[scrappinitblue]

Hi gals,

I'm looking into a new club since we've moved again and I'm wondering if anyone has ever gone to, or is a member of a Bally Fitness? I'm not familiar with them at all. Do you need to sign in to a contract for a length of time or can you go month to month? Do you like it, is it a comfortable atmosphere? It's for both sexes right? Anything you can tell me would be great. Looking to get back involved in my weight loss efforts now that I've landed in civilization again!

Thanks,
Wanda

[Meg]

Hi Wanda! I'm a Ballys member and like my club very much (as a matter of fact, I'm going to start working there as a personal trainer in two weeks - I think they got so tired of seeing me there all the time that they just handed me a shirt and said go to work ).

Each club is different and it would probably be worth checking out all the local competition to see what's the best fit for you. You can print a free two week pass off Ballys web site: www.ballyfitness.com and many other gyms have free passes. I don't know about the membership plans but the web site says "Join for as long as you want" so maybe they're offering alternatives to long-term contracts.

My club is definitely for all ages, genders, weights, and fitness levels. It's completely different than the Spandex, meat-market stereotype that I feared when I first walked in! Early morning is the before-work crowd, then later in the morning is the senior citizens social hour, then the moms for the classes while the kids are at school, then there's the after-work crowd ... ranging in ages from 15 to maybe 85 years old. Even though I was 257 pounds when I joined, I never got anything but encouragement and support from all the members. It was comfortable place for me from the start - and it's home now.

Good luck in finding the right gym for you!

[scrappinitblue]

Thanks Meg, I think we'll be going to check them out very soon! It sounds like the exact type of environment that we need to get going again! Too bad you're in Pittsburg, I could hire you if you were in Dallas! Good luck with the new job and congratulations on reaching your goals!

Wanda

[BrOOklyN ChIcK]

I go to Ballys, Ive been a member for about 3 years, I truly love it. Where I am in nyc I have the luxury of going to many different clubs. I've personally been to six (although there is more). I'm totally comfortable there and the equipment is up to date and easy to use. I was in a three year contract but I believe it was worth every penny and I got a discount on renewals which is cool. Go to the classes, you'll have fun!