brandie mccallum
September 20, 2018 13:55
I am torn on this review. My SO and I joined before the Channelside location was open, when they were still getting together. We were super excited for a new gym that promised so many things, new equipment, amazing classes, and state of the art everything.
So I am going to break it down!
We went when they first opened and hadn't completed everything. I asked for help with the machines and setting up a walk through and I was gym-shamed. It was a very uncomfortable situation. I figured ok, I can give them another chance and no worries.
We went back again, again asked how to use the equipment, we were given a brief tour, much better this time. We were encouraged to set up a meeting with a trainer. We started going almost daily getting comfortable and then I needed a break. While on the break, I received a super sweet text from a trainer wanting 30 minutes of my time. She was super sweet, supportive and very genuine. Not being able to commit for the time she asked, I told her it would have to wait. She followed up with me with words of encouragement and the same whenever she saw me in the gym. LOVED it. If you get a chance, make an appointment with Takara. She is super sweet and very dedicated.
Let's start with why the 2 stars:
-Sign you up for text messaging and don't stop when you ask
-Text you offers that are only for new members
-Not everyone there is friendly or wants to help
-Management is unable to make changes or just doesn't care
-Some trainers don't listen when you are trying to work with medical issues ( arthritis, bad knees, etc.) they are just focused on getting you to spend a lot more money
-You are always being pressured to purchase more. More sessions, more of the trainers time and to commit to 3 or 6 month programs
-Most of the classes are only 30 minutes long.
-They aren't very good at enforcing gym etiquette
Now as for the 4.5 stars:
-Several people there (Takara and Dr. Crunch) are amazing, they care and are happy to explain things
-The equipment is amazing, there are lots of options and you can go in for 30 minutes or 3 hours.
-Everything is clean.
-Lots of parking
-They are happy to take the time to explain how a machine works
-the cost is super affordable
-they offer many local partnerships where you can get special discounts.
For the most part, the positive outweighs the negative. And if you are just looking for a place to work out and be done, this is it.