Which gyms are the most popular and well known in the North Dallas area? (weekend)

[ritholtz]

Originally Posted by Mr. Chad

I didn't know that about Costco....$350 sounds like a wonderful deal for 2 years...

Here in NYC the high end gyms run close to $1000+ per year in membership fees

24 also has different club levels. Higher end club level might be very expensive. Costco deal will not apply for all club levels. I checked out near one to (sport club level) me before buying membership card from costco.

[ritholtz]

Originally Posted by DFWgal

Is there a contract when you buy this prepaid membership? I did not like 24 hr fitness because they were too pushy about signing contracts.

It is prepaid 2 year membership. It is valid for 2 years from the date of joining 24hr.

[xS☺B☺s]

LA Fitness is pretty scammy when you try to terminate your membership. You have to fight them to get them to stop charging your credit card. It happened to me and several friends. Just keep that in mind if you choose to join them.

I like 24 hr better. LA fitness is too filled with old people. 24 hr is cheaper and has better looking and younger members. I've been to many locations of both chains over 5 years. LA Fitness for their part is cleaner and swankier though. Just more boring.

[Iatrogenic]

I currently live in NYC and used to be a personal trainer at one of upper east side Equinox locations. When I was there we had a good percentage of PTs not born in the USA and with accents (some born in USA). There are people with money in NYC that want a PT that speaks their language so this is actually a plus. Experience in the PT world is important but Equinox as well as other gyms have their own PT education program. Someone with varying skill sets like being able to offer training specific to dancers or background in boxing etc may be more attractive even with less experience. Even an interesting background like a previous art curator or someone with an MFA may be more attractive to a PT manager for client acquisition and retention for this particular population.

[mom2gurls]

Any reviews on lifetime in Allen? We are looking or a family gym with swim and youth fitness programs as well.

[Mr. Chad]

Originally Posted by xS☺Be

LA Fitness is pretty scammy when you try to terminate your membership. You have to fight them to get them to stop charging your credit card. It happened to me and several friends. Just keep that in mind if you choose to join them.

My local gym played games with me while I tried to cancel my membership. There was a time that I went in there and cancelled in person. The second time around I was told that I had to send in a signed letter with my request, delivered by certified mail, return receipt in order to cancel. Every time I called the gym, I got different answers and was always told that the manager would get back to me but never did. After a while I gave in and sent in that letter, and a month after they received my cancellation request they cancelled my membership and stopped charging my credit card. For all of the trouble they gave me I returned the favor by leaving them a bad review on Yelp. Anyway, I learned my lesson, always keep a copy of your contract and always inquire about the process of the cancellation policy.

On a recent visit to Equinox, I asked about their cancellation policy and was given some fluffed up answers..."sure its simple and easy....just see the manager and your membership can be cancelled" but the truth is, if its not in writing its not enforceable

[Leopard3]

I have been a member of Equinox (the Preston Hollow location) for 8 months now and I absolutely love it. I think it depends on what is important to you in a gym. The Equinox staff is so knowledgeable and cutting edge in their own training and the instructors are nationally recognized as some of the best in the industry. The locker room is like a spa, so if you are getting ready for the gym that's certainly a desirable amenity. I find the other members to be low key and friendly and the staff to be helpful and encouraging. I recommend it highly. My husband, on the other hand, isn't a gym person and would probably be fine at a 24 Hour Fitness, although he does belong to Equinox primarily for the amazing locker room and products--he likes getting ready for work there.

[Leopard3]

And with Equinox you are locked in for a year unless you are moving or have a medical issue. I found it all very straightforward.

[wannabeaTexan]

Originally Posted by TurtleCreek80

Equinox moved into Dallas about 5 years ago and has only a select few locations... It's a good bit more expensive than 24-Hr and Lifetime.

Seems like this is referring to LA Fitness, as opposed to Lifetime. Lifetime runs about $82/month last time I checked (2012).

Judging from the other posters, may be about the same as Equinox.

FWIW, I belong to 24 Hr, visited LA a few weeks ago, and prefer 24. My daughter worked at Lifetime last year, and I went in a few times to wait for her after work. It's nice, but I need to get in and get out when I workout. There's too much maneuvering through Lifetime for me.

But if someone needs/wants a trainer, I would probably be inclined to stick with one of the more expensive gyms. Lifetime, as least, seems to have more stringent credentials for that occupation.

[dallas_cowboy]

Originally Posted by Mr. Chad

I didn't know that about Costco....$350 sounds like a wonderful deal for 2 years...

Here in NYC the high end gyms run close to $1000+ per year in membership fees

If I am not mistaken Costco was selling the same for $299 while back.....