Zumba was a great stress reliever for me, as well as many others! Zumba was also "brain food" as we learned different routines and sequences. The Yoga classes were also cancelled.
The owners decided that since these classes were so successful, they hoped to bring "the same energy we enjoyed" to larger group training classes (for an additional cost after 30 days), with "result-based training" on the large main floor. So, they discontinued all existing classes for more room. They considered this a "fitness program improvement" with a special class for seniors. They haven't a clue what seniors want or need - and unfortunately, obviously don't care. They certainly don't care about their staff. The change in the program, including the cancellation of classes, was planned over four months ago (probably closer to six), but they gave their instructors little notice. This was not the first time they showed their disregard for their staff.
I understand that this is a for-profit business and that there are many competitors in the fitness arena, so they are trying to offer something different. I know the facility was costly to build and operate, and that the regulations imposed by California politicians don't make it easy for small businesses to thrive. However, changes don't need to be made secretively and so rudely when people's lives are impacted. Common courtesy would dictate at least treating your staff with some respect. They have/had a great staff: the office manager (Julie) is very friendly and caring, and tries to accommodate members' needs to the extent that she can; and the personal trainers (Debbie and Chanel) are friendly, experienced, and considerate of health issues and individual needs in developing personal training plans.
If you're just looking to work out on machines or with a personal trainer, it's a decent place - small, new equipment, and a convenient location next to the freeway; but if you're looking for a place to take classes or where the owners care about their members and employees, look elsewhere. Personally, I'm looking elsewhere. I felt I should explain why this went from a 5-star to a 3-star: 5 for the building and staff mentioned above; 1 for the lack of classes and the owners.
Response to John's Reply: The IRS notes that there's a fine line between employees and contract employees, and these contract employees could be in the gray area. The point is not this technicality - the point is that decent people don't treat other people that way, especially after they have provided reliable and excellent service to the business' clients for many years. I understand you're trying to justify your actions and need this type of technicality to make the distinction, but anyone who knows what's going on doesn't buy it. BTW, this past year Ingrid requested to be hired as an employee, so the decision to be an employee or contractor was in your hands in her case. You know from my Google review that I didn't join AF for social interaction, which I fully explained, and it was deceitful for you to again say this. In this review I described the cancelled Zumba class and what it meant to others in the class as expressed to me. The social interaction was a bonus to me, but never the focus. I hope that by mentioning your staff meeting with your three employees you're not implying that it was a joint decision with them to cancel these classes, since they had no input to this change. read more
