This is my local gym (less than 5 minutes away), where I find it practical to work out. I discovered this gym driving by and the sign-up process was quick and easy. They have no contract, but you need to give them a month's notice, should you want to quit. They are currently having a summer special with 2 months free.
The interior of the gym is new with elliptical trainers, treadmills, stationery bikes, and a rowing machine that actually moves water. They feature big screen TV's on the wall, and these can be heard on the treadmills and elliptical trainers, but not on the stationery bicycles. The bicycles feature a screen with an interesting graphic interface that makes them my favourite machine of aerobics.
They also have a full complement of weight lifting machines and free weights and a large area for doing stretches and floor exercises. The do not, however have showers, but feature two nice bathrooms/change rooms and nice clean lockers. The main advantage of this gym (and the chain), is that they are open 24/7. This give you the opportunity to workout whenever you want. I also find the monthly rates reasonable.
They do have trainers, and the so-called free orientation package they give you is simply an opportunity to sell such training. The trainers seem to still be students, and in general are surly with low sales skills. The orientation to the weight lifting machines becomes extremely summary when you decline personal training, and the gym offers no follow-up whatsoever. This fact alone has lost them more and 3/4 of a star with me, the other 1/4 lost for not having showers. They also have no scales except in the trainer's office.
Overall, this gym meets my current needs, but in the long run, a more complete facility maybe in the cards. If you are serious about working out alone, this is the place for you. There are no people 'hanging out', it is not a 'meat market', but just a place to sweat and get fit. read more