I've been a membersince September of 2010. I've only been a member of one other gym, so I can't compare too much with others but can sum up my experience here.
90% of the time I work out in a group class. They do have a lot of different classes and have classes most weekdays during the early morning (6am-7am-ish), the late morning (9am-11am-ish), and evening (5pm to 8pm-is). I need to classes to keep me motivated to work out for at least 60 minutes and really push myself. I love the weight classes and the Zumba classes - the Zumba instructor Jackie is reason enough to go to this gym! I really love the instructors and the classes. Some classes are really popular and because they have specific number of required equipment (spinning and Wavemaster boxing classes), you must sign up on-line ahead of time to reserve your spot.
The one thing that I haven't been really excited about is that they've been changing the location of the classes quite a bit. Last week I asked at the front desk as I was arriving where a certain class was taking place and they said the big gym. I waited a couple of minutes because no one was there and then noticed people who are usually taking the class with me walking by me and going up the stairs to the smaller studio room. Sure enough, the class was actually upstairs. Also, they just announced that they are adding a new type of class, so I'm wondering if they'll be dropping something or really adding new classes.
They do have a large exercise room with treadmills, elipticals, stationary bikes, and some weight machines. I've used the treadmills, elipticals, and stationary bikes and find them easy to use. I can program a workout on each of these machines for a specific amount of time and can vary the type of workout I want to do. Some of the machines, but less than half I would say, have a small color TV attached to them and you can either watch them using the closed captions or plug your own set of earplugs into the machine and watch. I find that watching the TV while using these machines makes the time go by so much faster. They also have ledges where you can set a magazine or book. Additionally, there are three large TVs mounted on the wall and each is usually tuned to a different channel.
They have a pool that is open all year long - even in the winter. I've taken a water aerobics class and I've just gone for open swim. I don't use this nearly as much as I should, but I've enjoyed it when I have. The womens' locker room has different size lockers that you can lock (you have to bring your own lock), a few private dressing room, two toilet stalls, three sinks, and three showers. I've used all amenities, including the showers and I'm pleased with them all. I've never used the saunas.
I can't really speak to the huge weight room - I've actually never really been inside it. I've never used the raquetball courts, but they seem to always be in use. I don't use the child-care room as I have no kids, but I've seen it and it looks fun. They have a lot of activities for kids including movie nights in the pool and Kids Fitness classes in the afternoon. Parking can be a hassle and oftentimes when it is busy you do have to walk quite a ways (less than a minute or two), but I just think of it as extra exercise! I signed up for a two-year contract and pay $29.99 per month.
One added attraction to me is that the RAC is home to a Weight Watchers meeting site that meets at least 10 times per week. As a WW member, I can weigh-in, go to a meeting, and then go to the gym all at one location. read more