Frank May
March 29, 2018 18:49
Been a member for 4+ years and I work out there many times a week. The employees are fantastic: they're always positive, they take note when you bring something up to them, they have a passion to help you work out, and they wish you a good day on your way out.
2016 update: Terrible equipment maintenance, and overcrowded at peak hours. More than half the treadmills don't work, most of the TVs are defective, and staff will tell you "you shouldn't run so fast" on treadmills when you tell them the treadmills need to be fixed.
2018 update: new management at this branch, very happy folks, eager to make your day. It's gotten more crowded, treadmills still go out of order, they got rid of conditioner and lotion in the locker rooms, and combined their body wash and shampoo into the same product (smells, feels, looks the same). Also, the men's paper towel dispenser was replaced with a cheaper version that doesn't work. They also removed 4 TVs from treadmills and haven't put them back in over a year. Still convenient though, ok if not crowded, folks who work there are amazing.
The equipment needs some help. It's rare when all treadmills are functioning, and it usually takes over a week to repair any down equipment. This is a problem during peak hours when they're at capacity and have a few pieces of equipment just sitting around. I wouldn't mind it as much if membership was lower, but they're charging quite a lot when compared to other gyms with nicer equipment. Also, almost all the cardio TVs don't work.The weight section is decent, but quickly becomes cramped during most normal gym hours.
Yes, they offer cheap $20/month plans, but you're charged a massive amount upfront, you're locked out of certain gym options and have to pay for each towel. You can jump on their standard plans, which are ok, and then you can buy their premium plans which let you visit any "Sports Club" location.
Now here is an unnecessarily long rundown of everything I can think of about BSC Davis:
* Fantastically convenient location in the heart of Davis
* Has child care (never used it myself)
* Has free to use tiny valuable lock boxes
* Towels must be picked up at the front desk (annoying)
* One vending machine inside
* Locker rooms have locks for overnight use you can rent
* Showers are ok, doors never shut right, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash is provided
* They have a sauna (never used it myself)
* Stair masters face the windows, work well
* Elliptical machines face the window, work ell
* About 20 treadmills, most work fine, but some a few have worn motors and struggle at higher speeds. I frequently run on their treadmills and have had a few fail when I was running on them. I'm not an average runner, so they'll work for most people. I just wish they'd upgrade all their treadmills.
* two spin bikes for general use, they work fine, sometimes are missing a knob
* Line of standard stationary bikes, they're fine
* Standard set of weight machines, about two of each kind. Some of the pins for finer weight adjustments are missing
* Stretching areas are ok, but the soft foam is ripping in some places and the areas get super crowded
* Free weights are good, just not always organized (this is a problem with every gym).
* They should get another squat rack, but they don't have room.
* Rowing machines are usually working. They had one that clicked if you pulled hard, and it took months to fix
* Fitness studio with speed bag in a corner, and a standing punching bag in another corner. I've never been to a class, but they seem good
---- Upstairs---
* What used to be a nice place to stretch is now a UFX circuit with fake grass, a chain fence on the side, ... you can tell I have a biased opinion. I think the space was better used for stretching and body workouts, but BSC now gets to offer UFX training.
* Smaller free weight section is upstairs, usually organized
* a second fitness studio for spinning classes
* leg and ab machines