Bally Total Fitness or 24 Hour Fitness (gyms, meat, working out, supplements)

[davidt1]

I have been a member of Bally Total Fitness for three years now. While they are OK, I am not sure I want to be with them anymore. I am thinking about joining 24 Hour Fitness instead. I would go for the three-year plan that lets me work out at all their gyms. At around $700, 24 Hr Fitness is slightly more expensive than Bally's three-year plan. Have you been a member of either one or both? I would like to hear your opinion. By the way, I am in the Houston area. Thanks.

[LaoTzuMindFu]

I am a member of both gyms but I prefer 24HR Fitness. They are both very inexpensive (Ballys - $9.00 per month; 24HR - $12.00) but I find that the Ballys gyms are more overcrowded, smaller, and have a lot of people who are there more to hang out than to work out. 24 HR fitness gyms also seem to be better taken care of and cleaner.

I recently also joined Equinox Fitness which is WAAAAAAAAAY better than the other two. Much cleaner, not as crowded and they offer more classes and have a spa on site. I pay $105.00 per month but it is very well worth it. If there are any Equinox Fitness gyms near you I highly advise you check them out.

[Hawkeye48]

I used to work out at 24 Hour fitness in downtown Sacramento. I hated it. They were always trying to plus sell supplements or something to me. It was nonstop. They'd hit me up as I went in, then frequently again when I was working out. The place was also always packed during evening hours, and the people that worked there were somewhat rude.

If there is a newer facility in your area try them. As a new business they'll go out of their way to provide service to you.

[Dave1215]

I joined a newer 24 Hr and it is clean and not overcrowded, even at peak time. I have never been pushed to buy anything additional (after that original purchase).

[GreenMachine]

Originally Posted by davidt1

I have been a member of Bally Total Fitness for three years now. While they are OK, I am not sure I want to be with them anymore. I am thinking about joining 24 Hour Fitness instead. I would go for the three-year plan that lets me work out at all their gyms. At around $700, 24 Hr Fitness is slightly more expensive than Bally's three-year plan. Have you been a member of either one or both? I would like to hear your opinion. By the way, I am in the Houston area. Thanks.

I belonged to Bally's once. Never again.

[Hawkeye48]

Most fitness centers will allow someone to work out for free a couple of times just to see how you like it. Back when I joined 24 Hour Fitness I think they gave me a weeks worth of free passes.

Perhaps the best way to go is to just give both 24 Hour and Bally a phone call and arrange a couple free sessions and see which one you like best.

[DenverAztec]

Are 24 Hours gyms really 24 hours?

[Dave1215]

Originally Posted by DenverAztec

Are 24 Hours gyms really 24 hours?

Yes, the 24 Hour Fitness that I go to is really 24 hours.

[foma]

I like Lifetime Fitness. That would be my preference!

My friend, however, goes to 24HR and she loves it. I think both 24 and Bally is like a meat market but that's just me. If you are not planning on moving anytime soon, I'd say pick the one convenient to you if both are equally nice in terms of facility.

[luzianne]

Originally Posted by davidt1

I have been a member of Bally Total Fitness for three years now. While they are OK, I am not sure I want to be with them anymore. I am thinking about joining 24 Hour Fitness instead. I would go for the three-year plan that lets me work out at all their gyms. At around $700, 24 Hr Fitness is slightly more expensive than Bally's three-year plan. Have you been a member of either one or both? I would like to hear your opinion. By the way, I am in the Houston area. Thanks.

Just to let you know, right now at Costco you can buy a 2 year membership to 24 Hour Fitness for $289. It is good for any club other than Ultra or Super Sport. You can go to any location at Sport level or below.