Golds or Spectrum -bandera pointe (house, YMCA, live in)

[nmy]

I just wanted to get some reviews how busy, child center, cleanliness and average price for these two gyms.
I am a member of lifetime fitness, but I am looking for something closer to my house and a little less costly. I love lifetime but it would take an almost an hour to get there sometimes during traffic - bandera pointe is much closer.
So any members or past members, I would love to hear some feedback.
Thanks!

[mojokitty]

Spectrum is AWESOME! I love being a member there. It depends on your family dynamic and who you have to pay to be a member (you do have to pay for the kids). With our family, they had said this year the monthly membership would have been $147 a month for 2 adults and a child. That's also for using any gym in the SA area, it could be cheaper if you choose to only use the Bandera Spectrum. We were prorated from our original rate though. I love their kids club, they really try to get the kids to do different activities while they are there. I always feel like it's a clean club no issues. Check them out!

[TexasNick]

Does anyone know what you should be paying for just a single person with no kids?

[mrstxcop]

dh and i used to go to that Golds --- it was a really nice club but i was put off a bit by the women's bathroom/changing area --- it just seemed dirty and unkept --- towels on the floor or paper towels on the floor in the bathroom --- now i used to go late at night, sometimes as late as 11pm or so, so i am sure staff was limited, but i would think it would have been a bit cleaner ---

the machines and stuff were great and the kids area was nice as well --- you could leave the kids there for up to 2 hours --- i believe the kids were free...

dh is best friends with a GM for Golds so we go for free so i am not sure on the costs...

[holmesmic]

Are there any more current opinions on the gym's asked about in the OP? The OP pretty much summed up what I'm looking for "...reviews how busy, child center, cleanliness and average price for these two gyms."

Also, I live in Silver Oaks which is outside 1604 off Culebra. Are these two gyms my best options, or is there anything closer? I do need to have the childcare option in whatever gym I choose.

[holmesmic]

Hmmm, there are no opinions (good or bad) about gyms on the northwest side of town?? I did appreciate the opinions of mojokitty and mrstxcop but am wondering if anything has changed in the 4+ months since those posts. Any opinions on overcrowdedness, child centers, costs? Anything what so ever?

[dmarie123]

There is an anytime fitness in the Walmart/Payless/Cici's pizza shopping center off of Culebra. There is a Fitness 19 on 1604, between New Guilbeau and Braun.

I am a member of Spectrum. I use Bandera and the New Guilbeau location. I love both. I pay $60 a month, but you can get it cheaper if you just pick one or the other.

[Midorigreen]

If you're looking for a less-expensive option - I'd check out the Braundera YMCA.

The childcare is great and it's a beautiful facility (with an outdoor pool/splashpad for the kids!.) Plus, it's located in O.P. Schnabel park and great for a picnic lunch with the kids after a workout!

I'm a member and just love it!

[holmesmic]

Thanks, DMarie. I have been leaning toward Spectrum but was curious if you find it overcrowded? For example, is all of the cardio equipment always taken? (I realize a walk through the facility to get a feel would do me good but am hoping to get opinions of those who are already members before so.) I drove by the 1604/Bandera one today and was amazed at the number of cars in the parking lot at 4:30. I recently moved here from Kansas and I guess I was really spoiled with a great gym that wasn't overcrowded...ever.

$60 is very reasonable in my opinion. Although, I'm intrested in the kids care area too as I'd need to bring my 4 year old with me. Anyone have tips or costs associated with their kids care?

[holmesmic]

Thanks Midori. Geeze, I need to get out and find my way around... I didn't know there was a "Braundera" YMCA...must not be too far from me. I'll look into it. This whole search came about in my desire to find a place to take my kiddo for swimming lessons...and I decided I'd like to join a gym again.

Cost, to me, is less important than the overcrowding factor.

Thanks again.