For sure my little gym is civilized! I remember the days of the big gyms--yuk. And on top of the oggling, am I the only woman who gets sick and tired of the exaggerated testosterone grunts & moans? There's one guy at our gym quietly known as "Darth Vader" because he makes such a production out of any lift. And interestingly, he's barely lifting more than me (or the same on some things) and I don't really have a need to ensure that everyone present is aware that I'm performing a rep! I actually got into an interesting chat with one of the OLDER gentlemen one day about this and he sort of sighed and said yeah, most men finally grow out of that behavior

My trainer, who is a 64 year old woman who is in incredible shape, said that studies have shown that making noise actually gives you a burst of energy so that you can lift heavier. With that said, some people do take it a bit far. I noticed that the heavier I lift, the more noise I make, but it's certainly not enough for someone who isn't close to me to hear. Luckily, few people at my gym are noisy, or maybe it's because I go in the morning when retired people and SAHMs are around. The only problem I've ever had was Monday, a holiday, when I had a little run-in with a guy I'd never seen before whose girlfriend told me that he has "no people skills." Oh, so true. . .

I hadn't really noticed the grunting noises at Bally's. Probably because the music was up so loud! Also I was a bit away from the free weight area where most of the grunting was probably going on

I do wish there was a full club like Bally's for women only! Curves has definetly proved there is a market for women only gyms!.

In my hometown I don't know if there are any full gyms for women only, but there are at least 2 gyms that have women-only areas. I've belonged to both of them and they were both great. One was the YMCA. In the other one, I used the women-only area for resistance machines but when it came time for cardio I always went to the co-ed area because there were tvs in there. Anyway if you're interested in women-only places they do exist out there if you look around.

And Valerie, good for you at going back at all! I would have been too intimidated. They shouldn't be treating people that way.

I have been a member of Bally's for a long time. Their customer service is not great, but their facilities are nice. I would report that consultant. There is no excuse for that type of behavior. Can you only use the coupon at that particular Bally's? If you do decide to join I think if there are several Bally's in your area then you should pick a plan where you can go to any of them and then you can pick and choose whichever one you would like to go to on a particular day based on classes, time of day, number of machines, etc.

Hi Valerie, I'm so sorry you had a bad experience at bally's. I've been a member for 7 years (haven't been in 5), I recently decided to mix things up by going back to Bally's 2x/wk. I too am a member of curves and really enjoy it. I am getting a great workout there and feel like I am inceasing my effort on each machine gradually. When I first joined Bally's in '97, they were very friendly and I got a 3 free sessions with a personal trainer along w/membership. I was given a tour prior to the membership, and when I joined, the personal trainer should me all the equipment. I've never had a bad experience w/the staff nor the other clients. I hope you report the personel that spoke ill to you, but don't count the whole gym out. Once you start going on a regular basis, you'll meet other women with some of the same goals and would love to buddy up. I hope you have a better experience next time.

I have noticed the change in their pricing. We I joined, my contract included a lifetime membership, with fees just for maintence, which is now $11/month. I can go to any Bally's I chose around the world. I'll see my personal trainer there in the morning for another grueling workout. Goodnight

Hi everyone!

My chiropractor told me to not go to curves for a week but he said low impact stuff at bally's like the eliptical & treadmill are ok so I went there today and got in a good workout. I think I might try going to the pool for the first time tomorrow.

Dawn I would love to have a membership at both Curves and Bally's. I would just go to one one day the other the next day. Unfortunatly they both cost about $39 a month and I can't afford two memberships!

You're getting a great deal on your Bally's membership!

Don't they have women's only gyms in America? I'm a member at one in Aus, called Fernwood. I didn't realise there would be such a difference in atmosphere (its on the way home from work for me), but I really like the gym. There's no guys there whatsoever (they even put up signs when male technichians come in) and its just really friendly. Its not as big as my old gym, but I've only once had a problem getting equpiment. (they defentitly need more elipticals)

I go to a womens only gym here too. Near me I have the option of Fernwood and one called Club Pink. I went with Club Pink cause I have the option of using Club Lime up stairs (a mixed gym), and Club Blue which is the pool, all included in my membership. I love going there, and you will see me there at least 5 days a week. If they have to have a male technician in, they go around asking each member if they mind first.

Kathy

there's a gym here called lite weights for women only, and according to their yellow pages ad, it says, cardio equipment to assist in losing weight, machines and free weights to tighten and tone, private showers and dressing rooms, all ages welcome.

might have to check it out. i'm terrified to go to a regular gym

I went to LA Fitness a week ago and the same thing happened to me. I told him I wanted the free pass and this big buff body builder sales guy wanted me to sign up right away with a 3-day money back guarantee. When I told him that I wanted TRY it first he was rude to me and said "fine. go work out". Just for that, I signed up with another gym. What a jerk.