Just a heads up, the Spectrum gyms have been purchased by Golds and this is now considered a…read moreplatinum tier Golds Gym location. The transition has been smooth but it has me sad that it's not considered a "fancy" gym any more. I looked at Golds before deciding to go with Spectrum despite the cost due to the amenities and convenience. I worked with Erin when deciding to join, and she had quick and thorough answers to all of my questions and concerns.
I joined last summer with a friend who lives nearby. The location was a very big determining factor in our decision to join- it's between work and home for me, so it's not that hard to pack a bag and make myself go daily before coming home.
When you first join, you get a free session with a trainer- this was relatively wasted on me, aside from learning how to use the elliptical and getting a more thorough tour of the facilities than my initial visit. Unless you have a specific goal you are trying to attain or are truly clueless about what you're doing and have no friends who can teach you, I would consider the trainers overpriced. Then again, I haven't used them so maybe they're worth it. Make your own decision.
As far as classes, the first one I went to remains my favorite- Friday night zumba with Kim is the reliable constant to start off my weekend right. Kim is the best, and I would even travel to the Universal City location to work with her Sunday class on the rare occasion that I run into a scheduling conflict on Fridays.
The other zumba classes at this location have run through a few different instructors- Monday is a sweet, peppy latina whose body moves in a way mine simply can't but her workouts wear me out appropriately; Wednesdays and Thursdays used to be Ana who was young and had an annoying habit of checking herself out in the mirror and who neglected to utilize verbal instructions, relying instead on participants copying her body motions which is difficult when she's not directly in your line of vision, but now she's gone and I miss her brutal workouts; she's been replaced by Annie who also does classes at Rogers Ranch and who does the body pump class immediately following on Wednesday but I haven't been ballsy enough to try it yet; and the weekend classes are either too early (830 on a Saturday? No thanks, please move this to 1030 or so) or have changed instructors frequently- Margaret/Margarita(?) to a Karen?, to yet another unfamiliar face.
I've also taken yoga here, but not consistently so I cannot really comment on those instructors. Everyone I've worked with has been very professional and polite though.
The gym itself seems huge when you first come in, and I was very self conscious at first, preferring to stay in the tiny, unventilated women's gym for the first several months of my membership before finally moving to the main room. The machines are almost always available, though the gym tends to get busy at 5pm when everyone gets off work- which is why I try to get there by 430, which is also perfect timing to watch Jeopardy for the first half of my workout! ;)
The weights and resistance machines seem to be well-spaced and members are good about putting things back where they belong. Machines are usually in good working order, and I really appreciate the individual TVs on the middle row of ellipticals- that's where you're most likely to find me!
The locker rooms are spacious and there are private nooks available for those who want them. I prefer the locker rooms at this location to others I've found at the Bandera Pointe and 281 locations. I have not yet utilized the pools or the steam room/sauna, but will update my review when I do.
The thing I want to rave about most in this (excessively long) review is the EMPLOYEES and AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE! In addition to great classes, the front desk staff and locker room staff are the best! I am on a first name basis with the majority of the employees here (Devin, Jesse, Derek, Marissa, Erin, and all the rest!) and I have to say that it really does make a difference in my approach to working out. I feel more of a sense of belonging to this gym than any other I've been to, and it also gives me a mental sense of accountability- I am here daily, and they know it and expect me, and when they don't see me due to a vacation or my "cheating" on them with another location, they notice my absence. I am beyond thrilled with the staff here and they are a large reason I continue to come back. Had there been staff turnover when the Golds transition took place, I likely would have left.
The membership is pricey compared to other options available, but none of the people here and the convenience of location (for me) can't be beat. The classes are great, and I look forward to utilizing more of the amenities and resources available. This is the best gym and I truly look forward to going here each day!
